A world famous coastline
Cornwall is famous for a few things, and one of those things is the breathtaking coastal landscape. We are very lucky here in Cornwall as no matter where you are here, you’re not that far away from the beach, and there is an abundance of them to choose from.
Today we are featuring two beaches. One from the north coast, and one from the south coast.
Representing north Cornwall is Holywell Bay beach. Holywell is a costal village that is located approx three miles southwest from Newquay. The beach is home to St Cubert’s holy well which is located in a cave on the north side of the beach. Do be mindful though as this cave is only accessible during low tide, so please be aware of tide times if you want to go exploring. On the east side of the beach, there is a 5,000 year old sand dune which is one of the largest in the UK. Many use the dune for sandbording. The beach has been used as a filming location a few times, and has featured in Poldark and James Bond.
Find out more about Holywell Bay here.
Holywell Bay
Located on the south coast and two miles from St Austell town is Carlyon Bay. Carlyon Bay is actually made up of three beaches; there is Crinnis, Shorthorn and Polgaver. The three beaches together are two miles long and are made up of “sand” which is actually something known as stent, a mixture of materials from the local china clay industry. The middle of the three beaches, Shorthorn has been declared a site of national importance by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust. Carlyon Bay was once home to the Cornwall Coliseum which was an entertainment venue where many huge concerts were held during the 1980s and 90s. Nearby there was also a popular nightclub called Gossips. Unfortunately, the Cornwall Coliseum lost popularity during the late 90s, and closed its doors for the last time in 2003 and was demolished in 2015. These days, Carlyon Bay is a popular spot amongst locals and tourists and its now home to the Carlyon Bay Hotel and golf club which over looks the clifftops of the bay. Like Holywell Bay, Carlyon Bay has also been a filming location and has featured in the 1979 film Dracula and the music video for the Alison Moyet’s song, “Is this love?”.
Find out more about Carlyon Bay here.
Carlyon Bay (Crinnis Beach)