South West
Perranporth Beach
Three miles of dune-backed sand on the north coast where small frosted sea glass turns up near the rocks after storms.
About Holywell Bay
Holywell Bay is a large sandy beach on the north coast near Newquay, hidden behind tall sand dunes and owned in part by the National Trust. Visit Cornwall and local jewellery makers both name it as a strong sea glass beach. The rock pools at either side are the places to look.
Sea glass at Holywell Bay
Sources say the dunes and rock pools are 'a particular haven' for sea glass and that you can find 'handfuls' here. No particular colours are named.
Visiting Holywell Bay
- Parking
- Holywell Bay Car Park is a National Trust pay and display on the west side of the village near the beach, free for National Trust members (Visit Cornwall).
- Safety
- Check the tide times before you go and head out on a falling tide, so you're never cut off. Keep away from the bottom of cliffs, wear sturdy shoes on rocks, and only take sea glass and other man-made rubbish: pebbles, sand and shells should stay on the beach.
From the community
Hunters' reviews of Holywell Bay
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Sources
- visitcornwall.com : Visit Cornwall: sand dunes and rock pools are a haven for sea glass
- kernowcraft.com : 'A brilliant location to find handfuls of sea glass'
- jacquipaterson.com : Lists Holywell Bay among good Cornish sea glass spots
Last updated 23 October 2026
Nearby
All beaches in South West More sea glass beaches near Holywell
South West
Towan Beach
Newquay's central harbour-side beach, where rock pools around the Island House turn up large pieces of sea glass.
South West
Watergate Bay
A two-mile surf beach north of Newquay where rough Atlantic water delivers finely rounded sea glass.
South West
Portreath Beach
A north Cornwall cove of sand and shingle where big Atlantic waves wash frosted sea glass into the coves and rock pools.