Holywell Bay
Appeared in Series/Episodes: Series 1–5
Used repeatedly for Ross Poldark’s horseback riding scenes
Featured in several dramatic coastal sequences
Episode Synopsis
In Poldark, sweeping shots of Ross Poldark riding along vast sandy beaches became some of the show’s most recognisable imagery. These powerful sequences symbolised freedom, defiance and the wild Cornish spirit — many of which were filmed at Holywell Bay.
Location
Holywell Bay Beach, Holywell Road, Newquay, Cornwall TR8 5PW
Travel time from Chyvounder:
Approx. 1 hour 20 minutes by car
While slightly further than West Cornwall locations, Holywell Bay makes a spectacular day trip as part of a wider Poldark exploration tour.
f you picture Poldark in your mind, chances are you see Ross galloping across an endless beach, coat flowing behind him, waves crashing dramatically in the background.
Those unforgettable horse-riding scenes were filmed at Holywell Bay, near Newquay on Cornwall’s north coast.
Unlike some of the tighter coves used in the series, Holywell Bay offers vast open sands backed by towering dunes. Its scale is what makes it so cinematic — and why it became a recurring filming location across multiple seasons.
Why Holywell Bay Was Perfect for Poldark
The production team needed a beach that felt powerful, expansive and untouched. Holywell delivers on all three.
At low tide, the sand stretches wide and flat, ideal for dramatic riding shots. The twin Gull Rocks rising from the sea provide a distinctive backdrop that appears in several scenes.
The openness of the landscape reinforced Ross Poldark’s character — independent, restless, and deeply connected to the raw Cornish environment.
Recognising the Scenes
Many of the wide-angle riding sequences were filmed here, particularly in early seasons when Ross is shown travelling between locations or riding in moments of emotional intensity.
Because Holywell Bay remains relatively undeveloped, the scenery looks almost exactly as it did on screen. Stand near the dunes and look across the beach at low tide — you can easily imagine the camera crew positioned to capture those sweeping shots.
Visiting Holywell Bay
Holywell Bay is part of the north Cornwall coastline, known for its dramatic Atlantic swell and expansive sandy beaches.
Top visiting tips:
Visit at low tide for the full beach experience
Wear layers — the north coast can be windy
Bring walking shoes if you plan to explore the dunes
Allow 1–2 hours for a relaxed visit
It’s also popular with surfers, so you may see boards and wetsuits adding modern contrast to the historic Poldark atmosphere.
Making It Part of a Poldark Tour
While Holywell Bay is further from West Cornwall, many guests choose to combine locations into a full Poldark itinerary.
A suggested route could include:
Holywell Bay (horse riding scenes)
St Agnes Head (dramatic clifftop scenes)
Botallack Mines (Wheal Leisure)
Porthcurno (Nampara Cove)
By staying in West Cornwall at Chyvounder, you’re positioned near several core filming locations, while still able to venture north for a scenic day trip.
Why Base Yourself in West Cornwall?
Although Holywell Bay is spectacular, the highest concentration of key filming locations sits in West Cornwall.
By staying near Penzance, you’re within easy reach of:
Botallack Mines
Levant Mine
Cape Cornwall
Porthcurno Beach
St Michael’s Mount
This means you can explore multiple iconic scenes without spending your entire trip driving.
After a full day chasing filming locations, returning to a peaceful hideaway retreat offers the perfect balance. Imagine unwinding in your private garden, reflecting on the dramatic landscapes you’ve explored — your own Cornish escape story unfolding.
Experiencing the Wild Cornwall of Poldark
Part of what made Poldark so visually powerful was Cornwall itself. Holywell Bay represents the untamed beauty that defines the region — expansive skies, rolling dunes and powerful Atlantic energy.
Seeing these landscapes in person adds depth to the series. It transforms it from television drama into lived experience.
