Top 10 Surf Spots In United Kingdom - Updated 2024

1. Watergate Bay Beach

1/3 Watergate Bay Beach

2/3 Kitesurfing on Watergate Bay Beach

3/3 Surfing on Watergate Bay Beach

If you are a beginner, plan to visit Watergate Bay Beach when holidaying in the UK. Located in the UK’s surfing capital, Newquay in Cornwall, this sprawling beach is one of the most popular shores in the territory. You can find a good surf school to learn how to ride those ocean waves. This beginner surfing shore is often crowded with plenty of visitors during the high tide. It also invites you to enjoy the fun of kitesurfing. Besides surfing, Watergate Beach also hosts several other water sports and other events every year.

Watergate Bay Beach

Address: Watergate Bay, Newquay, Cornwall, England

2. Freshwater West Beach

Are you a pro surfer planning a holiday in the UK? Then do not miss the thrill of surfing at Freshwater West, a well-known surfing destination in Wales. It’s best for experienced surfers, as it has consistently strong waves and swells. The beach greets skilled surfers from the UK and around the world to enjoy tackling the gigantic peaks and breaks. You’ll need to seek permission to ride these waves - as a firing range is present nearby - before you can enjoy some adventurous surfing.

Freshwater West Beach

Address: Near Castlemartin, Pembrokeshire, West Wales, United Kingdom

3. Saltburn Beach

Visit the fascinating Saltburn Beach, situated at a wonderful seaside town called Saltburn-by-the Sea in England. The beach is a great surf spot for beginners to learn how to get on the waves. The prominent feature which makes this shore a great surfing destination is that the Huntcliff’s headland safeguards it from the wind. Pick up a great swell and surf on the water here.

Saltburn Beach

Address: Saltburn-by-the-Sea, England, United Kingdom

4. Croyde Bay Beach

Croyde Bay Beach is based on a wide sandy bay which is flanked by Saunton Sands and the shores of Woolacombe in Devon, England. Surfing here is generally good, so plan a beach excursion at this clean and charming beach, and enjoy catching the waves. Your kids will also have a great time exploring various rock pools. Also, plan to visit the pleasant and laidback Croyde Village while here.

Croyde Bay Beach

Address: Croyde Bay Beach, Devon, England

5. Porth Neigwl

Situated in North Wales, Porth Neigwl is a widely famous surf spot that greets numerous surfers to experience this thrilling water sport. It is also popularly known as Hell’s Mouth and is ideal for intermediate surfers and pros. The 4-mile (6.43-kilometer) coastal stretch offers peaks during a good swell. Find better waves at the southeast end, under the cliffs. Surfers crowd here on good swells to ride the waves, so do not miss the opportunity to explore this surfing site.

Porth Neigwl

Address: Llanengan, Pwllheli, Wales, United Kingdom

6. Pease Beach

Scotland offers an excellent surfing spot on Pease Beach for beginners to have fun riding the waves. Surfers throughout the country often visit this beach, so include it in your itinerary when holidaying in the UK. Water at the beach is quite cold throughout the year, so put on a full wetsuit before you step out to surf. The presence of a huge caravan park also enables you to stay on or near the shore.

Pease Beach

Address: Cockburnspath TD13 5YP, Scotland, United Kingdom

7. Bournemouth Beach

If you are planning to enjoy beach holidays in Bournemouth, England, do not miss visiting the enchanting Bournemouth Beach. The beach is a great spot for surfing and ideal for intermediate surfers to test their skills. Amateur surfers may find it difficult to catch a wave here, but an intermediate can take up the challenge and manage the swells. So, if you wish to hone your surfing skills, make sure you enjoy the sport at this surfing epicenter in England.

Bournemouth Beach

Address: Bournemouth, England, United Kingdom

8. Bantham Beach

Nestled at the small and charming seaside village of Bantham in England, Bantham Beach is a fantastic destination for getting on the water to surf. It’s a great surfing point for intermediate surfers to practice and enjoy the water sport. Novice surfers can find professional assistance to learn the skill of riding the waves at this gorgeous site. Bantham Beach also offers mellow waves to encourage beginners to learn the sport. Plan and enjoy a beach vacation here.

Bantham Beach

Address: South Devon, England

9. Cayton Bay Beach

Do not miss visiting the pristine, picturesque Cayton Bay Beach to enjoy the thrill of getting on the waves, whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or expert surfer. Situated 3 miles (4.82 kilometers) south of the popular resort town Scarborough, this beach is a great spot to learn the skill of riding the waves. Also, the shore is dotted with fabulous restaurants where you can enjoy a good meal after surfing. Capture the spectacular nature in your camera as you unwind after a beach adventure.

Cayton Bay Beach

Address: Cayton, Scarborough, England

10. Fistral Beach

1/2 Fistral Beach

2/2 Fistral Beach

Make your holidays to the UK more exciting by visiting Fistral Beach in Newquay, England. This incredible shore is known for being the most popular surfing spot in the country’s surf community. Surfers join annual surfing competitions that take place here and enjoy the competitive spirit of riding the waves. Also, you can find renowned organizations such as Newquay Boardriders Club and the British Surfing Association here.

Fistral Beach

Address: Headland Road, Newquay, England

Enjoy a surfing excursion in the UK

The United Kingdom is blessed with numerous natural attractions, and beautiful, surf-friendly beaches are no exception to this. If a surfing adventure is on your mind, the UK has bountiful opportunities for you. So pack your bags, head out to this European paradise, and have a great experience riding the waves at these top surf spots in the United Kingdom.