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Top Things to Do Near Holywell Bay Beach, Newquay, England

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• Things to do near Holywell Bay Beach

Things to Do near Holywell Bay Beach

Holywell Bay a visitors guide by a local

Holywell Bay is a popular bay but can be easily missed as there are not that many signposts to it. Even though it sits between two of the most popular destinations in Cornwall, there is only one road to it, and you could easily go between the two destinations on either side of it and not even know that it is there.

The beach at Holywell Bay is a nice large sandy beach backed by large sand dunes and flanked by cliffs with caves and rock pools.

There are a few facilities and amenities at Holywell Bay, and other than the beach and sand dunes, there is not much else there to do.

So let’s take a look at Holywell Bay in a bit more detail and find out where it is, what’s there, and what there is to do there and nearby.

Where is Holywell bay?

Holywell Bay is to the southwest of Newquay on the north coast of Cornwall.

Holywell Bay is close to lots of other popular holiday destinations and attractions, such as Newquay, Truro, Perranporth, St Ives etc… making It is an excellent position as it is about halfway down the county making it pretty central.

By car… Newquay is 6.2 miles away Perranporth is 7.7 miles away Truro is 12.7 miles away Falmouth is 23.2 miles away Penzance is 31.7 miles away Padstow is 22.9 miles away

What is near Holywell Bay?

The next beach to the south of Holywell Bay is Perran Sands Beach, the northern section of Perranporth Beach.

The next beach to the north of Holywell Bay is Poly Joke Beach, a relatively small beach with no parking nearby. Then the next beach is Crantock Beach.

Between Holywell Beach and Perranporth Beach is a headland, called Penhale Point, with a large army training camp called “Defence high-frequency communications service Penhale Sands army training camp”.

You can see bits of the training camp as you drive into Holywell Bay and when you are on Holywell Bay Beach.

Off the headland to the south, there is Gull Rock just off the headland and off the headland to the north, called Kelsey head, is the Chick Island.

You can see Gull Rock from Holywell Bay Beach. However, Chick island is too far around the headland to see from the beach. To see Chick Island, walk north along the coastal path.

Things to do in and near Holywell Bay

At Holywell Bay itself, unless you are staying in one of the holiday parks in Holywell Bay, really the only things to do are to go on walks (either on the beach, in the dunes, or along the coastal path) or go on the beach (surfing, rock pooling, swimming, sunbathing etc…).

However, it is a unique thing at Holywell Bay on the beach that I’ve so far not seen at any other beach in Cornwall. That is to go sledging down the sand dunes. As you go onto the beach, there is a really high sand dune on the right-hand side. Kids, big and small, climb up to the top and then come sliding down on body beards or round plastic things that look like bin lids with a handle on each side. You can actually buy these from the beach shop. The beach shop is just on the right before you get to the car park as you are driving into Holywell Bay.

There are also plenty of things to do nearby which include:-

• Healeys Cyder Farm
• Holywell Bay Golf
• The Smugglers Den
• Coarse Fishing at Trebellan Park
• Fishing at Gwinear

There is also Newquay and Perranporth that have lots of things to do. For more information, see my post on things to do in Newquay for all ages and for Perranporth my 16 best things to do in Perranporth post.

Who owns Holywell Beach?

Holywell Bay is owned and managed by the National Trust.

This isn’t like most of the other National Trust sites. There is no big old building to look around. In fact, the only building that I know of for the National Trust at Holywell Bay is a wooden hut the same size as most garden sheds. This is the hut at the entrance to the car park.

Does Holywell Bay beach have a car park?

There is a decent-sized National Trust car park near the entrance to Holywell Bay beach. It is free for all with valid national trust membership cards.

Does Holywell Bay have lifeguards?

There are lifeguards at Holywell bay. They are there every day between May to the end of September. They are on duty between 10am to 6pm each day.

Does Holywell Bay have toilets?

There are toilets at Holywell Bay. However, they are a bit of a walk from the main part of the beach, this is because to get onto the beach at the main entrance, you have to walk across some flat-ish sand dunes and over a little stream before you get to the main part of the beach.

As you go down the hill into Holywell Bay on the main road, just before you get to the bottom of the hill before the entrance to the car park, there are toilets on the left-hand side of the road.

Can you swim at Holywell Bay?

Holywell Bay is good for swimming, although it tends to have waves. So if you don’t mind having some waves to contend with, then Holywell bay should be perfect for you.

Is Holywell Bay good for surfing?

Holywell Bay is classed as a surfing beach, although it can also be a nightmare to surf.

It can be a bit of a nightmare because It is so variable it is unpredictable, which can either make for a fantastic surfing session or a frustrating one. Whichever one you have, one thing is for sure, it is a fair way back to the car park from the shoreline.

I personally would class this beach as a good surfing beach for beginners that are just learning and for advanced surfers. When you start off, you learn in shallow water and jump off the floor to catch a wave. By the time you have become an advanced surfer, you will be much better at reading the waves and anticipating when to move, where to move, and have the ability to get in position fast enough to catch a wave.

There are better beaches for intermediate surfers that benefit more from predictable waves.

Nevertheless, at least two surfing schools operate on Holywell Bay Beach. These are Holywell Bay Surf School and Cornwall Surf Academy .

Is Holywell Bay dog friendly?

There are no dog bans or restrictions for dogs on Holywell Bay Beach.

You can take your dog to Holywell Bay Beach all year round. But you must keep your dog under control, and if it is not good with children, it is advisable to keep your dog on a lead.

Why is Holywell Bay called Holywell?

Holywell Bay is named after the Holy Well in St Cuthbert’s cave.

Where is the well at Holywell Bay?

St Cuthbert’s Cave and the Holy well is at the northern end of the bay. You can go into the cave and see the well. However, It is only accessible at low tide, so be careful of getting cut off and trapped by the sea.

Where to stay at Holywell Bay?

There are a couple of holiday parks at Holywell Bay. The main two are The Meadow Holiday Park and Park Dean Holywell Bay Holiday Park .

The Meadow holiday park is closer to the beach, which is just a few minutes walk away from the holiday park entrance. Park Dean Holywell Bay holiday park is a bit further away from the beach. It is about 10-minute walk to the beach.

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Top Things to Do Near Holywell Bay Beach, Newquay, England

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10 of the Best Things to Do Near Holywell Bay

If you’ve stayed at Trevornick before, you’ll know that this corner of Cornwall is a very special place. With a huge stretch of golden sand backed by grass-tufted dunes and just a short jaunt to the neighbouring towns of Perranporth and Newquay, Holywell Bay has it all. But what are the best things to do when staying with us? Here we explore ten of our favourite things to do…

1. Watch the Seals Play at Polly Joke

With its secret coves, rugged coastline and crystal waters, Polly Joke beach is the perfect Cornish beach upon which to enjoy some peace and solitude. Just two miles from Holywell Bay, Polly Joke might be small but it boasts hidden caves, rock pools teeming with wildlife and turquoise lagoons which appear as if by magic at low tide. Alongside the coast path on the left side of the beach is a secret cove where a harem of grey seals has chosen to raise their pups. Watching the seals play and sunbathe is an amazing experience, just take care not to disturb them as they frolic and enjoy this peaceful bay.

2. Enjoy a Cornish Ice Cream at Holywell Bay

When dreaming of Cornwall, we usually think of three things – breathtaking beaches, perfect pasties and, of course, irresistible ice cream! Cornish ice cream has a unique creaminess thanks to acres of rolling green fields and the happiest dairy cows. For us, Cornish ice cream is quite simply the best in the world. Walking, beachcombing and taking in the sweeping views of Holywell Bay is an experience bettered only by slurping a delicious Cornish ice cream. From his little blue ice cream trailer right on the beach, Lionel of St Agnes Ices serves up the most delicious Cornish whippy gelato along with barista coffee and hot chocolates – the perfect stop-off for beachgoers in search of a yummy sugar fix.

3. Take a Dip in Crantock Sea Pool

Since the 16th century, people have flocked to the seaside to experience the health benefits of saltwater bathing. Only locals and those in the know are privy to the tidal sea pool at the far south end of Crantock beach . This quiet spot is the perfect place to get your fix of ‘vitamin sea’ and enjoy an invigorating dip in clear Cornish waters. Whether you do a few lengths in a wetsuit or take the plunge in just your cossie, you’ll feel a million miles from the busy surf spots just around the corner, especially if you go early in the morning. What better way to start the day?

4. Walking on Water 

Explore the wild beauty which wends from estuary to sea with a Stand Up Paddleboard tour down the Gannel. The Gannel is a beautiful tidal estuary that separates Newquay and Crantock village with the River Gannel itself flowing into the sea at Crantock Beach. Supping (as it is known) makes you feel as though you are walking on water – flow with the tide past formidable sand dunes, duck beneath overhanging trees, and glide through clear water pools on your way to the sea. The Gannel boasts sheltered waters which have carved a unique route through the sandbanks, making it the perfect place to enjoy the wonders of stand-up paddle boarding, whatever your level. If paddleboarding isn’t your thing, why not try swimming? It’s nearly a mile so be aware of tide times, be realistic about your personal ability, and never swim alone. 

5. Child’s Play – Say Hi to Wild Thing

Wild Thing is a bit of a legend here at Trevornick Holiday Park and visitors of all ages look forward to his cheeky smile and welcoming hugs. Holidays in Cornwall and family adventures go hand in hand, and when Wild Thing is around, fun and adventure are never far behind! With climbing frames and balancing beams built into the trees, a large spider net to climb and tunnels to crawl through, our Forest Trail is the perfect place for little monkeys to let off some steam. We also have Wild Tribe kids club where children can get in touch with their wild side learning all sorts of new skills including mini bushcraft skills, den building, bug hunting, wild art, fire making, foraging and knife and axe skills. Wild Thing can’t wait to welcome you and your little wildlings!

6. Make a Splash

Here at Trevornick not only are we blessed with a stunning location close to Holywell Bay but we also have a range of amazing facilities, including a heated outdoor swimming pool . The Splash Zone is perfect for youngsters (and young at heart!) to run, jump, and splash! Brave the tipping buckets, dodge the jets and frolic in the fountains. If you’d rather just relax poolside, the sun terrace is the perfect spot for relaxing with a drink while the kids play, without getting soaked yourself. If you prefer a more rejuvenating afternoon, kick back and unwind in our tranquillity spa, or bubble away the day in the adult-only jacuzzi. Relaxation has never looked so good.

7. Sundowner Beach BBQs

After a blissful day at the beach, is there anything better than enjoying a BBQ as you watch the sun dip beneath the horizon? We don’t think so. With waves gently lapping at the shore and Cornwall’s rugged scenery as a backdrop, this is outdoor dining at its finest. Pick up some freshly-landed fish from the local harbour and sizzle over coals, paired with a glass of the finest Cornish cider of course. When the weather is warm and the skies are clear, you have your pick of nearby beaches to enjoy a blazing sunset and starry skies signalling the end to another perfect day. 

8. Get Up Close and Personal With Nature

There is so much more to discover in Cornwall beyond the breathtaking coastlines and world-class surf, and here at Trevornick we are perfectly placed to explore everything this incredible county has to offer. The Eden Project is one of the UK’s top tourist spots and is an educational, awe-inspiring eco attraction with something for everyone. A feast for the senses, Eden aims to build relationships between people and the natural world to demonstrate the power of working together for the benefit of all living things. With a rainforest biome, outdoor gardens, art installations, live music and even England’s fastest zip wire to give adrenaline junkies their fix, Eden has it all. 

9. Hole-in-One

Whether you consider yourself the next Rory McIlroy or just enjoy nothing more than a leisurely game of golf with friends, we have lots of options for golfing enthusiasts who want to enjoy a round during their stay with us. There is something for all age groups and abilities with three on-site golf courses. With sensibly distanced fairways and the famous cliff-hang 18th hole, our 18-hole pitch and putt course is widely considered to be one of the best golf courses near Newquay . Our 18-hole golf course boasts first-class fairways and outstanding coastal views overlooking the National Trust beach and is a truly entertaining course for all standards of golfers. Little ones will love negotiating their way around obstacles, conquering tricky shots and practising perfect putts on our mini greens. Have you got a hole-in-one yet?

10. Give Yourself the Night Off

Cornwall has earned its place on the gastro map with countless top-quality restaurants bringing food lovers here in their droves. But you don’t have to venture too far to give yourself the night off and enjoy a taste of Cornwall’s finest. We have a choice of three on-site restaurants where you can enjoy everything from a light bite to a hearty family meal. Whether you want to sample delicious burgers and meats from the grill with views to die for or enjoy fish n chips al fresco under the warm Cornish sunshine, we have something to suit all tastes.  Let someone else do the cooking and washing up, this is your holiday after all!

What is your favourite thing to do near Holywell Bay? Let us know by joining our vibrant community over on Facebook and Instagram !

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North Cornwall

Polly joke beach.

Polly Joke Beach is or often referred to as Porth Joke is situated between Crantock and Holywell Bay, often overlooked this unspoilt golden sandy beach can be a getaway from the crowds despite being so close to Newquay. The narrow beach is deeper than it is wide and backs onto a shallow valley with a stream running down through it. Low tide here is enough sand to comfortably sit down on even during busy periods. Access to Polly Joke is very limited, with a small car park being a bit of a distance away.

Treyarnon Rock Pool

Treyarnon Rock Pool is located in North Cornwall situated near Treyarnon Beach . This popular seaside beach attracts many of Cornwalls visitors being one of the 7 bays in North Cornwall along with Constantine bay beach and Harlyn Bay Beach .

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Holywell beach, North Cornwall. National Trust Images John Gerrish

Holywell Bay, near Newquay

Date posted: 20 jun 2022.

Dog-friendly Beach

Lifeguarded Beach

Surfing Beach

Toilet Facilities

Family-friendly Beach

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. Once you’re here it’ll come as no surprise to learn that Holywell was one of the backdrops for the BAFTA-winning TV series Poldark .

Equally equipped for a day surfing, or building sandcastles, the exposed rocky headlands sit alongside a fabulous sandy beach. Lifeguarded during the main season, in true north coast spirit both Holywell and nearby Crantock beaches offer a fantastic place to catch some waves. National Trust licensed surf schools; Holywell Bay School of Surf and Cornwall Surf Academy both operate at Holywell, catering for all ages and abilities.

Both Holywell and Crantock beaches are dog-friendly all year round, and there are plenty of footpaths to explore with your furry friend. There’s lots of history to discover including the remains of an Iron Age castle on Kelsey Head, a Bronze Age barrow on Cubert Common and the holy well in a cave on the beach.

There is free parking for National Trust members (remember to bring your card) and Blue Badge holders, for non-members charges apply. The toilets are also open daily.

Holywell Bay Highlights...

Here you'll find local tips on making the most out of your visit... from where to eat and drink to checking out attractions that are close by.

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Gull Rocks Bar and Coffee House

Located at the beginning of a path that leads to the unspoilt beach Holywell Bay, sits Gull Rocks Bar and Coffee House.

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Categories: Dog Friendly Walks & Beaches , National Trust Spots , North Cornwall Beaches

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Holywell Bay Beach

Top ways to experience Holywell Bay Beach and nearby attractions

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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HOLYWELL BAY BEACH: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• (0.26 mi) Pennasville Holidays
• (0.36 mi) The Holiday Villa - SuperFast Broadband
• (1.43 mi) Treworgans Holiday Park
• (0.56 mi) Parkdean Resorts Holywell Bay Holiday Park
• (0.76 mi) Trevornick
• (0.41 mi) The Treguth Inn
• (1.14 mi) C-Bay Bar & Bistro
• (2.42 mi) Sea Spray Fistral
• (2.82 mi) The Fish House - Fistral
• (3.02 mi) Toast Wine Bar
• (0.34 mi) Holywell to St Piran Walk
• (0.39 mi) Holywell to Crantock circular walk
• (1.77 mi) Big Green Adventures
• (0.47 mi) Holywell Cave
• (2.35 mi) Quiksilver Surf School Newquay

Holywell Bay

A huge stretch of golden sand backed by grass covered dunes, Holywell is the largest bay on this stretch of coast and is the perfect place to enjoy a walk, surf, picnic or simply a day on the sand with the family (RNLI lifeguard cover is usually present from May to September so please always follow the flag signals provided).

With such breath taking scenery, it’s easy to see why this beautiful beach has featured so often on both the big and small screen, including series such as Poldark and House of The Dragon, as well as making an appearance in the Bond film, Die Another Day.

Looking for a little history? Accessible at low tide is St Cuthbert’s Cave* with its holy well that can be found inside. There are also the remains of an Iron Age Cliff Castle to be discovered on the small headland called The Kelseys and a Bronze Age barrow on the southern side of Cubert Common – a grassland registered as an ancient common and Site of Special Scientific Interest.

* Please take great care not to get cut off by the tide.

Exploring the rock pools at low tide.

Don't miss...

The wreck of the old Argentinian coaster that can also be seen offshore at low tide.

How to Visit Holywell Bay – House of the Dragon Filming Location!

By: Author Sophie Pearce

Posted on Last updated: February 22, 2023

Categories CORNWALL , ENGLAND , GAME OF THRONES

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

If you’re a fan of the HBO House of the Dragon series, you will be happy to know that you can visit some of the filming locations for yourself in Cornwall.

One of them is Holywell Bay which is meant to be the beach underneath High Tide castle in Driftmark.

This beach was featured in a few episodes throughout the show, including the dreaded ‘dark episode’ where we couldn’t see much on the screen! 

So, if you wanted to visit a piece of Westeros in real life, here is how to visit the Holywell Bay House of the Dragon filming location in Cornwall. 

What is Holywell Bay?

Holywell is a village in Cornwall that is around 3 miles from Newquay in the South West of England.

It’s home to Holywell bay and the name derives from ‘holy well’ as this area is meant to be home to a cave of St Cuthbert’s holy well. 

This beach has miles of golden sand, sea stacks, sand dunes, caves, and rock formations that make it a beautiful & interesting beach to visit.

Holywell Bay is also a surfing beach and there is even a surf school here where you can learn. 

The entire area is owned and protected by the National Trust which protects and conserves it. 

Holywell Bay history 

The rock formations and sea stacks in this area formed millions of years ago and the sand dune system in this area is meant to be over 5,000 years old.

There is evidence of human settlement from the Iron Age and Bronze Age on the coastline cliffs as well. 

The name of the beach comes from St Cuthbert’s Holy Well, an 8th-century Welsh monk who established the holy well in a cave that can only be accessed at low tide.

Nowadays, Holywell Bay is a popular beach destination near Newquay that is owned by the National Trust. 

Many films and TV shows have been filmed here including James Bond’s Die Another Day , BBC’s Poldark , and Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None . 

But, most recently the popular Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon was filmed here! 

Holywell Bay House of the Dragon filming location 

Holywell Bay was used for the House of the Dragon series, a prequel that takes place 172 before the Battle of King’s Landing.

The story concentrates on the rise of the Targaryen family in Westeros and the events leading up to their inevitable downfall.

Holywell Bay was featured in episode 5 ‘We Light the Way ’ and episode 7 ‘Driftmark’ as the beach was meant to be located underneath High Tide Castle in Driftmark.

We see scenes filmed here of Laenor Velaryon and his lover Joffrey Lonmouth in the dunes and later princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Laenor discussing their marriage.

A few years later, we see princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and her uncle Prince Daemon Targaryen on this beach discussing joining forces against the Greens.

This was in episode 7 ‘Driftmark’ aka the ‘dreaded dark episode’ where many of the scenes filmed here were too dark to see. Many fans were disappointed and complained. 

This is because HBO filmed these night scenes during the day but then edited them to make it look like nighttime in post-production! The result was too visually dark to see on the screens. 

How to visit Holywell Bay in Cornwall

So, if you wanted to visit the Holywell Bay House of the Dragon filming location for yourself it’s very easy to do in Cornwall.

It’s easiest to drive to Holywell as buses are limited. From the A30, you can take the direction of Newquay/Indian Queens. Then you’ll take the A39 road, the A392, and then finally the A3075. 

Holywell is a village not far from Newquay that has many transport networks. From the train station, you can switch to a Go Cornwall 85/85A bus service from Newquay to Truro via Crantock.

Or, if you were up for an adventure you could hike to Holywell following the South West Coast Path. 

Holywell Bay car park address is Holywell Road, Newquay, TR8 5DD. Click here for a Google Pin ! 

Holywell Bay parking 

There is a large car park that can be found opposite Holywell Bay around 500 metres walk from the beach. 

This is the closest parking area and it is owned by the National Trust. Although it’s a huge car park this is known to get full in the summer months. 

Parking charges are £2 for 1 hour, £4 for 4 hours, and £8 all day from March to October. In winter, the prices are reduced by 50%. 

If you’re a National Trust member you can park for free. Just remember to scan your membership card.  

Things to do in Holywell Bay Beach

1. walk over the sand dunes to the beach .

It’s good to note that from the car park, the walk over to Holywell Bay beach is around 500 metres.

You’ll be walking over sand and there are some bridges and planks to cross over the ‘stream’ that runs through here. 

Once you’ve crossed the bridges, you’ll then descend up steep sand dunes to access the beach! So prepare for a leg workout and for your shoes to fill up with sand. 

There is a way to avoid the dunes by walking to the left on the flat sand towards the bay instead. 

2. Chase House of the Dragon filming locations 

So, you will recognise many Holywell Bay House of the Dragon filming locations on your visit. 

Here are some to look out for;

• Holywell Beach & Cave – This is where princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Laenor Velaryon discuss their marriage and their ‘different tastes’. You can see High Tide castle in the backdrop but this was put in with CGI. 
• Sand dunes – this is where Laenor Velaryon and Sir Lonmouth kiss after his discussion with princess Rhaenyra. 
• Sand dunes again – this is where Rhaenyra Targaryen and her uncle Prince Daemon walk on the beach to discuss joining forces. It gets pretty heated from there…
• Again, sand dunes – we see a young prince Aemond Targaryen running along the beach to claim Lady Laena’s dragon Vhagar. He then flies Vhagar around Driftmark. 

3. Admire Gull Rocks & cliff formations 

Holywell Bay can be identified easily by the twin stacks that can be seen over the dunes out into the ocean.

These are known as Gull Rocks or Carter’s Rocks and are twin islets made of slate.

The name Carter’s Rocks came from the famous smuggling brothers Harry, Charles, and John Carter. 

The ‘Carters of Prussia Cove’ operated out of Cornwall in the 18th century. Harry Carter wrote a memoir called ‘The Autobiography of a Cornish Smuggler’ . John Carter was famously known in this area as ‘The King of Prussia’.

4. Visit St Cuthbert’s Cave 

The name for this beach stems from ‘Holy Well’. This is because of St Cuthbert, an 8th-century Welsh holy man, who is thought to have established a cave nearby as a holy site. 

You can still visit this cave and holy well on the beach! It is a huge cavern and has a series of tunnels, colourful cascades, and amazing rock formations inside.

The walls are sediments formed in all different colours and, according to legend, the holy water here is meant to heal you!

You will have to climb through tunnels to see the calcium ‘steps’ that make up the holy well. So, be careful when exploring.

If you were interested, it is important to know that you can only visit this cave at low tide. So, plan your visit at the right time. 

Unfortunately, on my visit, it was high tide and getting dark so I couldn’t make my way over to the caves. But, I’m determined to go next time. 

5. Spot James Bond & Poldark locations

As well as House of the Dragon filming locations, many producers love to visit Holywell Bay for films & TV shows.

James Bond fans will recognise this beach from ‘Die Another Day’ (2002) starring Pierce Brosnan. Holywell Bay is featured in the opening sequence when Bond arrives in North Korea.

Also, fans of BBC’s Poldark will recognise Holywell Bay from series 4. This was the Warleggans beach and you can clearly see the twin stacks in the backdrop!

Love Poldark? You can visit more filming locations in Cornwall including Botallack, Porthgwarra cove, and Charlestown .

6. Holywell Bay shipwreck

Did you know that you can visit an old shipwreck at low tide on Holywell Bay? It is believed to be the SS Francia, an Argentinean cargo ship that set sail from Newquay. 

The ship was carrying coal that was transported from Port Talbot in South Wales and was to be delivered to France in 1917. It was a 700-ton coaster steamer.

Unfortunately, it ran aground and wrecked on these shores. Some parts of the ship were salvaged but the rest can be spotted from the beach! 

Not much remains these days and it’s mainly a large piece of rust that is covered in seaweed. 

7. Go surfing or learn at the Surf School

Holywell Bay is a popular surfers’ beach and you’ll often find surfers and bodyboarders around here.

If you have ever wanted to learn to surf, you can visit the Holywell Bay School of Surf which can be found in the middle of the bay. 

They cater classes for complete novices up to advanced surfers and you can book via their website or by giving them a phone call. Bodysuits, beginner boards, and expert tuition are included. 

8. Sunbathing & sandcastles

As Holywell Bay is the biggest bay on this stretch of coastline, it has miles of golden sand to explore.

It doesn’t get as busy as Newquay beach and so there will be plenty of room to set up your towels and sunbathe if it’s a sunny day.

This beach is also perfect for digging up sandcastles. So, make sure to bring your spade and bucket!

9. Visit Holywell Bay café

In peak season, a food van does sometimes drive onto the beach to provide refreshments like drinks, ice creams and snacks.

But, there are a few cafés you can visit in Holywell village if you fancy grabbing some lunch or dinner.

You can find Gull Rocks Bar & Coffee House, Woody’s Bar, and the Treguth Inn. Or, why not visit St Piran’s Inn which is meant to have been established in the 13th century?!

10. The Kelseys & Cuthbert Common 

The Kelseys are a series of three cliff enclosures called the Inner, Middle, and Outer Kelseys and are separated by ancient walls. It was previously home to an Iron Age Hill Fort. 

You can take a short circular walk to see them from Holywell Bay car park by heading to Kelsey Head. 

Another walk is St Cuthbert’s Common. It’s a rare enclosed common in England that has been blown over by sand dunes.

It used to be the site of a Bronze Age burial mound that you can still see evidence of today!

Holywell Bay facilities 

Holywell Bay has many facilities like a car park, toilets, and a lifeguard on duty.

But, on the other hand, it is inaccessible for many due to the uneven terrain and there is poor phone signal in this area.

Some of the facilities may close in the winter months. So, it’s best to check the National Trust website to see what will be open on your visit. 

Looking for more House of the Dragon filming locations in Cornwall? 

If you were looking to visit more UK House of the Dragon filming locations you’ll find some close by in Cornwall.

Kynance Cove was the beach they used for The Stepstones. This is where Daemon Targaryen, Corlis Velaryon, and the Triarchy battle it out in the War of the Stepstones. 

St Michael’s Mount was chosen to play High Tide Castle in Driftmark ! You’ll spot scenes over the causeway, castle, gardens, and around the island as well. 

They used this in the same two episodes as Holywell Bay including Rhaenyra Targaryen’s engagement to Laenor Velaryon and the scenes around Lady Laena Velaryon’s funeral. 

Also, there are many more filming locations across England including Hampshire, Surrey, and the Peak District. Dramatic locations were used including Cave Dale and Eldon Hill Quarry.

Things to do near Holywell Bay

Once you have finished exploring Holywell Bay there are some great things to do nearby.

Newquay is filled with amazing beaches like Crantock Beach, Tolcarne Beach, and Fistral Beach. But, the most spectacular has to be Perranporth Beach.

It has a Rockpool filled with turquoise waters and cliff formations. It also has miles of golden sand. It’s perfect for surfing! 

If you’re in this area of Cornwall, I would make the drive over to the village of Tintagel which is home to the spectacular Tintagel Castle.  

This is supposedly the legendary location of King Arthur’s Camelot and you can even visit Merlin’s Cave for free beneath on Tintagel Beach.

Just nearby, you can visit the magical waterfall of St Nectan’s Glen . It’s over 60 metres and crashes through a hole in the cliff. 

This woodland was founded over 1500 years ago and is a sacred and spiritual site in the UK. 

You can also visit the gorgeous village of Boscastle to see the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic and the Devil’s Bellows.

Holywell Bay FAQs

• How far is Holywell Bay from the beach? It’s around 500 metres from the beach from the car park. You will also be walking over large sand dunes but there is a way to avoid them by walking around them to the left of the dunes. 
• Does Holywell Bay get busy? In summer, or in warm weather this beach can get very busy! I’d arrive early to guarantee a parking space.
• Is Holywell Bay good for swimming? Yes, you can swim just be careful.
• Is Holywell Bay dog friendly? Holywell Bay is dog friendly all year around! It’s a huge beach so lots of room for them to run around and chase the waves.

Read more of my Cornwall guides

Things to do in Mousehole Cornwall

How to visit St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall 

Things to do in Charlestown Cornwall

How to visit the Lost Gardens of Heligan  

Things to do at the Jamaica Inn 

How to visit Golitha Falls in Cornwall

A complete guide for the Cheesewring Hike 

Things to do on Bodmin Moor

How to visit Tregothnan Estate in Cornwall

A complete guide to Porthgwarra

Magical Things to do in Lands End

Why you must visit the Minack Theatre

Things to do in Sennen Cove 

Visit the secret Nanjizal Beach

Secrets of Admiral Benbow Inn

Save the Holywell Bay House of the Dragon filming location for later!