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Cornwall is the home of British surfing with Fistral beach the most famous of all of Cornwalls surfing beaches. Towan Headland off Fistral beach is where you will find the Cribbar reef (also known as the widownmaker). Waves here can reach 9 meters and draws experienced surfers from all around the world. The Cribbar reef was the first location surfed in the UK in 1929 by four visiting Australians who had brought their boards with them.
Since then Cornwall has become a world renowned destination for surfing and attracts surfers from all around the globe. Each year the Boardmasters festival hosts the best surfers from around the world and the UK. Competing in the Boardmasters open, the UK’s biggest surf competition.
CORNWALL SURF FACTS
- The largest waves are Cribbar (Reef in Cornish) and The Stones
- Surfing contributes £153 million to the economy of Cornwall
- Boardmasters is the UK’s biggest surfing competition
Planning an epic surf holiday to Cornwall?. You may be asking yourself ‘What are the best beaches for surfing in Cornwall?’ This guide is aimed at helping answer that question.
Since 2020 we have spent countless months road tripping and exploring the coast of Cornwall. We’ve been able to compile all of our experience into this guide to share what we think are the best surfing beaches in Cornwall.
We look at some of the best beaches in Cornwall for beginners and also the best beaches for more experienced surfers. We have narrowed down our selection to 6 of the best surf beaches in Cornwall from the more than 300 beaches gracing the coast of Cornwall.
The north coast of Cornwall is the best for surfing because of the incoming Atlantic swell. The north coast has more consistent waves and the geography of the beaches mentioned in this guide helps create the perfect surfing waves. The south coast of Cornwall also has excellent surfing beaches, although they are not as consistent as the north coast.
Typically the winter months in Cornwall bring bigger swells and more experienced surfers. While during the summer months, the ocean is calmer, and the surf is more suitable for beginners and intermediates.
This guide is focused on our favourite north coast of Cornwall surfing beaches that we feel cater to all abilities.
While there are plenty more surfing beaches in Cornwall, we think these are a great place to start. Especially if this is your first time surfing in Cornwall. Remember to always stay between the black and white lifeguard flags. If you see us in the lineup then don’t forget to say hi!
Fistral Newquay
Fistral Beach, located in Newquay, is perhaps the most famous surfing beach in Cornwall, and for good reason. It offers fantastic waves suitable for surfers of all abilities and is home to international surfing competitions. With consistent beach break waves of around 1-2 meters Fistral is a good all year round destination.
With a vibrant surfing community and excellent facilities, Fistral Beach is a must-visit for anyone passionate about surfing. If you are a more experienced surfer then you can head out to the Cribbar reef. Located just off Towan Headland, waves at Cribbar can reach up to 9 meters, earning it the nickname ‘widowmaker’
Fistral Beach is incredibly popular and in the summer months is very busy. At high tide Fistral reduces massively in size and the beach can feel claustrophobic.
Fistral is also ideally located in Newquay. Newquay has plenty of surf shops, restaurants and cafes as well as hotels and other types of accommodation.
Surf School | Fistral Beach Surf School is located on Fistral Beach and offers lessons and surf hire
Where to Stay | Fistral Beach Hotel offers comfortable rooms and incredible views across Fistral Beach.
Watergate Bay
Just a short drive from Newquay, Watergate Bay is a spacious sandy beach offering reliable surf. The bay's two-mile stretch of golden sand is backed by cliffs, providing a beautiful backdrop for a surfing session. Watergate Bay is great for beginner surfers, its unique geography means that Watergate Bay produces good waves in almost all conditions. Its wide expanse of golden sand ensures that there's plenty of room for everyone.
Watergate Bay has a large car park with more than 400 spaces located within walking distance of the beach. A parking fee is payable between the months of March-October, with an hour costing £1.30 and a full day £5.90.
Watergate Bay is also home to one of our favourite hotels Watergate Bay Hotel. Don’t forget to stay in one of their incredible Beach Lofts with direct access to the beach and surf.
Surf School | Wavehunters are located right on the beach and offers surf lessons and surf hire
Where to Stay | Watergate Bay Hotel and Spa
Sennen Cove
Sennen Cove on the west tip of Cornwall near Land's End, is a breathtakingly beautiful beach renowned for its consistent waves and clear waters. Surfers of all levels can enjoy the reliable swell, and the surrounding natural beauty of the coastline adds to this surfing spot. With surf schools and equipment hire available, Sennen Cove is suitable for beginners looking to take catch their first wave on a board.
The next beach along the coast is Gwynver Beach which is suited to more experienced surfers. Making Sennen Cove the ideal destination for all abilities.
There is parking available on the beachfront, but we recommend parking at Sennen Top car park and walking down the grassy dunes to the beach. The view from the car park is also spectacular.
Surf School | Book a lesson at Sennen Surfing Center
Where to Stay | Trevedra Farm Caravan & Camping Site, The Old Success Inn, Saddle and Stable Rooms
Gwithian Beach
One of our favourite beaches in Cornwall, at low tide it connects to Godrevy and Towans to create a large expanse of golden sand with consistent waves that attract surfers year-round. The beach has a long stay car park making access very easy.
The gentle slope of the beach makes the perfect beginner waves and you can hire equipment and book surf lessons right on the beach.
Don’t forget to stop at the Rockpool beach cafe for some post surf food and drinks. Gwithian is also a great location to walk along the coastal path and spot seals bathing in the sun in hidden coves.
Surf School | Hire equipment and book lessons at the Gwithian Academy of Surfing
Where to Stay | T C James & Sons Churchtown Farm Caravan & Camping Site and Gwithian Farm Campsite
Polzeath Beach
Polzeath Beach has built a reputation as one of the best beaches in Cornwall for beginners and intermediate surfers. It has long consistent slow breaking waves which makes it a really fun Cornwall surf destination. Located on the north coast of Cornwall the beach is family-friendly and has all the facilities you need.
Polzeath is also home to the famous Ann’s Cottage surf store and a visit to Polzeath would be complete without visiting the very First Ann’s Cottage.
A unique feature of Polzeath is the on beach parking, perfect for arriving early in the morning, unstrapping your board and heading into the waves.
Surf School | Hire equipment at Anns Cottage and book lessons at Surfs Up Surf School
Where to Stay | Polzeaths beach house (modern, bright and clean), Westward 14 Polzeath and Bishops View.
Perranporth Beach
We spent all of last summer living in Perranporth and fell in love with the location. Perranporth Beach boasts three miles of golden sand and consistent surf, making it a favourite among locals and visitors. The beach is exposed to swells from the Atlantic, providing great conditions for surfing. Beginners can take advantage of the on beach surf schools, while advanced surfers can challenge themselves in the powerful waves.
Home to Chapel Rock tidal pool and the only live music bar in the UK located right on the beach, The Wateringhole. Perranporth has plenty of surf shops, cafes and restaurants. It also has holiday parks and plenty of accommodation nearby.
The beach car park is not the biggest and has a height barrier. It can get busy quickly and is not suitable for larger campervans and motorhomes. There is cliff top parking available in limited numbers overlooking Perranporth.
Perranporth Beach has plenty of space for surfers to spread out and enjoy the easy going waves on a warm summer day.
Surf School | Perranporth Surf School is located right on Perranporth Beach
Where to Stay | Anchor Barrow Campsite, Chapel Rock View
