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23 July - 26 July 2026
Join Rock Oyster for a unique weekend festival celebrating the best of coastal Cornwall. Held in late July at Dinham House Estate (St Minver, near Wadebridge), 2026's festival promises sun, sea breezes and nonstop fun. Imagine a broad green meadow overlooking the Camel Estuary - sights of sailboats and seabirds - transformed into a lively mini-village of stages, food stalls and art installations. For one weekend each year, hundreds of food lovers and music fans gather to feast on gourmet dishes, dance to live bands and enjoy the sea views. The event blends rustic Cornish charm with a playful beachside vibe.
Live music is at the heart of Rock Oyster. More than fifty performances fill the schedule, spanning genres from rock and pop headliners to rollicking sea shanties and folk bands. By day you can relax with a drink as talented artists perform on multiple stages, or join the crowd for lively dance sets and DJ parties into the night. With an eclectic lineup often including top UK acts and up-and-coming local musicians, the festival delivers a vibrant, inclusive vibe. Bring your dancing shoes and an open mind - you might find yourself singing along to a shanty one moment and swaying to an acoustic ballad the next.
Culinary experiences take centre stage at Rock Oyster. The festival's world-class chefs and cooking experts host live demonstrations, sharing tips on preparing fresh, seasonal fare - many focusing on the bounty of the ocean. Taste artisan oysters, freshly caught fish and other delectable seafood dishes crafted by Cornwall's finest. But there's plenty for everyone: savour locally sourced meats, cheeses, sweet treats and craft beers. Discover regional specialities at the bustling food market, or join a long-table feast beneath the stars. Every bite is a chance to celebrate Cornwall's rich food heritage and gather with friends over truly memorable meals.
Rock Oyster offers much more than food and music. Through the day, festivalgoers can dive into over sixty activities - from paddleboarding and surfing lessons in nearby bays to yoga and mindfulness sessions overlooking the estuary. Families will find a delightful children's area, complete with playful workshops, storytelling sessions and even circus performers juggling fire (a crowd favourite!). Browse the artisan craft fair for unique souvenirs, try your hand at cooking classes or simply lounge on picnic blankets watching Cornish sunsets. The festival's friendly, inclusive spirit means there's something for everyone - whether you want high-energy excitement, creative inspiration or a relaxing break by the water.
Later each night gather around glowing bonfires and enjoy lively DJ sets under the stars. Many guests stay in the on-site campgrounds, waking to sunrise views and friendly morning coffees. Rock Oyster's vibe is all about community and discovery - and it's this warm spirit that keeps visitors coming back year after year.
By car, St Minver is most easily reached via Cornwall's A30 trunk road. At Bodmin or Launceston follow signs toward Wadebridge, then turn onto the A39 north toward the coast. From Wadebridge continue on local roads to Dinham House Estate (the festival site). The drive is very scenic - winding through farmland and woodlands - but note that rural lanes are narrow and can get busy, especially on summer weekends. If you plan to drive, allow extra travel time. Parking at or near the festival site usually requires a pre-arranged permit, so be sure to reserve one well in advance.
Public transport is available but involves a few connections. The nearest mainline train station is Bodmin Parkway (around 20 km / 12 miles away). From there you can take a taxi or local bus to Wadebridge, and then a connecting service or taxi on to St Minver. Coaches (e.g., National Express) and buses also serve Wadebridge from larger cities. The closest airport is Newquay Cornwall Airport (about 30 minutes by car), with flights from several UK destinations. From Newquay you may hire a car or use local buses via Wadebridge. Other airports like Exeter or Bristol are much farther away (about 2-3 hours by car) but have more flight options. Keep in mind that rural bus services can be infrequent in this area, so plan your journey carefully or consider renting a car.
For accommodations, the nearby town of Wadebridge (about a 10-minute drive away) offers a range of hotels, inns and guesthouses. The coastal villages of Rock, Port Isaac and Polzeath (each within 5-15 minutes' drive) provide holiday cottages, B&Bs and campsites with sea or estuary views. Many visitors also choose on-site camping or glamping (if available) for convenience. Summer is peak season in Cornwall, so book your stay early. You could also consider Padstow or other nearby towns for more lodging options. Farmhouse B&Bs or caravan parks tucked into the Camel Valley can be cosy and often have family-friendly amenities.
| Name | Star | Distance | Prices From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travelodge Wadebridge | 0.7 ml | £199.00 | Book | |
| Molesworth Arms Hotel | 1.4 ml | £55.00 | Book | |
| Metropole Hotel | 3.2 ml | £109.00 | Book | |
| Molesworth Manor | 3.2 ml | £500.00 | Book | |
| 10 Treverbyn Road | 3.2 ml | £75.00 | Book | |
| The Old Custom House | 3.3 ml | £19.00 | Book | |
| Padstow Apartments | 3.4 ml | £45.00 | Book | |
| Padstow Breaks | 3.5 ml | £33.40 | Book | |
| Woodlands Country House | 4.1 ml | £2000.00 | Book | |
| Trehellas House | 4.8 ml | £47.00 | Book | |
| Retallack Resort and Spa | 4.8 ml | £84.55 | Book | |
| Bay Retreat Villas | 4.9 ml | £79.00 | Book | |
| The Slipway Hotel | 5.2 ml | £90.00 | Book | |
| Port Gaverne Hotel | 5.4 ml | £150.00 | Book | |
| Westberry Hotel | 7.5 ml | £78.00 | Book |
St Minver, PL276RH
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