With the 13th longest coastline in the World (more than Brazil, Mexico and India!), and great exposure to the Atlantic Ocean, it is no surprise that the UK has some of the best surfing beaches around. As the weather and sea temperatures increase in the summer, it is the perfect place to explore and get some of the surf action. Whether you are a beginner wanting to try surfing for the first time, or a seasoned pro looking to find something special, there are so many options of places to surf in the UK. Here are some of our favourites!
Putsborough, North Devon
We are obviously a bit biased being based in Devon ourselves, but this section of North Devon coastline is just stunning and encompasses a selection of beautiful surf beaches such as Croyde, Saunton and Woolacombe. We love heading to the quieter end of the massive Woolacombe beach, to Putsborough. Nicely sheltered from the South by Baggy Point, it is a top surf spot, and less crowded than nearby beaches. You can approach Putsborough through Croyde, and park right on the beach. There are also two campsites – one right on the beach in an amazing location and another quiet site back on the clifftop. The beach has toilets and a cafe so everything you need for a great day or weekend surfing!
Putsborough from Marine Drive
You can also access the beach from the Woolacombe side, and park on Marine Drive, a road which goes behind the beach. There you can access the quiet middle section of the beach to really get away from the crowds. There is a beautiful new cafe in the car park at the top called The Porthole which is perfect for lunch or a post-surf coffee and ice cream!
View of the beach from Woolacombe
Crantock, Cornwall
Often in the shadow of its nearby Newquay neighbours of Fistral and Watergate Bay, we think the wildness and relative emptiness of Crantock makes it a better prospect if you are in the area. Managed by the National Trust (so members can park for free), you feel a world away from the bustle of Newquay. There are beautiful walks down the Pentire Headland where you can watch the sunset from the end, and along The Gannel estuary. And of course there is great surfing to be had. There are surf lessons and hire from Big Green Surf School, who also rent SUPs and run SUP tours around the headland too.
Photo: Mike Simmonds – www.nationaltrust.org.uk/crantock-beach
Llangennith, Gower Peninsula, Wales
Wales has many spectacular beaches, but this is commonly seen as one of the best, not only in Wales but in Europe! Miles of stunning wild sand backed by dunes and with the iconic Worms Head at one end. The surf is consistently good all along it’s length, so there is plenty of space to spread out and find your own spot. You can stay right on the beach at Hillend campsite, perfect for a weekend or week to surf in the UK this summer.
Iconic Worms Head, Llangennith
Saltburn, North Yorkshire
Saltburn is a long-established surf centre of the North of England. Alongside the pretty Cayton Bay a little down the coast, both beaches offer great surfing for all abilities. While thousands of Brits flock down to Cornwall and Devon in the summer holidays, why not head the opposite direction and try out these gems instead? North Yorkshire is a beautiful place to visit with the North York Moors and beautiful seaside towns to explore too.
@saltburnsurfschool
Portrush, Northern Ireland
Maybe more famous for its golf course than its surf beaches, Portrush is a beautiful spot on the North coast of Northern Ireland. A holiday here on your surf tour of the UK could mean a trip to the famous Giants Causeway just down the road, or visiting the biggest lake in the UK Lough Neagh.
There are plenty of places to stay in Portrush, and surf shops and surf schools to choose from.
Dalmore Bay, Scotland
Scotland has many amazing surf and non-surf beaches. Our top pick is not the most popular or well known, but offers an extra adventure to get there as it is on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. Less crowded than breaks on the mainland, and getting the full force of the Atlantic Ocean, it is a wild place to go. You may also be in with a chance of spotting orcas and dolphins as you paddle out.
Photo – www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk
In need of surf equipment, accessories or a wetsuit for your UK surf trip this summer? Check out our extensive range of kids and adults summer wetsuits, beginner surfboards, intermediate to advanced shortboards, beautiful longboards and SUPs on our website – www.circle-one.com or give us a call on 0330 043 1256 to find the perfect products for you!
