Surfing in the UK: Best Spots in Cornwall
Surfing in the UK offers an incredible variety of waves and coastal experiences – from mellow beach breaks perfect for beginners to thundering reef breaks that attract the world’s best. The chilly waters around Britain’s isles conceal a thriving surf scene with rich culture, friendly communities, and waves year-round (if you don’t mind donning a wetsuit). In this travel-style guide, we’ll explore the best surfing locations in Cornwall, highlighting spots for beginners, intermediates, and experts. We’ll cover beach, reef, and point breaks, seasonal tips on when to go, and a taste of the local surf culture:from schools and cafes to places to stay.
Don't forget to pack your suncream in your Powderhound washbag and your Powderhound mug for a well deserved hot chocolate at the end of the day
Cornwall, England – Surf Capital of Britain
Cornwall’s Atlantic coastline is the beating heart of UK surfing. This southwest tip of England catches consistent swell and is home to the country’s most famous surf town: Newquay. Newquay is often dubbed the UK’s surfing capital, with waves for all levels spread across multiple beaches. Fistral Beach is Newquay’s crown jewel – an iconic beach break that regularly hosts major surf competitions. Fistral delivers consistent waves suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers, with different peaks along its length.
At North Fistral the waves hit harder and hollower (great for advanced surfers), while South Fistral is gentler and beginner-friendly. Thanks to its length and multiple sandbanks, Fistral can handle crowds by letting surfers spread out across the beach. Surf schools and rental shops at both ends make it easy to get gear or a lesson, and lifeguards watch over the designated surf areas in summer. The town of Newquay lives and breathes surf culture – expect dozens of surf shops, casual beach bars, and an annual festival (Boardmasters) that combines live music with pro surf contests at Fistral.. After a day in the waves, you can grab a Cornish pasty or fish & chips from a beachside café and watch the sunset with fellow surfers while drinking a hot chocolate from Powderhounds Surfer Mug. Newquay also offers plenty of accommodation, from surf lodges and campgrounds to hotels, making it an ideal base for a UK surf trip.
Beyond Fistral, the Newquay area has other excellent breaks: Watergate Bay just up the coast is a wide open beach break that catches even more swell – great for intermediates when autumn storms roll in. Crantock Beach to the west of town offers fun peaks with a scenic estuary backdrop. And only when the conditions align a few times a year, Newquay reveals The Cribbar – a notorious big-wave reef off Towan Head that can produce 20–30 ft faces. The Cribbar, dubbed an “evil beast” by those who have challenged it, is for expert big-wave surfers only and has been aweing onlookers since it was first ridden in 1966. Even if you’re not surfing it, it’s spectacular to watch when it awakens.
Heading further southwest in Cornwall, you’ll find Polzeath, a friendly beach break known as a longboarder’s haven and ideal for beginners on smaller swells. Sennen Cove, near Land’s End, is another beautiful beach break that picks up solid swell – in summer its gentle waves suit learners, but winter storms bring powerful surges for advanced riders. On a big winter day, Sennen can dish out overhead barrels that test your mettle. Cornwall even has a world-class reef break for experienced surfers at Porthleven on the south coast. When a strong winter groundswell wraps into Mount’s Bay, Porthleven produces a fast, barrelling right-hander over shallow reef that many consider England’s best wave (definitely for experts only!). In contrast, sheltered coves like Porthcurno or Gwithian/Godrevy offer more mellow surf and stunning scenery – these can be hidden gems when conditions line up.
When to go: Cornwall is surfable year-round. Summer (June–Aug) brings smaller, gentler waves and the warmest water (15–18°C) – perfect for beginners and long, sunny sessions. Do note summer can have flat spells, but there are usually beginner-friendly waves at spots like Fistral or Widemouth Bay. Autumn (Sept–Nov) is prime season – the water remains relatively warm from summer, but Atlantic swells intensify, delivering consistent surf with more power. Crowds thin out after August, so you get more waves to yourself. This is a great time for intermediate and advanced surfers to score epic sessions. Winter (Dec–Feb) is big-wave season in Cornwall – powerful storms send large swells, and breaks like Fistral, Sennen, and Porthleven come alive with waves that can top 8–10 feet. You’ll need a 5/4mm or thicker wetsuit plus boots, gloves, hood – water temps drop to ~9°C. It’s hardcore but rewarding (and often uncrowded) if you’re an experienced surfer seeking adrenaline. Spring (Mar–May) offers a mix – some decent swells still rolling through, fewer crowds than summer, but water is slow to warm up (you’ll still want that wetsuit). In short, summer is best for mellow surf and learning, autumn for consistent quality waves, and winter for the serious stuff.
Local vibe & tips: Cornwall’s surf culture is vibrant and welcoming. Newquay in particular has a party-like atmosphere in summer, with surf contests, the Boardmasters festival each August, and lively nightlife. You’ll find surf schools aplenty (e.g. Fistral Beach Surf School, Escape Surf School) offering lessons for all levels. Cafés like Fistral Beach Bar or The Stable (overlooking Fistral) are great for a post-surf bite. Further west, the vibe in villages like Sennen or Polzeath is more laid-back – think beach cafes and cozy pubs. If you’re camping, there are well-known surfer campsites such as Hillend at Llangennith (in Wales) or Secret Garden in Hayle (Cornwall) – in Cornwall you might opt for camps near the breaks or affordable surf hostels in Newquay. Just remember to respect the locals and the environment: follow surf etiquette in the water and take your litter with you. The Cornish surf community is proud of their beaches and will warmly welcome visitors who share that respect.
Dont forget to take your Powderhound goodies with you for your morning coffee, afternoon hot choc and put all your accessories in your Surfer washbag
