Cornwall’s Hotel to Beat? Watergate Bay Hotel Scoops Two Top Awards

Watergate Bay Hotel has taken home two major titles at the Cornwall Tourism Awards 2025, winning Gold in the Large Hotel of the Year category along with the overall Winner of Winners award.

Both accolades were presented on Thursday 13th November 2025 and recognise the hotel’s exceptional guest experience, commitment to quality, sustainability work and a year of positive change. Watergate Bay Hotel will now go on to represent Cornwall in the 2026 Visit England Awards.

A Landmark Year for Watergate Bay

Set on a two mile surfing beach on the north Cornwall coast, Watergate Bay Hotel describes itself as a place for contemporary beach holidays, centred around getting outdoors, good food, good drink and relaxed coastal living. The hotel says its focus is on balance, from being active in the elements to taking time to switch off.

The Cornwall Tourism Awards team say the Gold and Winner of Winners titles reflect the passion of Watergate Bay’s staff, the hotel’s strong reputation with guests and its role within the local community. The awards also highlight the hotel’s continued commitment to responsible tourism and its support for Cornwall’s visitor economy.

Growing Team and Busy Summer Programme

The hotel has strengthened its leadership team over the past year with three senior appointments. Executive head chef Chris Eden, chief operating officer Simon Mahon and general manager Sara Alexander have all joined.

Watergate Bay has also partnered with Land Rover Discovery and delivered a full calendar of events. Highlights included WILD On The Beach, Paws On The Beach and an Artist in Residence programme through the summer.

Cornwall’s First Beachside Real Ice Rink

The awards come just as the hotel prepares to launch Cornwall’s first beachside real ice rink. Opening from 17th November, it will give visitors the chance to skate by the sea for the first time in Cornwall this winter.

📷Winners of Winners Watergate Bay Hotel Cornwall Tourism Awards Truro Cathedral

A Commitment to People and Planet

Watergate Bay Hotel says it is committed to using its business as a force for good both environmentally and socially. The team is currently on the journey toward B Corp certification, which focuses on balancing profit with people and the planet and meeting high environmental and social standards. The hotel says this process is transforming the way it operates.

Quote from Will Ashworth

Will Ashworth, founder and executive director of Watergate Bay, said:

“Winning these awards and being recognised by hospitality peers in Cornwall is a fantastic achievement. Cornwall continues to be a leading location for hospitality and tourism in the UK, and we are so pleased to set an example for excellence. These awards are a recognition of hard work, and we are so proud of our team for making this happen.”

Find out more about Watergate Bay Hotel at their website: https://watergatebay.co.uk/

📷Winners of the Large Hotel of the Year Watergate Bay Hotel Cornwall Tourism Awards Truro Cathedral