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Watergate Bay Hotel has won the Gold Cornwall Tourism Award for large hotel of the year and the overall Winner of Winners title at this year’s event, recognising its recent growth and operational changes.
The awards, presented on 13 November 2025, highlighted the hotel’s guest experience, quality standards and environmental work, as well as its role in Cornwall’s visitor economy.
Based on the North Cornwall coast, the hotel positions itself as a contemporary beach destination focused on outdoor activity, food and a relaxed coastal setting. Organisers of the Cornwall Tourism Awards said the accolades reflect its standing with both local visitors and guests from across the UK.
In the past year, the hotel has expanded its senior team with the appointments of executive head chef Chris Eden, chief operating officer Simon Mahon and general manager Sara Alexander.
It has also formed a partnership with Land Rover Discovery and run a programme of events over the summer, including WILD On The Beach, Paws On The Beach and an artist residency.
The hotel is preparing to open what it says will be Cornwall’s first beachside real ice rink on 17 November, offering winter skating beside the sea.
Watergate Bay Hotel will now go on to represent Cornwall at the 2026 Visit England Awards.
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.”
