Guide to the Best Surfing Spots in Devon UK
Some of England's Finest Surf Beaches at Croyde and Woolacombe
Dec 2, 2008
Surfing in England isn't just confined to Cornwall. Further north up the coast, there is a thriving surf scene in North Devon, where the waves of the Atlantic pound some spectacular coastline. Keep up to date with the area's surf conditions via Eyeball Surfcheck.
Woolacombe Beach
The vast expanse of sand at Woolacombe is a Blue Flag beach and one of the south west's best surfing locations, offering beach breaks that are suitable for beginners and more experienced surfers alike. Lifeguards patrol the beach during summer and it's possible to hire boards and wetsuits from huts above the beach, as well as changing facilities.
- It's a good place to learn to surf - Surfseeker's Surf School and the Nick Thorn Surf School are both based in Woolacombe.
Nearby Putsborough Beach is another option for learning to surf, where waves are generally smaller than at Croyde or Woolacombe.
There are campsites and other accommodation in Woolacombe itself, or nearby Ilfracombe is a traditional, if rather dated, seaside town with many hotels and B&B's.
Croyde Beach
A stroll around Croyde's friendly, chilled out streets feels more like an Australian surf town than the British seside. However this is the home of Devon's surfing scene - the streets are lined with racks of boards and wetsuits while tanned guys and girls in boardies and flip flops wander by.
The beach itself is reached via a short walk over fields and sand dunes, leading to the long stretch of sand and spectacular, rolling waves. Croyde is considered to have one of the best beach breaks in the UK, and the waves break closer to shore than most beaches.
Croyde is a good place to learn to surf and there are several surf schools operating here, including:
- Surf South West - Lessons from £19 per half day
- Surfing Croyde Bay - Two and a half hour lessons - £35 adults, £25 children
There are some excellent campsites around Croyde which are extremely popular in summer including Bay View Farm and the Mitchum's Campsites - one in the village, one by the beach.
Saunton Sands
Just south of Croyde, this is a fabulous stretch of beach, backed by dunes. The view from the coastal road of the waves rolling in towards the sand is unforgettable. There is a car park with huts renting boards and wetsuits. Good for beginners and longboard riders.
Other Surf Schools
The North Devon Surf School is located at the northern end of the beach at Westward Ho! and has lessons from £25/£45 for half/full day.
Getting There
National Express Coaches go to Barnstaple, the travel/tourism centre of Devon. Buses run from Barnstaple to Saunton Sands (45 minutes) then on to Croyde (30 mins) every hour.
See also:
Best surfing spots in Cornwall
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