Holywell Bay

Holywell Bay is a coastal village in north Cornwall, 3 miles south-west of Newquay, named after a holy well inside a sea cave at the base of Kelsey Head. The well, thought to be blessed by St Piran, sits about 20 feet up inside the cave and is reached by steps cut into the rock - accessible only at low tide. The water was once believed to cure childhood diseases, drawing visitors for centuries before the beach became known for surfing and family holidays.

At low tide the sands stretch for almost a mile between Kelsey Head to the north and Penhale Point to the south. Two rocky islands - Carter’s Rocks and Gull Rock - sit just offshore and provide one of the most recognisable coastal profiles in Cornwall. Both the beach and surrounding land are managed by the National Trust, and the dunes behind the beach rise to over 20 metres, forming part of a massive dune system that extends 5 miles from Perranporth to Crantock. Rock pools and a tidal gully at the southern end of the beach are exposed as the water drops.

Kelsey Head, the headland at the northern end, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its coastal plants and seabird colonies. The highest point holds the remains of an Iron Age cliff castle - 170-metre-long defensive ramparts are still visible, built roughly 2,000 years ago. The coast path crosses the headland and connects south toward Penhale Sands, the most extensive dune system in Cornwall.

Holywell Bay gained wider recognition as a filming location for the BBC’s Poldark series, with the twin offshore rocks providing the backdrop for several beach scenes. Two thatched pubs serve the area - the 13th-century Treguth Inn and the Smuggler’s Den Inn - both a short walk from the beach. The village also sits within reach of the Trevornick holiday park and the Holywell Bay Fun Park, making it a practical base for families visiting the north coast.

Where to Stay

Self-catering properties sit within walking distance of the sand. Bethany Bay View is a 3-bedroom family bungalow on Rhubarb Hill sleeping 6, with a garden and BBQ, rated 5 stars across 76 reviews, and just 450 metres from the beach on foot.