Polly Joke or Holywell? Which Beach is Best?

A disagreement has reared it’s head at Bowgie HQ. We can’t decide which beach we like best…Polly Joke or Holywell.

We’ve flipped coins, we’ve arm wrestled and we’ve even tried asking a ouji board which was not at all helpful. As you can imagine, we are at our wits-end and we were hoping you’d be able to help us solve this dispute once and for all.

We’ve listed our reasons for loving each beach below. So have a read and let us know which beach you think is best on our Facebook page!

https://www.facebook.com/bowgieinn

For the purposes of this blog, there is no middle ground. You are either Team Polly Joke or Team Holywell…which is it to be?

Polly Joke

Polly Joke (also known as Porth Joke) is one of favourite beaches and that’s no joke! It’s a cheeky little sandy triangle that pokes its pointy end inland just between West Pentire Head and Kelsey Head.

Why We Love It

  • It’s a secret beach that many tourists miss, meaning that it’s relatively quiet.
  • Porth Joke is north-west facing and has spectacular views of the Atlantic.
  • Low tide reveals exciting rock pools, caves and their inhabitants which is ideal for explorers and budding Bear Grylls.
  • It’s a beautiful, unspoilt spot with no cafes, toilets and whatnot which means it’s a relaxing escape from the crowds of other beaches, even during the height of summer.
  • Dogs are welcome all year round.
  • The name Polly Joke is thought to be derived from the Corhish Pol-Lejouack meaning Jackdaw cove. That’s cool.

Holywell

Holywell is also one of our favourite beaches. Sticking with the theme of geometry for our description, this beach is a large horizontal rectangle with its long side bearing the brunt of the crashing waves of the Atlantic.

Why We Love It

  • Easy access for all beach lovers.
  • Clean, safe, water (with lifeguards during peak seasons) means its perfect for swimming. The large Atlantic swells mean it’s fab for surfers.
  • Low tide leaves rock pools and shallow streams behind; perfect for paddling and exploring!
  • Beautiful sand dunes and cliffs surround this beach, meaning you are guaranteed a beautiful view which ever way you look.
  • The trio of rocks rising from the sea just off the coast are perfect for all
  • Instagram photographers, whatever filter you use.
  • Dogs are welcome all year round.
  • The name comes from a spring in an ancient cave on the north end of the beach.
  • The spring was believed to be a holy well.

So which is it to be? Everyone at Bowgie Inn, Crantock, is even more confused now!

Kevin shared this fantastic photo of Polly Joke for our Wall of Fame!

Just look at that beautiful sky over Holywell

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in February 2016 and has been republished with a new header image.