- Best for
- Lessons, families, a full beach day
- Break
- West-facing beach break
- Lifeguards
- Seasonal
- Dogs
- No beach restriction (National Trust)
- Parking
- National Trust car park
- Access
- Soft sand through the dunes
Cornwall beach guide
Holywell Bay at a glance
Holywell Bay lies about three miles west-south-west of Newquay in the parish of Cubert, and the National Trust calls it the largest bay on this stretch of coast. You reach it on foot from the end of the village through a tall dune system that is around 5,000 years old and one of the largest in Britain. The path is uneven and the sand is soft, so pack with the carry in mind.
At the northern end, Holywell Cave can be reached at low tide. Inside are mineral-formed pools and St Cubert's holy well, which gives the bay its name. The National Trust warns of a significant rockfall at this end: stay well back, don't walk beneath the cliffs and don't climb on the fallen rock. The small headland of The Kelseys holds the remains of an Iron Age cliff castle.
The bay has a long film history, from the skeet-surfing scene in Top Secret! to many episodes of Poldark. Behind the dunes, Cubert Common is an ancient registered common and SSSI with a Bronze Age barrow. The village has holiday parks and seasonal food, and the 85 bus stops at the Tregurth Inn, about 300 yards from the beach. Check the tide before you set off.
Surf guide
Surfing Holywell Bay
Holywell faces west and is exposed to Atlantic swell, with banks that move along the bay producing lefts and rights. Surf-forecast lists a westerly swell with south-easterly offshore winds as ideal, with some shelter from south-westerlies. It is surfable through the tide.
Surf-forecast warns of strong rips, and the stream crossing the beach shifts the sand around it. When Newquay's town beaches are crowded, Holywell is often a calmer alternative, but stay within the lifeguarded zone, especially on bigger swells.
West swell, SE wind
South-easterlies are offshore; some shelter from south-westerlies.
Lessons and improvers
A good lesson beach on moderate days.
Rips and rockfall
Strong rips form on the banks; keep away from the rockfall at the northern end.
Learn & hire
Surf lessons and hire at Holywell Bay
Surf schools marked 'Listed on Surfbooker' have profiles on this site with lesson formats and current-price guidance; Surfbooker passes enquiries on but has not reviewed them in person.
Parking, facilities & safety
Know before you go
National Trust car park
At the end of Holywell village (TR8 5PF). Free for members and Blue Badge holders; no overnight parking or camping.
Toilets and kiosk
Toilets are on the approach road; the accessible toilet with baby changing is the only one open in winter. A kiosk sells beach food.
Seasonal RNLI
Seasonal RNLI cover — follow the flags.
Welcome all year
The National Trust welcomes dogs year-round under close control, especially around livestock on Cubert Common and near cliff edges.
Bus 85/85A
Go Cornwall 85 and 85A run Newquay–Truro via Crantock, stopping at the Tregurth Inn about 300 yards from the beach. Phone signal is poor.
Accommodation
Where to stay near Holywell Bay
Holywell
Holiday parks and lets near the beach.
Crantock or Perranporth
More choice within 15 minutes.
Surfbooker only marks a stay as reviewed when we have stayed there ourselves. Other listings are researched or owner-supplied; check rates, board storage and cancellation terms directly.
Beyond the surf
Things to do around Holywell Bay
Penhale and Kelsey Head
Coast-path walks in both directions with big views.
Travel
Getting to Holywell Bay
From Newquay
About 15 minutes via Cubert.
Worth the short drive
Nearby beaches and places
FAQs
Holywell Bay: quick answers
Are dogs allowed on Holywell beach?
Yes, all year, according to the National Trust — keep them under control near livestock and cliff edges.
Can you visit Holywell Cave?
It's on the north side of the beach and reachable at low tide, but the National Trust warns of a rockfall at that end, so stay well back from the cliffs.
Can I get to Holywell by bus?
Yes — Go Cornwall 85 and 85A stop at the Tregurth Inn, about 300 yards from the beach.
How do you get onto the beach?
From the National Trust car park, an uneven path leads through the dunes to soft sand.
Sources
How we checked this guide
Surfbooker desk research, checked October 2026. This guide is based on official and operator sources listed below, not on a personal visit. Parking charges, lifeguard dates, dog rules and opening times change — always check the latest information before you travel.
- National Trust — Holywell
- Wikipedia — Holywell, Cornwall
- Surf-forecast — Holywell Bay
- RNLI — lifeguarded beaches
Photo: Nilfanion, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. All image credits.