A haven for seaside holidays, it’s no surprise that Cornwall also holds some of the top surfing spots in the UK. With a temperate climate that can offer great weathers for watersports and a position jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean that provides some wild waves to catch, this popular UK holiday destination has some of the country’s best surfing beaches. In Cornwall you’ll find surf spots suited to everyone from beginners to veterans – here are some of our favourites.

Fistral Beach

It may be the obvious answer, but Fistral Beach is famous for a reason, a scenic spot that’s unquestionably one of the best surfing beaches in Cornwall. Surfing conditions here are perfect for beginners but also have plenty of appeal for more seasoned surfers, with the sizeable and consistent waves here practically guaranteeing a good time.

Surfing in CornwallFistral Beach also boasts a great location beyond just the surfing opportunities, located alongside the bustling seaside town of Newquay, one of Cornwall’s top tourist spots. With countless attractions to visit and some spectacular restaurants to dine at, it makes a good destination for a full day out that includes as much surfing as you can handle.

Watergate Bay

Not far from Newquay, Watergate Bay is another one of the best surfing beaches in Cornwall for beginners. With some superb surfing conditions, due to being well-positioned to pick up waves while also being far less crowded than the famous Fistral Beach, this one is ideal for anyone looking to get started with this exciting sport. Again, this is a location which offers consistent surf so you can get in plenty of practice, and there’s also a range of facilities available, including some superb restaurants and cafés for enjoying a meal afterwards.

Cornwall beach

Porthtowen Beach

Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Porthtowan Beach certainly offers some stunning surroundings for surfing in Cornwall. This spot offers some powerful waves but the water can also be unsettled with potentially strong currents, so it’s not the greatest place for beginners. However, those with a few surf sessions under their belt will likely enjoy taking to the water here, and there are some good facilities on the beach.

Sennen Beach

Situated just north of Land’s End, Sennen Beach is the most westerly beach in Cornwall. Surfing conditions are pretty consistently good here as the beach is very exposed, and the location is therefore very popular with enthusiasts and is even home to two surf schools. However, it’s not always safe to get in the water so be sure to check before you go in, and sometimes the sea can get busy during the holiday season.

These are just a few of what we think are the best surfing beaches in Cornwall. Surfing is a fantastically fun activity whether you’re an experienced pro or just someone who’s thinking of trying it out, and the coastline of this popular county is the perfect place for taking to the waves on a seaside break. And even if you’re not thinking of going on holiday this year, it may be time to start planning ahead for summer holidays in the UK in 2021.