I visited the seaside hotel named one of the best in the UK – with direct access to the beach and amazing cocktails
PERCHED at the very edge of a north Devonshire cliff, looking out over the moody Atlantic sea, Watersmeet Hotel is nothing if not dramatic.
From the balcony of my bedroom I can watch the sun set over the water’s horizon, punctured by the craggy silhouette of Lundy Island – it’s undeniably the perfect setting for a romantic break.
The hotel is located in the peaceful seaside town of Woolacombe, with the rugged North Devon coast right on its doorstep.
It’s not just my deluxe room that offers an epic outlook. Whether you’re in a classic, a family or a suite, it’s well worth opting for a sea view of Watersmeet’s very own little cove, Combesgate Beach.
There are steps down to the shore from the hotel but check the time as the beach vanishes according to the changing tide.
When we weren’t cosied up in our robes on the balcony watching the rolling waves, we were taking advantage of the excellent rambling trails at our fingertips.
The 20-minute stroll along craggy paths and grassy heathlands to Morte Point was challenging thanks to steep tracks but very achievable and worth it for the great views.
The peninsula’s name literally means “death point”, as ships and boats used to come a cropper on the rocks hidden beneath the foaming Atlantic.
In 1852, five ships were wrecked across the winter, but this might have been down to infamous thief Elizabeth Berry.
Folklore says that she used to tie lanterns to the tails of horses to tempt boats in.
When they became stranded she would drown the sailors by holding them under water with a pitchfork, before stealing their belongings.
There was no sign of such activity on our ramble, luckily.
Over some heather and broom-covered hills, we soon found ourselves in the village of Mortehoe.
It’s home to an eerie-looking church near the cliffs where thieves were hung as a warning to other would-be crooks.
Luckily, the locals are much friendlier these days, particularly those back at Watersmeet, where we tucked into a well-earned supper.
The hotel was named the Best Waterside Hotel for UK and Ireland 2024 by Conde Nast Johansens and that’s in part down to the cracking food.
Head chef John Cairns joined back in April this year and has transformed the menu into a fine-dining experience.
Starters include a creamy mushroom risotto laced with tarragon oil, and a chicken liver parfait served with hunks of brioche bread.
Hearty mains include a perfectly cooked venison loin and confit pork belly with smoky mash.
If you are feeling fancy, wash each dish down with a wine pairing or a cocktail.
With tables placed next to huge windows overlooking the ocean and the sun twinkling a ruby red as it sets, you would be hard pushed to find a better dinner spot.
GO: WOOLACOMBE
ROOMS at Watersmeet Hotel & Restaurant are from £190 per night (sea-view rooms from £270 per night).
Dinner at the Rocks restaurant from £40 per head.
See watersmeethotel.co.uk or call 01271 870 333.