Cornwall’s First Beachside Ice Rink to Open at Watergate Bay This Winter

Watergate Bay Hotel is set to bring a new winter experience to Cornwall with the launch of Skate by the Sea – the county’s first beachside ice rink. From 17th November to 11th January, skaters can enjoy gliding just steps from the sand with the Atlantic as their backdrop.

A Festive Experience on the Coast

Positioned above the two-mile surf beach, and only moments from the hotel’s oceanview restaurants, Swim Club, hot tub and sauna, the rink will form part of the festive season at Watergate Bay. Skating sessions will run daily, including family-friendly, accessible and adults-only hours. Seasonal packages such as Skate & Stay will be available, with skating also included in the hotel’s four-night Christmas and three-night New Year breaks.

Those festive breaks will feature sea dips, cliff path walks, carols, cocktails, Father Christmas, hobby reindeer racing on the beach, clifftop Champagne, hot tubs, DJ sets, dancing, low tide strolls, laser light displays and rockpool treasure hunts – with ice skating added for 2025.

Après-Skate and Ocean Views

After skating, visitors can enjoy Extreme hot chocolates, mulled wine and woodfired pizzas served rinkside. The Beach Hut and Zacry’s will serve burgers and winter menus inspired by the mountains, all with ocean views.

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

“This is Cornwall’s first beachside ice rink. Whether you’re here to skate, surf, stay or simply soak up the atmosphere, it will create a rare new experience right on the shoreline.”

Booking and Prices

The rink will be open daily with sessions for families, accessible skating, school visits, private hire for groups, Christmas parties and adult-only hours. Penguin and polar bear skate aids will be available for younger skaters and beginners.

Prices for staying at Watergate Bay Hotel start from £280 a night, with a skate session included for each night of the stay. Ice skating sessions can be booked online at watergatebay.co.uk/ice-skating-cornwall and winter breaks at watergatebay.co.uk/stay-and-skate.