Holywell
OS Grid ref:- SW765595
The village of Holywell, south of Newquay shelters below the slopes of Penhale Point and is a popular holiday resort destination.
The clean and safe beach is protected by the National Trust and is nearly a mile long. It is a popular spot with surfers, there is a surf school on the beach and equipment can be hired locally. The beach is backed by sand dunes, a stream runs through the beach to the sea and there are caves nearby to explore. RNLI Lifeguards operate throughout the summer from May to September.
Dolphins can sometimes be sighted off Gull Rocks, the two distinctive pyramid shaped rocks which protrude into Holywell Bay. They are also sometimes known as Carter's Rocks.
There are two famous holy wells in the village, lying a mile apart, from which its name is derived. The first lies east of Holywell by the stream north of Trevornick Farm, it is considered by some authorities to be the authentic holy well of St. Cubert. The second well is located at Kelsey Head., in a two hundred feet high cave, reached only at low tide. Water seeps from the multi-coloured rock and mothers formerly crossed the sands of Holywell Bay to immerse their ailing children in the healing water.
Holywell Bay Leisure Park offers entertainment for children, entry and parking are free. Holywell Golf Course is an 18 hole all challenging par 3 course.
The village has a few shops and two pubs, the Treguth Inn, a characterful thatched inn and former farmhouse dating from the thirteenth century which serves meals and St Pirans Inn, which is situated closer to the beach and also serves food.