The Best Surf Spots In Cornwall
Cornwall has some of the best surfing beaches in the UK – actually, make that the world! Our location, sticking out into the dramatic Atlantic Ocean, gives us some great swell and Cornwall’s mild climate also helps to make year-round surfing a more pleasant experience!
Your favourite Cornish surfing beach will depend on your level of experience, with surfing in Cornwall for beginners having very different options to those who are more advanced.
This guide lists some of the best surf in Cornwall for you to choose from, whether you love the buzz of a busy bay or prefer to surf in a smaller group.
If you are planning a surfing holiday in Cornwall, check out the list below and take a look at our range of holiday cottages close to the beach!
Porthmeor, St Ives
Surfing in St Ives is a must, with beaches to suit all levels and styles.
Beautiful Porthmeor Beach is popular with families and swimmers as well as surfers. Beginners head here for the surf school, while more experienced surfers make the most of its north-facing location and the consistently excellent Porthmeor surf.
Facilities: food, drink, toilets, showers, surf hire, world-class art gallery… Lifeguard cover in the summer. Parking can be tricky in high season: come early, late or by train.
Godrevy Beach and Gwithian Towans, Hayle
These joined Hayle beaches are perfect for experienced surfers looking for consistent big waves. Gwithian is more sheltered and has lifeguard cover (there is also a surf school), while Godrevy surfing offers a wilder experience, with more exposed conditions and the powerful Godrevy surf.
Facilities: various parking options and cafes along this long stretch of coast. Summer lifeguard cover at the Gwithian end.
Praa Sands, Near Helston
This sandy beach between Helston and Penzance is a great spot at high tide for experienced surfers, when it gets some of the biggest waves in Cornwall. Praa Sands surf has a good reputation, and it is a good beach in general, so it can get busy. Pick your time, and you will get some top-level surfing here.
Facilities: some great places to eat and drink, parking, summer lifeguard cover.
Porthleven Beach, Near Helston
Porthleven surf is where the pros come. If you are not at that level (yet), come along to watch. The long beach has consistently big swells that result in some fantastically large waves.
Facilities: everything you need in the town (Porthleven rivals St Ives and Padstow for food). Summer lifeguard cover.
Sennen Cove, Land’s End
Head west to Whitesands Bay (usually just known as Sennen). Its exposed position produces great rollers for experienced surfers, and there is also a surf school for beginners: something for everyone. Surfing Sennen Cove in Cornwall can get busy, but on the plus side, this means that the facilities are great!
Facilities: car parks, cafes, pub, surf shops, summer lifeguard cover.
Constantine Bay, Falmouth
Not one for beginners, but Constantine Bay offers some fantastic surfing in Cornwall, especially at high tide at the reef (south end). Watch out for serious rips and heavy shorebreak.
Facilities: parking, toilets, a surf shop and summer lifeguard cover. Further facilities in nearby St Merryn.
Perranporth Beach, Perranporth
This long sandy beach is a popular spot for those seeking some West Cornwall surf. Aim for the Penhale end for the best surfing. Perranporth can get busy, and not just with surfers – golden sands and beachside bars help draw in the crowds. The swell can be too big in the winter (and no, that is not a challenge!).
Facilities: plenty of parking, shops and places to eat in town. Summer lifeguard cover.
Fistral Beach, Newquay
Site of the legendary Boardmasters and one of the best-known Newquay surfing beaches Fistral Beach caters for surfers of all levels, from rookies at the surf school to international pros. The Fistral Beach surf is consistent at all tides, holding the swell well. Fistral’s only downside is that it is almost always busy; however, the atmosphere is part of its charm.
Facilities: everything, from wetsuit hire to high-end dining. Summer lifeguard cover.
Polzeath Beach, Wadebridge
Whether you are new to surfing or are a wee bit rusty and are looking to improve your skills, Polzeath is a great Cornish surfing spot to head to. There is a surf school on the beach that will help you hone your skills while on your on your Cornwall holiday. The Blue Flag beach is also popular among families and swimmers.
Facilities: parking (including on the beach), plenty of places to eat and drink in the village, the original Ann’s Cottage surf shop. Lifeguard cover in the summer.
Widemouth, Bude
This beach outside Bude has a wild feel. Its character changes along its two-mile stretch, from beach bars, board hire and shops to exposed waters that are for experienced surfers only. Watch out for submerged rocks.
Facilities: parking, food, drink, equipment hire. Summer lifeguard cover.
Crooklets Beach, Bude
You are spoilt for choice when surfing in Bude, Cornwall. Crooklets is a popular spot for surfers of all levels and is home to Bude Surf Life Savers Club. It can get busy, but head to the northern end for a bit more space. Surf-wise, try the long lefthander at Barrel Rock or the righthander off Wrangles Rock.
Facilities: beachside car park, toilets, shops, cafes, showers, summer lifeguard cover.
Cornwall Holiday Cottages Near Surf Spots
Here at Cornish Escapes, we have a great choice of holiday cottages in Cornwall close to some of the best places to surf in Cornwall.
Whether you are booking a surfing holiday in Cornwall to try surfing for the first time or you are an experienced surfer looking to explore new breaks, check out our holiday cottages with sea views so you can keep an eye on the swell at all times.