10 of the best UK surfing beaches

  • Fistral ©

    1. Fistral Beach (Newquay)

    Half a mile west of Newquay, Fistral Beach is considered to be the UK's leading surfing beach. Commonly split into two halves, North Fistral and…

  • Godrevy ©

    2. Godrevy Beach

    Godrevy is an exposed, sandy beach at the very northern end of Hayle's "Three miles of golden sand". It is not clear where Godrevy beach starts and Gwithian ends but I have been reliably informed it is at Gillick Rock. Other people…

  • Croyde Bay ©

    3. Croyde Bay

    Croyde beach is set in a wide sandy bay between Woolacombe and Saunton Sands beaches. Despite being a little tricky to find and in a rural setting Croyde is one of North Devon's most popular…

  • Kimmeridge Bay ©

    4. Kimmeridge Bay

    If you're interested in marine wildlife, Kimmeridge Bay is one of the best destinations in the country. The beach here is the best place to access the Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve. With an absence of sand the water visibility at…

  • Tullan Strand ©

    5. Tullan Strand Beach

    This wide expanse of golden sand stretches from the northern edge of Bundoran town to the mouth of the Erne Estuary some 2 kilometres away. With a backdrop of grassy dunes Tullan Strand has a wild, unspoilt feel to it and is a fully…

  • Gwithian ©

    6. Gwithian Beach

    Gwithian is a very long and exposed sandy beach that joins up with Hayle Towans and Godrevy at low tide. Very popular with surfers of all abilities, although there can be serious rip currents. A car park and cafes above the beach.

  • Perranporth ©

    7. Perranporth Beach

    Perranporth Beach is one of Cornwall's best known and most popular beaches. Boasting an enormous expanse of golden sand, great surf and all…

  • Staithes ©

    8. Staithes Beach

    The eminently photographic fishing village of Staithes is reckoned by many to be the prettiest on the east coast. Sitting within the shelter of the harbour and backed by the seafront is a small sandy beach.

    Staithes is where…

  • Freshwater West ©

    9. Freshwater West Beach

    Freshwater West Beach is a long strip of sandy beach which is backed by the extensive dune system of Broomhill Burrows. It is an area with a fascinating history as it was once used by smugglers as a place to stash their booty. 

    Located…

  • Robin Hood's Bay ©

    10. Robin Hood's Bay

    The beach at Robin Hood's Bay has a powerful, natural beauty, all of its own, making a great destination for amateur photographers.  With its backdrop of craggy cliffs and sweeping views round the bay, this is a popular destination…