The UK’s best surfing spots revealed

As we are ending our much loved warmer days, many are savouring the last opportunities to enjoy the UK’s stunning coastlines before winter fully sets in.

While the summer crowds are thinning out, the allure of the beach remains strong, offering a quieter, more reflective escape to the shore. And what better way to embrace the changing season than with a day in the upcoming bank holiday long weekend of surfing?

This sport isn’t just for summer—it’s an adventure that carries the spirit of freedom, fitness, and a carefree attitude into the cooler months as well.

But where are the best surf spots to visit in the UK? We’ve rounded up the 10 best UK beaches for your bucket list, based on a range of factors such as surfer ratings, water cleanliness, accessibility, photogenicity, and average levels of wind, sunlight, and pollution.

 

The best surf spots to visit in the UK

The UK’s 10 best surf spots*, according to data, are:

1. Westward Ho! in Devon, England - 66.4 points out of 100

2. Croyde in Devon, England - 64.4 out of 100

3. Porthtowan in Cornwall, England - 64.4 out of 100

4. Trevone Bay in Cornwall, England - 63.9 out of 100

5. Polzeath in Cornwall, England - 63.2 out of 100

6. Fraserburgh in Aberdeenshire, Scotland - 63.1 out of 100

7. Whitesands Bay in Pembrokeshire, Wales - 62.6 out of 100

8. Widemouth Bay in Cornwall, England - 62.5 out of 100

9. Crooklets Bude in Cornwall, England - 62.5 out of 100

10. Newgale in Pembrokeshire, Wales - 61.6 out of 100

*All the beaches in our top 10 list are Blue Flag beaches, ranking high for water quality in our analysis.

 

Here's what makes each beach ideal for surfing in the UK

1. Westward Ho! - Devon, England

Grabbing the top spot is Westward Ho!’s very own beach in the north of Devon, England. Known for its sprawling sand and pebble landscape and scenic backdrop, it’s understandably one of the most popular spots for surfers in the UK.

Westward Ho! ranks well with surfers with an average rating of 3.7 out of 5. Its waters’ sandy bottom means there’s less chance of injury than with rockier bottoms, and while its waves are considered to sometimes be on the smaller side, it benefits from consistent Atlantic swells making it suitable for all skill levels.

2. Croyde - Devon, England

Swooping into second place is Croyde beach in Devon, England, which ranked highest for its number of Instagram hashtags, making it the most photogenic beach in our analysis!

The beach also scores highly with surfers, with a score of 3.8 out of 5, thanks to its consistent surf all year round and reef breaks that make for some exciting and challenging surfing conditions.

While this beach is ideal for more experienced surfers looking to test their limits, Croyde also has a number of surf schools, making it a great place to learn too, and there are plenty of rental shops for beginner and pro surfers alike to get all the equipment they need.

Croyde also ranked decently for cleanliness in our analysis, while its vibrant surfing community attracts surfers from all over the world who will surely enhance your experience.

3. Porthtowan - Cornwall, England

Cornwall’s Porthtowan beach has plenty of pros that helped it swipe third place in our ranking.

Firstly, it scores second for cleanliness in our analysis (behind only Polzeath), while its consistent Atlantic swells create reliable surfing conditions for experienced surfers all through the year (being mindful of rips and rocks).

The beach is equipped with various facilities such as rental shops and surf schools, and is even known to host surfing events and competitions, where surfers can meet like-minded people and enjoy a supportive surfing community.

4. Trevone Bay - Cornwall, England

Coming fourth in our ranking was Trevone Bay, also in Cornwall. The beach scores highly with both surfers (3.5 out of 5) and general users alike (8 out of 10) for its picturesque coastline setting and mixture of rocky and sandy bottoms.

While rocks can present a hazard to surfers, they also help to make for some excitingly diverse waves and that couldn’t be more true for Trevone Bay, which provides both lefts and rights. While its peak time for surfing may have passed (February) due to waves being blown out or considered too small the rest of the time, it means it’s perfect for beginners looking to cut their teeth during low-traffic periods.

5. Polzeath - Cornwall, England

Rounding out the top five is Polzeath in Cornwall, England, which scored highest for its cleanliness levels, as well as being suitably well-rated among surfers (3.5 out of 5) and users (8.5 out of 10).

With breathtaking views of the North Cornwall coastline, the beach also scored second for photogenicity (just behind Croyde), racking up an impressive 128,000 hashtags on Instagram!

With a mix of groundswells and windswells, Polzeath has a fairly consistent surf any time of year, though surfers are advised to watch out for dangerous rips. Its thriving surfing community and variety of surf schools, rentals, events and competitions make it ideal for newbies and experienced surfers to come together and do what they love best.

6. Fraserburgh Beach, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Fraserburgh Beach in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, takes sixth place with a score of 63.1 out of 100. Known for its powerful waves and stunning scenery, it’s a hidden gem for surfers seeking less crowded beaches. The strong swells and brisk Scottish air make for a thrilling autumn surf experience.

7. Whitesands Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Whitesands Bay in Pembrokeshire, Wales, is seventh on our list with a score of 62.6 out of 100. This beach offers consistent surf and is particularly popular in the autumn months. Its breathtaking scenery and vibrant surf community make it a must-visit for surfers looking to enjoy the Welsh coast.

8. Widemouth Bay, Cornwall, England

Widemouth Bay in Cornwall scores 62.5 out of 100, sharing its rank with Crooklets Bude. This beach is ideal for surfers of all levels, with consistent waves and a welcoming atmosphere. The autumn season brings quieter conditions, making it a perfect time to visit.

9. Crooklets Bude, Cornwall, England

Also scoring 62.5 out of 100, Crooklets Bude in Cornwall is known for its challenging surf conditions, making it a great spot for experienced surfers. The beach’s rugged beauty and consistent waves provide an exhilarating surf experience, especially in the cooler months.

10. Newgale Beach, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Rounding out our top 10 is Newgale Beach in Pembrokeshire, Wales, with a score of 61.6 out of 100. This beach offers long stretches of sand and consistent surf, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors. The autumn months bring a quieter, more serene atmosphere, perfect for a peaceful surf getaway.

Surfing Essentials for Autumn

From families to friend groups, professionals to beginners, there’s something for everyone on our top 10 list of British surfing coastlines. As you plan your autumn surf trips, remember that water temperatures can drop as low as 6°C in the colder months, so it’s crucial to check the local water temp and gear up accordingly. A quality wetsuit, along with a neoprene hood, gloves, and boots, and a good quality dry robe will keep you warm and comfortable.

Our Beaufort Dry Robe is designed to encapsulate both form and function—keeping you protected from the elements without sacrificing style or luxury. Whether you’re taking a break between waves or enjoying a casual beach walk, the versatility of our Robes will always have your back. It’s a must-have addition to your weekend trips.

So, pack your bags, grab your board, and head to one of these top UK surfing spots this bank holiday weekend. The waves are waiting!