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Cornwall’s best surfing spots

By Kingfisher Visitor Guides

If you were to ask someone where the best places are to surf in the UK, they'd probably say Cornwall. This is indeed true with most surfers flocking to this part of the country to catch the best waves. The water along this stretch of coastland is both beautiful and wild, so it has optimum conditions for the surf of your life. If you're a little apprehensive, remember that even the best surfers were once beginners who battled with the sea. Stick with it, and as soon as you ride a wave you'll be hooked. Cornwall is full of prime surfing spots and here's where to find them.

Sennen

Sennen is on of Cornwall‘s great surf spots if you’re a beginner or need a refresher course, as there is always at least one surf school open. During the summer, lifeguards patrol the beach so if you ever run into trouble, help is never far away.

Sennen is perfect for beginners and there’s usually a surf school open here, too

There is the potential for strong currents to appear so if no one is in the water, there’s a good reason for it. If you get hungry in between surf sessions, eateries can be found in Sennen village.

During the summer, lifeguards patrol the beach so if you ever run into trouble, help is never far away

Newquay

Newquay is one of the biggest surfing spots in England and for good reason. The waves here are something to behold, with Fistral, Great Western and Towan Beach just some of the best beaches to visit. The town itself has had a progressive facelift and with the addition of a few upmarket bars, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t stay well into the evening.

Surfboards on the sand Fistral Beach in Cornwall

Fistral Beach suits all abilities when it comes to surfing

Any surfer wannabes would be foolish to bypass the shopping experience of Newquay – home to one of the largest collections of surf shops in Europe. You can get some amazing deals, especially in the off-season.

Trevaunance Cove

Trevaunance Cove is a lesser-known surfer’s treasure and is the main beach for the village of  St Agnes.

You’ll find some spectacular waves at Trevaunance Cove

The surf here is very impressive with tons of sea water ploughing into the narrow bay. It is a true spectacle to watch at mid and high tide.

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Gunwalloe

The south coast of Cornwall lives firmly in the shadow of the north coast when it comes to prime surfing spots, but Gunwalloe is a real gem.

Gunwalloe is popular with experienced surfers

It’s situated on the west coast of the peninsula, facing down the coast to Mullion and Kynance. It is very popular with experienced and hardy surfers, and on stormier days a powerful beach break can develop at high tide, with waves crashing into dry sand.

The south coast of Cornwall lives firmly in the shadow of the north coast when it comes to prime surfing spots, but Gunwalloe is a real gem

Watergate Bay

Watergate Bay is a great surfing spot if you’re a novice, with long beaches to be treasured. Lifeguards and excellent facilities make Watergate a great place to base yourself and with Newquay not being too far away, it’s possible to surf several beaches in one day. It’s within easy driving distance of  Wadebridge and Padstow.