Best Surfing Locations in Cornwall UK
Guide to the Best Surf Beaches in the South West of England
Cornwall has always seen itself as apart from the rest of England and in terms of climate, culture and lifestyle, in many ways it is. Cornwall has a surfing culture to almost match that of California or Australia - for many people the sport is a way of life down here and its Atlantic coastline boasts many of the country's best, and most popular surfing spots.
Bude Beaches
In the north of Cornwall, Bude is well established as a popular surf destination and the nearby coastline is packed with great beaches. Summerleaze is the town's main beach and has decent surf but better spots can be found at Widemouth Bay.
Widemouth Bay
A long, sandy beach and a popular spot for beginners and intermediates. Waves run along the entire length of the beach but the direction of the swell can influence the quality of waves. Boards and wetsuits can be hired here. Other good spots nearby are:
- Crooklets - Popular for its location near Bude town centre and another good spot for beginners, with good facilities and nearby surf shops.
- Crackington Haven
Getting there - Number 59 bus travels along the coast from Bude to Boscastle, via Widemouth and Crackington.
Where to stay - There are campsites and B&B's galore to choose from. Wooda Caravan and Camping Park is an excellent site with great facilities including a lively pub, and views of the ocean.
Padstow Beaches
Upmarket and 'foodie' centre of Cornwall, the coast around Padstow is also renowned for its excellent set of beaches. Some of the best for surfing are:
- Constantine Bay
- Harlyn Bay
- Treyaron Bay
Polzeath Beach
Polzeath has a thriving surf scene, with plenty of bars, pubs and cafes as well as shops. There are campsites dotted around the countryside and a YHA hostel is located at Treyaron Bay.
Polzeath Beach is home to the Animal Surf Academy which offers lessons, including girl only days. Also based here is the Surf's Up Surf School - as well as shorter lessons it runs courses that last over several days and has a beach house for accommodation.
Newquay Beaches
The most famous surfing town in the UK and also the busiest. The coastline surrounding Newquay is terrific, there's a large selection of surf schools to choose from, more surf shops than you can shake a stick at and some of the country's best waves. The beaches get very crowded in summer, so it's certainly worth considering a visit out of season. Some of the highlights are:
- Fistral Beach - Most famous surfing beach in the area and home to the Rip Curl Boardmasters Festival.
- Lusty Glaze
- Porth
And those nearest to the town itself:
- Great Western
- Towan
- Tolcarne
There are plenty of surf schools based in Newquay, some of which include trips to Cornwall's other beaches, as well as an abundance of hire shops.
- The Animal Surf Academy - based in Polzeath and Newquay
- British Surfing Association - Its National Surfing Centre is at Fistral Beach.
Gwithian Beach
Gwithian Beach, further south from Bude and Newquay, is definitely one of Cornwall's most beautiful bays and one of its top surfing spots as well.
Poldark Country
The coast in this rugged region of Cornwall also boasts good surfing conditions. Popular spots, patrolled by lifeguards, are Perranporth, Portreath and Holywell.
Sennen Cove
On the edge of Whitesand Bay - the mainland's most westerly beach, near Land's End on the Penwith Peninsula, lies this stunning beach.
See Also:
Widemouth Bay
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Sandy Mouth Beach, Bude
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