Watergate Bay
Family friendly beach, water sports and great food
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. The Extreme Academy on the beach offers surfing, kitesurfing and waveskiing, making it one of the best beach activity centres in the county. The bay is also home to the Watergate Bay Hotel and the restaurant formerly known as Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall.
The bay has become a destination in its own right, largely thanks to the Watergate Bay Hotel and Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall restaurant (now The Stable). The Extreme Academy on the beach offers everything from surfing and stand-up paddleboarding to kitesurfing and waveskiing - it’s one of the best beach activity centres in the country. 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.
Places to Stay in Watergate Bay
Hand-picked accommodation from cottages to boutique hotels.
Live availability in Watergate Bay
Sample dates: 1 May 2026 - 3 May 2026. Adjust below to see live prices for Watergate Bay.
Beaches near Watergate Bay
From hidden coves to golden surf strands.
Things to Do in Watergate Bay
Attractions, activities, and experiences.
Guides for Watergate Bay
Apartments in Watergate Bay
Watergate Bay sits on Cornwall's rugged north coast, two miles of Atlantic-facing sand three miles north of Newquay. It's a retreat for anyone seeking peace amid nature's splendor. Here, golden sands merge with the azure waters of the Atlantic, setting the stage for a unique coastal experience. Watergate Bay has a solid range of accommodations. Choose from stylish beachfront hotels, where the soothing sound of waves becomes your morning alarm, to cozy, eco-friendly cottages that don't compromise on comfort while promoting sustainability. Imagine opening your eyes to panoramic ocean views. Your days can be filled with surfing adventures or leisurely coastal walks, and you'll return to a place that's more than just somewhere to sleep. It's a central part of your memorable journey. Let us walk you through the top places to stay in Watergate Bay. Each option promises not just a room, but an unforgettable part of your Cornwall adventure.
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 4-star cliffside resorts with dedicated kids' clubs and surf schools to Victorian seafront hotels with heated pools and holiday parks with water flumes and beachside 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 6 or more months in advance - the Headland and Bedruthan in particular book solid by Christmas for the following summer.
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 now 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 in February 2026, making it Newquay's first Michelin star. That puts the county alongside some of the most food-credible hotel destinations in England. 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 significantly by season - the Nare Hotel, the Headland, and the Scarlet all charge substantially more in July and August than in November. Booking 3-6 months ahead for peak summer is standard at this tier.
