Stories from the Bay and beyond

The Observer’s chief film critic, Mark Kermode, celebrates the films in which Cornish scenery has starred. Read on for the good, the bad and the weird.

Did you know that Watergate Bay Hotel posts different playlists on Spotify? Follow us on watergatebaymusic and hear the sound of the Bay.

Victoria Kennedy from Bridges and Balloons picks her 10 reasons why Watergate Bay hotel is the best family holiday in Cornwall.

From the arctic ice of Norway to the humble rock pool, the sounds of the ocean are endlessly fascinating – if you have the right guide. We join Chris Watson, long-time Sir David Attenborough collaborator, on the hunt for one of his favourite sounds of all.

Intrigued by ideas of how sight translates into emotion, we asked two photographers – one working in black and white, Jon Denham, and the other in colour, Sophie Davidson – to explore the evocative power of photography, by documenting people who work and play where the land meets the sea at Watergate Bay.

It's no surprise that walking is one of the most popular activities in Cornwall with over 200 miles of coast path, woodlands, moors and beaches to explore.

Incessant emails, an overflowing to do list, relentless rushing, constant fatigue, a fleeting mind; is the treadmill of modern life taking its toll? If you feel a desire to breathe, restore, move, be inspired, escape or simply press the pause button on this relentless ‘on call’ lifestyle then an active break at the beach might be just what the doctor ordered!

Fifteen Cornwall’s story began when Jamie Oliver launched Fifteen in London and filled the kitchen with young people in need of a second chance.

Previously named the Watergate Bay Speed Hillclimb, the new Watergate Sprint event will take place on 18 and 19 September 2021. Spectators can watch from the fields above Watergate Bay as they race between Newquay holiday park and the Boardmasters fields above the Bay.

From 7 - 11 August, along the cliff path from Watergate Bay, you'll find the UK's biggest surf and music festival.