Coast and beaches
From wild cliffs and open seas to tranquil beaches and hidden coves, there are endless beautiful places along the coastline we look after to explore.
Best coastal spots for watersports
From sea kayaking to windsurfing to coasteering, there are plenty of ways to get your adrenaline going and experience the coast from a new perspective. Discover the coastal locations we look after, including beaches, estuaries and bays, that are the best for watersports.
- Brancaster Beach, Norfolk
- If you’re seeking a coastal adventure in North Norfolk, it’s hard to beat Brancaster. This wide expanse of golden sands is perfect not just for building sandcastles but for high-adrenaline sports too. It’s particularly popular with kite-surfers, and there are designated zones for launching and landing to ensure all visitors can enjoy the beach. Due to strong tidal conditions it’s recommended that only experienced kite-surfers use this beach.Try the surf at Brancaster
- Compton Bay, Isle of Wight
- Compton Bay is an excellent location for surfers of all abilities, with areas suited to both shortboarders and longboarders. The bay is also a great place for windsurfing beginners, although Brook Bay to the east is better for intermediates. If you’re new to surfing, the Isle of Wight Surf Club can offer advice and lessons on how to get started.Enjoy the waves at Compton Bay
- Portstewart Strand, Northern Ireland
- Sweeping along the edge of the northern coast, this two-mile stretch of golden sand is one of Northern Ireland's finest beaches. While an ideal place for lazy picnics and walks into the sand dunes, it also provides gentle waves, making it perfect for certain watersports. The middle of the beach is well suited for surfing beginners, while either end provides more of a challenge for experienced ones.Ride the waves at Portstewart Strand
- Poldhu Cove, Cornwall
- Poldhu Cove is particularly popular with surfers, and has a small surf school that operates every day in the summer. Former professional surfer Dan Joel offers family-friendly lessons from £25, with £1 of each booking coming back to the National Trust to look after beaches like Poldhu. www.danjoelsurf.comTry surfing at Poldhu
- Stackpole, Pembrokeshire
- Get up close and personal this summer with the Pembrokeshire coast through an adrenaline-fuelled watersports session at Stackpole Quay. Experts will be on hand to guide you through a sea kayaking session, or if you’ve a head for heights you can have a go at coasteering, which was invented in Pembrokeshire and combines cliff jumping, low level rock traversing and sea swimming.Visit the home of coasteering
- Wembury, Devon
- While Wembury beach is perfect for strolling and sandcastle-building, there's plenty do in the water too, including sailing, diving and watersports. This part of the coast is a popular spot for kayaking and, with swells of up to ten feet, it’s fantastic for surfers of all abilities.Get involved at Wembury
You might also be interested in
Activity
Top places to explore caves
Discover some of the top places to visit with caves, from rugged countryside sites to the gardens of country houses.
Article
Staying safe while canoeing
While canoeing and kayaking are great ways to experience nature and keep fit, they can be dangerous if you don't follow the guidelines. Learn how to stay safe with our advice and guidance.
Activity
Best places to go cycling
Discover some of the best bike rides through the woodland and countryside we look after. Get a new two-wheeled perspective of some of our best-loved places.
Article
Top tips for summer walking
Find out how to make the most of your summer walking adventures with these top tips from our official outdoor partner, Cotswold Outdoor, plus details of our partnership discount.