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LUXURY DOG-FRIENDLY HOLIDAY COTTAGE, HOLYWELL BAY

Samphire Beach House

A holiday cottage within a stone's throw of Holywell Bay

Sleeps 8 in 4 bedrooms (+ cot) Friday & Monday arrival 1 well behaved dog welcome Short breaks available
Check rates and dates
The Retreat

This luxury holiday cottage is set in an exclusive group of residences a short stroll from the golden sands and rolling dunes of Holywell Bay. It offers contemporary living across three floors, with fantastic sea views from the ‘penthouse’ bedroom. Samphire Beach House sleeps up to eight guests in four spacious and beautifully styled bedrooms, and is dog friendly.

Short breaks are available from October – March excluding school holidays (Friday or Monday arrivals only, 3 night minimum). If your desired dates are not bookable online please contact the team here.

If it’s seaside style and comfort you seek, then look no further than Samphire; a contemporary Holywell Bay holiday cottage in a private and exclusive gated development, with private parking for two cars, luxury kitchen, spacious open-plan living space, quiet and sunny garden, and après-surf outdoor shower — ideal for enjoying the best of the Cornish beach life that this area is famous for. It’s easy to feel relaxed and at home in this fabulous house, and everything you could possibly need is provided to help you get the most out of your holiday. To find out what a stay is like at Samphire, see what travel blogger Hannah Swancott had to say.

Inside Samphire

Step across the threshold, and you are greeted by a bright and airy open-plan space decorated in cool, crisp colours that accentuate the tasteful décor. The space comprises lounge, dining area and kitchen. You’ll have a 55 inch smart TV, large and friendly L-shaped sofa, and generous dining table for family and friends. The modern kitchen is wonderfully equipped, with all you need to cook up a culinary storm, and the south-facing garden has a dining table for al fresco living, and well as a luxury surfer’s shower — it provides the perfect sheltered sun-trap for lounging or to enjoy a barbecue. There’s also a WC/washroom and utility space on the ground floor.

Head upstairs and you will find three out of the four bedrooms on the first floor, all of which are spacious and tasteful, with attractive local artwork adorning the walls. There’s also a nice family bathroom on the first floor. On the top floor, last but by no means least, the main bedroom boasts a super king-size bed with plenty of wardrobe space subtly built-in, plus a luxury en suite bathroom with a fabulous waterfall shower. To complete the experience, a balcony with seating allows you to take in the views across to the sea and the dunes of Holywell Bay. Take in the sights or sit down with a glass and/or a book — the space is there to be enjoyed for whatever you please.

Out and about

Holywell is a small coastal village right on the coast of North Cornwall, where the huge sandy bay very much takes precedent. Samphire Beach House is just five minutes walk from this epic north Cornish beach, which is almost a mile long, loved by surfers, walkers and families at play, with a sweep of golden sand and a towering sand dune system. It’s been used as a backdrop for Poldark, as well as James Bond: Die Another Day. Although just a few miles from the bustle of Newquay, here you will always be able to find space even at the busiest times of the year. It’s perfect for families and is lifeguarded daily between early summer and autumn. Also, the beach is 100% dog friendly all year round, at any time of day, and offers plenty of footpaths and even secret caves to explore.

This is a great place to learn to surf; with Holywell Bay School of Surf or Cornwall Surf Academy, both schools licensed by the National Trust, who also own and look after Holywell Bay. The nearby beaches of Crantock and Porth Joke are also well worth seeking out; Crantock is also dog-friendly all year, and “Polly Joke” is a small, picturesque beach cove, untouched by commercialism — both of these are within walking distance. Further down the coast to the west you will find some other fabulous beaches; Perranporth and Porthtowan are lovely large, family-friendly stretches of sand, and the vibrant seaside town of Newquay is a mere six miles up the coast.

Things we love

Beach at Holywell Bay near holiday cottages by Forever Cornwall

The scenery at Holywell Bay is some of the best anywhere, and certainly ticks all of the boxes; sunsets, golden sands and sweeping dunes. Stroll the water’s edge as the sun sinks over the horizon, beach-comb after a winter’s storm, or enjoy a picnic in the sand dunes — or simply enjoy the environment from the comfort of your penthouse bedroom balcony, chilled pinot in hand. Samphire offers style, privacy and comfort, and makes the ideal retreat if you are looking to get away from it all; whether you are a large family or a couple seeking a secluded romantic break.

Such a beautiful home
Thank you for a wonderful stay in such a beautiful home. We have had an amazing stay and been blessed with beautiful weather. The house was perfect, so clean and with everything we needed for a family stay.
The Smiths — May 2023
Features

Retreat Features

  • A short stroll to the golden sands of Holywell Bay
  • Private parking in gated development
  • Sheltered and enclosed garden with surf shower
  • Sea views from the balcony of the penthouse master bedroom
  • Luxury kitchen and open plan living
  • Short breaks available (outside of school summer holidays): Monday - Friday & Friday - Monday
SLEEPING
Principal bedroom: super king bed with en suite on second floor
Bedroom two: king bed on first floor
Bedroom three: super king bed (can be made into twin beds upon request) on first floor
Bedroom four: twin beds on first floor
All bed linen and bath towels provided
BATHROOMS
WC on ground floor
Family bathroom with waterfall shower over bath on first floor
Ensuite bathroom with waterfall shower
LIVING & RELAXING
Balcony with seating for two on top floor
Smart TV
WiFi
COOKING & DINING
Well equipped kitchen
Electric oven & hob
Microwave
Dishwasher
Fridge/freezer
Nespresso coffee maker
Dining table & seating for 8
PARKING
Two private parking spaces
BABIES & TODDLERS
Travel cot (no linen) and high chair on request
Stairgate not provided
PETS
One well behaved dog is welcome
HEATING & UTILITIES
Washer/dryer
Essential cleaning items
Underfloor heating
OUTDOORS
Beautiful patio area, outdoor dining area and seating for eight
Weber barbecue
Solar surf shower
Enclosed rear garden, dog secure
5 minute walk to beach (there is a hill on your way back to the house)
Close proximity to South West Coast Path
ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
Short breaks available (outside of school summer holidays): Monday - Friday & Friday - Monday
Check in after 4:30pm
Check out before 10:00am
Location

Holywell Bay

Holywell Bay is made up of towering dunes winged by rugged cliffs, with the distinctive Gull Rocks sitting just offshore. The long stretch of sand and azure waters make for a stunning location – so stunning that you may recognise it as a filming location on BBC’s Poldark or James Bond! When on the beach you can see very little buildings, which makes the place feel unspoiled and a world away from any town or city. If you want to be somewhere a bit more rural and peaceful without missing out on the action of Newquay, Holywell Bay is ideal for you.

More about this area

Travel times

  • Holywell Bay is about half an hour away from the nearest train station in Newquay. This isn’t a mainline station however; the nearest mainline is Truro.
  • Holywell Bay is about 9 miles from the A30, with a driving time from London approximately 5 hours with good traffic, and Exeter is roughly 1.5 hours away.

Things we love

  • Stunning interiors by the very talented Helena Starr
  • Beautiful views from the penthouse master bedroom over the bay and the dunes
  • Just a few miles from the buzz of Newquay
  • Enclosed garden with comfortable garden furniture and an excellent barbecue

The holywell bay guide

Perfectly placed

If you want to be somewhere a bit more rural and peaceful without missing out on the action of the lively town of Newquay, Holywell Bay is a brilliant spot. From our Holywell Bay holiday cottages you can be in Newquay in 15 minutes if you hop in the car, or if you want to make a day of it then walk the coastal footpath and take in the dramatic scenery, the beautiful beaches and see Newquay from a new perspective — it is a long walk though, so you may want to jump on a bus on the return!

Newquay has masses to offer, with a huge choice of places to eat, legendary surfing beaches (Fistral, Watergate Bay and Lusty Glaze), as well as a zoo and an aquarium to keep little ones happy on rainy days. Not only is it a perfect location to explore the surfing town, Holywell has everything you could need so you won’t need to touch the car all week if you’d rather not. Order a food delivery, fire up a barbecue on the beach and stroll the coastal footpath for a relaxing, back to nature retreat.

Sand dunes in Holywell Bay, Newquay, Cornwall, Forever Cornwalll

Spoilt for choice

Staying in one of our Holywell Bay holiday cottages, you have the stunning beach of the same name on your doorstep. With lifeguards on duty from the end of May through until the end of September, a local shop nearby and a pub for lunch or dinner, you needn’t look further for a beach to spend the entire day relaxing on.

But if you want to head further afield, there’s plenty to discover along this stretch of coastline. To the west, explore the three-mile stretch of Perranporth and the only bar on the beach in the UK, The Watering Hole. To the east — where do we start? The first beach next door to Holywell Bay is Polly Joke, a smaller, slightly more secluded beach, with no lifeguards and fewer people. Continue towards Newquay to find Crantock, a huge beach when the tide is out that sits at the mouth of the Gannel estuary, before coming across Fistral, Towan and the rest of the sandy Newquay sprawl.

Wining and dining

Although Holywell Bay village is small, you have a choice of places to eat within walking distance — The Treguth Inn or the Gull Rocks Bar and Coffee House. Both serve excellent local beer and spirits and a great selection of traditional pub grub that will please all tastes!

In the surrounding area you are absolutely spoilt for choice, with Newquay and its many different cuisines from Mexican to Australian, or Perranporth, as well as seafront restaurants serving food and delicious cocktails. From our Holywell Bay holiday cottages you can walk the unspoiled coast all the way to Crantock, where you can stop at the Bowgie Inn for a well-deserved meal or drink.

Further afield, Newquay is home to farmers’ markets, bakeries, delis and breweries, so it’s easy to find fresh, local and artisanal food in the Newquay area — they’re brilliant for stocking up on ingredients for your sunset barbecue or beach picnic.

Beaches

Holywell Bay

This wide bay of golden sand fringed by grassy dunes is a beach for all seasons — storm watching in winter and kicking back with a book in the summer while children play in the trickling stream. If you want to venture out onto the water, there’s surf and bodyboard hire from Holywell Bay School and Surf and Cornwall Surf Academy. At low tide you can explore the amazing Holywell Cave (keep an eye on the tide) and see the wreck of an old Argentinian coaster SS Francia, which hit the rocks in 1917. Taking a picnic up onto the dunes for sunset is the perfect end to the day.

Lifeguarded? Mid May-end of Sept
Dog-friendly? Yes, all year round

Porth Joke

Known locally as Polly Joke, this small cove halfway between Crantock and Holywell is a quieter alternative to some of Newquay’s bigger, more crowded beaches. It’s a 20-minute walk from the National Trust carpark in Crantock but it’s an easy, flat amble through pretty fields down to the sand. There’s a stream running down the beach, ideal for sandcastle builders and dogs, who are welcome on the beach all year round. Make sure you bring a picnic with you as there are no facilities on the beach. Come in early summer for carpets of red poppies and yellow marigolds on the West Pentire headland.

Lifeguarded? No
Dog-friendly? Yes, all year round

The Gem Newquay Crantock

Crantock

The River Gannel flows from the approach to Newquay right around the outskirts of the town and out into the Gannel Estuary before reaching the sea. Here, there is an idyllic beach that sits either side of the river as it makes its way down the sand to meet the sea. Crantock is a great place for kids, who can play under the watchful eye of the lifeguards

Lifeguarded? Mid May-end of Sept
Dog-friendly? Yes, all year round

Food & drink

The Truguth Inn

This beautiful 13th-century thatched pub in the centre of Holywell is just a couple of hundred metres from the epic sands of Holywell Bay so it’s the perfect place for an post-surf pint and basket of loaded chips, or a hearty lunch or dinner; their Sunday roasts are popular so make sure you book ahead. Inside, it’s full of character, with low beams interior and cosy atmosphere. There’s a large garden which you can spill out into on sunny days, and you’re only a few minutes’ walk to the golden sands of Holywell Bay.

Gull Rocks Bar & Coffee House

At the head of the track that winds to Holywell Bay you’ll find the Gull Rocks Bar & Coffee House, a friendly beachside bar and cafe serving breakfast baps, homemade lunches, such as fish and chips and chunky sandwiches, and delicious cream teas. It’s a brilliant spot for dog walkers to refuel, with it’s large outside terrace and benches under parasols and has stunning views of the bay beyond.

 

Bowgie Inn Crantock

Bowgie Inn

On a dramatic clifftop halfway between the beautiful beaches of Crantock and Polly Joke, the popular Bowgie Inn (Bowgie means ‘cowshed’ in Cornish — there used to be an old farm on this site) has wonderful views over the bay below and is just a short hop from the coastal path, making it the perfect stop off on a coastal walk. Inside, the sleek curved bar serves up local craft ales and liquors, with plenty of Cornish gins, and there’s award-winning food with lots of veggie and vegan options. Outside, the sun terrace has to be one of Cornwall’s loveliest, with spectacular views over the bay.

Buying local

Holywell Bay, Newquay and the surrounding area has lots of places where you can get hold of fresh, local produce, including bakeries and delis, butchers and breweries. Its weekly farmers’ market, held in the heart of town, is a great place to get hold of all your Cornish goodies to take back home. Mawgan Porth, five miles north, is also home to a brilliant beachfront food market supporting local suppliers and artisan food producers.

Check out our guide to Shopping local in Holywell Bay, Newquay and the surrounding area

Things to do
Surfers at Mawgan Porth beach near Forever Cornwall holiday cottages

Take to the waves

Staying in Cornwall invariably involves getting out on the water, so if you fancy trying your hand at surfing while you’re here, you can’t beat this area. Holywell Bay, sandwiched between Crantock and Perranporth, two other brilliant surf beaches, offers fantastic surf for all abilities, whether you’re a pro or just starting out. There are two surf schools that run board hire and lessons from Holywell Bay, including Holywell Bay Surf School, the longest running surf school in the area who are based on the beach front, and the Cornwall Surf Academy, who also run coasteering, paddleboard sessions and biking lessons in the surrounding countryside.

Train

Lappa Valley

The railway originally operated as a mineral line in the mid 19th century, transporting minerals between Newquay and East Wheal Rose, five miles south. Lappa Valley is now one of Cornwall’s favourite tourist attractions, ferrying passengers through the Cornish countryside on a nostalgic steam train ride. There’s a boating lake with canoes and pedaloes, crazy golf course, a huge soft play area, outdoor play areas, and woodland walks and trails to discover across the 35-acre site.

Trerice House and Gardens

Three miles east of Newquay, the Elizabethan manor house of Trerice is one of north Cornwall’s finest National Trust properties, a small but stately Tudor house surrounded by extensive gardens that include many specimen trees and beautiful apple orchards, a maze and a ‘kayling’ lawn where you can try your hand at the traditional game of Cornish kayles. Rooms include a long hallway fille with paintings and a stunning master bedroom with vaulted ceilings.

Beach near holiday cottages in Newquay by Forever Cornwall

Newquay’s attractions

One of the best things about Holywell Bay is that you can enjoy the peace and quiet of this little bay but still be within easy reach of the bright lights of Newquay and all the brilliant things to do in the town. Not only are there some great places to visit for rainy days, such as the aquarium and zoo, but there are amazing places to eat and drink, including farm shops and markets, spas for indulgent days, great shopping and, of course, some of the north coast’s best surfing beaches.

Enhance your stay

Imagine a private chef in your holiday home!

Your own personal chef is far more affordable than you think, and can cost little more than eating out. So we’ve teamed up with yhangry — a clever platform that connects you with amazing local private chefs, who offer personalised dining experiences in the comfort of your holiday home. It’s the perfect way to turn your next holiday into an unforgettable memory.

Follow this link and submit a quote request on the yhangry website and find a private chef for your holiday home!

Guests Say
  • Such a beautiful home

    Thank you for a wonderful stay in such a beautiful home. We have had an amazing stay and been blessed with beautiful weather. The house was perfect, so clean and with everything we needed for a family stay.

    The Smiths — May 2023
  • Wonderful home from home

    Thank you — wonderful home from home. Will be well recommended to family and friends.

    Jane & family — November 2022
  • Very comfortable and relaxing

    Second time at Samphire. Very comfortable and relaxing. Would recommend: surfing at Holywell Bay (excellent tuition), Paul Ainsworth at No.6 in Padstow (surpassed expectations), fish and chip shop in Cubert (eat on the beach at sunset) and Blue Bar at Porthtowan (surfer vibe). Thank you for a lovely stay. The house was also impeccable.

    Mary & family — September 2022
  • A stone's throw from the beautiful beach

    This is our second time staying at Samphire with our family. The house is beautiful, every time we come it inspires us to redecorate and refurnish. From viewing the sunset on the balcony to being a stone's throw from the beautiful beach this property exceeds expectations! We have had a very enjoyable week making memories with our family. My little boy will miss taking us on an adventure over the dunes! Thank you so much again, we can't wait to book for next year!

    Katie, Dean & family — August 2022
  • Spotless

    Beautiful house with everything you need, and spotless. The beaches are amazing, had a wonderful time. Thank you.

    Rachel, Phil & Nelly — June 2022
  • A magical time

    Thank you for such a wonderful stay! We have had such a fantastic week enjoying both the beautiful house and beautiful surroundings. The house is immaculately clean with everything you need for a home from home stay. Thank you for a magical time!

    Carys & Paul — June 2022
  • Highly recommend

    Amazing stay, fantastic accommodation. Seven adults and one child, providing everything that we needed. Loved the local Holywell beach, we would definitely return and highly recommend.

    The Murfin Family — May 2022
  • Gorgeous

    Thank you so much for the most wonderful stay in the gorgeous Samphire. We came here for our first holiday with our newborn baby Jude and doggie Twiglet. We had the most perfect time. Your interiors are perfect and everything has been so thoughtfully organised and placed with the utmost style! We love Holywell Bay, a very special place and we can't wait to come back for our next visit to your beautiful home by the Cornish sea.

    Lauren, Courtney, Jude & Twiglet — May 2022
  • Our fourth stay

    This is our fourth stay at Samphire in less than 18 months! It feels like our Cornish home. The house is perfect - always immaculately clean with everything you need for a great holiday. We love coming back after a day out. The position is perfect - for dog owners especially as Holywell Bay is a fabulous beach for a good run around and it's not too far. We shall be planning our next visit as soon as we get home!

    Julian, Sally & Ramsey (the fox red lab) — April 2022
  • Immaculate

    Thank you so much for a wonderful stay! The house is absolutely immaculate and very stylishly and comfortably furnished - every detail thought through! We thoroughly enjoyed our wild and windy walks over the dunes and the coastal walks towards Perranporth and Newquay. It's so refreshing to find a beautiful house where dogs are made so welcome! Thanks again.

    The Lewis Family — November 2021
  • Magical!

    Such a super house - so comfy, clean, well equipped and a home from home for our stay! We love visiting the Cornish beaches - our favourites are Holywell, Porthcothan, Perranporth & Fistral. Coast paths are challenging but you have glorious views! Thank you Samphire, you are magical!

    The Hunts & Evans — September 2021
  • Meticulously clean

    A fabulous two weeks in a wonderful house! The house had everything we needed plus more, and meticulously clean. We were blessed with lovely weather, with days spent on Holywell Bay. Thank you for a wonderful stay, we would love to come back!

    The Moxons & Fairheads — September 2021
  • Fabulous fortnight

    Fabulous fortnight in this beautiful house! Loved the beach, surfing, swimming, paddle-boarding and volleyball. Wonderful walks and runs along the coast paths. Really enjoyed the scones on arrival. Loved the vibe of the house and that it's so comfortable and well equipped. Thoroughly enjoyed our time here and being together as a family.

    The Dowsett Family — August 2021
  • Such lovely accommodation

    Such a treat to be able to get three generations together again after such a long time, and to be able to do so in such lovely accommodation. Have been coming to Holywell for nearly 10 years - saw these properties being built a few years ago and jumped at the opportunity to stay. Have had a lovely holiday and well worth the wait!

    The East Family — July 2021
  • Exceeded expectations

    We needed this holiday so much, and this house exceeded expectations. We loved how spacious and well-equipped it is and appreciate the high end finish and appliances. All made for what felt like a luxury break. It was absolutely spotless. Also was a lovely touch that we were provided with a vegan welcome tray and prosecco - thank you for that bespoke touch! A wonderful week where we made some wonderful memories.

    Heather, Ryan & Felix — May 2021
  • What a wonderful Christmas week!
    Tracy, Jamie, Annette, Mal & Daniel — Christmas 2019
  • The most fantastic week

    Mum and I have had the most fantastic week at Samphire. It is an amazing house with everything you need and more! It is beautifully furnished and is a great place to relax. There are some great beaches and the walk to the beach through the dunes is lovely. Despite some stormy weather, Cornwall is such a lovely place to spend the week particularly in such a great location. Thank you very much for our lovely stay.

    The Howarths — November 2019
  • A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

    A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! We have had the most wonderful week here with our little girl! The most amazing house in the perfect location! We've truly explored Cornwall whilst we have been here, our favourites being Bedruthan steps, Kynance Cove and Coverack! Thank you for everything and creating the perfect home from home. We had everything we needed, right down to the tupperware! You're the best - thank you!

    The Swancott Family — September 2019
  • Great week at Samphire

    Great week at Samphire. Really enjoyed the location and excellent facilities of the property. Lots to do and explore. Many thanks!

    The Lynch Family — June 2019
  • Home from home

    Great location, could not get over how well equipped the house is! Just like home from home. Thank you for making us all feel so welcome, we will be back!

    The Stokes Family — May 2019
  • Easily the best place that we have stayed in

    We travel from Ireland to visit family in Cornwall 2 to 3 times a year and like to have the independence of our own accommodation. This is easily the best place that we have stayed in during the last several years, and the first time that the facilities have been made specifically for dogs. The house was spotless on arrival and a lot larger than we thought from the photos. We are looking forward to returning.

    The Sweeney Family — April 2019
  • A fantastic stay

    We had a fantastic stay for a week. It's so nice to find that everything you need is already here, which is very thoughtful. As for the dogs, 10 miles along the coastal paths and across the beaches each day meant we never heard from them again all day! This is a beautiful house in a great location. Many thanks.

    The Craig Family — April 2019
  • Simply an amazing house

    We enjoyed a lovely week's stay here. Simply an amazing house and our young family really settled into it well. Extremely well furnished and lots of great finishing touches, everything you could wish for! Lots of great fun was had exploring the local area and beyond with our little ones and dog.

    The Fitzsimmons Family — April 2019
Availability & Pricing
The calendar is not currently available for this property, please contact us for more information.