Gardens, walks and historic houses
Rainforest biomes, forgotten gardens, and stepping stones made for giants. National Trust houses, woodland walks and natural beauty, most within easy reach of Watergate Bay.
Eden Project
Near St Austell, a 30-minute drive
Explore the Rainforest and Mediterranean Biomes, hidden gems in the outdoor gardens, iconic sculptures, England’s longest zipwire, ice skating rink and limited exhibitions. Timed ticket entries, booking ahead essential.
Carnewas at Bedruthan Steps – National Trust
1hr 20 min walk along the coast path, or a 10-minute drive
Experience the natural wonder of Bedruthan Steps, dramatic views and sea stacks towering high above the beach. Legend has it a giant called Bedruthan used the sea stacks as stepping stones across the bay. The steps down to the beach are currently closed due to a rockfall in 2019, but the popular tea garden serving cream teas and light lunches is open.
Lost Gardens of Heligan
45-minute drive
A garden frozen in time, forgotten since the outbreak of WW1, and re-awakened in 1990. The history, scale, wildlife, woodland, and jungle rope bridge suspended 100 feet above ancient ferns, are waiting. Pre-booking is essential with timed ticket entries available.
St Michael’s Mount – National Trust
1-hour drive
A tidal island, 500 metres from the mainland, linked by a causeway that is passable between mid-tide and low water. The island is crowned by a medieval church and castle but is also home to a living community. Winding flower-lined paths meander through stone terraces to an exotic garden set on the wild salty coast. Take a picnic, grab a bite from the takeout café menu, and breathe in the views.
Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens
1-hour drive
A sheltered valley with a coastal backdrop of St Michael's Mount, the sculpture gardens often showcase internationally renowned artists through exhibitions. Permanent sculptures are interwoven with exotic planting making a dramatic and tranquil place to explore.
Tremenheere - Sculpture Gardens
Trerice – National Trust
20-minute drive
Elizabethan manor house and gardens. Booking essential.
Lanhydrock – National Trust
30-minute drive
Country house estate, ancient woodland, extensive gardens, and riverside paths. Off-road cycle trails for all abilities and bike hire available. The Park café is ideal for a light snack or a hot drink, pre-booking to explore the house and gardens is essential.
Trebah Gardens and the Helford River
1-hour drive
Discover a 26-acre sub-tropical garden, located above the Helford River and with a coastal backdrop. Open from Saturday to Wednesday for pre-booked visitors, the four miles of footpaths weave through exotic plants to a private secluded beach, just at the mouth of the Helford River.
Further afield
Museums, art galleries and vineyards. Boat safaris, climbing walls and “Dark Walks”. Rainy day plans, inspirational exhibitions, and activities for the adventurous.
Tarquins Gin Distillery Tours
At the Southwestern Distillery, Tarquin and his team distil his famous gin overlooking the wild Cornish coast. Book a 90 minute tour and learn all about the history, botanicals and process, take part in a tasting and even take your own personalised bottle home. Booking essential.
Tarquin's Gin Tours
National Maritime Museum, Falmouth
1-hour drive approx.
Local, national and international stories are told through rare objects around the world, a delve into the history of our seafaring heritage. Limited exhibitions aiming to educate, inspire and gain new perspectives on our boat building heritage and conservation of the seas. Creatures of the Deep exhibition takes you below the waves, into the deep of the blue to discover the rich and varied creatures beneath.
Camel Valley Vineyard Tour
35 minute drive
Take a tour of the Camel Valley Vineyard or a seat on the terrace and soak up the view of the rolling hills. Camel Valley produces some of the best English sparkling wine, consistently winning awards for their Pinot Noir Rose Brut.
The Tide Climbing Centre
A climbing centre in the heart of Cornwall, the Tide Climbing centre is only a short drive from the hotel. Large areas are dedicated to bouldering, so you can climb without any ropes or harnesses. Ideal rainy-day option, you can see how busy it is on the Tide website.
Power boat tours with Waverunner Safaris
Take a boat safari from Newquay harbour and explore the Cornish coastline from a different perspective. 90-minute boat tours are available with Cornwall Waverunner Safaris. You might even spot seals, sunfish, and dolphins.
National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow
Learn all about lobsters and the conservation work that goes into ensuring the sustainability of the wild lobster population in our seas. Open from Sunday to Friday, 10am until 4pm right on the quayside in Padstow, booking ahead is advised.
Bodmin Jail
A major re-development has taken place at Bodmin Jail. Built in 1779, you can now dig into the history yourself, literally. With immersive experiences, a “Dark Walk” grimy cells, and chilling last moments. The new attraction has been eagerly anticipated.
Booking essential.
Newlyn Art Gallery
Extraordinary postcards for extraordinary times. Exhibition running until 2 Jan, open Wednesday - Saturday. Newlyn is a working fishing port and is home to its own working Cornish fishing fleet and the Newlyn School of Art
Tate St Ives - Modern art and St Ives town
Tate St Ives have a couple of limited exhibitions on this autumn. The Barbara Hepworth Museum, the Bernard Leach Pottery & Museum and many other art galleries are also dotted around this bustling small town which has transformed St Ives into the art mecca of the southwest.
Upcoming events
Rip Curl Grom Search surf competition
The Rip Curl Grom Search supported by Surfing England, returns to Watergate Bay for the first of its 2021 competitions.
Watergate Bay drive-in cinema
16 July to 5 September
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Back for a second year, Wavelength are screening cult classics from the Watergate Bay cliff tops.
Boardmasters Music Festival
11 - 15 August
A five day combination of surfing, wellness and live music over a series of stages on the cliff tops of Watergate Bay.
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