Watergate Bay | Unpack an Adventure

Unpack an Adventure | Watergate Bay

For as long as I can remember, my Dad has always had a big jar of Fortnum's Piccalilli on the kitchen table. If there are nibbles, a cheeseboard, or some nice things to graze on, that jar will be there. 

So whatever else we packed for our trip to Watergate Bay, a jar of that was absolutely essential. It's a little taste of nostalgia for me.

Sometimes it's good to travel light, but when it comes to a picnic, I think the golden rule is to take as much as you can manage. And that's what we did, for our sunset picnic trip to Watergate Bay.

We packed plenty of delicious things, of course – savoury things, sweet things, sippable things – and plenty of amusement for the trip too. Beach tennis. Boules. Body boards. Bathers for sea swimming.

We arrived at the cliff top above the bay, where the vast views are just delicious. We took in that windswept panorama for a little while, then started our hike down to the beach.

The walk led us on a winding route through tall grass and wildflowers, and the views over the water were utterly breathtaking in the sunshine of the golden hour. No matter how often we visit Watergate Bay, the light is never the same. It’s always surprising you and illuminating different aspects of the landscape.

But before long, the pull of the hamper (in particular, the Potted Stilton and Fortnum's Red Ale) was too much to resist, so we spread our Fortnum's picnic rug wide and lifted the lid on our al fresco feast. 

Armed with some fresh local bread, we devoured an open air cheeseboard, complete with pickles, relishes and the all-important Piccalilli. 

We popped the cork on a particularly excellent red from Fortnum's cellars too, and sipped our way through a flask or two of Fortnum's tea, with a tin of Explorer Biscuits, some roasted nuts and fresh summer fruits for company.

And then, after a little conversation and relaxation, the time was right for a dip in the refreshing, invigorating waters of the bay, as the sun sank lower and lower on the horizon. 

Even after ten years living here, a trip to Watergate Bay is still as special as ever, and if you ever have the chance, you should absolutely make the journey yourself. 

Just be sure to remember the Piccalilli…