Our booking system is currently offline - please send all booking enquiries to info@cornishsecrets.co.uk
- The Great Cornwall Guide
- Destinations
- Things to do
- Beach Guide
- Food & Drink
- Properties
- Journal
- Golden Lobster Reviews
- Destinations
Our booking system is currently offline - please send all booking enquiries to info@cornishsecrets.co.uk
Owned by the National Trust, Holywell Bay boasts a gorgeous sweep of golden sand. Lesser known than its neighbours Perranporth and Newquay, Holywell and the surrounding coast offers you a haven of beaches, common land and coastline to explore.
Holywell Bay is a sweeping, one-mile expanse of golden sand nestled beneath dramatic cliffs and backed by towering dunes—one of the oldest dune systems in Britain. Framed by the famous Gull Rocks offshore and a tranquil stream carving through the beach, this rural spot offers raw beauty and plenty of space to roam.
From mid-May to late September, RNLI lifeguards patrol the beach during daylight hours, marking safe swimming zones. Be aware of strong undercurrents and occasional falling rocks from the cliffs, and respect safety signage. Always remember: No Flags = No Lifeguards.
Holywell Bay Lifeguard Patrol Dates 2025
Patrol times 10am – 6pm
Aerial view of Holywell Bay, Cornwall © National Trust, Chris Lacey
A favourite among surfers, Holywell Bay offers dependable waves for all levels — especially when the swell builds. Surf schools often host lessons here. Families love the dunes and gentle stream, perfect for splashing and rock pooling at low tide.
When planning a trip to Holywell Bay, the best time to visit is around mid- to low tide. At low tide, the beach opens up into a vast stretch of golden sand with plenty of room to explore, and the stream that runs through the bay becomes perfect for paddling.
Dogs are welcome year-round at Holywell Bay, with no seasonal restrictions — making it a perfect spot for walks and play in every season.
Parking is available just above the dunes in a National Trust car park, with a short five-minute level walk to the sand. The nearby village of Holywell offers essentials, including public toilets, a beach café, and a pub.
Just a short distance from Holywell Bay, The Treguth Inn at Holywell is a charming, thatched pub beloved for its cosy atmosphere and hearty Cornish meals. It’s dog-friendly and often hosts quiz nights—perfect for a relaxed evening after a beach day.
For lovers of locomotives and whimsical charm, this heritage railway Lappa Valley offers indoor play areas, mini steam train rides through woodland, a boating lake, miniature railway tracks, a maze, and a café — all nestled in a leafy valley near Newquay, about six miles from Holywell.
Rebecca Moore
LOCAL EDITOR AND CORNISH AFICIONADO
Rebecca Moore is a seasoned editor and content writer with over a decade of experience, specialising in Cornwall’s unique lifestyle, travel, and culinary scene. Her expertise has been featured in media outlets such as The Sun, Express, and Cosmopolitan. A proud Cornish resident, Rebecca’s authentic insights help readers explore the best of the Duchy.
Related Dog Friendly Walks & Beaches, National Trust Spots, North Cornwall Beaches, Surfing in Cornwall
