The perfect combination of wild dune-backed beauty and sprawling golden sand, Holywell Bay’s mile long beach lies wedged between Perranporth and Fistral beach, just six miles west of Newquay.

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A local’s guide to Holywell Bay holidays…

 

 

Things to do in Holywell Bay

Holywell is a small coastal community not far from Newquay and while it’s fabulous beach is its main draw, it’s a lovely all-rounder for family holidays with plenty to do within the area.

Holywell Bay Golf Club
This 18-hole links course has stunning sea views and pristine fairways. Golf enthusiasts will love tackling its challenging par 3 holes, as well as navigating its superb series of greens. The club also offers a Pitch & Putt course for beginners and families to enjoy, as well as a newly installed 16-hole mini golf course.

Polly Joke
Polly Joke is a quieter, secluded valley and beach which can be reached in under 15 minutes’ drive from Holywell. It’s perfect for peaceful countryside walks and birdwatching, particularly in spring when the area blooms with wildflowers and you’ll see a spread of red in the field of poppies which lies between the car park and the beach.

South West Coast Path
Enjoy stunning coastal views as you walk on the South West Coast Path which passes through Holywell. The route to Polly Joke is just under an hour and a lovely way to spend a morning or an afternoon with the family and your hounds. In the opposite direction, follow the coast path to Perran Sands Beach (about an hour and a half), passing along Ligger Bay along the way. The swathes of golden sand seem to go on for miles so if you’re looking to feel thoroughly away from it all, this is the place.

Visit Newquay
Just a short drive away is Newquay’s vibrant town centre where you’ll find a host of well-known restaurants and attractions. If your travelling with kids you can visit Blue Reef Aquarium and Newquay Zoo, or simply hang out on Fistral Beach and soak up the holiday atmosphere.

Holywell Bay attractions

Holy Well and St Cuberts Cave
Utterly fascinating, St Cubert’s sea cave and its historic Holy Well lie hidden at the Northern end of the beach – only accessible at very low tide. The cave has been carved out by wave erosion and naturally formed ‘steps’ lead to the most amazing multi-hued rock walls that get their colours from the mineral deposits in the fresh water that drips down into the cave. Make sure you wear sensible footwear and go carefully, as the rocks and steps are incredibly slippery.

The cave in Holywell Bay, also known as St Cubert or St Cuthbert’s well, is actually a natural cave carved out by the action of the waves. The colourful walls of the cave are white, blue, red, green and purple. They are formed by freshwater full of minerals seeping and dripping down, forming stalactites. You can only visit the cave at very low tide when the entrance is exposed.

St Piran’s Oratory
About 20-minutes’ drive from Holywell lie the remains of a 6th-century church and an important Cornish heritage site. Said to be one of the the oldest Christian sites in Britain, it remained half-buried in the dunes of Penhale Beach. The chapel was used until the 10th century, when shifting sands led to its abandonment and a new church was built nearby. This was also abandoned eventually and both sites were overwhelmed by sand. Both the oratory and the later St. Piran’s Old Church have since been excavated and are now open to the public – a fascinating place to visit when you’re in the area.

  • Is Holywell Bay dog-friendly?

    Yes, Holywell Bay is very dog-friendly! Welcomed all year-round with no seasonal restrictions, canines can enjoy the wide, sandy beach, and have the added bonus of sand dunes to explore.

  • Can you park at Hollywell Bay?

    Yes, there is a car park right on the South West Coast Path, a short walk from the beach. The car park is owned by the National Trust and is free for members but gets very busy during the holidays. The car park only accepts exact coins or you can pay via PayByPhone (location code: 803548 (download the app before though as the signal can be iffy)

     

  • How close is Holywell Bay to Newquay?

    There are a few easy ways to get to Holywell Bay from Newquay. If you’re up for a walk, the South West Coast Path is a beautiful option, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours with amazing sea views along the way. By car, it’s just a 15-minute drive using the A392 and some smaller roads, with parking available once you get there. If you prefer the bus, you can hop on one of the local routes, like the 85 or 87, and you’ll be at Holywell Bay in around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the stops.

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@luxurycoastal
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