Watergate Bay in Cornwall - "It's just perfect"
These are my daughter's words. With stunning views, a golden beach, endless activities, a top-reviewed hotel, and an airport just two miles away, I have to agree. You can't miss this one
Alongside this article, we’re publishing a companion episode of our immersive podcast dedicated to Watergate Bay in Cornwall. You can listen to it below or on your favourite Podcast app. Just search for Travel Plans with Fernando Pinho.
Hey there 👋🏻
The sun’s finally peeking out, and you know what that means: beach time.
If you’re searching for the perfect UK seaside escape, let me save you the trouble. It’s Watergate Bay in Cornwall. I recently took my family there for two days, and the trip was so good I had to write about it.
A sprawling golden beach. A fantastic family hotel with free childcare (yes, really). Surf lessons, beachside yoga, gourmet food, a sea safari, and a rainy-day adventure that turned out to be the surprise highlight of the trip. Oh, and for the pilots among you, there’s an airport five minutes away.
Let’s get into it.
Getting/Flying to Watergate Bay
Family road trips to Cornwall are a rite of passage. There’s the excitement, the snacks, the inevitable “are we there yet?” chorus somewhere on the A30, and the moment you finally glimpse that coastline and think: worth it.
But if you’re a pilot, forget all that. Watergate Bay sits practically on the doorstep of Cornwall Airport Newquay, just a two-mile hop from the threshold. A quick taxi, bus, or rental car and your toes are in the sand before most people have finished arguing over the aux cable.
From ATC to the team at Flynqy handling, you’ll be well looked after from the moment you call inbound.
Our destination
Watergate Bay isn’t your typical British seaside resort. No giant hotel chains, no amusement arcades, no candy floss smell. It’s quieter, more tucked away, and all the better for it. The kind of place where you feel like you’ve stumbled onto something the crowds haven’t quite found yet.
The heart of it all is the Watergate Bay Hotel. And what a heart it is.
The hotel opened in 1900, built on the dream of welcoming tourists arriving by train. Much like HS2, that railway never materialised. The hotel, thankfully, did. Over the decades, it changed hands, wore different hats, and even served as an Officers’ Mess for the RAF during World War II. Almost certainly the best-located Officers’ Mess in British history.
After recent renovations, both the hotel and the bay are looking magnificent. Ocean views, a spa, a kids’ club, a warm welcome for dogs, and sand that stretches for two glorious miles. It’s the kind of place where time genuinely slows down. I know that sounds like a brochure line. I mean it anyway.
For Flying Visitors: Weather-Proof Your Stay
Pilots, a heads-up! The hotel’s cancellation policy is a bit strict, so keep the weather forecast in mind when planning your visit. Here are some options to ensure your plans can adapt:
Plan B: Have a backup ground transportation plan just in case flying doesn’t work out.
Local Stays: Explore nearby B&Bs or consider the Premier Inn Seaside in Newquay. They’ve got generous cancellation policies (up to 1 p.m. on arrival day!) for those last-minute changes.
Beachfront Yoga: giggles, tangled limbs, and so much joy
If you, like me, greet the sunrise with a smile, then I have the perfect way to start your day – beach yoga! Imagine the serenity of the shore at dawn: a gentle breeze, the sound of the waves, and the promise of a brand-new day.
We booked a private family session, eager for a shared experience. On the day, it was 8 degrees with gusty wind that whipped the sand into our faces! Ugh. Maybe not the ideal beachside yoga scenario, but our adaptable Yoga teacher Gemma moved us indoors for a heartwarming and surprisingly hilarious family yoga experience.
Were there giggles every time one of us wobbled in a pose? Absolutely. Did a few downward dogs threaten to end with tangled limbs and laughter? You bet. But did we all leave with a sense of peace, joy, and a strengthened family bond? Definitely!
Learning to Surf
When you think of top-notch British surfing, Cornwall instantly comes to mind - and Watergate Bay is no exception as home to the English National Surf Championships! Its epic waves and stunning coastline make it a surfer’s dream.
Speaking of Cornish waves, my own surfing adventure ended years ago, even before it started, with the instructor politely suggesting building sandcastles might be a better fit! Let’s just say the lifeguards know me by name and not for my wave-riding skills.
This time, I was the beaming dad on the sidelines as my daughter Amélia took on those Cornish waves for her very first lesson.
If you’re ready to try surfing Watergate Bay’s famous waves, there’s a lesson waiting for you – whether you’re a beginner or ready to level up. Choose private or group sessions, both with equipment included. Children as young as seven are most welcome to join the adventure.
Gemma (our Yoga teacher) and her partner Adam run a surf and Yoga school in Watergate Bay. You can book lessons at Blue Surf School. Please book with them. They just started their own business and their story is really inspiring.
Remember: getting into a wetsuit is an adventure in itself! Arrive early for your lesson to give yourself time for the epic wetsuit wrestling match, especially if it’s your first time. (P.S. You’re not alone – hear our hilarious struggle in our podcast episode!)
Cornish Village Vibes & Sea Safari Rides
Just a 20-minute taxi ride from Watergate Bay lies the postcard-perfect fishing village of Padstow. If you’ve ever dreamed of a charming Cornish seaside town, this is it. Picture cobblestone streets winding past quaint shops, colourful boats bobbing in the sun-dappled harbour, and seagulls wheeling overhead.
Please note that If you’re looking for a quieter experience, consider visiting during spring or autumn when the crowds are smaller.
But I don’t recommend visiting Padstow just to admire the village – please take a sea safari! From Padstow, you can hop aboard a speed boat and set off on a one, two, or three-hour adventure to explore Cornwall’s incredible marine wildlife. Depending on the season and a touch of luck, you might spot playful dolphins, sunbathing seals, charming puffins, and countless other creatures who call this coastline home.
Now, these boats are fast! And by fast, I mean a rollercoaster-style thrill ride. Our daughters absolutely loved it! For those who prefer a gentler pace, be aware that these safaris might feel a bit too adventurous.
If you ask my family what the highlight of our Cornish weekend was, they’ll shout in unison, “The sea safari!”.
Windy or rainy Cornwall? That’s your lucky day
On our last day at Watergate Bay, we woke up to 40-mile-per-hour winds. “Forget the sea, hikes or any outdoor activity”, I said to myself.
But the great news is that, contrary to what many might say, Cornwall has some fantastic activity options for rainy or windy days.
What happened that day was an unexpected family adventure to the Eden Project. And in Eden, I felt I was.
Located 30 minutes from Watergate Bay, the Eden Project looks out of this world. Its giant domes, like spaceships landed in the countryside, recreate the biodiversity of many forests around the world. One moment, you’re in the lush Amazon with towering trees and waterfalls, the next you’re having lunch amongst the citrus scents of Greece. It’s a place of incredible contrasts and an experience for all your senses!
Children will love pretending to be rainforest explorers, climbing through the canopy and finding hidden treasures. Adults will appreciate the remarkable transformation of this landscape – a former quarry now blooming with life and inspiration.
With play areas, giant sculptures, and gardens to roam, the Eden Project is a family adventure you won’t forget.
A family ticket for four typically costs around £100. Children under 5 go free, and your tickets automatically become annual passes, allowing you to return as many times as you want. Ah, if you are looking for a place to eat, head to the Mediterranean Biodome, where you’ll find a restaurant that seems just out of Mamma Mia the musical.
At the end of the day, I’m so glad we didn’t stick to our original plan. It led us to something unexpected and unforgettable.
Michelin Guide meets Pizza
I could write a whole article just about food in Cornwall. Fresh ingredients, locally produced ice cream, and fantastic breads. The region is a foodie’s paradise!
Take Padstow, a village of just 2,500 residents. This little town has six Michelin Guide reviewed restaurants – a true testament to Cornwall’s culinary excellence. One such gem is Café Rojano, its Mediterranean-inspired menu earning it well-deserved Michelin recognition. Their Neapolitan-style pizzas, crafted with the freshest, most flavourful ingredients, are simply the best I’ve ever tasted.
Other places to eat
As our days at Watergate Bay wound down, my family and I found ourselves drawn to the same spot: the Beach Hut. Nestled at the edge of the sand, this relaxed restaurant welcomes every member of the family (including four-legged ones).
Their menu strikes a perfect balance, offering fresh local produce alongside a playful selection of treats—the length of their hot chocolate options alone could rival my aeroplane checklist!
The warmth and welcome we experience at the Beach Hut is, in my opinion, one of the key reasons why Watergate Bay feels so special.
My compass
I grew up in Portugal, where the beach was simply part of life. Moving to the UK, I felt that connection to the sea drift away. Present but distant, like a radio station you can almost tune in.
Cornwall brings it back. The warmth of the sun, the sound of waves and gulls, the smell of salt and good food. It reminds me that the sea has always been my compass.
I can fly there in 75 minutes. Even if I couldn’t, I’d find my way.
If you visit Watergate Bay with your family, I hope it gives you what it gave us. Rest, joy, a few unexpected adventures, and the particular happiness of a place that exceeds your expectations. This post is my small attempt to help you get there.
Until next time, keep exploring and happy travels. ✈️