Watergate Bay Tourist Information

One of Cornwall’s most famous surfing beaches, award-winning Watergate Bay beach is around 3 miles north of Newquay and offers 2 miles of golden sands framed by steep cliffs. The great sweep of the bay gets the best of the Atlantic swell – the beach is popular with surfers and groups, families and couples. Two beachside car parks sit adjacent to the bay, and several paths lead down to the beach. The coast path is particularly scenic between Newquay and Watergate Bay – the walk usually takes around 45 minutes, and is strenuous with several hills and valley climbing challenges en-route. Next to the beach bay in a sheltered valley sits a great pub with all day food menu and a collection of waterfront cafes and restaurants including Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant.

Luxury accommodation flanks Watergate Bay including a beach chic hotel with spa facilities and indoor pool, and stylish contemporary apartments with magnificent sea views, balconies, surf equipment storage and wash off facilities. Beach sports venue, Extreme Academy at Watergate Bay offers surfing, kitesurfing, paddlesurf and waveski tuition, with instruction from qualified and approved instructors assured. Equipment is available to hire from bodyboards and wet suits to beginner boards, deck chairs and waveski. O’Neill Surf Academy is also in the area offering surfing tuition for all ages. Watergate Bay hosts many events, competitions and festivals on its golden sands including the popular annual Boardmasters surf and music festival.