Porth Raylen, Holywell Bay · Holidays above the dunes at Holywell Bay, between Newquay and Perranporth – and places to stay nearby

Holywell Bay beach and Gull Rocks, North Cornwall – Porth Raylen, self-catering Holywell Bay

Porth Raylen, Holywell Bay – Holidays above the Dunes near Newquay

A spacious, detached holiday bungalow in its own grounds, with views over the sand dunes and the sea at Holywell Bay on the North Cornwall coast.

For many years Porth Raylen welcomed holidaymakers to Holywell Bay. Reached along a private drive, the bungalow stood in its own gardens, with a sheltered front lawn and a secluded seaward garden looking out over the bay. The lounge had floor-to-ceiling glass along its full length, giving wonderful panoramic views of the dunes and the sea, and a woodburner for cosy evenings. It slept up to six, and the centre of the village was a short walk downhill, with the dunes and the beach just a couple of minutes further on.

Porth Raylen is no longer advertising on Cornwall Online. If you are planning a holiday in Holywell Bay, browse the holiday cottages, B&Bs and holiday parks nearby in Holywell Bay, Crantock and Cubert.
View from the garden at Porth Raylen over the sand dunes at Holywell Bay
The view from the garden over the Holywell Bay dunes

Holywell Bay, Cornwall

Rocks and golden sand on the beach at Holywell Bay

Holywell Bay is a small coastal village on the North Cornwall coast, about six miles from both Newquay and Perranporth. Its beach is a three-quarter-mile stretch of golden sand sheltered by headlands and backed by high sand dunes, with the twin islets of Gull Rocks just offshore – one of the most photographed views in Cornwall.

The bay takes its name from the Holy Well, a natural spring in a cave at the northern end of the beach, reached across the rocks at low tide; in olden times its water was said to have healing powers. The beach is popular for surfing and swimming, with lifeguards in the main season, and its dramatic setting has made it a favourite film location – from the BBC’s Poldark to the James Bond film Die Another Day.

The village has two inns, including the Treguth Inn, a thatched pub dating back to the 14th century, as well as a golf course and pitch-and-putt and the family-friendly Holywell Bay Fun Park. A mile and a half inland, Cubert has an ancient church with a spire, a shop and a bakery.

The South West Coast Path runs north from the beach around Kelsey Head to the secluded cove of Porth Joke and the wide sands of Crantock, and south past the vast dunes of Penhale Sands towards Perranporth. With Newquay a short drive away, Holywell Bay is a peaceful base for a beach holiday on the North Cornwall coast.

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Location: Holywell Bay, Cornwall

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Places Nearby

Beaches

  • Holywell Bay – golden sands, dunes and Gull Rocks.
  • Porth Joke – unspoilt National Trust cove beyond Kelsey Head.
  • Crantock – wide sandy beach on the Gannel estuary.
  • Fistral – Newquay’s famous surf beach.
  • Perranporth – three miles of sand south of Penhale.

Walking, surfing & outdoors

  • South West Coast Path – around Kelsey Head to Porth Joke and Crantock.
  • Penhale Sands – one of the largest dune systems in Cornwall, south of the bay.
  • Surfing – Holywell Bay, Crantock and Fistral.
  • Golf – Holywell Bay golf course and pitch-and-putt.

Days out

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Holiday Accommodation Nearby

Looking for somewhere to stay in Holywell Bay? These holiday cottages, B&Bs and holiday parks in Holywell Bay, Crantock and Cubert are listed on Cornwall Online – contact the owners directly to check availability.

Cornwall Online has 7 holiday properties near Holywell Bay, Crantock and Cubert.

Crantock Beach Holiday Park · Newquay


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Crantock Beach Holiday Park - self-catering holiday accommodation in Newquay
Location: Newquay
Nearest beach: 0-1 mile

Short breaks available

Crantock Beach Holiday Park
0871 641 0159

Limited disabled facilities

Self CateringStatic CaravanHoliday Park

Unwind in Newquay, a part of Cornwall known for its dramatic coastline, local food and friendly welcome. Holidaymakers can choose Crantock Beach Holiday Park, offering self-catering holiday accommodation close to the coast and countryside. The nearest beach is within about a mile. Stays here come with coastal and sea views. There is also a swimming pool on site. Parking is available at the property. Your dog is welcome to stay – contact the owners for details. There are also some facilities for guests with limited mobility. Short breaks are available. Check the online availability and book your Cornish break.

Newquays Premier Holiday Parks, camping, Tourers and Holiday homes, fantastic on site facilities including swimming pool, crazy golf, nightly entertainment and lots more.

More details
Facilities at Crantock Beach Holiday Park:
Online availabilityCredit/debit cards acceptedPets welcomeParking availableSea viewsSwimming poolBarRestaurant

Beach View Holiday Bungalows & Holiday Homes · Cubert near Newquay

Prices from £510 to £1410
See latest availability
Beach View Holiday Bungalows & Holiday Homes - self-catering holiday accommodation in Cubert near Newquay
Sleeps: 6 max.
Location: Cubert near Newquay
Nearest beach: 0-1 mile
Saturday changeover
Beach View Holiday Bungalows & Holiday Homes
01637 830864
Self CateringStatic Caravan

Discover Cubert near Newquay, where the South West Coast Path, surf beaches and historic harbours make every day out different. Holidaymakers can choose Beach View Holiday Bungalows & Holiday Homes, offering self-catering holiday accommodation close to the coast and countryside. It sleeps up to 6 guests. The nearest beach is within about a mile. Holidays here come with the benefit of sea views. Parking is available at the property. Pet friendly accommodation, ideal for a holiday with your dog. Check the online availability and book your Cornish break.

Three LUXURY HOLIDAY HOMES Beach View Holiday Bungalows & luxury Holiday Homes are situated in a magnificent position and have uninterrupted and breathtaking views over nearby Porth Joke, a beautiful and secluded sandy cove with safe bathing and surfing.

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Facilities at Beach View Holiday Bungalows & Holiday Homes:
Online availabilityPets welcomeParking availableInternet accessSea viewsLinen provided

Lewannick Farm Cottages · Holywell Bay, Newquay

Prices from £295 to £707
Lewannick Farm Cottages - self-catering holiday accommodation in Holywell Bay, Newquay
Sleeps: 4 max.
Location: Holywell Bay, Newquay
Nearest beach: 0-1 mile
Saturday changeover

Short breaks available

Lewannick Farm Cottages
07974 381319
01637 830090
Self Catering

Take time out in Holywell Bay, Newquay, where the South West Coast Path, surf beaches and historic harbours make every day out different. Holidaymakers can choose Lewannick Farm Cottages, offering self-catering holiday accommodation close to the coast and countryside. Its rural setting means countryside walks are close at hand. It sleeps up to 4 guests. The nearest beach is within about a mile. Stays here come with coastal and sea views. Parking is available at the property. Short breaks are available.

Holiday Cottage near Holywell Bay, Newquay.

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Facilities at Lewannick Farm Cottages:
Parking availableInternet accessSea viewsTowels providedLinen provided

The Holiday Villa · Holywell Bay

Prices from £170 to £725
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The Holiday Villa - self-catering holiday accommodation in Holywell Bay
Sleeps: 6 max.
Location: Holywell Bay
Nearest beach: 0-1 mile

Short breaks available

The Holiday Villa
01637 830947
Self Catering

Take time out in Holywell Bay, where the South West Coast Path, surf beaches and historic harbours make every day out different. Holidaymakers can choose The Holiday Villa, offering self-catering holiday accommodation close to the coast and countryside. It sleeps up to 6 guests. The nearest beach is within about a mile. Take in the coastal and sea views after a day on the beach. Parking is available at the property. Dogs are welcome – ask the owners about their pet policy. Short breaks are available. Check the online availability and book your Cornish break.

The villa is situated just a short distance from the beach making it the perfect destination for your family holiday.

More details
Facilities at The Holiday Villa:
Online availabilityPets welcomeParking availableInternet accessSea viewsEn-suite facilitiesTowels providedLinen provided

Perran Sands Holidays · Perranporth

Prices from £150 to £695
See latest availability
Perran Sands Holidays - self-catering holiday accommodation in Perranporth
Sleeps: 5 max.
Location: Perranporth
Nearest beach: 0-1 mile
Saturday changeover
Perran Sands Holidays
07775 572 339
Self Catering

Take time out in Perranporth, where the South West Coast Path, surf beaches and historic harbours make every day out different. Holidaymakers can choose Perran Sands Holidays, offering self-catering holiday accommodation close to the coast and countryside. It sleeps up to 5 guests. The nearest beach is within about a mile. There is also a swimming pool on site. Parking is available at the property. Check the online availability and book your Cornish break.

Within easy walking distance to all amenities including on site swimming pool and facilities and night clubs.

More details
Facilities at Perran Sands Holidays:
Online availabilityParking availableLinen providedSwimming poolBarRestaurant

Holywell Bay Holiday Park · Holywell Bay


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Holywell Bay Holiday Park - self-catering holiday accommodation in Holywell Bay
Location: Holywell Bay
Nearest beach: 0-1 mile

Short breaks available

Holywell Bay Holiday Park
0871 641 0159

Limited disabled facilities

Self CateringCamping & TouringStatic Caravan

Stay in Holywell Bay, where the South West Coast Path, surf beaches and historic harbours make every day out different. Holidaymakers can choose Holywell Bay Holiday Park, offering self-catering holiday accommodation close to the coast and countryside. The nearest beach is within about a mile. Holidays here come with the benefit of sea views. There is also a swimming pool on site. Parking is available at the property. Pet friendly accommodation, ideal for a holiday with your dog. There are also some facilities for guests with limited mobility. Short breaks are available. Check the online availability and book your Cornish break.

Newquays Premier Holiday Parks, camping, Tourers and Holiday homes, fantastic on site facilities including swimming pool, crazy golf, nightly entertainment and lots more.

More details
Facilities at Holywell Bay Holiday Park:
Online availabilityCredit/debit cards acceptedPets welcomeParking availableSea viewsSwimming poolBarRestaurant

The Meadow Holiday Park · Newquay

Prices from £145 to £750
The Meadow Holiday Park - self-catering holiday accommodation in Newquay
Location: Newquay
Nearest beach: 0-1 mile
The Meadow Holiday Park
01872 572 752
Self CateringCamping & TouringStatic Caravan

Visit England/Quality in Tourism3 star Holiday park

Plan a Cornish break in Newquay, a part of Cornwall known for its dramatic coastline, local food and friendly welcome. Holidaymakers can choose The Meadow Holiday Park, offering self-catering holiday accommodation close to the coast and countryside. The nearest beach is within about a mile. The property offers holiday accommodation with coastal and sea views. Parking is available at the property. Pets are welcome, so the whole family can share the holiday.

A small private site sheltered by trees and bordered by a small stream.

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Facilities at The Meadow Holiday Park:
Pets welcomeParking availableSea views

See more in holiday accommodation in Holywell Bay, holiday cottages in Holywell Bay, holiday cottages in Crantock, holiday cottages in Cubert and holiday cottages in Newquay.

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Holywell Bay – Frequently Asked Questions

Porth Raylen is no longer advertising on Cornwall Online. Please browse the holiday cottages, B&Bs and holiday parks listed below in Holywell Bay, Crantock and Cubert – contact the owners directly to check availability.

Holywell Bay is a small coastal village on the North Cornwall coast, about six miles south-west of Newquay and six miles north of Perranporth, with the village of Cubert a mile and a half inland.

The bay takes its name from a natural spring in a cave at the northern end of the beach, reached across the rocks at low tide. In the past its water was said to have healing powers. Always check the tide times before visiting.

Yes – Holywell Bay is a popular surf beach, with consistent Atlantic waves and plenty of space at low tide. Lifeguards patrol the beach in the main season; always swim and surf between the flags.

Yes. The beach and dunes have appeared on screen several times – including the BBC’s Poldark and the James Bond film Die Another Day, where Holywell Bay stood in for the coast of North Korea.

Along the coast path to the north are the little cove of Porth Joke and the big sandy beach at Crantock, with Fistral in Newquay beyond. To the south, the dunes of Penhale Sands lead towards Perranporth.

Walk the South West Coast Path to Kelsey Head and Porth Joke, play golf at Holywell Bay, take the children to Holywell Bay Fun Park, visit the thatched Treguth Inn, or head into Newquay for the zoo, the Blue Reef Aquarium and Fistral Beach.

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Holiday Accommodation in Cornwall & Local Areas

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