Watergate Bay Hotel, on the North Cornwall coastline, has taken home a prestigious Gold Cornwall Tourism Award as the 2025 winner of “Large Hotel of the Year” category alongside the “Winner of Winners” award.
These accolades recognise the hotel’s exceptional guest experience, commitment to quality, sustainability credentials and continued innovation, following a year of growth and positive change. An iconic destination for contemporary beach breaks, Watergate Bay Hotel celebrates the balance of life — embracing the outdoors, great food and drink, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle.
The Cornwall Tourism Awards honour the very best in Cornish hospitality each year. Winning Gold and Winner of Winners reflects the dedication and passion of the Watergate Bay team, recognising not only the hotel’s impact within the local community but also its established reputation with guests from across the UK. It also highlights the hotel’s ongoing commitment to excellence and responsible tourism, supporting Cornwall’s visitor economy.
Over the past year, Watergate Bay Hotel has strengthened its talented leadership team with the appointments of executive head chef Chris Eden, chief operating officer Simon Mahon, and general manager Sara Alexander. The hotel has also established exciting partnerships with Land Rover Discovery and hosted a full calendar of events, including WILD On The Beach, Paws On The Beach, and Artist in Residence over the summer months.
The award comes at an exciting moment for the hotel as it prepares to open Cornwall’s first beachside real ice rink for the winter season from 17th November, offering the first chance to skate by the sea, in Cornwall, this winter.
The Gold Cornwall Tourism Award and Winner of Winners was presented on Thursday 13 November 2025, and Watergate Bay Hotel will now go forward to represent Cornwall in the 2026 Visit England Awards. Will Ashworth, founder and executive director of Watergate Bay, says: “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 through their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
