Holywell Bay Holiday Homes & Accommodation

Holywell Bay

This wide sweep of golden sand, backed by one of Britain’s largest sand dune systems, is a beach for every season. Whether you’re storm watching in winter, relaxing with a book in summer or letting little ones paddle in the winding stream, Holywell Bay Beach offers something for everyone. If you’re keen to get out on the water, surf and bodyboard hire, as well as lessons, are available from Holywell Bay School of Surf and Cornwall Surf Academy.

At low tide, you can explore the fascinating Holywell Cave (just be sure to check the tides) and spot the remains of the Argentinian coaster SS Francia, which struck the rocks in 1917. End the day with a picnic amongst the dunes or watch the sun set behind the iconic Gull Rocks – one of the most photographed views in North Cornwall.

Lifeguarded: Mid May–end of September
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round

Porth Joke (Polly Joke)

Better known locally as Polly Joke, this beautiful National Trust beach lies between Holywell Bay and Crantock and feels wonderfully secluded. Reached via a gentle 20-minute walk from the National Trust car park at West Pentire, it’s a peaceful alternative to some of North Cornwall’s busier beaches.

A small stream winds its way across the sand, making it ideal for children to paddle and build sandcastles, while dogs are welcome all year round. With no facilities nearby, it’s the perfect place to bring a picnic and enjoy a slower pace. Visit in early summer to see the surrounding headland carpeted with red poppies and yellow corn marigolds.

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

Crantock

Where the River Gannel meets the sea, Crantock Beach is one of North Cornwall’s most picturesque stretches of coastline. Sheltered by rolling sand dunes and backed by the charming village of Crantock, it’s a favourite for families, paddleboarders and anyone looking for a more relaxed day by the sea.

At low tide, the wide expanse of golden sand is perfect for beach games and long walks, while the calm waters of the estuary are ideal for paddling and kayaking. During the summer months, RNLI lifeguards patrol the beach, making it a great choice for families with younger children.

Lifeguarded: Mid May–end of September
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round

The Truguth Inn

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Affordable private dining

Imagine your own private chef! It’s far more affordable than you think, and it supports local businesses. Discover how to find and book the right chef for you!

Follow this link to read more.