Watergate Bay Live Cam

Watergate Bay is a beautiful coastal area located on the north coast of Cornwall, England. It is known for its stunning sandy beach, clear waters, and rugged cliffs, making it a popular destination for tourists and surfers alike. The area has a rich history that spans centuries, with various events shaping its development.

Early History: The history of Watergate Bay dates back to ancient times. Evidence of human settlement in the area can be traced to prehistoric times. Archaeological findings suggest that the region was inhabited by early Celtic peoples, and later by Romans who arrived in Britain in the 1st century AD.

Name Origin: The name "Watergate Bay" likely derives from its Cornish name "Porth Tregoryon," which translates to "Tregoryon Cove." Over time, this name evolved into the more commonly used "Watergate Bay."

Smuggling: Like many coastal areas in Cornwall, Watergate Bay has a history of smuggling activities. During the 17th and 18th centuries, smuggling was prevalent along the Cornish coastline, and Watergate Bay was no exception. Its secluded cove and rugged landscape provided smugglers with ideal hiding spots for their illicit activities.

Maritime Heritage: Cornwall's history has always been closely tied to the sea. Fishing and maritime trade were essential components of Watergate Bay's economy in the past. Fishing boats and other vessels would launch from the bay, contributing to the local community's livelihood.

The Watergate Bay Hotel: One of the notable landmarks in the area is the Watergate Bay Hotel. Originally established in 1904, it has a long and storied history. The hotel has undergone various expansions and renovations over the years and has become an iconic destination for travelers seeking a luxurious beachside experience.

World War II: During World War II, the Cornwall coast, including Watergate Bay, played a significant role in the war effort. The bay and its surroundings were patrolled by the Home Guard, and the region was prepared for potential invasions.

Surfing Culture: In more recent times, Watergate Bay has become known as a surfers' paradise. Its consistent waves and pristine conditions attract surfers from all over the world. The area hosts surfing events and competitions, contributing to the vibrant surfing culture that thrives along the Cornish coast.

Overall, Watergate Bay's history is a fascinating blend of ancient settlement, smuggling lore, maritime traditions, and modern-day tourism. Today, it continues to captivate visitors with its natural beauty and offers a glimpse into Cornwall's unique heritage.

Top Tourist Attractions

Watergate Bay is known for its stunning coastal scenery and offers a variety of attractions and activities for tourists to enjoy. Here are some of the top tourist attractions:

• Watergate Bay Beach: The primary attraction of the area is undoubtedly Watergate Bay Beach itself. This beautiful, sandy beach stretches for over two miles and offers excellent opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, and picnicking. It's also a popular spot for surfers and water sports enthusiasts.
• Watergate Bay Hotel: The iconic Watergate Bay Hotel is a notable landmark in the area and offers a luxurious beachside experience. Even if you're not staying at the hotel, you can visit its restaurants and bars, which provide excellent views of the bay and the coastline.
• Jamie Oliver's Fifteen Cornwall: Located right on the beach, this restaurant, founded by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, offers a fantastic dining experience with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and a breathtaking view of the sea.
• Extreme Academy: Operated by the Watergate Bay Hotel, the Extreme Academy is a hub for outdoor activities, especially surfing. It offers lessons and equipment rentals for surfing, kite surfing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and more.
• Coastal Walks: The stunning coastal paths around Watergate Bay attract hikers and nature enthusiasts. You can embark on walks to nearby areas like Bedruthan Steps, a series of impressive rock formations along the coast, or venture further along the South West Coast Path to explore more of Cornwall's coastal beauty.
• National Trust's Carnewas at Bedruthan: This attraction, near Watergate Bay, features a clifftop area with breathtaking views of the sea and rugged coastline. You can enjoy scenic walks and take in the natural beauty of the area.
• Newquay: Watergate Bay is close to Newquay, a popular seaside town known for its vibrant surf culture, beaches, and various attractions. Visitors often explore Newquay's beaches, such as Fistral Beach, and enjoy the town's restaurants, shops, and nightlife.

Climate

The coastal area experiences a maritime climate, which is influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The climate in the area is generally mild, with relatively moderate temperatures throughout the year. Here are some key characteristics of the climate in Watergate Bay:

• Mild Winters: Winters in Watergate Bay are generally mild compared to other parts of the UK. Average daytime temperatures in winter range from 8°C to 10°C (46°F to 50°F), and nighttime temperatures rarely drop below freezing.
• Cool Summers: Summers in Watergate Bay are cool and pleasant. Average daytime temperatures in summer range from 17°C to 20°C (63°F to 68°F), making it a comfortable destination for outdoor activities.
• Rainfall: Like much of Cornwall, Watergate Bay experiences a fair amount of rainfall, particularly during the autumn and winter months. Rain showers can be frequent but are often interspersed with sunny spells.
• Sunshine: The region receives a reasonable amount of sunshine, particularly during the summer months. However, overcast and cloudy days are not uncommon throughout the year.
• Wind: Due to its coastal location, Watergate Bay can be quite windy at times, especially during the winter months. This makes it a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts, particularly surfers and kite surfers.
• Seawater Temperature: The seawater temperature in Watergate Bay varies throughout the year. It is at its coldest during the winter months, ranging from around 9°C to 12°C (48°F to 54°F). It reaches its warmest during the summer, with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 18°C (57°F to 64°F).

Overall, Watergate Bay's climate is relatively mild and suitable for outdoor activities year-round. However, it's always a good idea to check the weather forecast before visiting, as conditions can change, especially given the maritime influences from the nearby Atlantic Ocean.

Geography

It is characterized by its stunning natural geography, which includes a combination of sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and breathtaking coastal landscapes. Here are some key features of the geography of Watergate Bay:

• Beaches: The centerpiece of Watergate Bay's geography is its two-mile-long sandy beach. The beach is wide and open, providing plenty of space for beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers. The sandy shoreline is perfect for leisurely walks and sunbathing.
• Cliffs: Watergate Bay is surrounded by rugged cliffs that add to its dramatic coastal scenery. The cliffs are made up of various rock formations, creating a striking backdrop against the sea. The coastal cliffs also offer picturesque views of the ocean and are popular spots for coastal walks and hiking.
• Headlands: The bay is flanked by two prominent headlands, Towan Head to the north and Trevelgue Head to the south. These headlands add to the bay's natural beauty and provide shelter from strong winds.
• Stepper Point: To the northwest of Watergate Bay, across the estuary of the River Camel, lies Stepper Point. This headland offers panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and the sea.
• Mawgan Porth: Situated just a short distance to the south of Watergate Bay is the charming coastal village of Mawgan Porth. This area has its own beautiful sandy beach and is popular among visitors seeking a quieter beach experience.
• Ocean Views: Watergate Bay's location on the north coast of Cornwall means it faces the Atlantic Ocean. This provides an excellent vantage point to witness stunning sunsets over the water and the ebb and flow of the tides.
• Estuary: The River Gannel estuary is located nearby, separating Watergate Bay from Newquay to the west. This estuary is an important natural habitat for various bird species and offers additional opportunities for exploration.

Overall, Watergate Bay's geography showcases the best of Cornwall's coastal beauty. Its sandy beach, dramatic cliffs, and stunning ocean views make it a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature and experience the charm of this picturesque coastal area.

2 mile surfing beach on the North Cornwall Beautiful Coast

At Watergate you will be welcomed to an hotel as relaxing, friendly and good value as its location is spectacular. The hotel is renowned for the atmosphere created by the Ashworth family over thirty years. And now the next generation is refurbishing and adding exciting new facilities to enhance its reputation as one of Cornwall's leading destinations. Cornwall is a wonderful playground and Watergate's central location offers easy access to all the best of its art, gardens, history and charming ports. From kitesurfers to grandparents, toddlers to their parents, everyone enjoys the beauty of the bay and the comfort of the hotel with all its many facilities. Watergate Bay Hotel offers a range of hotel accommodation and self catering, all with the use of the hotel's extensive facilities.

Watergate is the perfect place for a family holiday and we are very experienced in providing for the needs of all children (tiny babies to teenagers) as well as for their parents. The beach has acres of golden sand, pools, caves and space for everyone. Our organised activities offer action and interest with new friends of the same age, on the beach, in the sports hall or playroom, with extras arranged for holidays and half terms. Entertainments include parties, rock 'n bop, circus workshop, wild animal ark and quizzes. For the under sevens there is an early supper and a supervised playroom to allow parents a peaceful dinner. For the youngest we have warm paddling pools, sandpits, cots, highchairs, suitable food, a mothers' kitchen, baby-listening at any time and understanding staff. Our family suites allow families to be together but with separate bedrooms. With child free offers, grandparents' discounts and our family package, you can't beat it.

The Eden Project - Cornwall's world class visitor destination for the 21st century opened on March 17th 2001. Nestling within it are two gigantic geodesic conservatories - the largest 200m and 45m high - the biggest in the world. Made from over 800 huge steel hexagons with no internal support they are a remarkable feat of engineering. Visit Eden and walk through the 'biomes' and experience the sights, smells and sheer scale of rainforest.

The Isles Of Scilly - A unique world apart, with a tranquility and quality of life long lost to less isolated places. Sparkling white beaches, exotic plants, abundant wildlife, magnificent views, Civil Way castles and prehistoric relics. Depart Newquay airport by Skybus after breakfast, enjoy breathtaking views of Cornwall, Land's End and the islands, explore St. Mary's or take a boat to outlying islands and return in time for dinner. Airport parking is free. We offer our guests large reductions on flights.

The Camel Trail - The Camel Trail, open all year, winds through some of Cornwall's most beautiful and little-known countryside linking the towns of Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow. Visitors to the Trail each year use it daily for jogging or birdwatching, others for an occasional day out walking or cycling. Cycles can be hired in Padstow and Wadebridge.

Trebah Gardens - The steeply wooded ravine garden falls 200 feet to the Helford River. A stream cascades over waterfalls through colourful water gardens and ponds of Koi Carp, and winds through two acres of blue and white hydrangias before spilling out over the private beach.

At Watergate Bay, a choice of activities to suit everyone, from the latest buzz of kiteboarding to a leisurely stroll and a grandstand view of the action from the hotel. Try extreme sports with The Extreme Academy on the beach where our guests have special rates for tuition in surfing, power-kite flying, kiteboarding, kitebuggying as well as for the hire of equipment. There's our own sports hall, tennis and squash courts, warm swimming pools, games deck and practise golf course. Added to these we book golf with tee-off times at very reduced rates on 15 courses. We organise sporting tournaments, beach volleyball and football. In the summer holidays our action-packed Junior Activity Weeks are very popular. There's the freedom to choose, indoors or outdoors, and the space to enjoy it at your own pace.

All of the hotel's main areas have been refurbished recently in a relaxed, modern stylish and comfortable way. The hotel's good reputation for food is based on a well balanced table d'hote menu with traditional English fare and modern international dishes all complimented by an excellent a la carte choice. The vegetables are always seasonal and the desserts are always special. Fresh lobsters and crabs are available to order. Chef insists on using the freshest Cornish ingredients especially the excellent fish fresh from the local ports. As breakfast is such an important meal, we serve both continental and Full English with a wide and varied menu. The Blue Fish Cafe (our daytime eatery) serves light snacks, lunches, sandwiches, hot and cold drinks, cakes and Cornish Cream Teas.

Watergate Bay Hotel is unique with a spectacular position beside its own beach. It has an excellent reputation for friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere. With a new management team in place driving the company forward in an exciting direction we can offer some of the best hotel jobs and training in Cornwall.