The Best Surf Spots in Cornwall: Your Ultimate Guide

Introduction

Welcome to my guide to the best surf spots in Cornwall, where the Atlantic Ocean churns out some of the best waves in the UK, making it a surfer’s paradise. Whether you’re riding your first wave or you’re an experienced surfer chasing big swells, Cornwall has a spot that feels custom-made just for you. 

Cornwall stands out as an ideal destination for surfers of all abilities due to its vast array of beaches that offer everything from gentle rollers perfect for beginners to powerful reef breaks that challenge even the most advanced surfers. This coastal gem in the southwest of England has a real surf culture and breath-taking scenery that surrounds every sandy beach.

One of the greatest things about surfing in Cornwall is how accessible it is. There are ample car parks at most beaches and you will find yourself just a short walk from the nearest town. With so many options and many wide beaches even in peak season you will have space to enjoy yourself. 

You’ll find plenty of surf schools dotted along the north and south coasts, with Fistral Beach and Polzeath Beach being among the most popular spots where surf schools offer lessons and equipment hire. This means even if you arrive with nothing but enthusiasm, you’ll be set up and ready to catch your first wave in no time! In this guide I will dive into the top 10 options so you can pick what is right for you!

If you are in the area to surf, why not add another thrilling activity to your itinerary and check out the best dolphin and marine life tours here

Top 10 best surf spots in Cornwall

Fistral Beach

Location and Description:

Fistral Beach, located in the heart of Newquay on the North Cornwall coast, is arguably the most famous surf spot in the UK. This beach boasts a stunning expanse of sandy shoreline with dramatic headlands on either end, creating a natural amphitheatre that’s perfect for surf spectacles. Geographically, it’s exposed directly to the Atlantic swells, ensuring a consistent supply of good waves.

Characteristics:

Fistral Beach is renowned for its high-quality, consistent surf conditions, which can produce powerful waves that make it a top choice during surf competitions. The beach features a mix of sandy bottom breaks and occasional rocky sections that contribute to a variety of wave types, primarily good right handers and some lefts. It’s considered one of the best surfing beaches for both performance surfing and competitions, attracting surfers from all over the world.

Skill Level:

Fistral Beach caters to all levels of surfers, from beginners to advanced. Surf schools populate the beach, offering lessons and making it an excellent spot for first-timers. Experienced surfers can enjoy the challenging conditions of bigger swell days, especially during the summer months when the waves can get particularly exciting. This is what most people think of when they think of the best surf spots in Cornwall

Perranporth Beach

Location and Description:

Situated on the North coast of Cornwall, Perranporth Beach offers three miles of golden sands backed by dunes and a quaint seaside town. This extensive beach benefits from the Atlantic swell, delivering consistent waves that roll beautifully towards the shore. The geographical spread of the beach means that even on busy days, there’s plenty of space for everyone.

Characteristics:

Perranporth Beach is a popular spot due to its long beach which provides consistent waves that are ideal for a variety of surfing styles. The waves here are generally well-formed and suitable for longboarding as well as shortboarding. The beach is also a swell magnet, catching waves that other nearby spots might miss, which ensures reliable surfing conditions most of the year.

Skill Level:

This beach is perfect for surfers of all levels. Beginners will find surf schools ready to help them catch their first wave, while the more advanced surfers can head further out to enjoy bigger and more powerful waves. The extensive size of the beach allows learners plenty of room to practice without encroaching on the more experienced surf zones, making it a great spot for groups or families with varying abilities.

Polzeath Beach

Location and Description:

Polzeath Beach is a scenic gem on the North Cornwall coast, near the mouth of the Camel Estuary. Known for its expansive, shallow sandy beach and relatively gentle waters, the area boasts a landscape of rugged cliffs and rolling countryside, offering picturesque views from every angle. Polzeath is a favourite among both locals and tourists for its natural beauty and its accessibility, with a nearby car park and local amenities.

Characteristics:

The surf at Polzeath is famed for its gentle, long waves that make it an ideal spot for longboarding and beginner surfers. The waves here are particularly consistent, providing reliable surf conditions that are not overly challenging but still offer enough excitement for more seasoned surfers. The beach’s shape and the sea floor contour create conditions that are conducive to small to medium swell, making it a popular spot throughout the year.

Skill Level:

Polzeath Beach particularly suits beginners and intermediate surfers. The consistent, not overly powerful waves provide a safe and encouraging environment for new surfers to learn and for intermediate surfers to improve their skills. Surf schools and equipment hire are readily available here, which helps in making it one of the best places to learn surfing in Cornwall.

Watergate Bay

Location and Description:

Watergate Bay, located just a few miles up the coast from Newquay on the North Cornwall coast, offers a two-mile stretch of sandy beach framed by cliffs and backed by steep slopes. This beach has several upscale hotels and restaurants overlooking the sea. Geographically, its wide beach exposes it to the full force of the Atlantic, bringing in substantial swells.

Characteristics:

Known for its strong, consistent waves and good winds, Watergate Bay is a haven for surfers looking for a more challenging ride. The beach’s broad and open aspect catches the Atlantic swell directly, resulting in powerful waves and making it one of the most consistent spots for good surfing in Cornwall. It’s also a great place for kitesurfing and windsurfing due to the favourable wind conditions.

Skill Level:

This beach caters primarily to intermediate and advanced surfers because of the powerful waves and the often challenging conditions. However, during the summer months when the waves are generally softer, beginners can also enjoy surf lessons provided by the local surf schools. The presence of these schools and the availability of surf equipment hire make it accessible for first-timers who want to experience a more thrilling surf spot.

Bude

Location and Description:

Located on the north coast of Cornwall near the Devon border, Bude is a charming seaside town with multiple beaches, including Summerleaze and Crooklets, both famous for their surfing potential. The town itself provides a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere, with easy access to a variety of amenities and a picturesque setting.

Characteristics:

The surf in Bude benefits from the town’s geographical position, catching a wide range of swells from the Atlantic. This results in waves that can accommodate every style and level of surfing. The area is known for both its beach breaks and point breaks. Offering a mixture of wave types that ensure surfers rarely leave disappointed. Surfers also recognize Bude as one of the best breaks in the UK, with waves that hold well even when they get large.

Skill Level:

Bude’s beaches cater to surfers of all levels. Beginners will find ideal conditions for learning, particularly at Summerleaze Beach, where smaller, more manageable waves are common. For the more experienced surfers, spots like Crooklets provide a more challenging surf with the potential for bigger and faster waves, especially suitable for advanced surfers during a big swell.

Sennen Cove

Location and Description:

Sennen Cove is a small, picturesque fishing village located near Land’s End, the most westerly point of mainland Cornwall. The beach at Sennen is one of the most beautiful in South Cornwall. With fine white sand and clear blue waters, bordered by rugged cliffs and the dramatic scenery of the Cornish coast. It faces directly into the full force of the Atlantic. This ensures it is one of the most consistent surf spots in the area.

Characteristics:

Sennen Cove is renowned for its powerful waves and consistent surf. Making it a great spot for surfing throughout the year. The beach picks up swell from a wide range of directions, ensuring that there are almost always surfable waves. The waves here can range from gentle for beginners to fast and hollow for more experienced surfers. It all depends on the conditions and sections of the beach.

Skill Level:

The beach is well-suited for surfers of all abilities. Beginners can enjoy the smaller waves closer to shore, which are perfect for getting a feel for surfing and building confidence. More advanced surfers will find the outer sections of the wave more challenging and rewarding, especially on days with a bigger swell, making it a versatile spot that appeals to every level of surfer. Surf schools and rental services are available, making it accessible for those without their own equipment.

Porthleven

Location and Description:

Porthleven, located on the south coast of Cornwall, boasts a picturesque harbour village setting with an historic atmosphere. The surf spot here is situated just outside the harbour and is well-known for its impressive reef break. Geographically, Porthleven is slightly more sheltered than the north coast spots. However it still receives a good amount of swell due to its direct exposure to the Atlantic Ocean, providing spectacular wave conditions.

Characteristics:

Porthleven is famous for its powerful and technical waves, which are often considered some of the best in the UK. The reef break here can produce hollow, fast, and very challenging waves. Making it arguably top of the best surf spots in Cornwall for high-performance surfing. It’s a place where surfers can expect to find excellent right handers that offer thrilling rides. The spot’s popularity stems not only from the quality of the waves but also from the dramatic scenery that surrounds it.

Skill Level:

The nature of the reef break and the often powerful waves make Porthleven best suited for advanced and experienced surfers. The waves here require a good deal of skill to navigate safely, especially given the rocky bottom. I do not recommend this spot for beginners or intermediate surfers. Unless of course you are going to watch!

Praa Sands

Location and Description:

Praa Sands, located on the south coast of Cornwall between Helston and Penzance, features a long, straight sandy beach that stretches for nearly a mile.
Dunes back the beach, which has a somewhat exposed aspect and catches a good range of Atlantic swells. Praa Sands is also well know for it’s scenic beauty. Making it not only one of the best surf spots in Cornwall but also a favourite destination for beach-goers.

Characteristics:

The surf at Praa Sands is known for its consistency and variety of waves. Making it a great spot for both shortboarding and longboarding. The waves here are generally well-shaped, offering both lefts and rights to accommodate a range of surfing styles. The beach’s open aspect to the Atlantic ensures that it picks up swell from a wide range of directions. This contributes to its popularity as a consistent and reliable spot for good waves.

Skill Level:

Praa Sands is an ideal location for surfers of all levels. Beginners will find the beach a perfect place to learn, with several local surf schools providing lessons and equipment hire. Intermediate surfers can take advantage of the varied wave conditions to improve their skills. Even on busier days, the length of the beach ensures there is plenty of space for everyone. Making it a comfortable and accommodating spot for those looking to enjoy the waves without feeling overcrowded.

Gwithian Beach

Location and Description:

Gwithian Beach sits on the north coast of Cornwall, near St Ives Bay. It offers a wide expanse of golden sand stretching for miles towards Godrevy Point. Boasting a scenic landscape with dunes and rocky cliffs. As part of a nature reserve, it attracts not only surfers but also wildlife enthusiasts.

Characteristics:

Surfers favour the surf at Gwithian for its good waves that cater to different styles and preferences. The beach break here provides a mix of both left and right waves, known for their consistent quality. Gwithian’s extensive beach area allows the waves to spread out, reducing crowding and providing surfers with a more relaxed experience. 

Skill Level:

Gwithian Beach is an excellent spot for surfers of all levels. Beginners will find the gentler parts of the beach suitable for learning and building confidence. Intermediate and advanced surfers can explore further out where the waves become more challenging. The beach’s long stretch also means there’s plenty of room for everyone. Making it a great place for families and groups of friends.

Constantine Bay

Location and Description:

Number 10 in my best surf spots, Constantine Bay lies on the north coast of Cornwall, close to Padstow. It is famed for its rugged and natural beauty. Characterised by a wide sandy beach backed by sand dunes and rocky headlands. The beach is relatively exposed and catches swells directly from the Atlantic, ensuring a regular supply of waves.

Characteristics:

The surf here is well-regarded for its quality and consistency. Constantine Bay offers a variety of wave types that can suit different surfing techniques. From powerful waves for shortboarding to smoother waves ideal for longboarding. The beach typically features both left and right waves that can get quite powerful and hollow. Particularly during higher tides and bigger swells, making it a favourite among more experienced surfers.

Skill Level:

Constantine Bay is best suited to intermediate and advanced surfers. The waves here can be challenging. Requiring a good level of skill to navigate effectively, especially on days with larger swells.

The best surf spots in Cornwall: Conclusion

That’s it, ten fantastic options to choose from. Accommodating something for every skill level this region offers everything from gentle swells to challenging breaks. All with stunning backdrops that will make you want to pull your camera out. 

The presence of numerous surf schools, friendly surf communities, and plenty of equipment hire options ensures that Cornwall is both spectacular and accessible. Whether you’re looking to start your surfing adventure or a seasoned pro. The best surf spots in Cornwall and it’s diverse beaches provide the perfect backdrop. So pack your wetsuit, grab your board, and head to Cornwall to experience the best of UK surfing!

If you’re feeling like something further afield, why not check our my guides to the best surfing in Barbados and Bali