Learning to surf in Cornwall?
Cornwall is home to some of the best surfing beaches in the UK alongside Devon, the reason for that is we have the Atlantic ocean which brings in great building swell from far out into our North Cornwall Beaches and sometimes in West Cornwall but that’s mainly in Winter. If you’re learning to surf then Newquay is a real hotspot for learning to surf or catching that first wave, but generally Bude, Newquay, Perranporth and Gwithian are beginner friendly beaches depending on the wave size.
Realistically if you’re going to surf for the first time, always check the tide times, you ideally want a tide to be either coming in or going out, we call that ‘mid-tide’. Next check the wave size, 1-3ft is ideal for real beginners and don’t go deeper than your waist, practice catching the white water. We recommend for your first time having a surfing lesson which will give you the best experience possible.
Beginner Friendly Surfing Beaches in Cornwall
Fistral Beach
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Fistral Beach in Newquay is perhaps the most iconic surfing beach in the UK, renowned for its perfect waves and surf culture throughout the town. During the summer months, it becomes an incredibly popular tourist destination with people clocking here from all over the UK.
Despite the fact that you might be sharing the waves with hundreds of other surfers, Fistral consistently offers class waves during winter times from September onwards. Fistral beach is capable of holding swells up to 8 feet. On those rare big days, the infamous Cribbar big wave spot, known as England’s big wave spot, awakens with as many as 10-20 surfers at one time trying for a wave of their lifetime.
Fistral Beach is often divided into three main areas: South Fistral, North Fistral, and Little Fistral, which is only accessible at low tide.
Highlights
The beach is well-equipped with amenities, including surf shops, rental facilities, cafes, and restaurants, making it a hub for both locals and tourists. The strong rip currents and exposure to Atlantic swells necessitate caution, particularly for swimmers. Lifeguards are on duty from April to October, providing an additional layer of safety. With its blend of natural beauty, top-notch facilities, and consistent surf, Fistral Beach remains a must-visit destination for surfers of all levels
Godrevy Beach
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Godrevy Beach, located at the north end of Hayle’s extensive 4-mile stretch of golden sand, is a favourite among surfers due to its ability to handle powerful Atlantic swells along with having a selection of waves, if Godrevy beach is too big you can walk down the beach with the waves getting smaller the further you go. This beach is especially popular for its diverse range of waves, making it suitable for surfers of all skill levels, from beginners to experts. The beach is part of the larger Gwithian Beach, and at low tide, it offers a vast expanse of sand that can sometimes be walked all the way to Carbis Bay, although visitors should always check the tide times to avoid getting caught out.
Godrevy is known for its stunning scenery, with the iconic Godrevy Lighthouse providing a picturesque backdrop often featured in photographs.
Highlights
The beach is well-equipped with amenities, including public toilets near the car park and additional facilities towards the town center, which are closed at dusk. It is a lifeguarded beach, with patrols running daily from mid-May to late September, ensuring a safer environment for swimming and surfing. Rockpools at low tide are perfect for families to explore, offering a chance to discover local marine life. Despite its beauty and popularity, the strong currents and exposure to large swells mean that caution is always necessary, particularly for swimmers
Summerleaze Beach
Summerleaze beach cornwall
Summerleaze Beach, located in the seaside town of Bude, is great for both beginners and experienced, although if you’re into bigger waves then head over to Widemouth Bay which is more exposed than Summerleaze beach. Summerleaze beach at low tide is great peaky waves but if you’re a beginner then high tide would be better as the waves mellow out and become more soft.
Highlights
The beach is well-equipped with facilities, including public toilets near the car park, seasonal lifeguard cover from April to October, and accessibility features such as level access from the nearby car park and a sand chair available for hire. The beach is dog-friendly, with some restrictions during the peak summer months. For those interested in marine life, the rock pools at low tide are a delightful spot for families to explore. The beach’s breakwater and canal lock gates add to its charm and provide additional areas of interest
Porthtowan Beach
Porthtowan beach
Porthtowan Beach, located on the north coast of Cornwall, is a great place for more intermediate surfers when the surf is pumping, sometimes Porthtowan in the winter months are perfect for shortboards then during summer it becomes a longer border wave being soft and mellow. We always love surfing here then going for a cheeky english cream tea at the local cafes afterwards, PROPER CORNISH. There are also many beautiful walks surrounding this beach, our favourite is along the coast towards Portreath beach.
Highlights
The beach is well-equipped with essential facilities, including public toilets near the car park, and seasonal lifeguard cover from May to September. Accessibility features include easy access from the nearby car park. Porthtowan Beach is dog-friendly, with some restrictions during peak summer hours. Families will enjoy exploring the rock pools at low tide, which are teeming with marine life. The beach is backed by high cliffs and offers scenic coastal walks, adding to its appeal as a versatile destination for both relaxation and adventure
Sennen Beach
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Sennen Beach, located near Land’s End on the westernmost tip of mainland Britain, is an excellent spot for progressional surfers and beginner surfers. The beach is known for its powerful Atlantic swells, making it particularly appealing to more experienced surfers during the winter months when the waves are pumping. In the summer, the waves mellow out, providing a more relaxed environment suitable for longboarding or getting your first wave in Cornwall. After a session in the surf, visitors can enjoy a traditional PROPER PASTY or fish and chips at one of the local spots to ear.
Highlights
The beach is well-equipped with essential facilities, including public toilets near the car park and seasonal lifeguard cover from April to October. Accessibility features include easy access from the nearby car park. Sennen Beach is dog-friendly, with some restrictions during peak summer hours. Families will also enjoy exploring the rock pools at low tide, which are rich with marine life. The beach’s extensive golden sands and stunning natural backdrop make it a versatile beach for both relaxation and adventure
Perranporth Beach
Perranporth beach Low tide
Perranporth Beach, located on the north coast of Cornwall, is a fantastic destination for both families and surfers. Beginner surfers must be aware of the rip currents for this beach as it can get quite dangerous and we wouldn’t recommend going further than your hips in depth as you could be dragged out to sea quite quickly, so we advise only going surfing when you’re comfortable and the lifeguards are around.
For those looking to surf, Perranporth offers consistent waves suitable for all skill levels. After a day on the waves, you can visit the unique Watering Hole, the UK’s only beach bar, which offers a lively atmosphere with stunning sunset views during summer. The town of Perranporth is also home to numerous shops, cafes, and pubs, ensuring visitors have plenty to do off the beach as well.
Highlights
The beach is well-equipped with essential facilities, including public toilets near the car park and seasonal lifeguard cover from April to October. Accessibility features include easy access from the nearby car park. Perranporth Beach is dog-friendly, with some restrictions during peak summer hours.
Marazion Beach
Marazion beach
Marazion Beach, located on the west coast of Cornwall, is a fantastic destination for both families but can sometimes produce gems with the right swell and winds. It’s not known so much as a surfers beach and rarely works in the summertime, this wave works maybe 1-3 times a year but its a gem of Cornish gold when its working. Its more of a longboarding wave as waves don’t really get bigger than 3-4ft but sometimes we hit gold and get a swell of 6ft when the shortboarders arrive and tear it up (this doesn’t happen very often due to it being so rare for the swell)
Marazion offers various attractions nearby. The causeway to St Michael’s Mount can be walked at low tide, providing a unique experience of this historic site. The town also has a children’s playground and hosts various events throughout the year, making it a lively and engaging place for visitors of all ages.
Highlights
The beach is well-equipped with essential facilities, including public toilets near the car park and seasonal lifeguard cover from July to September. Accessibility features include a wheelchair and pushchair-friendly ramp, ensuring easy access for all visitors. Marazion Beach is dog-friendly, with some restrictions during peak summer hours. Families will also enjoy exploring the rock pools at low tide, which are rich with marine life. The beach’s extensive golden sands and stunning natural backdrop make it a versatile destination for both relaxation in Cornwall.
Porthmeor Beach
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Porthmeor Beach, located in the heart of St Ives, is one of the most popular and picturesque beaches in Cornwall. Known for its golden sands and Blue Flag status, Porthmeor is ideal for both beginner surfers and experienced, along with all beaches in the north coast of Cornwall for experienced surfers winter time is best to visit at low tide Porthmeor beach will be one of the only beaches that produces a ‘barrel’ which is when the surfer is inside the heart of the wave. For beginner surfers Porthmeor beach is great for surfing at mid-tide but the waves being more mellow than low tide but during high tide the waves disappear so plan your surfing day around those.
After a day on the waves, you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the nearby cafes and restaurants, which offer a variety of local and international cuisine. The beach is also a short walk from the charming town center of St Ives, where you can explore shops, art galleries, and local attractions.
Highlights
The beach is well-equipped with essential facilities, including public toilets near the car park and seasonal lifeguard cover from April to October. Accessibility features include beach wheelchairs and buggies available for hire, ensuring easy access for all visitors. Porthmeor Beach is dog-friendly, with some restrictions during peak summer hours.
Watergate Bay
Watergate bay beach cornwall
Watergate Bay Beach, located just 2 miles north of Newquay, is known as a punchy beach break where waves can reach up to 8ft on the right day in winter but rarely in summer. Experienced surfers choose this beach over majority in Newquay due to the wave selection being a long beach it has many peaks you can choose from and get your own peak to avoid crowds. If you’re a beginner this is also a great beach to learn on whilst the waves are 3ft max, there are plenty of surf schools around to take you out.
The seaside too. Families can explore the rock pools at low tide, which are rich with marine life, providing a fun activity for children. Beyond the beach, Watergate Bay offers several dining options, from quick bites at food trucks to full meals at local restaurants. The surrounding area also boasts beautiful coastal walks with stunning views, linking to other nearby beaches such as Porth beach and Mawgan Porth. These additional activities make Watergate Bay a versatile destination for both relaxation and adventure
Highlights
The beach is well-equipped with essential facilities, including public toilets near the car park and additional facilities towards the town center. It also has seasonal lifeguard cover from April to October, ensuring safety for all visitors. Watergate Bay is fully accessible to wheelchair users, with specially designed steps and ramps. The beach is dog-friendly all year round, allowing your furry friends to enjoy
Mawgan Porth Beach
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Mawgan Porth Beach, located just 4 miles north of Newquay, is a picturesque surfing beach bordered by high cliffs, providing a stunning backdrop and some protection from cross-shore wind when mid tide. If you’re a beginner this beach is limited to a choice of surf school but you won’t be disappointed with the lessons and waves you’ll catch.
With a range of local amenities, including shops, cafes, and public toilets near the car park. The surrounding area offers plenty of opportunities for coastal walks with breathtaking views. One of the highlights is the walk to the nearby Bedruthan Steps, where you can explore impressive rock formations and hidden coves.
Highlights
Mawgan Porth offers consistent waves that cater to all skill levels, making it a great spot to avoid the more crowded beaches in Newquay. The beach has seasonal lifeguard cover from April to October, ensuring safety for all visitors. The area is dog-friendly, with dogs allowed on the beach year-round, although some restrictions apply during peak hours in the summer.
Harlyn Bay Beach, Padstow
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Harlyn Bay Beach, located near Padstow on the Trevose Head peninsula, is a fantastic destination surfers, a northerly aspect means it is more sheltered compared to some west-facing beaches, making it a great spot for a day out even when the weather is less than perfect. Usually in Winter you’ll find Harlyn bay beach has a reputation of when everywhere in Cornwall is blown out this beach still works due to the positioning.
Surfers flock to this beach ranging from beginners to pros but during the summer, the waves are generally smaller and perfect for those beginner surfers, while the September swells bring more challenging conditions for experienced surfers.
Explore the nearby coastal paths, offering stunning views and connections to other beautiful bays like Trevone Bay and Constantine Bay. For those interested in local history and culture, the nearby Prideaux Place, an Elizabethan manor, offers guided tours and a glimpse into Cornwall’s rich heritage.
Highlights
The beach is lifeguarded from April to October, ensuring a safe environment for swimming and surfing. The area also features numerous rock pools, sand dunes, and small streams, making it an ideal spot for children to explore and enjoy.
The beach is well-equipped with essential facilities, including public toilets near the car park and additional amenities towards the town center. Accessibility is a priority, with a slipway providing wheelchair access to the beach. Harlyn Bay is dog-friendly with some seasonal restrictions, allowing your furry friends to enjoy the seaside too.
Praa Sands Beach
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Praa Sands Beach, located between Penzance and Helston, is one of the south coast’s best-known surf spots. This large, sandy beach is famous for its powerful, often hollow waves, especially when a south coast swell coincides with northerly winds. The beach’s waves can get significantly heavier than many on the north coast, making it a prime location for intermediate to advanced surfers on shortboards. When the north coast isn’t working as well and this spot if working well it becomes very crowded with a lot of the Newquay surfers heading down the wild west of Cornwall for some fun.
Highlights
Praa Sands is well-equipped with facilities, including shops where you can rent surfboards, and seasonal lifeguard services from April to October. The beach is accessible via a concrete slipway, making it relatively easy to reach. However, it’s important to check tide times as high tides can cover the entire beach, and larger spring tides mixed with bigger waves can be dangerous.
Praa Sands rock pools at low tide teeming with marine life, making it a perfect spot for children to explore. While dogs are welcome, there is a seasonal ban from July 1st to August 31st between 10 am and 6 pm.
Great Western Beach
great western beach
Great Western Beach is a stunning sandy beach located in the heart of Newquay, one of Cornwall’s most famous surf towns. Known for its consistent waves and sheltered position, Great Western Beach offers a fantastic surf spot for beginner to intermediate surfers. The beach faces west and is well-protected from strong winds, often providing clean, manageable waves when other beaches are blown out. This makes it an excellent alternative when the larger north coast spots are too challenging. Great Western Beach’s proximity to Newquay town means it can get busy, especially in summer, with a mix of locals, tourists, and surf schools flocking to the water.
Highlights
Great Western Beach is equipped with a range of facilities, including cafes, surf schools, and equipment rentals, making it a great spot for a day out at the beach. Lifeguard services are provided during the summer season, typically from May to September, ensuring a safe environment for families and surfers alike. The beach is accessible via a steep set of steps leading down from the cliffs, providing spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.
At low tide, the beach reveals a vast expanse of sand that connects with nearby beaches like Towan and Tolcarne, offering plenty of space to explore and enjoy. Rock pools scattered along the shoreline are filled with marine life, making them an excellent spot for children and families to explore. Dogs are welcome on Great Western Beach, but a seasonal ban is in place from July 1st to August 31st between 10 am and 6 pm, ensuring the beach remains clean and safe for all visitors.
Holywell Bay Beach
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Holywell Bay Beach is a breathtaking sandy beach located about 6 miles west of Newquay, renowned for its dramatic dunes and stunning Atlantic views. This wide, spacious beach is popular among surfers, bodyboarders, and families alike. Known for its consistent, mellow waves, Holywell Bay is an ideal spot for beginner to intermediate surfers, especially when the swell isn’t too heavy. The beach is framed by towering sand dunes and iconic Gull Rocks out at sea, which make for a picturesque backdrop whether you’re catching waves or just enjoying a day on the sand.
Highlights
Holywell Bay Beach offers a range of amenities, including a nearby beach shop, a seasonal surf school, and facilities for refreshments. Lifeguard services are provided during the summer months from May to September, adding an extra layer of safety for swimmers and surfers. The beach is accessible via a short walk from the National Trust car park, making it relatively easy to reach, though the path through the dunes can be a little challenging for those with limited mobility.
At low tide, Holywell Bay reveals an expanse of soft sand and intriguing rock pools, perfect for exploring with the family. The beach is also known for its famous natural “Holy Well” hidden within a cave on the northern end of the beach, often accessible at low tide. While dogs are welcome on the beach year-round, it’s advisable to check tide times as the beach can be expansive at low tide but more restricted at high tide. With its dramatic scenery and laid-back vibe, Holywell Bay Beach is perfect for a day of surf, sand, and exploration.
