The Best Surf Spots in the UK

When picturing prime surfing destinations, the chilly shores of the UK might not be the first to come to mind. However, thanks to our position in the Atlantic Ocean, many of our coastal areas offer excellent conditions for surfers of all skill levels.

The UK’s coastline, stretching over 11,000 miles, features some incredible surf spots. From the rugged beaches of Scotland to the sunny shores of Cornwall, these locations provide some of the finest waves you'll find anywhere.

We’ve put together a list of the top surf spots in the UK to help you explore these fantastic surfing destinations.

 

1. Fistral Beach, Cornwall

Cornwall is home to many surf spots, but Fistral Beach truly stands out. As a venue for major events like the UK Pro Surf Tour, it attracts top British surfers across men’s, women’s, and junior categories. Fistral Beach is renowned for its consistent surf, offering something for everyone. In the summer, the smaller, gentler waves are perfect for beginners. Come winter, the beach transforms with steep, powerful waves that challenge even the most seasoned surfers.

 

2. Perranporth, Cornwall

Perranporth Beach, with its expansive golden sands and scenic dunes, attracts both surfers and families. It boasts a consistent swell that caters to all skill levels, with optimal waves often appearing around low tide. Though it can become crowded during prime conditions, the bustling surf scene offers a sense of community and safety for beginners.

 

3. Croyde, Devon

Croyde Bay is one of Devon’s top surfing spots, famous for its powerful low tide waves. This three-quarter-mile stretch of white sand attracts thousands of surfers aiming to catch its renowned waves. Although it can get busy, the lively atmosphere is part of its charm. The bay is also lined with surf shops and cafes, ensuring you have all the amenities you need for a great day on the water.

 

4. Woolacombe, Devon

Woolacombe is perfect for beginners with its gentle beach breaks, but it also offers opportunities for seasoned surfers in search of more challenging waves. At high tide, a notable right-hand break forms off the rocks at the northern end, attracting experienced surfers. While the busiest spots are near the town, the beach extends a few miles south, providing plenty of space to find a quieter surf experience with a bit of a stroll.

 

5. Llangennith, Gower

As the heart of Welsh surfing, the Gower Peninsula’s Llangennith beach is a standout destination. Stretching several miles, its sandy shores feature consistent beach breaks that cater to surfers of all levels, from seasoned pros to newcomers taking surf lessons. The wide expanse of the beach ensures there's ample room for everyone, making it a great environment for safe learning. Just be aware of stronger rips, which can intensify with bigger swells and incoming tides.

 

6. Saltburn, North Yorkshire

A cornerstone of the North-East surf scene, Saltburn-by-the-sea offers a welcoming environment with its mellow waves, perfect for improving your skills. The beach, split by a pier, benefits from better swells due to its northerly orientation. Beginners and intermediate surfers will find excellent conditions on either side of the pier, particularly at high tide, making it an ideal spot for practising turns. For those with more experience, the south side of the pier provides more powerful waves to test your skills.

 

7. Pease Bay, Berwickshire

Pease Bay is a versatile beach break that welcomes surfers of all abilities, with a surf scene that dates back to the 1960s, thanks in part to its easy access from Edinburgh. The waves here are generally gentle, making it an excellent choice for beginners looking to develop their skills. The bay's stunning scenery and family-friendly amenities further increase its appeal. However, be cautious at low tide, as the breaks over a cobble and sand bottom can become quite shallow, requiring a solid level of skill to navigate safely.

 

8. Portrush, County Antrim

Portrush, perched on Northern Ireland’s north coast, is known for its challenging surf conditions. The swells here can be unpredictable, but when the waves are right, you’re in for a stellar surfing experience. The town features two main surf spots: West Strand and East Strand, separated by a headland. West Strand is favoured for its accessibility and is well-suited to intermediate surfers. Meanwhile, East Strand offers a more sheltered environment, making it ideal for beginners with its relatively smaller, more manageable waves.

 

9. Thurso East, Caithness

At the northernmost edge of the UK mainland, Thurso East is celebrated for its reliably excellent surf, making it a premier choice for advanced surfers in Scotland. The waves break over a shallow reef, so it’s not suitable for novices. Instead, Thurso East is renowned for its powerful right-hand reef break on the east side of the bay, drawing elite surfers from around the world. The beach regularly hosts major surf competitions, and the best waves are typically found during Autumn and Winter.

 

10. Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides

For surfers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides is a top choice. Its dramatic coastline is dotted with secluded coves, striking pale sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters. The island’s exposed position on the edge of the Atlantic ensures some of the most reliable waves in northern Europe. Although a small, dedicated surfing community exists, the beaches here are rarely crowded. Nonetheless, due to the isolation of these surf spots, beginners should be cautious and ideally avoid surfing alone. The Isle of Lewis may be the most remote entry on this list, but it offers a chance to experience truly spectacular waves.

There you have it, 10 of the best surf spots in the UK. If you’re planning to hit any of these locations, make sure you’re well-prepared. At Longsands, we offer a diverse range of surfing apparel and gear, including joggers, trousers, shorts, t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, beanies, caps, vests, backpacks, and jackets, as well as various accessories. Feel free to explore our selection at your leisure. Wishing you the best of luck on the waves!