Golden sands, glistening turquoise waters, and miles of meandering paths to explore along the rocky Cornish coastline – Holywell Bay has it all.

Situated on the north coast of Cornwall near Newquay and recognisable as one of the rugged backgrounds in the hit drama series, Poldark, Holywell Bay's distinctive sand dunes and raw beauty provide an equally perfect real-life location for a Cornwall staycation.

Wake up to one of the UK's most dramatic landscapes on your doorstep with 'Gull Rocks' in the distance, made up of two small islands protruding out of the bay to form the shape of a flying bird.

Holywell Bay is a popular family beach and has something for everyone. It's also dog-friendly, so four-legged family members can enjoy its expansive sands too.

At almost one mile long, as well as being the largest bay on this northern stretch of Cornish coast and one of the most magnificent walking stretches along the South West Coastal Path, Holywell Bay is an excellent swimming and surfing beach with its own surf school and seasonal lifeguarding.

At low tide the bay unveils historic secrets to explore, like a rusting 70-year-old shipwreck, and Holywell Cave tucked under the southern cliffs of Kelsey Head, which featured in Poldark.  

A stone's throw from the beach are the first-class fairways of Holywell Bay Golf Course, an 18-hole par 3 course, as well as a beginner-friendly Pitch 'n' Putt. Or, simply relax with a picnic and watch the sun go down over the bay.

The beach is surrounded by National Trust land and picturesque walks abound in the area.

A beautiful lengthy walk for those wanting a good ramble is to the left of the beach, past Penhale Army Camp to Perranporth, five miles there and five miles back. Or you can head north to Crantock Beach, via Polly Joke beach – a local favourite. You might even spot seals swimming along the way!

After all that activity, retreat to the quaint, thatched Treguth Inn in Holywell to refuel with a hearty pub meal. 

Nestled on the cliffs overlooking Holywell Bay is family-friendly Trevornick Holiday Park. This award-winning holiday destination offers all the ingredients for families to enjoy a memorable Cornish holiday. Swim in the outdoor heated pool, children can play in the Forest Trail or have some quiet time at one of the fishing ponds before walking down the private path to the beach below to watch the sunset.

Trevornick's range of accommodation includes something for every price point – from luxury lodges to camping pitches. The luxury lodges have private decking areas overlooking Holywell Bay, and some even have hot tubs. The self-catering cottages have private gardens, and the static caravans have many home comforts. Trevornick has camping and touring pitches across 200 spacious acres, and also offers ready-to-camp tents, pre-assembled with everything you need to take the stress out of camping. Dogs are welcomed at Trevornick with dog-friendly options for all the accommodation types, dedicated walking fields and an onsite Bark and Bathe shower.

As well as being a desirable location itself, Holywell Bay is the perfect base from which to explore many of Cornwall's treasures, from pretty coastal towns and fishing villages to coast-hugging walking trails, world-class restaurants and legendary historical sites.

For a range of family-family restaurants and attractions nearby, the surf town of Newquay is just a short drive away (5.5 miles).  Don't miss Newquay Zoo and the Blue Reef Aquarium, and a great lunch stop is at Rick Stein's for fish and chips on famous Fistral Beach.