By Cristina Costea
When we think of great surfing destinations, most of us think Hawaii, Bali, Australia, Portugal or something along those lines, right? A place where the sun is shining pretty much all the time, the weather is never too cold and the scenery is nothing short of amazing. But did you know that the United Kingdom is also an awesome surf destination? It is home to hundreds of surf-perfect beaches, though the weather may not be on everyone’s liking. Did you know that it is not summer, but autumn, when the best waves can be caught in the UK?
BookSurfCamps.com presents 15 of the best surfing destinations in the United Kingdom, so all the surfers out there know which way to head this autumn!
Porth Neigwl, Wales
Also known as Hell’s Mouth, Porth Neigwl is located in the Llŷn Peninsula in North Wales. It is by far, the most popular and well-known surfing destination in Wales. It’s a beach for intermediate surfers, so if you know your basics and you get around in the water, you can try Porth Neigwl. There’s enough of it for everyone, as it is four miles long!
Fistral Beach, England
Fistral Beach, in the city of Newquay, is the heart and soul of the UK surf community. It holds annual surfing competitions and the British Surfing Association, the Newquay Boardrider Club and the Newquay Surf Life Saving Club are all based here, which should give you an idea of how much surfing goes on there.
A photo by Jeremy Bishop
Watergate Bay Beach, England
Situated in Cornwall, Watergate Bay Beach is a superb beach for beginners. Although it can be quite crowded when the high tide approaches, it’s truly a beginner surf spot one must not miss! It picks up good swell from the Atlantic and it’s also a good kitesurfing destination. You can even learn to surf there, as they have a great surf school.
Pease Bay, Scotland
Pease Bay is situated in Dunbar, Scotland and it offers excellent conditions for beginners surfers. We do advise you to wear a full wetsuit, as the water is pretty much cold all year round. What’s great about Pease Bay is that you can stay right on the beach, where there is a large caravan park.
Gower Peninsula Beaches, Wales
Jan Etherington of the Telegraph UK says that Gower Peninsula is “home to some of Britain’s best coastal scenery”. Aside from the gorgeous scenery that is bound to make you fall in love with Gower Peninsula, there are a plethora of easy waves all around. What’s not so cool about the beaches here is the cold water and air that even in the summer don’t make a surfer or a swimmer happy.
Llangennith Beach, Wales
The small village of Llangennith has an excellent beach for beginner surfers and it is one of the most popular surf destinations in Wales. Due to its awesome breaks, it does run the risk of being a bit crowded, but the beach itself is three miles long, so you stand the chance to find a spot for yourself.
Saltburn Beach, England
You can find Saltburn Beach, a great beginner surf destination, in the sea resort Saltburn-by-the-Sea in North Yorkshire, England. What makes Saltburn Beach a great surf spot is the fact that it is protected from the wind by the headland of Huntcliff and the fact that it faces north, which means that it picks up awesome swell.
Bantham Beach, England
Another great spot for intermediate surfers, Bantham Beach is located in the small coastal village of Bantham, South Devon, England. According to the beach’s website, “Bantham Surfing Academy’s highly experienced and British Surfing Association qualified instructors provide professional tuition and coaching for beginners through to advanced levels in a safe and friendly environment on the beautiful Bantham Beach.”
Croyde Bay Beach, England
Croyde Bay Beach is a sandy beach located near the city of Northam in Devon, England. Described as a consistent beach by surfers, it does run the risk of being crowded, so make sure you check out the forecast before you go! You can do that right here!
Thurso East, Scotland
It’s not the first time we’ve written about Thurso East! We’ve also included this expert surfer beach in our best surfing destinations in Europe. Located in Scotland, Thurso East is, without a doubt, the best expert surfing spot in Scotland and one of the best surfing destinations in Europe!
Freshwater West Beach, Wales
Freshwater West is THE spot in Wales for expert surfers in. Surfers from across UK and the world come to this place for its massive peaks and breaks. You need permission to surf there, because there is a firing range close by, so make sure you abide by the rules. Also, keep in mind that this one’s not for beginners! Sounds scary? It is, and the waves are scary good!
Bournemouth Beach, England
Bournemouth Beach is located in the city of Bournemouth, a large coastal city in South England and a perfect spot for intermediate surfers. Even though the government investment of £3million to create an artificial reef wasn’t a success, what Mother Nature created is still there and you can still surf well in Bournemouth.
Polzeath Beach, England
The small seaside resort of Polzeath, in Cornwall, is home to one of England’s best surfing beaches. The water here is so superb, that the Marine Conservation Society Good Beach Guide recommended the beach as having excellent water quality. With that in mind, you’re sure to have great surf sessions, as well as a great dip in the water!
Cayton Bay Beach, England
Located 3 miles south of Scarborough, Cayton Bay Beach is an awesome and pristine beach for all types of surfers. It’s a particularly good spot to learn how to surf and the area is filled with great restaurants and stunning scenery. Cayton Bay Beach is one of the best up-and-coming surf spots in England, so visit before it becomes too popular!
Sennen Cove Beach, England
Sennen Cove Beach is a small beach in the tiny village of Sennen Cove, England. A great spot for intermediate surfers, Sennen Cove offers great steady waves. Did we mention that the village was tiny? With around 200 inhabitants, you and your fellow surfers are sure to have the beach to yourself. The best time to visit is at tides, except extreme high tide.
Image Credit: pexels.com
Author: Cristina Costea
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Author: Maralyn
Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.
