Watergate Bay is a sandy beach on Cornwall’s north coast, about 4 miles north of Newquay, making the Newquay to Watergate Bay trip a straightforward coastal day out.
Transport for Cornwall’s service 56 links the towns via the bay, and drivers can use a long-stay car park close to the beach. If you’re staying in Newquay, a hotel in Newquay puts the coast within reach for a day trip.
- Location: About 4 miles north of Newquay.
- Beach: Sandy shoreline nearly two miles long.
- Bus: Transport for Cornwall service 56 serves Watergate Bay.
- Parking: The Cornwall Council car park has 400 spaces.
Where Watergate Bay is
Watergate Bay sits on Cornwall’s north coast, roughly 4 miles north of Newquay, with nearly two miles of sandy beach. The shoreline gives you room to spend time by the sea, while the bay’s position makes it a practical outing from town.
If you’re planning to compare the coast with other nearby shores, this guide to beaches in Newquay covers options within the town.
How do you travel from Newquay to Watergate Bay?
You can travel from Newquay to Watergate Bay by service 56 or drive to the bay’s car parks. Check the operator’s current timetable if you plan to use the bus, since services and stops can change.
By bus
Transport for Cornwall service 56 runs between Newquay and Padstow via Watergate Bay, Newquay Cornwall Airport and Constantine. Towards Padstow, the route serves Newquay Bus Station, Newquay Great Western Hotel, Porth Four Turns, Porth Car Park and Watergate Bay, The Phoenix. Check the Transport for Cornwall site before you go for current times and stop information.
Newquay railway station is one of the route’s stops towards Padstow. For onward connections around town, this guide to Newquay railway station covers getting into town and travelling onward.
By car
The Watergate Bay Hotel directs drivers from the A30 via Highgate Hill Roundabout, the A39 and the B3276. The Cornwall Council long-stay car park has 400 spaces and is open 24 hours. Its surface includes tarmac, stone and grass; it is not secure and has no height or weight restriction.
What can you do at Watergate Bay?
Watergate Bay’s main draw is its long sandy beach and open coastline. You can plan time on the shore, and dogs are permitted on the beach throughout the year.
The beach’s length also gives you space to walk along the sand and take in the coast. For a visit focused on the beach, allow time to account for the slope between the car park and shore, especially if anyone in your group may find steep access difficult.
What should you know about access, parking and conditions?
Watergate Bay has two car parks, and access down to the beach is steep. Access Cornwall describes a Parking Eye car park by the beach with accessible parking, plus the larger Cornwall Council car park behind it, which has 400 spaces and slopes uphill.
The slope down to the beach may be difficult for some wheelchair users to manage independently.
An accessible toilet below the larger car park charges 50p. Its hours are 10am–4pm from October to March and 9am–9pm from April to September. A Natural Access sand wheelchair is available in spring and summer; you can book it through Wavehunters at the Extreme Academy on 01637 860840.
Parking charges vary by season. From April to October, charges are £2.50 for up to 1 hour, £5.10 for 1–2 hours, £7.50 for 2–4 hours, £11.50 for 24 hours and £29.00 for a week, between 9am and 6pm daily.
From November to March, charges are £1.00 for up to 1 hour, £1.80 for 1–2 hours, £3.00 for 2–4 hours, £4.20 for 24 hours and £10.20 for a week, between 9am and 4pm daily; parking is free from 4pm to 9am.
The long-stay car park permits cars, motorcycles, motorhomes and coaches, but not lorries over 3,500kg or touring caravans and trailers. Overnight sleeping is restricted to self-contained motorhomes.
Coach parking is charged separately at £2.10 per hour or £13.30 for 24 hours, from 9am to midnight. Hours, prices and access arrangements can change, so check the official site before you go.
FAQs
How far is Watergate Bay from Newquay?
Watergate Bay is about 4 miles north of Newquay. Its sandy beach is nearly two miles long.
Which bus goes from Newquay to Watergate Bay?
Transport for Cornwall service 56 runs between Newquay and Padstow via Watergate Bay. Check the operator’s current timetable before travelling.
Is Watergate Bay dog-friendly?
Yes. Dogs are permitted at Watergate Bay throughout the year.
Is there accessible parking at Watergate Bay?
Access Cornwall describes accessible parking at the Parking Eye car park by the beach. The slope down to the beach is steep and may be difficult for some wheelchair users to manage independently.