Jo Southway discovers what may just be the most dog friendly hotel she has ever stayed in (and she has been to a few!), with breathtaking coastal walks from the doorstep
Watergate Hotel
Set overlooking the stunning sweep of Watergate Bay beach, hotel immediately feels calm and inviting. Large windows frame endless sea views, cosy seating areas encourage you to slow down, and there is a relaxed atmosphere throughout that makes you feel at home from the moment you arrive. We have stayed in many dog friendly places over the years, but Watergate Bay Hotel is without doubt the most dog friendly hotel we have ever visited. The staff made a fuss of the dogs wherever we went, water bowls appeared without asking, and nothing ever felt like an inconvenience. It struck the perfect balance between luxury and practicality, allowing dog owners to relax without worrying about whether their four-legged companions were welcome. Our room was spacious, comfortable and beautifully designed, with plenty of space for the dogs to settle after a day of adventures.
The Living Space
Waking up to the sound of the waves and looking out across the bay each morning was the perfect start to the day. Even when the Cornish weather wasn’t at its best, there was something incredibly soothing about sitting with a coffee and watching the ever-changing sea. Of course, one of the biggest attractions here is the beach itself. Watergate Bay stretches for miles and provides endless opportunities for walking, exploring and simply enjoying the fresh sea air. Whether your dog enjoys charging through the surf, digging in the sand or simply strolling alongside you, there is plenty of room for everyone. For those looking to venture further afield, there is no shortage of fantastic walks nearby. The South West Coast Path offers spectacular scenery in every direction, while nearby spots such as Bedruthan Steps, Mawgan Porth and the dramatic coastline around Newquay provide plenty of opportunities to explore. Every route seemed to offer another stunning view, hidden cove or perfect photo opportunity. One thing that stood out for us was the sheer variety of activities available. Watergate Bay Hotel isn’t simply a place to sleep between walks. There is genuinely something for everyone. From surfing lessons and beach activities to wellness experiences, fitness classes and family friendly events, the hotel has created an environment where guests can be as active or as relaxed as they choose. And not forgetting Swim Club, the hotel’s take on a spa, with a sauna and hot tub overlooking the sea. Get one of your clan to look after your pup while you enjoy some of these other treats. The hotel also offers a number of thoughtful extras that make the experience feel even more special. Guests can hire one of the hotel’s Land Rovers for the day and explore the Cornish coastline, discovering hidden coves, scenic villages and coastal viewpoints that you might otherwise miss. The dining experience was another highlight. There are three restaurants at Watergate Bay Hotel, two are dog friendly – The Beach Hut and The Living Space – and there are in-room monitors if you want to leave your dog in the bedroom while you dine.
Outside Views from the Hotel
After a long day exploring the coast, it was wonderful to sit down and enjoy excellent food while looking out across the bay. The relaxed atmosphere meant the dogs could settle comfortably while we enjoyed our meals, making the experience enjoyable for everyone. As the evenings drew in, we found ourselves slowing down and appreciating just how relaxing the whole experience was. Whether sitting with a drink watching the sunset over the water, wandering along the beach as the light faded or simply curling up in the room after a day outdoors. You can easily stay in Watergate Bay for your entire holiday and not need to venture anywhere, but a few local places we explored were…
View from the Sun Loungers
ST AGNES
One of our favourite places to visit nearby was St Agnes, a beautiful Cornish village full of charm,independent shops and stunning coastal scenery. The dramatic clifftop walks here are absolutely breathtaking, with endless sea views and rugged coastline in every direction. It somehow manages to feel lively while still keeping that relaxed Cornish atmosphere people come here for.
PERRANPORTH
Perranporth is another fantastic spot worth visiting during your stay. Known for its huge sandy beach and laid-back surf vibe, it is the perfect place for a long walk, whether you have dogs with you or not. One of the loveliest hidden gems here is the small duck pond gardens tucked away near the centre, offering a peaceful little escape from the busier beachfront. Sitting beside the pond watching the ducks while surrounded by greenery felt wonderfully calming and made for a surprisingly relaxing part of the day.
Watergate Bay Beach
NEWQUAY
For something a little busier, Newquay offers plenty of shops, cafes and seaside atmosphere. It is ideal if you fancy a bit of browsing, picking up gifts or simply enjoying the lively coastal town feel. Despite being popular with visitors, it still retains plenty of Cornish character, especially once you wander away from the main streets and discover the smaller independent businesses and coastal viewpoints. One place we particularly enjoyed stopping at in Newquay was The Fort Inn. Perched overlooking the coastline, it offers incredible panoramic sea views that are hard to beat, especially on a sunny evening. It is the perfect place to sit with food or drinks after a day exploring, watching the waves roll in while taking in the atmosphere. The relaxed setting and unbeatable location made it somewhere we found ourselves wanting to return to more than once. Also worth visting is the Wax bar and restaurant, relaxed and stylish without feeling pretentious. The service was fantastic and they welcome dogs in more than they do people. It’s quite a social spot. Our stay at Watergate Bay Hotel reminded us why Cornwall remains one of our favourite places to visit. The combination of spectacular scenery, wonderful walks, outstanding hospitality and genuine dog friendly accommodation created a holiday that both we and the dogs thoroughly enjoyed.
Fact File
Property – Watergate Bay Hotel, Watergate Bay, Cornwall, TR8 4AA
Contact – 01637 860543
Price -3 nights in off-peak season cost from £930. No extra for dogs
Website – watergatebay.co.uk
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