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If you are looking to test your skills on the waves or try your hand at surfing for the first time, then Cornwall is your ideal holiday destination! The county’s waves are world renowned and draw surfers from around the world eager to tackle the challenges offered at some of the UK’s best surf beaches. With golden sands, fantastic surf schools and all the facilities you could need, there are plenty of holiday options to choose from. But don’t fret! To make your trip planning a bit easier, we have put together a list of the 5 best surf beaches in Cornwall with a combination of those suitable for both the pros and the complete beginners.
Fistral Beach is the UK’s best surf beach, offering consistent waves with fantastic swell of up to 8 feet high! It is Newquay’s most popular beach, especially in the summer when you can find the waves crowded with pros and beginners alike. There is plenty of room for everyone and it is a great place to head to see some of the world’s best surfers at play. If you are lucky you will also spot the infamous Cribbar wave, which can reach up to 30 feet in height (no wonder it is also known as the Widower Maker)! Many of the UK’s annual surf competitions, such as Boardmasters Surf Championships are held here, but if you are a beginner don’t let that put you off as there are many brilliant surf schools in the area and calmer spots for some practice.
Owned by the National Trust, Crantock Beach is a beautiful expanse of golden sands and sand dunes located between the two Pentire Headlands. The beach is backed by the Rushy Green grasslands which are rich in wildlife and stunning wildflowers. It is just around the corner from Newquay and is an ideal destination for those looking to surf away from the crowds. It was even voted Best British Beach by BBC Coast in 2013! Crantock is not just beautiful, it is also offers the ideal swells for surfing at all levels. The best way to enjoy the waves is with some coaching from the Big Green Surf School, the beach’s only surf centre, who can provide you fantastic tailored lessons. Whether you are looking for a 1 to 1 session or a family session for a couple of hours, they have you covered! With expert tips and tricks, close attention from experienced coaches and free high-quality equipment, you will be riding the waves in no time. Big Green Surf School also offer week long Surf Camps to really throw you in the deep end and teach you all you need to know in more intense sessions.
Polzeath Beach is a popular beach for those learning to surf due its reliable long slow breaking waves and excellent seasonal lifeguard coverage. It is one of Cornwall’s 8 Blue Flagged beaches and so offers beautiful water quality and all the facilities you could need for a day at the seaside! This lovely beach is just 2 miles from Padstow and is situated in the Hayle Bay with a stunning view of the Pentire Peninsula stretching into the sea. Polzeath village has equipment rental and there are a host of great water sport activity providers to choose from. It is also a great place for a nice pub meal or drink when the high tide transforms the half mile broad beach into just a slither of sand! Polzeath is the perfect family beach with easy access and everything you could need.
The wide expanse of golden sand that is Watergate Bay stretches for 2 miles beneath dramatically steep cliffs. It is a popular beach for families and surfers and is best accessed from the Watergate Bay Hotel path. The beach enjoys huge waves sweeping in from the Atlantic and attracts surfers of all levels to the exciting swells of this wide-open bay. The beach is also the home to the well-known Extreme Academy with its surfing competitions, giving the beach a fun atmosphere with frequent events. It is also a favourite for TV and film crews, with the beach often used as a backdrop for its wild and dramatic beauty! Watergate Bay is a great choice for a day of surfing and is just 3 miles from the busier beaches of Newquay.
Just over 3 miles from St. Ives is the magnificent Gwithian Towans beach. Backed with rich grassland and sand dunes, the golden sands of the beach stretch for miles pocketed with its popular rock pools and caves. The beach is a magnet for surfers with great conditions all year round brought by swells from the Atlantic but more sheltered than nearby beaches. It is suitable surf territory for all ability levels with long walling waves from both left and right on a good day and some fun barrels at low tide. You may even be joined by the odd common seal or dolphin enjoying the surf! The beach is patrolled seasonally by lifeguards and has some great quality cafes right on the beach.
These are just 5 of Cornwall’s fantastic choice of beaches, so make sure you give yourself the time to explore during your stay!