What is the most important criteria for choosing where to stay on a Cornish holiday? The views? The location? The interior? Local amenities? We stayed at Windrush, Holywell Bay and it puts this criteria into focus.
Visiting with a large group? Discover our large holiday homes perfect for big families or friend groups.
There is a degree of smugness when we stayed at Windrush. The position in the middle of the village is a few hundred metres from the beach, meaning no driving to the car park, queueing to get in and paying. So it was so easy to step out of the front door and wander down.
And what a beach! We loved exploring Holywell Bay as it opens out into a wide expanse of sand, framed by cliffs on both sides. There’s space for everyone too, from dog walkers, families, surfers and photographers making the most of the continually changing landscape.
Fancy staying in Holywell Bay? Check out our luxury holiday lets in Holywell Bay.
Holywell Bay’s USP must be the dunes that rise above the beach and its criss-crossed paths which rise and dip with foot and paw prints. Truly somewhere to lose yourself.
Discover six stunning spots to watch the sunrise in Cornwall, each offering panoramic views and unforgettable moments along the coast.
On the beach itself, the tide covers mussel-encrusted rocks and crags and caves to explore, pools of seawater waiting to be replenished. We didn’t find the secret caves accessible at low tide, but there is still so much to stimulate the senses – this is true escapism.
Elsewhere in the village we found the 13th Century Treguth Inn, complete with a thatched roof and traditional pub menu. It’s only 100 metres down from Windrush so couldn’t be more convenient. On the edge of the beach, St Pirans Inn is also a short walk and open seasonally from mid-March.
So eating out is covered, but for eating in and supplies, we jumped in the car back up to the neighbouring village of Cubert where the convenience store is well stocked with everything you need. It’s a mile up the road, just two minutes away with long opening hours and friendly staff.
Windrush
We found Holywell Bay to be the perfect destination to escape to, the opposite of the everyday rush.
But what about Windrush? It’s a four-bedroom, split level detached house which has been beautifully upgraded by interior designer Nicola O’Mara to deliver comfort and character.
The dual-aspect living room was the focal point of the house, complete with open fire, patio doors out to the garden and feature pieces to savour. By day it’s light and bright, by evening it’s warm and cosy with subtle lighting.
We decided on a pizza making competition, for some evening fun (with a four-way tie for the victory) followed by drinks in front of the open fire (the convenience store in Cubert sells bags of logs).
Elsewhere the four bedrooms, two with en-suite, another with access to a jack and jill bathroom, feel separate away from each other, so everyone has their own space. Two bedrooms have a sea view – that’s the first thing you do when awake, check the view.
Favourite space? That’s the summer house, light and bright and stylishly furnished – the perfect spot to finally finish that book. The garden as a whole has been divided into sections, grass and patio with a corner seating area and a further terrace with seating. You’ll also find a gate leading down to the beach.
Favourite part of the weekend? Waking up to the sea views is worth savouring, as is exploring the beach. Windrush gave us the perfect mix of contemporary comfort and position to make the most of Holywell Bay.
