Watergate Bay Hotel in Newquay, Cornwall — Beach Hotel

Newquay, Cornwall

Where Cornwall Meets Its Match

Two miles of Atlantic shoreline, one hotel that knows exactly what to do with them.

Perched above one of Cornwall's most spectacular stretches of Atlantic coastline, Watergate Bay Hotel is the kind of place that makes you wonder why you ever bother leaving Britain. Two miles of open beach unfurl beneath your window, and whether you arrive as a seasoned surfer chasing the next swell or a family simply hungry for sea air and space, this mid-range gem delivers something that feels quietly extraordinary. The glass-fronted 25-metre pool alone is worth the journey — suspended, it seems, between land and ocean, the water glinting with the same light that draws artists and dreamers to Cornwall year after year.

What sets Watergate Bay apart is its restless, energetic spirit. The Extreme Academy beckons the adventurous with surf lessons and beyond, while the Swim Club and Pilates sessions ensure that even the most wellness-devoted guest is thoroughly looked after. It is a hotel that refuses to let you sit still — though, truthfully, you will want to linger over dinner at Zacry's, where the kitchen takes full advantage of its spectacular coastal setting. The Beach Hut offers a more informal counterpoint, perfect for sandy-handed arrivals straight from the shore.

For families, couples and solo travellers alike, Watergate Bay strikes a rare balance: it is active without being exhausting, relaxed without being complacent. Dogs are welcome, the Atlantic is on the doorstep, and Cornwall's wild, salt-stung magic does the rest. Book it before someone else does.

Notable Features

What Sets It Apart

  • Glass-fronted 25m pool
  • Extreme Academy
  • Swim Club
  • Pilates
  • Zacry's restaurant

Gallery

Inside & Out

Watergate Bay Hotel — interior and exterior view 1
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Watergate Bay Hotel — interior and exterior view 3
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Watergate Bay Hotel — interior and exterior view 18

Guest Voices

What They Say

Stayed at Watergate Bay as part of the New Year package. We were a large group, kids and grandparents, so every age needed to be catered for. Overall, we would say that our stay was great. The highlights being: friendly staff and service, wonderful food, ideal for children with great free child care, a willingness to go above and beyond in making the stay family-friendly, and of course, the unbeatable location and views! The rooms we had, with a full sea view, were very cosy and nicely designed - but do be prepared for some being on the small side, and it is a shame a little more room for storage couldn’t have been included. For this price point, there is no evening turn-down service, which we would have expected. I also think that the entertainment needs to be revisited. Apart from New Year’s Eve, it finished at 9 p.m., which was about the time we finished dinner! New Year’s Eve itself was terrible. The band was awful, there was no atmosphere, and a laser show which was really disappointing. We would have been better off sleeping early! We would definitely visit again in the summer/spring, but for a New Year’s package, there is definitely a need to learn lessons and improve the experience for next year.

Jonathan Ibraaheem Marshall (Jonathan)4/5

Unbeatable location, ambiance and views. We just go in for food and drink, it feels like it should be bar service as they’re not very attentive (although very friendly when you do get their attention), but when you do go up to the bar to order or get the bill they say they will come over to you but you could easily sit there for 20 mins without ordering a drink if you don’t ask. Most food is delicious, especially the Scallops, the burger is very average and mediocre. A great place for bar snacks and a drink with a view, but definitely could be improved.

k tt4/5

Just fantastic! A group of us did the swim and breakfast. Beautiful pool, hot tub overlooking the beach and sauna then has thr best breakfast we've ever had in a hotel. Staff are fabulous, food excellent and location is great. Can't wait to return and stay over next time !

Perran Beach House5/5

Popped in for a coffee and ended up having a light lunch. Beautiful location and a warm, relaxed, comfortable welcoming hotel. Food and drinks were super but the stand out element which makes this place such a lovely environment to spend a couple of relaxing hours in is definitely the staff team; they are wonderful. Thank you!

Carolyn Blackburn5/5

We called in on Sunday, we arrived at 11am, went to the restaurant to see the beautiful views, we asked for coffee and cake or a bakery item, we asked the young lady taking our order for drinks, and would of Loved a cake or croissant 🥐, nothing available, no food until 12pm. Very poor and we were not the only Visitors asking for 🍰 cake or a croissant. Definitely missing a trick, look after the locals and review your Service.

Lisa Monaghan3/5

Watergate Bay Hotel

On the beach Watergate Bay Hotel, Watergate Bay, Cornwall TR8 4AA, UK

Guest Rating

4.6/ 5

Based on 1,437 reviews

Category

Mid-Range

Location

Newquay, Cornwall

Price Range

£200-350/night

Style

Beach Hotel

Best For

surfersfamiliesbeach lovers
Dog-Friendly
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