Watergate Bay Beach © AP
Watergate Bay Beach is located three miles to the north of Newquay in Cornwall in south west England. The sandy beach is approx two miles in length located at the foot of steep cliffs providing a scenic setting on the Cornish coastline. The beach has been recommended by the Marine Conservation Society for a number of years making it an ideal place to go for the families, the location of the beach makes it a popular one amongst surfers. Located on the coastal path the beach is popular with swimmers, water sports enthusiasts and visitors.
Quick Facts
Watergate Bay Beach:
Region: South West England
County: Cornwall
Main Settlements close by: Bodmin, St Austell and Truro.
Attractions
Watergate Bay is located on the north Cornish coast close to the popular town of Newquay that attracts plenty of local and international visitors particularly in the peak summer months. The beach is well known for its long sandy beach and steep cliffs that provide both a scenic and tranquil setting.
The beach is popular with families and water sports fans including surfing and kite surfing, the large sandy beach offers children the opportunity to explore and some great beach walks . At low tide visitors can walk across to the nearby town of Newquay.
Local attractions include water sports including swimming, whilst the Atlantic provides the waves to make the beach popular with surfing aficionados. There are a umber of events, festivals and demonstrations held here in a number of sea, sand and air sports along with the annual Polo on the beach. The beach is a European Designated beach in addition to achieving the highest standard for bathing water in the UK.
There are a number of rock pools in the area along with designated safe swimming areas; the beach is 45 minutes walk from Newquay, the walk includes hills and valleys and is a strenuous walk appealing to the adventurous.
The beach has seasonal RNLI lifeguards from spring to autumn; local amenities include restaurants and cafes offering a choice of hot and cold food and drinks. Visitors can take lessons and learn how to surf, water ski, paddle board, kite surf and more with trained instructors and equipment hire available.
Location
Location a few miles from the Cornish coastal town of Newquay in south west England; Watergate Bay Beach is easily assessable from across southern Wales, the Midlands and southern England. From London and much of southern England it is 5 hours to 6 hours drive by car. From Newcastle, Durham and much of north east England the area is 7 hours to 7 hours 30 minutes by car, from Leeds it is 5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours by car, from Birmingham and much of the Midlands it is 4 hours to 5 hours. From Liverpool and Manchester it is approx 5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours.
From Cambridge and much of the East of England it is 5 hours to 5 hours 30 minutes hours by car. From Cardiff and areas within South Wales it is 3 hours to 4 hours by car.
Tourist Information
The Newquay Visitor Information Centre in Newquay is located approx 3 miles to the south of Watergate Bay Beach. The tourist information centre provides visitors with useful information, help, advice and tips on the local areas.
The tourist information centres includes knowledgeable staff with valuable local knowledge with information on local attractions, places of interest, things to see and do, along with local advice and tips. A visit to the tourist information centres provides a good first port of call for visitors helping to better plan and organise trips in and around the local area. At the centres visitors can find out about local events, public transport options, accommodation facilities; offering bookings and tickets for local activities and events.
Local Accommodation
Local Accommodation includes a choice of hotels that include historic and contemporary hotels, local B & B’s, Inns, Guest Houses, Self Catering houses, holiday homes and cottages. Local accommodation is available in Newquay, Bodmin and Truro. Towns located in the area including Newquay and the city of Truro provide a choice of accommodation along with good access to local facilities from which to the surrounding local areas.
Nearby Cities and Towns
Local Cities and Towns include the towns of Bodmin, St Austell and the city of Truro, the local facilities, amenities, transport links and accommodation available mean they are popular places for visitors to base themselves from when visiting Watergate Bay Beach and surrounding areas.
The town of Bodmin is located 22 miles to the east of Watergate Bay, in the heart of Cornwall. The central location makes the town a popular place for visitors to base themselves from when exploring Cornwall. The town has a rich history and was mentioned in the Domesday book. The town centre includes a number of shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants offering visitors a choice of food and drink options, in addition there are a number of accommodation options available for visitors.
Local attractions include the Town Museum, Courtroom Experience and Steam Railway, all of which are located walking distance from the town centre. Historic attractions include St Petroc's Church; the largest parish church in Cornwall, the church s known for its architecture, artefacts and includes a gift shop and runs a programme of regular events throughout the year.
Bodmin Town Museum is located in the town centre; it provides an interesting place for visitors to learn more about the history of Bodmin and the local area. There are a number of artefacts, exhibitions and displays explaining the storey of the town through time. There is a commemorative collection on World War I, along with a Cornish kitchen and the storey of World War II is told via photos, objects, text panels, uniforms and posters.
The city of Truro is located 17 miles to the south of Watergate Bay. The administrative capital of Cornwall, it is the only city in the county and is a thriving port. Historically the city dates back centuries, it is thought is started as a Celtic village before becoming a 12th century Norman settlement. During the 18th and 19th centuries the city was a popular home for well to do mine owners who built elegant houses, whose architecture can still be viewed today.
The city includes a number of eateries, bars, pubs and restaurants serving a choice of Cornish, British and international cuisine. There are a also a choice of accommodation options available for visitors to choose from catering for a range of budgets.
Truro is the most southerly city on mainland Britain and is known for its impressive Georgian architecture, markets and independent shops. Local attractions include Truro Cathedral; located in the heart of the city, the cathedral is famous for its impressive Gothic revival architecture and its three spires providing visitors with some wonderful photo opportunities. Visitors can see the stained glass and learn more about the cathedral and its history on the free guided tours.
The cathedral shop includes a range of souvenirs, gifts and mementos; the cathedral restaurant includes a choice of light snacks and meals that are freshly cooked diners can enjoy views over the cathedral green.
Royal Cornwall Museum showcases Cornwall's culture, history and environment over the years. The museum is home to a wide range of collections, objects and artefacts dating back many centuries right up to the present day. Highlights include a jade axe that is 5,000 years old and a Cornish lunulae that is 4,000 years old.
The museum is home to an impressive collection of fine art featuring works from established masters and contemporary artists. Visitors can learn more about the natural world in the discovery area; craft activities are available during the school holidays. The museum includes a full programme of family activities, lectures and exhibitions.
Truro is home to a number of jewellery shops many of which exhibit designs from local designers. The Art in the City festival is an annual event that takes place each April including a number of events featuring existing galleries and artists along with providing opportunities for new up and coming artists.
The town of St Austell is located 17 miles to the south east of Watergate Bay. One of the largest towns in Cornwall, historically the town prospered during the 18th century with the mining of 'white gold' - China Clay. The town became known for china clay and copper and tin mining. St Austell still exports clay and it remains an important local industry.
The town includes a number of shops including local and independent and larger national ones, there are a choice of cafes, pubs and restaurants serving a choice of local and international cuisine.
How to Get There
Watergate Bay Beach is accessible by both car and public transport.
By Car:
Watergate Bay Beach is located approx 280 miles from central London via the A4, M4, M5 and A30. The approx journey time is 4 hours to 30 minutes to 5 hours 30 minutes depending on traffic, route and time of day.
By Train:
From London Paddington station there are regular services to Newquay via Par train station in Cornwall. The journey time is approx 5 hours to 5 hours 45 minutes hours depending on service, connections and time of day. From Newquay the First bus service number 556 goes to Watergate Bay, the journey time is approx 15-20 minutes.
By Bus/Coach:
There are regular coaches available from London Victoria Coach station to Newquay. The approx journey time is 7 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 45 minutes depending on connections, time of day and traffic. From Newquay the First bus service 556 goes to Westgate Bay. Coach services to Newquay are provided by National Express
Map
For Local Search and Directions see: Watergate Bay Beach Map
Tips & Other Considerations
The weather and climate can be unpredictable across the UK, there can be elements of all four seasons in one day. Ensure you check the weather forecast before you travel and have the correct clothing and footwear including appropriate footwear, raincoat and umbrella.
Follow travel advice and remain alert, vigilant and aware of your belongings at all times especially your wallet/purse and valuables and ensure they are hidden away from public view. If you have a bag try to use a shoulder bag with a good quality, strong strap, that is put across your shoulder not on your shoulder making it more difficult for anyone to take your bag.
If you are travelling by car to Watergate Bay in Cornwall ensure you are well prepared with maps and Sat Nav to aid your journey, particularly if you are not familiar with the local area and roads. Use the journey planner for door to door directions. Check traffic updates before you travel.
If you are looking for car parking in and around the beach and surrounding areas, ensure you fully understand the rules, regulations & charges for car parks and street parking. The rules & regulations can be complex & confusing if you are unclear, it is wise not to park there.
If you are travelling by public transport, check for service updates prior to beginning your journey for any delays, disruption or cancellations to services that may impact on your journey. Ensure you have the service timetables for the trains, trams, buses and coaches. Remember when the last services are and ensure you make it to the train/bus/coach stops well in time to avoid missing the service.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
