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! Then, of course, there are our many beautiful beaches…
Your favourite Cornish surfing beach will depend on your level of experience, and whether you love the buzz of a busy bay or prefer to surf in a smaller group.
Here, simply in alphabetical order, are Cornwall’s top surf spots.
Constantine Bay
Not one for beginners, but Constantine Bay offers some fantastic surfing, 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.
Crooklets
This is a popular spot for surfers of all levels, and 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.
Fistral Beach
The beating heart of Cornwall’s surf scene, and the site of the legendary Boardmasters. This beautiful beach caters for surfers of all levels, from rookies at the surf school to international pros. The surf is consistent at all tides, holding the swell well. Fistral’s only downside is that it’s almost always busy; however the atmosphere is part if its charm.
Facilities: everything, from wetsuit hire to high-end dining. Summer lifeguard cover.
Godrevy Beach & Gwithian Towans
These joined Hayle beaches are perfect for experienced surfers looking for consistent big waves. Gwithian is more sheltered and has lifeguard cover (there’s also a surf school) while the more exposed Godrevy is wild.
Facilities: various parking options and cafes along this long stretch of coast. Summer lifeguard cover at the Gwithian end.
Perranporth
This long sandy beach is another popular spot. 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’s not a challenge!).
Facilities: plenty of parking, shops and places to eat in town. Summer lifeguard cover.
Polzeath
If you’re new to surfing, improving your skills, or a wee bit rusty, Polzeath is a good option. There’s also a surf school if you fancy learning a new skill on your Cornwall holidays. 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.
Porthleven
This is where the pros come. If you’re 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.
Porthmeor
Beautiful Porthmeor Beach is in St Ives, just beneath the Tate. The sandy 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.
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.
Praa Sands
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 the area. It’s a good beach in general so it can be busy. Pick your time, and you’ll get some top-level surfing here.
Facilities: some great places to eat and drink, parking, summer lifeguard cover.
Sennen Cove
Head west to Whitesands Bay (usually just known as Sennen). Its exposed position produces great rollers for experienced surfers, and there’s also a surf school for beginners: something for everyone. This beautiful beach gets busy, but on the plus side, this means that the facilities are great.
Facilities: car parks, cafes, pub, surf shops, summer lifeguard cover.
Widemouth
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.
Cornwall Holiday Cottages Near Surf Spots
Here at Cornish Escapes, we have a great choice of holiday cottages in Cornwall close to some top surf spots, such as St Ives, Hayle, Padstow and Newquay. Book your Cornish surf break today and stay in one of our wonderful sea view holiday homes where you can check the surf from the window…