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Watergate Bay
Family friendly beach, water sports and great food
See places to stay in Watergate Bay →Watergate Bay is a west-facing beach on Cornwall’s north coast, stretching nearly 2 miles of sand between dark slate cliffs about 3 miles north of Newquay. Wavehunters runs surf lessons on the beach all year, carrying on the work of the Extreme Academy, which started here in 1999. The bay is also home to the Watergate Bay Hotel and the Beach Hut restaurant.
The bay has become a destination in its own right, largely thanks to the Watergate Bay Hotel and its surf school. The Beach Hut restaurant, right on the sand, is a great spot for lunch with a view. Despite the name recognition, Watergate Bay hasn’t been over-developed - the cliffs on either side are undeveloped and the beach feels wild.
The coast path from Watergate Bay north towards Mawgan Porth is a beautiful walk along high cliffs, with Bedruthan Steps - the famous stack-studded beach - visible in the distance. Newquay’s town beaches and nightlife are a short drive south if you want more action. But most people who stay at Watergate Bay find the combination of big beach, good food and reliable waves is enough to fill a week without going anywhere else.
Where to stay
Places to Stay in Watergate Bay
Places to stay from cottages to boutique hotels.
Live availability in Watergate Bay
Sample dates: 13 November 2026 - 15 November 2026. Adjust below to see live prices for Watergate Bay.
The coast
Beaches near Watergate Bay
The nearest sand, with dog rules and lifeguard cover for each.
Days out
Things to Do in Watergate Bay
Days out within easy reach of Watergate Bay.
Guides for Watergate Bay
Apartments in Watergate Bay
Watergate Bay is a two-mile arc of west-facing sand on Cornwall's north coast, three miles north of Newquay. The surf is consistent, Wavehunters runs lessons from the beach, and the South West Coast Path crosses the bay. The apartments below range from a one-bedroom for a couple to a three-bedroom sea-view flat that sleeps six, and every one is within about 500 metres of the sand.
Best Family Hotels in Cornwall
Cornwall has more family-friendly hotel options than most people expect - it is not just cottages and caravan parks. From cliffside resorts with kids' clubs and spas to Victorian seafront hotels with indoor pools and holiday parks with water flumes and woodland lodges, there is a range that spans every budget. The north coast from Bude to Mawgan Porth concentrates the biggest resort hotels, while St Ives and Falmouth offer more classic hotel stays with beaches on the doorstep. One practical note: peak summer weeks (late July and August) at the better-known hotels fill early, so book the Headland and Bedruthan well ahead.
Best Luxury Hotels in Cornwall
Luxury in Cornwall comes in several distinct forms. There are the clifftop spa hotels - adults-only escapes with sea-view hot tubs and coastal treatments. There are the Victorian country house hotels set in landscaped grounds with pools, golf, and chauffeur services. And increasingly, there are the food-destination hotels that justify the room rate as much by what's on the plate as the thread count on the pillow. Cornwall has 3 Michelin-starred restaurants: Paul Ainsworth at No.6 in Padstow, Outlaw's Fish Kitchen in Port Isaac, and Ugly Butterfly at the Headland Hotel in Newquay - the latter awarded its first star in February 2026, Newquay's first Michelin star. The hotels listed here represent the strongest options across the county: coast-facing spa resorts on the north coast, 5-star country houses on the Roseland, clifftop properties with direct beach access near St Ives, and a resort-scale property in Fowey. Prices vary by season, with July and August the most expensive, so book peak summer well ahead.
Good to know
Watergate Bay - frequently asked questions
- What beaches are near Watergate Bay?
- Watergate Bay has 4 nearby beaches including Watergate Bay, Whipsiderry Beach, Porth Beach, Mawgan Porth. Browse all beaches in the area for directions, facilities, and nearby accommodation.
- Where can I stay in Watergate Bay?
- There are 18 places to stay in Watergate Bay including cottages, apartments, and holiday homes. Prices start from £423 per week.
- What is there to do in Watergate Bay?
- Watergate Bay has 2 attractions and activities including Wavehunters, Wax Bar and Kitchen.
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