Built in 1900, Watergate Bay Hotel was originally intended to serve as a railway terminus hotel for a proposed Newquay to Padstow branch line, but the railway never came. During the Second World War, it became an RAF Officers Mess and was later converted into married quarters, but fell into disrepair during the 1960s.
John and Mary Ashworth bought the Watergate Bay Hotel in 1967, initially running it as self-catering flats. The Ashworths converted the premises back to a 55 bedroom hotel in 1971, adding an extension to include a living area and restaurant. It was successfully run as a seasonal family hotel for the traditional bucket-and-spade holiday for many years.
Also in the 1970s one of the UK’s first skate parks opened at Watergate Bay. The concrete bowl was popular among skateboarders of the era including Nigel Semmens.
Ocean artist. Scientific illustrator. Scuba diver. Shark lover. Trained actress. PADI ambassador. Marine conservationist. Meet our next artist in residence, Janavi Kramer, who will be joining us 6-8 June.
Read moreAs part of our conservation work two marine mammal medics share their expert insights on Cornwall's grey seals, and how small actions can help keep them (and you) safe.
Read moreWe’re used to marvelling at treasures washed in by the Atlantic, but increasingly, the tide brings microplastics that gather along the shoreline. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Nurdle UK to help clear the Bay.
Read moreFrom refreshing flavours to the power of love language, to doing pockets of good where it counts, Daisy Hillier and Chloe Gillatt knew the sort of spirits they wanted to make when they started the now award-winning Cornish craft distillers Loveday Distilling. And the sort of company they wanted to run.
Read moreWe meet a handful of Watergate women to celebrate International Women's Day
Read moreEach week, Emily Talling fills The Living Space with colour, scent and spirit with her homegrown flowers. We catch up with her to talk all things seasonal.
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