When you think of the UK, beaches might not be the first thing that comes to mind. You might picture London’s bright lights, Edinburgh’s historic charm, or the Cotswolds’ rustic beauty. However, there’s more to the UK than these classic attractions. For those in the know, especially among Brits, a great beach getaway can be found on the stunning coast of Cornwall, and it doesn’t get more picturesque than a stay at the Watergate Bay Hotel.
A few months ago, I knew little about Watergate Bay, except that it was where Jamie Oliver opened his first Fifteen restaurant. But friends who had lived or studied in Cornwall raved about how special it was, particularly the fantastic hotel. Their glowing reviews and some enticing online photos quickly made this a trip I eagerly anticipated for months. And they were spot on—the place is truly incredible.
Having visited many spots in the UK, Watergate Bay is among the top. Instead of listing all the amazing things about it, let me tell you what it’s like to spend a weekend there. We took a train from London and a short taxi ride to the hotel, though flying into Newquay Airport, just a quick drive away, is an easier option. For a more scenic route, drive down to enjoy the beautiful views along the way.
Once there, we checked in and headed straight to our gorgeous suite. It was so lovely, I almost wished for bad weather just to stay in. But with the beach so close, just a minute’s walk, I couldn’t resist heading out. The sun was shining, and the beach was buzzing with people, which was the perfect backdrop for trying out my new drone. For prime people-watching, keep an eye on the surfers—they make it look effortless! Newquay is the UK’s surfing capital, after all.
Watching the surfers did make me a bit anxious, knowing I’d be attempting to learn the next day. I’m more skilled in eating ice cream and drinking wine than in physical activities, so I was skeptical about my “core strength.” However, dinner at Zacry’s restaurant quickly distracted me. We enjoyed a starter of ham hock terrine, salmon, and spicy prawns, followed by lamb with triple-cooked chips and chicken-salt, and wrapped up with a deconstructed crumble and chocolate Tanzanie for dessert.
The next morning, our comfortable beds nearly made us late for our surfing lesson. After a delicious breakfast featuring freshly made waffles, we headed for the coast. Despite a bit of drizzle, the day turned out warm. Our instructor at The Extreme Academy, Josh, was fantastic, teaching us to paddle and stand on our surfboards after some practice. Watergate Bay’s shallow waters made it less daunting and more enjoyable to learn.
Surfing worked up an appetite, so we headed back to the hotel for lunch at The Beach Hut, a relaxed spot right by the beach with great food. It’s a fun place to hang out, with a welcoming atmosphere for people—and dogs! After a hearty meal of steak and crème brûlée, a walk along the beach topped off the afternoon.
We indulged in an hour-long massage back at the hotel, which left me refreshed and ready for more beach time. Perfect weather meant more drone flying before a dip in the indoor infinity pool with panoramic sea views. As the sun set, I relaxed in our suite’s luxurious bath, soaking in the changing sky over the Cornish coastline.
Dinner at The Living Space was a laid-back affair—no reservations needed, just cozying up on sofas for a relaxing end to the busy day. We savored squid starters, followed by steak and fish cakes, finishing with strawberries and cream and ice cream.
Unlike other trips, this time I did enjoy watching TV in our comfy room and caught up on my favorite Netflix shows. The final morning was wonderfully lazy, with a late breakfast and plenty of time for more waffles before it was time to say goodbye to Watergate Bay. We squeezed in one last walk on the beach, promising to return soon.