Holywell Bay Beach

Newquay

Holywell Bay Beach in Newquay is a picturesque sandy beach known for its dramatic dunes, rock pools, and iconic Gull Rocks, making it a popular spot for families and surfers alike.

Sandy

Yes

Yes

No

Holywell Bay Beach

Holywell Bay Beach, located in Newquay, Cornwall, is a stunning coastal gem that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational activities. With its expansive sandy shores, towering dunes, and the striking twin islets known as Gull Rocks, the beach provides a picturesque setting for visitors of all ages. Families can enjoy exploring the numerous rock pools and caves, while surfers are drawn to the consistent waves and ideal conditions. Renowned for its scenic landscapes and relaxed atmosphere, Holywell Bay Beach is an idyllic destination for those seeking a quintessential Cornish seaside experience.

Newquay epitomises the quintessential Cornwall holiday experience, offering a plethora of attractions to delight every visitor. With its picturesque beaches, breathtaking vistas, renowned surf spots, diverse culinary scene, and top-tier art galleries, Newquay is a destination that leaves visitors yearning for more. It's no surprise that people return to Newquay year after year, captivated by its charm and endless array of delights.

About Holywell Bay Beach

Holywell Bay Beach, nestled in the heart of Newquay, Cornwall, is a beloved destination known for its natural charm and versatile appeal. Stretching out with golden sands and framed by rolling sand dunes, the beach is a haven for families, surfers, and nature enthusiasts. One of its most striking features is the iconic Gull Rocks, which rise dramatically from the sea and create a stunning backdrop for beachgoers. The beach is perfect for a variety of activities, from sunbathing and picnicking to exploring rock pools teeming with marine life and venturing into the hidden caves at low tide. The Atlantic swells make it a favourite spot for surfers, offering consistent and exhilarating waves. With lifeguards on duty during peak seasons and amenities such as parking and facilities nearby, Holywell Bay Beach combines convenience with its pristine, unspoiled beauty, making it an ideal spot for a quintessential Cornish beach day.

Holywell Bay Beach offers safe and enjoyable swimming conditions, particularly during the summer months when lifeguards are on duty. The gently sloping sandy shore and clear waters make it an ideal spot for families and casual swimmers. Always check the tide times and follow the lifeguards' advice to ensure a safe swimming experience.

Renowned for its excellent surfing conditions, Holywell Bay Beach attracts water sports enthusiasts from near and far. The consistent Atlantic swells provide ideal waves for surfers of all levels, while bodyboarders and kayakers also find plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water. Local surf schools offer lessons and equipment rentals, making it accessible for beginners to try their hand at riding the waves.

For visitors' convenience, Holywell Bay Beach is equipped with well-maintained toilet facilities located near the car park. These facilities include accessible options, ensuring that all beachgoers have a comfortable and enjoyable visit. Additional amenities such as showers and changing rooms are also available, perfect for rinsing off after a day of sand and sea.

At low tide, Holywell Bay Beach reveals an array of fascinating rock pools, brimming with marine life. These natural pools are perfect for children and adults alike to explore, offering a glimpse into the diverse ecosystems of the Cornish coast. Crabs, starfish, and anemones are just a few of the creatures you might encounter, making rock pooling a delightful and educational activity for all ages.

Low tide at Holywell Bay Beach unveils a vast expanse of sand, perfect for beach games, walking, and exploring. It is the best time to discover the hidden caves and rock pools teeming with marine life. The retreating waters also reveal additional areas of the beach that are usually submerged, providing more space for sunbathing and other beach activities.

During high tide, the waves come closer to the dunes, creating a picturesque and dynamic landscape. While the beach area narrows, the higher water levels enhance the surfing and bodyboarding experience. It's important to be mindful of the tide times, as the incoming tide can cover rock pools and caves quickly. High tide also offers stunning views of the Gull Rocks, with the waves crashing dramatically against them.

Holywell Bay Beach Address

Holywell Bay Beach
Newquay
Cornwall
TR8 5PG

Map of Holywell Bay Beach

Holywell Bay Beach

How do you get to Holywell Bay Beach

Holywell Bay Beach is accessible by several scenic walking routes, making it an enjoyable destination for hikers and nature lovers. The South West Coast Path runs close to the beach, offering breathtaking views of the coastline and a pleasant trek through the Cornish countryside. From the nearby village of Holywell, it's just a short, picturesque walk through the dunes to reach the beach.

For those traveling by car, Holywell Bay Beach is conveniently located and well-signposted from the main roads. Ample parking is available at the National Trust car park near the beach, providing easy access to the shore. During peak times, it's advisable to arrive early to secure a spot, as the car park can fill up quickly. From the car park, it's a short walk through the dunes to the beach.

Public transportation to Holywell Bay Beach is efficient and convenient, with regular bus services operating from Newquay and other nearby towns. The First Kernow bus service has routes that stop in the village of Holywell, from where it's a short and pleasant walk to the beach. Be sure to check the latest bus schedules and routes to plan your journey effectively, as services can vary seasonally.

Holywell Bay Beach General Information

Beach Type: Sandy

Dog Friendly: All year round

Public Toilets:For visitors' convenience, Holywell Bay Beach is equipped with well-maintained toilet facilities located near the car park. These facilities include accessible options, ensuring that all beachgoers have a comfortable and enjoyable visit. Additional amenities such as showers and changing rooms are also available, perfect for rinsing off after a day of sand and sea.

Accessibility: Contact Cornwall Council

Lifeguard Cover: Daily 14 May – 25 September - Patrol times 10am-6pm.

Holywell Bay Beach FAQs

Are there facilities available at the beach?2024-05-16T14:12:48+01:00

Yes, Holywell Bay Beach has toilet facilities near the car park, including accessible options. There are also showers and changing rooms available for visitors.

Are there lifeguards on duty at Holywell Bay Beach?2024-05-16T14:12:04+01:00

Lifeguards are on duty at Holywell Bay Beach during the peak summer months, typically from May to September, ensuring a safer swimming environment for visitors.

Can I rent surf equipment at Holywell Bay Beach?2024-05-16T14:13:08+01:00

Yes, there are local surf schools and rental shops in the area where you can rent surfboards, wetsuits, and other water sports equipment. Lessons are also available for beginners.

Is Holywell Bay Beach dog-friendly?2024-05-16T14:11:45+01:00

Yes, Holywell Bay Beach is dog-friendly and allows dogs all year round. It’s a great spot for walking your dog, with plenty of space for them to run and play.

Is Holywell Bay Beach suitable for families with children?2024-05-16T14:13:51+01:00

Yes, Holywell Bay Beach is very family-friendly. The gently sloping shore and rock pools are perfect for children to explore, and there are lifeguards on duty during the summer months to ensure safety.

Is there parking available at Holywell Bay Beach?2024-05-16T14:12:25+01:00

Yes, there is a National Trust car park near the beach that provides ample parking spaces. It’s a short walk through the dunes from the car park to the beach.

What activities can I do at Holywell Bay Beach?2024-05-16T14:13:26+01:00

Holywell Bay Beach offers a variety of activities, including swimming, surfing, bodyboarding, rock pooling, and exploring the scenic dunes and caves. It’s also a great spot for beach games and picnics.

What is the best time to visit Holywell Bay Beach?2024-05-16T14:14:09+01:00

The best time to visit Holywell Bay Beach is during the warmer months from May to September when the weather is ideal for beach activities and lifeguards are on duty. However, the beach is beautiful year-round and less crowded outside the peak season.

Weather At Holywell Bay

Check the weather forcast for Holywell Bay Beach. Check our weather forcast for the next few days.

Tide Times At Holywell Bay

Planning a beach day at Holywell Bay Beach? Don’t forget to check the tide times today! These are today's tides for Holywell Bay

08 August 2025

Time Type Height
05:21 high 6.03m
11:41 low 1.46m
17:39 high 6.48m

09 August 2025

Time Type Height
00:03 low 1.16m
06:00 high 6.39m
12:17 low 1.07m
18:17 high 6.81m

10 August 2025

Time Type Height
00:41 low 0.79m

View full 7 day tide times.

Copyright 2025 © Tides Today. By using this data, you are agreeing to the Terms and Conditions


Go to Top