Holywell Bay


Two miles southwest of Newquay as the crow flies (but more like 5 miles by road), Holywell is a wonderful expanse of white sand, dotted with tidal pools and rocky towers. It's as flat as a pancake, and vast at low tide, but also fairly exposed, so it can feel windy even in a light breeze.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Porth Joke

0.77 MILES

Not quite the off-the-radar secret it once was, Porth Joke remains a good spot to escape (most) of the crowds. Known as Polly Joke to locals, its best…

2. Crantock

1.35 MILES

Around Pentire Head lies this big, broad shelf of golden sand, backed by grassy dunes and set alongside a river called the Gannel. It's one of the most…

3. Fistral

2.57 MILES

Probably the most famous stretch of sand in Cornwall, and definitely Newquay's best-known beach, Fistral has become synonymous with Cornish surfing thanks…

4. Perranporth Beach

2.79 MILES

Perranporth's huge, flat, sandy beach is a favourite for everyone: dog-walkers, bucket-and-spade families, kite-buggiers and surfers alike. Its main draw…

5. Blue Reef Aquarium

3.13 MILES

A small aquarium on Towan beach, with touch pools and various deep-sea denizens, including reef sharks, loggerhead turtles and a giant Pacific octopus…

6. Newquay Zoo

3.65 MILES

Newquay's pint-sized zoo isn't a world-beater, but its population of penguins, lemurs, parrots and snakes will keep the kids happy. The Tropical House and…

7. Lusty Glaze

4.11 MILES

Probably the least hectic of Newquay's beaches, this is a sheltered wedge of sand framed by cliffs. It has a good adventure-sports centre, and also hosts…

8. Porth

4.47 MILES

Porth is a popular family beach 1.5 miles northeast of the town centre. Long and narrow, it's ideal for building sandcastles and sheltering behind the…