Best beaches for surfing

Surfer holding their board on Rhosili beach, Gower Peninsula, Wales — Surfer on Rhosili beach, Gower Peninsula, Wales | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

If you're looking for a day out on the water, why not pack up your board and head to one of the best places for surfing? Whether you're an experienced surfer or a beginner, here are the top beaches for catching some waves.

Compton Bay and Downs, Isle of Wight: Compton Bay is a great spot for surfing in summer and even through into the autumn. Surfers of all abilities will be able to catch some waves here, even in small swells. The best conditions are low to mid-tides with winds from the south-east or north-west, when the swell can be anything from two to five feet. If you fancy a change of scene then you can also head down the coast to Hanover Point, an A-frame reef with relatively gentle waves.Visit Compton Bay
Croyde Bay, Devon: Sandwiched between Baggy Point and Saunton Down, Croyde Bay offers a faster wave and is popular with advanced shortboard surfers. There are also opportunities for less experienced surfers, with a selection of surf schools to choose from, but beware of the rocks and rip – especially as the waves get bigger.Visit Croyde Bay near Baggy Point
Freshwater West and Gupton Farm, Pembrokeshire: With consistent swell and strong waves, Freshwater West is regarded as one of Wales’ top surfing spots. There can be strong rip currents on this part of the coast so it’s more suited for experienced surfers. However, keen beginners can book sessions with the local team at Outer Reef Surf School to learn how to enjoy the waves here safely.Visit Freshwater West

National Trust Surf Ambassador surfing at Sandymouth, Cornwall — Surfing at Sandymouth, Cornwall | © National Trust Images / Ben Selway

Holywell, Cornwall: Are you new to surfing? Holywell beaches offer a fantastic place for beginners and experts alike to catch some waves. Head to one of the National Trust-recognised surf schools, where surfboard hire is also available.Visit Holywell
Porthor, Gwynedd: Known for its whistling sands that squeak under foot, this secluded beach is an ideal spot for a day of surfing. With the right conditions, tubular, barrelling waves will carry you to shore and if you're lucky, you may spot seals or even a dolphin. Just be mindful that there are a few rocks lurking under the water here.Visit Porthor
Portstewart Strand, County Londonderry: Portstewart Strand is a two-mile beach that provides the gentlest waves in Northern Ireland. The middle of the beach is good for beginners and either end provides some quality waves for more experienced surfers. Bailey's, at the eastern end, provides a super-long right that can be the longest wave on the north shore.Visit Portstewart Strand
Rhosili and South Gower Coast, Swansea: Rhosili is arguably one of the best-known surf spots in the country and can be busy during the summer, but with three miles of golden sands on offer, there’s plenty of room to spread out. The bay offers some of the Gower’s most consistent surf spots that work for all abilities. Experienced surfers in search of a slightly larger swell may want to head for the middle section of the beach, below Llangennith village.Visit Rhosili

Women chatting on their way to the sea with surfboards under their arms at Poldhu Beach during the South West Outdoor Festival, Cornwall — Surfing lesson at Poldhu Beach during the South West Outdoor Festival, Cornwall | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Saltburn, North Yorkshire: With eight miles of golden sand, huge cliffs and a promenade, Saltburn is a great choice for spending a sunny day by the seaside. The beach is popular with surfers and has good beginner waves either side of the pier. You’ll find a surf shop just above the beach where you can pick up all the essentials, or book some lessons if you’d like a hand getting to grips with the board.Visit Saltburn
Sandymouth, Cornwall: At the most eastern tip of North Cornwall, you'll find the wide-open spaces of Sandymouth. The beach has a National Trust car park. There's also a seasonal café, toilets and a lifeguard during peak season. Sandymouth is very tidal so remember to check the predicted tide times before you visit.Visit Sandymouth
Sharrow Beach at Whitsand Bay, Cornwall: Sharrow Beach at Whitsand Bay on the Rame Peninsula is a great spot for surfing. It often has RNLI lifeguards in the main season and the miles of golden sand make it a beach for a full day out too.Visit Sharrow beach
Woolacombe, Devon: This three-mile stretch of sand offers a great spot for surfers and bodyboarders from beginners through to experts. Woolacombe is a great place to surf, with plenty of waves – the long breaks between each are popular with longboarders. If you're new to surfing, there are surf schools to get you up and riding your first wave.Visit Woolacombe

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As a wheelchair user, Melissa Halton thought spending time in the sea with the rest of her family was almost impossible. However, an adaptive surfing session in South Shields, Tyne and Wear changed all that. Find out more about Melissa’s story, para surfing and the award-winning Sandhaven Beach in our latest podcast series.