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Boutique Beach Apartment, Gwithian Towans, Cornwall

The Bolthole at Sunset Surf

A boutique hideaway for two at Gwithian.

Sleeps 2 in 1 bedroom Friday arrival Sorry no dogs
The Retreat

This apartment for two makes the perfect Cornish bolthole for surfing, romance — or simply exploring the area. It’s in the front row of beachside properties at Gwithian Towans and has uninterrupted views of St Ives Bay from its sunny terrace.

Aficionados of this location will know that Gwithian is one of Cornwall’s best stretches of surf beach — with literally miles of clean sand, rockpools and sand dunes set in a beautiful unspoilt area. Sunset Surf is the stylish cafe and surf shop by the beach, and The Bolthole is accommodated in the same building. As part of your rental you have free surf board hire, and discounted food and drink at the café!

The Bolthole At Sunset Surf Gwithian Forever Cornwall Unique Retreats 28945

Inside The Bolthole

Stepping into The Bolthole you are greeted by a fresh and carefree interior with a décor of neutral greys and browns set against crisp white walls and ceilings for a chilled holiday atmosphere. You will find painted wooden floor-boards, textured rugs, carpets and throws, and charming artworks.

The accommodation is on two floors. Downstairs you will find the living and dining room, kitchen and bathroom. The living room is sunny and comfortable and opens on to the terrace, which looks out over the bay. The living space is furnished with a comfy leather sofa and armchair, oak sideboard and dining furniture, and pictures by a local artist adorn the walls. The kitchen is generous, with ample work surfaces, modern appliances and lots of equipment and utensils. A clean, modern bathroom, with shower over bath, and a large storage area for beach-gear completes the downstairs. Upstairs you’ll find a spacious bedroom, with king-sized bed, and stunning views of the bay and lighthouse from two large eye-level velux windows.

The Bolthole At Sunset Surf Gwithian Forever Cornwall Unique Retreats 28988

The terrace, beach and beyond…

Stepping out of the living room to the terrace you’ll find two elegant upholstered sun loungers, a gas barbecue and al fresco dining table seating four (have some friends over!). A hop-and-skip away are the ‘Towans’ (the local word for sand dunes) which stretch for miles — northwards through Gwithian nature reserve towards Godrevy island and southwards all the way to Hayle, three miles away. And of course the spectacular Gwithian beach, which faces west across the bay towards St Ives offers something for everyone. With lifeguards in the holiday seasons, gently sloping sands, and myriad rock-pools and sand-pools it’s a great family beach. But it’s also a surfing mecca, popular for kite-surfers and SUPs (or paddleboards) and you can book surf or SUP lessons right next door at Sunset Surf.

Things we love…

Being adjacent to the cafe might not suit everyone — but it’s remarkably unobtrusive. The cafe isn’t open in the evenings and by day, apart from the murmur of conversation next door, it’s actually a real bonus. For one thing you can enjoy their mouth-watering range of breakfasts, lunches and light bites, all with a special 10% discount just for you (avoid cooking entirely if you want) — and also they’ll let you use surfboards and wetsuits free of charge, so you have the latest gear and less to pack. Sitting on the terrace at The Bolthole, with a glass of chilled local craft lager or your favourite gin at the end of a day on the beach has to be one of Cornwall’s greatest pleasures — whether you are a hardened surfer, or simply love to stroll by the sea.

Accessibility

Please note that The Bolthole is accessed through the café’s terrace and is up small steps.

All you could wish for
We absolutely loved the entire experience we have had here at The Bolthole. The location is excellent. All the facilities were great and all you could wish for. We will definitely be recommending this as a place to stay.
Louise & Dean — June 2022
Features

Retreat Features

  • Beautifully modern beachside bolthole
  • Sea views from terrace and lounge
  • Free WiFi
  • Private parking
  • Literally a moment's walk onto the sand dunes and beach
  • Free surfboard and wetsuit hire
SLEEPING
Principal bedroom: king bed
All bed linen and bath towels provided
LIVING & RELAXING
Comfy sofas and chairs
TV and DVD player
Books and rainy-day games
Free wireless broadband
Storage space for beach equipment
COOKING & DINING
Well equipped kitchen
Fridge freezer
Electric hob
Electric oven
Washing machine
Microwave
Extensive range of utensils and accessories
Dining area seating 2
Tea towels provided
BATHROOM
Bathroom with bath and shower over
Heated towel rail
Bathroom towels provided
ACCESSIBILITY
Exterior steps with handrail
Internal steps with handrail
Stairs to second floor
Access to bedroom via stairs
Not suitable for wheelchairs
Please contact us for more accessibility information
OUTDOORS
Terrace with sea view
Two sun loungers with cushions
Outdoor dining furniture for 4
Gas barbeue
HEATING
Central heating
BABIES & TODDLERS
Sorry no babies or children
PARKING
Parking for one car
ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
Friday standard changeover
Check in after 4pm
Check out before 10am
Location

All about Gwithian & Godrevy

The beaches of Godrevy and Gwithian Towans are tucked away treasures on the North coast of Cornwall, backed by picturesque sand dunes that run alongside them. These unspoilt, golden beaches stretch along the easterly side of St Ives Bay, and as west facing beaches they bask in the summer sun all day long. With several surf schools lining the beach, Gwithian is a surfing mecca and is an area perfect for those wanting to try surfing for the first time or polish up their skill!

Travel times

  • The Bolthole is about 12 miles from the nearest mainline station at Camborne. Regular and convenient services run from all over the UK.
  • The Bolthole is situated in Gwithian Towans, on Cornwall’s North Coast coast adjacent to the delightful village of Gwithian, just five minutes north east of Hayle on the B3301. Driving time from London is around five hours in normal traffic, while Exeter is around two hours away. We’ll send you detailed route information before your departure.

Things we love

  • Literally next door to Sunset Surf Cafe, serving great breakfasts, lunches and beers!
  • About 100m to the beach
  • Coastal footpath just 75m away
  • Less than 2 miles to the nearest supermarket
Guests Say
  • Our favourite getaway spot!

    Our fourth year here - our favourite getaway spot! Great place to relax, watch the ever-changing view, visit new places, walk, eat, drink and sleep well! As ever, we saw all sorts of weather - heatwave, storms and everything in between - and the sunsets remain the best anywhere. We hope to be back next year...missing The Bolthole already.

    Andy & Lisa — August 2022
  • Fab

    A wonderful first stay in the fab Bolthole, a great spot to relax and enjoy the beautiful views and listen to the sounds of the sea. Thank you for your hospitality.

    Rachel — Augsut 2022
  • Perfect!

    Had a fabulous week here, first time in Gwithian, will definitely be back! Tried surfing for the first time with Global Boarders - great instructors - highly recommend. Did very little except surf, body board and watch stunning sunsets from the terrace - perfect!

    Jo & Barrie — July 2022
  • Brilliant week

    Our second stay at The Bolthole, hopefully not the last. Brilliant week, weather fantastic. Annabelle and Graham are just lovely, thanks for all the help. Great cafe on your doorstep!

    Jan & Mark — June 2022
  • Loved the entire experience

    We absolutely loved the entire experience we have had here at The Bolthole. The location is excellent. All the facilities were great and all you could wish for. We will definitely be recommending this as a place to stay.

    Louise & Dean — June 2022
  • Superior

    Where to start, The Bolthole is amazing. The interior is superior, the views stunning. Annabelle and Graham lovely, very helpful.

    Noeleen & John — May 2022
  • The perfect getaway

    Back to The Bolthole - the perfect getaway for slowing down, chilling out and appreciating the amazing location. As always, Annabelle and Graham were the perfect hosts, making our stay special.

    Brian & Gillian — May 2022
  • Love the terrace view

    Fabulous return week's holiday. Just love the terrace view, runs on the beach, swimming and surfing in the sea. See you in 2023! Thanks for an amazing time.

    Laura & Carl — May 2022
  • Home away from home

    Thank you for a wonderful stay at The Bolthole! Really felt like a home away from home - everything we needed was here. We got so lucky with the weather, lots of time spent in the sea with good surf.

    Lily & Patrick – May 2022
  • Will keep coming back

    Another wonderful week, our third visit here. We love the location, love the sea, love The Bolthole! Such a fab base to explore the coast and what a sunset! We will keep coming back.

    Al — April 2022
  • Highly recommend

    Spending Christmas away from home was a first for us - can't see us not doing it again! The Bolthole is in a fantastic spot with loads of things to do on your doorstep. We were very lucky with the weather and having a Christmas tree and decorations waiting for us upon arrival (plus prosecco) really gave The Bolthole a Christmassy feel which was much appreciated. Having wonderful cooked breakfasts at the cafe with Graham and Annabelle's hospitality added to the holiday experience. Highly recommend.

    Tony & Barbara — Christmas 2021
  • Wonderful spot

    Our second stay here in this wonderful spot. Everything we could need in The Bolthole to make our stay comfortable. We did lots of bodyboarding and walking. Thank you.

    Sarah & Paddy — October 2021
  • Most amazing relaxing week

    Our first stay at The Bolthole - definitely not our last! A fab welcome from Graham and Annabelle, nothing is too much trouble. We've enjoyed body boarding every day and the weather has been great. A fabulous trip to The Minack Theatre. Fabulous views and a great show. A most amazing relaxing week, can't wait to come back next year!

    Mandy & Paul – September 2021
  • It's so great to unwind here

    Back to the Bolthole for another wonderful week. As always a wonderful welcome from Annabelle and Graham with excellent food and drink on tap (couldn't resist a farewell hot chocolate despite the weather). While The Bolthole has everything we need, we rarely venture beyond walking distance as it's so great to unwind here. One of our visits to the local seals was the best ever - around 50 on the beach including a pure white baby.

    Brian & Gillian — September 2021
  • Another lovely stay

    Another lovely stay at The Bolthole. We made the most of our time here and did lots of exploring. We visited the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Padstow, St Ives, Newquay Zoo and Nanjizal beach! The weather was beautiful and the sunsets were stunning. We would highly recommend getting up that little bit earlier and watching the sunrise. This little place holds special memories - thank you for another lovely stay.

    Megan & Robert — August 2021
  • Our third stay

    Our third stay at The Bolthole - we look forward to coming down every time to our favourite spot in Cornwall. The weather was typically Cornish - sunny, wet and cloudy but always warm. We walked all around and enjoyed beautiful sunsets (still the best anywhere)! We have booked already for next year!

    Andy & Lisa — August 2021
  • What a discovery!

    Well, what a discovery! Three miles of clean, fabulous beach. We've been to Cornwall a few times but only just came across this well-kept secret. Thank you for the welcome and the food. And those sunsets - wow!

    Julienne & David — July 2021
  • The perfect spot!

    We've been coming to this little corner of Cornwall for 35 years, staying in caravans, camper cans and cottages mostly with our family. But this year, just us, we found the perfect spot! Thank you for being so welcoming and the treats were much appreciated. Lovely meals on our patio and such a comfy house where we could sit and watch the sunsets. Would love to come again.

    Angela & Eric — June 2021
  • Amanda & Poppy — July 2020
  • Special place

    We've been visiting Cornwall for the last six years as a couple and Alex for the last 20 years, since he was a child. Every year we visit Gwithian for its amazing beach and views, as well as the incredible breakfast at Sunset Surf Cafe. We've always wanted to stay at The Bolthole and we decided to go for it - it didn't disappoint! The Bolthole is a lovely little place which could not have been any better. Annabelle was so lovely and welcoming and was to hand if we ever needed anything. We were blessed with a full week of sunshine (in October!) and we were able to take up the chance to hire wetsuits and surfboards. We will definitely be back again and love the fact The Bolthole has an even more special place in our hearts as this week we got engaged on the beach! The perfect week - thank you!

    Caroline & Alex — October 2019
  • Back for another visit!

    Back for another visit to the amazing Bolthole and, as always, it is wonderful. Annabelle and Graham are so welcoming and after our long journey the goodies in the welcome pack started the holiday off perfectly! Despite the mixed weather, every day has been excellent. Our best seal spotting so far - they were laying in the bay and there were about 20 of them and more in the water. We had a brilliant week!

    The Cleggs — September 2019
  • Wow!

    What can we say that hasn't already been written? WOW! The view is absolutely amazing! The bed is so comfortable and listening to the sound of the ocean is lovely and peaceful. Annabelle and Graham have been so helpful, nothing was too much to ask! The same goes for the staff in the cafe. Our favourite thing was having dinner outside on the balcony as the sun was setting. Thank you for an amazing holiday, we will be back.

    The Readers — September 2019
  • What an amazing place!

    Wow - what an amazing place! Where to start? Annabelle and Graham have nailed it - nothing is too much trouble! The welcome pack was a lovely surprise. The Sunset Cafe has amazing food and lovely staff who made us feel so welcome every time we went in! The view - who could ever tire of waking up to that? We are so sad to be leaving but we have already booked to come back in 2020. We cannot wait!

    Kim & Ted — September 2019
  • Very comfortable

    What a fabulous place - stunning location and very comfortable place to stay! We feel really lucky to have found it, the views are amazing and many memories made! We will definitely be back!

    Andy & Lisa — August 2019
  • Memories that we will hold on to!

    This is our ninth visit to Gwithian Towans in the last 15 years and The Bolthole is by far one of the best places we've ever stayed in! The space and comfort for 2 people has just been fantastic, and the views across the bay from the balcony are memories that we will hold on to! Can't wait to come back again, we will be fighting to rebook!

    Mike & Jenny — August 2019
  • Fabulous place

    What a fabulous place - we love it! We've always loved Gwithian Towans and Sunset Cafe but to be able to stay here is even better! So lovely to have a beautiful bedroom with gorgeous views. The wonderful balcony is brilliant to watch the ever changing colours of the sky and sea. The Bolthole is comfy, homely, well equipped and decorated wonderfully. So nice to be able to surf and come straight back to relax and a have a hot shower. Thanks for the welcome pack, it was enjoyed!

    The Simms — July 2019
  • One of the best equipped self-catering lets we've stayed in

    A great week of walking, cycling and running with lots of cafe stops! This is one of the best equipped self-catering lets we've stayed in - sharp knives, good equipment and a smoothie maker, brilliant! A great spot to watch the sunsets and relax. All in all, a lovely place to stay - thank you!

    Jo & Tim — July 2019
  • Cosy!

    The weather as always was unpredictable however, in the end it was glorious and our sunburn tells that tale! We spent the week walking through the dunes and lunching all over! The walks were glorious and better when fuelled by the Sunset Surf cafe's cappuccinos and topped off by cosy evenings in The Bolthole - thank you!

    Tom & Rose — June 2019
  • The Bolthole is fabulous!

    We arrived to a wet and windy Gwithian Towans; it was made so much better due to the fabulous Bolthole and the scrummy welcome gifts of wine, cream tea, juice and biscuits - was a lovely touch! The Bolthole is in a great location, having stayed in this area for the past six years. We didn't want for anything and it was a great break for both of us. You nailed it with the equipment and facilities. Thank you Annabelle and Graham for being fabulous hosts. The Bolthole is a credit to you both! We look forward to coming back.

    Angelina & Philip — June 2019
  • The perfect week

    We have had an amazing week's stay here. Really beautiful place. Enjoyed the sea, walks, weather (!) and local food. Just what we both needed and wanted. Thank you for the perfect week.

    The Coles — February 2018
  • Generous little touches!

    Storms, winds of up to 50 mph, hail, rain, running and barely able to stand up - yes still love it! Thank you for the generous little touches!

    Sarah & Alex — January 2018
  • One of our favourite spots

    We have been coming to this area for 11 years and Sunset Surf is one of our favourite spots, so to stay next door is just perfect! Have had a lovely relaxing stay!

    The Causers — October 2017
  • A cosy beachside break

    We have had a wonderful week here at The Bolthole. The cottage is wonderful and has everything you could need for a cosy beachside break. Annabelle and Graham are fantastic hosts - nothing is too much trouble. We borrowed some gear and went body boarding and even the seals came to join us! All the food and drinks at Sunset Surf were excellent and it's only next door! Lastly, if you do find that the weather is inclement, the art supplies in the drawer under the TV are a fab activity and such a great touch! We would definitely love to come back and hope to see Gwithian again.

    The Nesbitts — September 2017
  • IMG 5960
    Sarah & Alex — August 2017
  • What's not to love!

    What's not to love! We came here to do nothing and that's what we did. The Godrevy Cafe is a nice stopping point when walking, but best of all is the Sunset Surf Cafe and it's only next door!

    The Simmonds — August 2017
  • Kind hospitality

    Thank you for letting us stay in your wonderful flat and the kind hospitality you showed when we arrived. The Bolthole is set in such a beautiful location, we could not have asked for better! We have already booked again for 2018!

    Rachel & Kevin — July 2017
  • We will be back!

    Fabulous apartment and attention to detail, best we've seen in this country. Owners are so obliging, nothing too much trouble! We will be back!

    The Lees — July 2017
  • Fabulous!

    'How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world,' - Anne Frank - I love that as much as The Bolthole! Wet and windy and fabulous here!

    Sarah & Alex — October 2017
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View our Terms and Conditions here, which includes our dog policy, cancellation policy, and more.

Please note, we only release dates 11 months ahead, so please check back or enquire for more availability.