History Of Watergate Bay Newspaper Article

The history of Watergate Bay

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.

"Far from the madding crowd"

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.

Discover more

Dreya Bennet: A residency of two halves

Pushing the limits of her medium, glass artist, former kite surf pro, and Watergate regular Dreya Bennett has been exploring new ways to work as she captures an essence of our shore, sea, and spirit in the first half of her residency.

Chris Eden

Born in Cornwall, raised in St Austell, made in London and returned to make his mark on the Cornish food scene: Chris Eden – the first Cornishman to win a Michelin star in Cornwall – takes the helm as Watergate Bay’s new executive head chef this autumn.

Volleyball high hitters

With fast-paced moves and adrenalin-packed matches, the sand is set to fly as Watergate gets ready to host the UK’s best volleyball players in an epic September showdown. Here’s who is joining us down on the shoreline court…