Large sandy beach with lots of facilities
Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/holywell
Web: www.visitcornwall.com/things-to-do/beaches/holywell-bay-beach
The exact location of the Holy Well after which the village is named, has never been definitively agreed. Some say that the well is sited near the 18th tee on Holywell Bay Golf Course, others argue that the well nestles in a cave at the right hand side of the beach, where the rocks have been eroded to give the appearance of a set of steps reaching up to a font. The lifeguards on the beach will tell you more.
The beach is nearly one mile long and as well as being a fabulous surfing beach is a clean and safe swimming beach. Dolphins are often sighted around Gull Rocks, the two rocks which protrude out of the bay making Holywell Bay so distinctive. A popular, long but pretty walk is to the left of the beach, past Penhale Army Camp to Perranporth, five miles there and five miles back!
The village of Holywell offers plenty for the visitor and is only two miles south-west of Newquay. Taking the turning from the A3075, through Cubert towards Holywell, first you will see Holywell Bay Fun Park on the right hand side. Great entertainment for kids of all ages and that includes Mums and Dads. Entry and parking are free. you pay as you go. Next door is Holywell Bay Golf Course, a popular 18 hole course. Further on and into the village you will find a shop, cafe and car park.
Penhale Camp, formally an army training establishment that was regularly used by cadets, is half-a-mile to the south-west. On the 7th June 1940 the camp was bombed by a single German bomber, probably looking for the nearby St. Eval airfield; 22 British soldiers were killed in the raid, most were subsequently buried in nearby Perranporth.
Holywell bay has recently been used as a filming location for the new Poldark TV series.
William John Burley (1914-2002), the author of the Wycliffe novels, lived in Holywell.
Holywell bay is also the residence of both Maia Garner and Louis Garner, athletes that have represented Great Britain in Surf Lifesaving Sport.
Crantock Beach Crantock Village Holywell Bay Fun Park Perranporth
Cornwall's Beaches Surfing in Cornwall The Coastal Footpath