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Holywell
A classic north Cornish beach with a sweep of golden sand and a towering dune system
North Cornwall coast, near Newquay, Cornwall
Important notice
The Cornish Surf Life Saving Championships is taking place at Holywell on 29-30 June and 6-7 July. We expect that the car park and beach will be very busy on these days.
Opening times for 3 July 2024
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Ticket type Gift aid Standard Whole day (from 1 March 2024) £9.00 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
Car park
Open dawn until dusk. No overnight parking or camping.
Kiosk
Imi Ola (not National Trust) offer a selection of beach food and drinks. Including warm bagels, salad and pasta bowls, ice creams and hot and cold drinks.
Dogs
Dogs welcome all year but under control, particularly around livestock grazing on Cubert Common and cliff edges
Toilet
Found on the approach road to the car park. Baby change in the separate disabled toilet. Limited winter opening.
Blue Badge parking. Accessible toilet. Uneven ground. Poor phone signal.
Accessible toilet
Steps/uneven terrain
Uneven path to the soft, sandy beach. Coastal and inland paths can be uneven and there are steps in places.
Designated parking
By road
Leave A30 at junction signed Newquay/Indian Queens and take A39 then A392. Then follow A3075. Holywell is then accessed by unnamed roads via Cubert village.
Parking: National Trust car park at the end of Holywell village (TR8 5PF; SW767586). Parking free for National Trust members, National Trust for Scotland members and Blue Badge holders. Pay and display machines don't accept card payment, notes or issue change. You can also pay using PayByPhone. We suggest downloading the App before you visit as mobile reception can be patchy. Prices for non-members: £2 up to 1hr, £4 up to 4hrs, £8 all day.
Sat Nav: Holywell TR8 5PF
On foot
On the South West Coast Path
By train
Newquay, 3.5 miles (5.6km) from Crantock
By bus
Go Cornwall Bus service number 85/85A from Newquay to Truro, via Crantock. The bus stops at Tregurth Inn, a 300 yards (275m) walk from the beach.
Planning your visit
Article
Visiting Holywell with your dog
Holywell is a two pawprint rated place. Holywell is a great place for a walk with your dog. Take a look at these top tips to make the most of your visit.
Eating at Holywell
Imi Ola (not National Trust) offer a selection of beach food and drinks. Including warm bagels, salad and pasta bowls, ice creams and hot and cold drinks. Look out for signature dishes such as soft serve ice cream served in fresh pineapples. Here is a link to their Instagram page. Check here for up to date information.
Highlights
Beach
A long sweep of golden sand and a towering dune system.
Holy well
A holy well can be found in a cave at the far end of the beach, accessible at low tide.
The Kelseys
A small headland, with the remains of an Iron Age cliff castle.
Cubert Common
Grassland registered an ancient common and Site of Special Scientific Interest, with a Bronze Age barrow on the southern side.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to see and do at Holywell
Holywell is the largest bay on this stretch of coast. From enjoying a peaceful walk to surfing on the beach, there is plenty to explore.
Article
Visiting the Kelseys and Cubert Common
The Kelseys and Cubert Common can be found on the North Cornwall Coast. Discover more about these two areas.
Top trails
Trail
Holywell beach walk
Explore one of the most picturesque beaches in the UK and enjoy great views out to sea on the Holywell beach walk.
Trail
Cubert wildlife walk, Cornwall
Discover plenty of opportunity to spot flora and wildlife in every season on this varied walk along the National Trust's coastline near Newquay.
Trail
Cubert Common walk
Explore an easy 1-mile trail at the National Trust's Cubert Common in Cornwall and discover a wealth of nature and wildlife across open grassland. Look out for wildflowers and skylarks with sounds of the ocean to accompany you on this walk.
Places to stay
The West Wing
Live in the historic house of Trerice where views extend over the gardens and countryside.
About Holywell
Only a stone's throw from the popular seaside towns of Perranporth and Newquay, Holywell and the surrounding coast offers you a haven of beaches, common land and coastline to explore.
Exposed rocky headlands sit alongside a spectacular sandy beach, perfect for surfing or making sandcastles. Discover the hidden gem that is Porth Joke, a small cove that remains untouched by commercialism.
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.
This is popular walking country with coastal routes taking in the contrasts of Kelsey Head and Cubert Common. Visitors to West Pentire in the early summer can catch sight of spectacular displays of wild flowers.
Our work
Article
Poldark’s filming locations
Many of the places in our care helped bring the Bafta-winning Poldark series to life, including lots of coast and countryside areas that are rich in mining and Cornish history.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Holywell.