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Two miles of golden sand, Atlantic rollers on tap and cafés at the foot of the dunes – Watergate Bay might just be Cornwall’s most live‑in‑your‑swimsuit beach. Browse our nearest cottages below and start planning the break you’ll be talking about for years.
Watergate Bay sits three miles north of Newquay and stretches for a full two miles at low tide, backed by dramatic cliffs that funnel in consistent, powerful surf. The beach is dog‑friendly all year – no seasonal ban, so four‑legged friends are welcome whatever the month.
Safety‑wise you’re in good hands: RNLI lifeguards patrol daily from May to October, plus during school holidays. For specific dates, see here.
Every August the shoreline becomes part of the Boardmasters Festival arena, sharing live music with Fistral Beach and drawing the world’s top surfers to its contest peaks.
For a deeper dive – tide tips, facilities, accessibility and more – see our full Watergate Bay beach guide.
Is Watergate Bay dog‑friendly?
Yes – dogs are welcome 365 days a year with no time restrictions. Please keep them under control around wildlife and busy surf zones.
When are lifeguards on duty?
RNLI cover runs during the Easter holidays, daily 3 May–28 Sept, some weekends in Oct and October half‑term, 10 am‑6 pm. See the regularly updated RNLI page for specific dates. Outside these dates follow RNLI safety advice and avoid swimming alone.
Where do I park for the quickest beach access?
Head for Watergate Bay Car Park on the clifftop (TR8 4AD) – pay‑and‑display, card/phone accepted. Overflow fields open in peak weeks. More options in our parking guide for Newquay.
For more visitor information about the area, see our Watergate Bay Holiday guide.
Explore our full collection of sea view cottages or talk to our local team – we’ll match you with the perfect sandy-toed stay.
Rebecca Moore
LOCAL EDITOR AND CORNISH AFICIONADO
Rebecca Moore is a seasoned editor and content writer with over a decade of experience, specialising in Cornwall’s unique lifestyle, travel, and culinary scene. Her expertise has been featured in media outlets such as The Sun, Express, and Cosmopolitan. A proud Cornish resident, Rebecca’s authentic insights help readers explore the best of the Duchy.
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