The Watergate Bay Hotel in Cornwall has an outdoor ice rink until January 2026. Natasha Harding went to give it a whirl, along with her husband and 12-year old daughter, Lexi.
Natasha & Lexi braving winter on Watergate Beach, Cornwall
Watergate Bay Hotel is as close to Watergate Beach as can be
With its two-mile-long sandy beach, Watergate Bay on Cornwall’s North Coast is one of the most family friendly beaches in the county. It’s popular for water sports including surfing and kite surfing because of the fabulous waves, and it’s a beach which is still really used in the autumn and winter, so not just for fair weather.
Walkers will adore the breathtaking views and if you’ve got the stamina to hike towards the north end, you’ll be rewarded with coves that are ripe for exploration. It’s also home to Watergate Bay Hotel, which is as close to the sea as it could possibly be.
READ MORE: The best of British family hotels for breaks with kids this year
Family Beach Loft, Watergate Bay Hotel ©Lewis Harrison Pinder
Our own Family Loft with big sea views and a swing sofa
We stayed in Room 106, which is one of the hotel’s seven luxurious – with a capital L – Beach Lofts. This accommodation is on the site which was Fifteen Cornwall – Jamie Oliver’s Cornish restaurant – until it closed in 2019. And I’ve been wanting to visit since they opened, so was happy to be there.
The beach lofts are ideal for families and ours could have slept two adults and three children, which meant more than enough room for us three. Our loft had an unbroken sea view, a freestanding window bath, as well as a large living space with a separate bunk room. Additionally the lofts have their own parking spaces along with private beach access. The bathroom was wonderfully large, with a bigger than average shower, and all perfectly kitted out with Land & Water goodies.
Also, we had a cool electric wood-burning stove and it was so lovely watching the surfers and kite-surfers out of the window, while snuggled up by the fire. As an added bonus, the sofa was attached to the ceiling with ropes, making it a huge sofa swing, much to Lexi’s delight.
Outside our room, there were lots of little touches too, like dryrobes that you can borrow for an impromptu beach walk, a basket full of wellies, in case you’ve forgotten yours, and beach toys too. Surfers will also be happy that surfboards and wetsuits can be hired throughout their stay courtesy of Wavehunters.
The Beach Loft Pantry deserves a mention too. It’s a space in the reception area where guests can help themselves to food and drink throughout their stay. It’s re-stocked at different intervals and caters for breakfast in the morning, and then cakes and charcuteries boards through the day.
Skate By The Sea, Watergate Bay Hotel, Cornwall ©Lewis Harrison Pinder
You can Skate By The Sea at Watergate Bay Hotel until January 2026
This year, the hotel’s main carpark has been turned into an ice skating rink and you can Skate By The Sea right through until January, and Lexi and I had to give it a go. It’s an additional £12 for children and £17 for adults, but that gives you an hour on the ice.
Full disclosure? I haven’t been on an ice rink for at least 30 years, although back in the day, I was quite good. However, I’m disappointed to say any muscle-memory I may have had has long since deserted me, and I was comically bad.
Lexi was like Bambi on ice, and I don’t think either of us let go of the side once. Although Lexi managed to almost fall over, even while holding on. Undaunted we laughed our way around – it was either that or cry – and I think we may have provided some entertainment for the spectators and other skaters. Hey ho!
Needless to say, we were much happier in the pool, which is open for families between 9am and 6pm. It had beautiful sea views and is a good enough size to get some lengths in. Also, for adults, there is an outdoor hot tub and sauna with beach views. There were many loungers around the pool, so lots of parents were taking advantage of the poolside drinks being served. Sadly, not me.
READ MORE: The best family hotels in the world recommended by parents who know
The Living Space, Watergate Bay Hotel, Cornwall ©Anthony Greenwood
Dinner at The Living Space is laid back and lovely
That night we had dinner in The Living Space, which managed to be both fancy and wonderfully laid back. The menu was good and included half-shell scallops, courgette frito and chicken satay for starters and The Living Space house burger, fish pie and Goan fish curry for mains. Paul and I were delighted to indulge, right down to Tiramisu for pudding. And Lexi was happy with hummus to start and pasta from the kid’s menu, all finished by two scoops of ice cream.
Good to know the hotel also does an Early Supper for under-fives.
After a lovely dinner, we were happy to enjoy some more time in our room, and went to sleep listening to the sound of the sea. The morning’s sunrise was pretty spectacular and being November, the beach was deserted first thing, so I had a glorious dip with the ocean to myself, although I was a bit disappointed that neither my husband or daughter joined me.
Breakfast in The Living Space was another laid-back affair with a choice of a hot and cold buffet full of treats, and we had a final bracing walk on the beach before heading home. Altogether, a lovely 24-hour break, and I think I might have found my new favourite place to stay in Cornwall.
READ MORE: Fun family hotels in London for easy city breaks
Make It Happen
How to get there
Watergate Bay Hotel is 10 minutes’ drive from Newquay
Where to stay
Watergate Beach Hotel, Family Beach Loft (2 adults, 2 children) from £1,570 for 2 nights
Good to know
Skate By The Sea runs 17 November 2025 until 11 January 2026
MORE CORNWALL STORIES FOR YOU
Kids are never too young to take these incredible Cornwall family walks
St. Moritz Hotel, Cornwall: pools galore, Polzeath Beach and perfect for families
Cool, colourful SeaSpace is Cornwall’s first coastal aparthotel, and we’re impressed!
Old Pear Tree Barn: an idyllic Cornwall cottage for easy family breaks
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn commission when you click on them. This does not influence our editorial standards. We only recommend products and services we believe will enhance your family travel experience.