Watergate Bay: Ultimate UK Beach Getaway

Interestingly, beaches are not the first thing that comes to mind when considering destinations in the UK. Travelers are often lured to the vibrant atmosphere of London, the historic attractions of Edinburgh, and the charming landscapes of the Cotswolds. However, the UK offers much more than these typical attractions.

Consequently, it is widely recognized among locals that if you seek an exceptional beach holiday in the UK, the picturesque Cornish coastline is the place to go. In this context, British seaside holidays reach their peak at the exquisite Watergate Bay Hotel.

Let’s reflect on my visit there a few months ago…

Apart from knowing that Watergate Bay Beach is where renowned chef Jamie Oliver established his first Fifteen restaurant, my prior knowledge about this destination was limited.

However, my friends who studied or resided in Cornwall had described Watergate Bay as extraordinary, enthusiastically highlighting the qualities of the hotel and its surroundings. Their commendations, combined with enticing online visuals, made this holiday one I eagerly anticipated for several months.

They were entirely accurate about the delightful experience it offered.

Throughout my travels across various locations in the UK, it is apparent that Watergate Bay ranks among the top destinations. Instead of elaborating further on its charm, let me take you through what I experienced during my weekend at the Watergate Bay Hotel!

Day One

Arrival: We took a direct train from London followed by a brief taxi ride to the hotel. The most convenient approach to reach this location is by flying into Newquay Airport, which is a short distance from the hotel.

However, the most scenic route would be to drive, as this region boasts stunning views and numerous attractions along the way. Depending on your starting point, you may approach from the South.

After a smooth check-in process, I was eager to explore our accommodation, which turned out to be a stunning suite.

As you might expect, I was captivated by the stunning bathroom!

Ultimately, the allure of the beach beckoned, prompting me to temporarily leave the luxurious hotel amenities and take a mere 60-second walk to the beach.

The sun was bright, and holidaymakers were active, creating a lively atmosphere, perfect for observing surfers in action.

These skilled surfers made it seem effortless. Newquay serves as the premier surfing hub in the UK, making it a fantastic location for enthusiasts.

Watchful observation of their skills made me a bit apprehensive considering our upcoming surfing lesson the next morning. I worried about my ability to navigate the waves.

I acknowledge that surfing demands core strength, but I was blissfully unaware of how to develop it. Let’s just say my strong points lie elsewhere—ice cream consumption and leisurely wine tasting!

Before the lessons, we enjoyed dinner at Zacry’s, one of the restaurants located within the hotel. I eagerly anticipated the gastronomical delights there.

While appetizers included ham hock terrine and spicy prawns, my favorite was undoubtedly the prawns, setting a high standard for our dinner.

For main courses, I savored steak while Lloyd opted for the burger. Following that, dessert entailed a deconstructed crumble—a fitting close to an exquisite meal.

This evening was capped off with a venture back to our inviting suite at the Watergate Bay Hotel to kick back and relax.

Day Two

Upon rising on our second day, laziness enveloped me, causing us to briefly miss breakfast. However, I felt no remorse as those beds felt utterly luxurious, making it difficult to part ways.

Our breakfast selections overflowed with delightful options, yet I followed my heart straight to the made-to-order waffles! These were actual waffles prepared in front of me.

Post breakfast, we ventured into the dramatic Cornish landscape. The rain had subsided as we gathered for our surfing lesson. Adverse weather conditions weren’t about to deter our adventurous spirits.

Despite an overcast sky, the temperature remained pleasantly warm. Surprisingly, I found the water enjoyable—thanks to the provided wetsuits that kept me warm and comfortable.

After some initial struggles, I successfully managed to stand on the surfboard. This accomplishment was attributed to Josh, our instructor who guided us through the learning process skillfully.

If you’re hesitant about surfing due to concerns about wave intensity, rest assured that Watergate Bay features a gradual incline that allows for safe standing, even when you fall. This aspect significantly alleviated my anxieties!

We bid farewell to Josh around noon and made our way back to the hotel to clean off before heading to The Beach Hut for lunch.

The Beach Hut is precisely what its name suggests—a relaxed establishment located directly on the beach that offers wholesome, scrumptious food accompanied by a vibrant atmosphere.

If Zacry’s is elegantly sophisticated, then The Beach Hut embodies effortless coolness. The space welcomes dogs, providing a casual ambiance for visitors to enjoy.

After enjoying a fulfilling lunch, we took a leisurely stroll along the beach to aid digestion before returning for a well-deserved hour-long massage, something I had been looking forward to all day.

Massages tend to lull me to sleep towards the end, and this session was no exception; however, I awoke invigorated, ready to seize the remainder of the day. Rather than returning to the room, we set our sights on enjoying time at the beach.

By this point, the sun was shining brightly, creating ideal conditions for flying my drone. While I’m still mastering the device, having fun with it is exhilarating!

A reminder of that luxurious bath awaited me in the room. It served as a perfect place to unwind while observing the sunset; the setting was ideal for savoring a drink, playing music, and admiring the continuously changing hues of the Cornish sky as the sun descended.

As dinner beckoned, we proceeded to The Living Space for our meal. Unlike the other restaurants that necessitate reservations, this venue operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The Living Space captures a casual aesthetic where patrons can lounge on comfortable sofas, enjoying meals with their feet up—a delightful end to a day full of excitement!

For starters, we enjoyed squid followed by my chosen steak (yes, another steak) and Lloyd’s fish cakes.

For desserts, I opted for a crème brulee while Lloyd went for a sundae, wrapping up our delectable feast in style.

Finally, after a day filled with activities and delightful indulgences, it was time to relax back in our cozy room once again to unwind.

The Final Day

On our last morning, I experienced blissful laziness, allowing myself to sleep in and savor multiple waffles for breakfast. The rest of the morning was simply devoted to indulgent relaxation in bed.

Sadly, check-out time approached, and we prepared to bid farewell to this splendid destination.

As the taxi arrived to transport us back to London, the final moments were spent strolling down the Watergate Bay beach, promising each other a return visit in the near future.