OUR TOP 5 CORNISH SURFING BEACHES
Updated: Mar 20
Cornwall is the UK's surfing mecca and the north coast in particular offers a huge selection of surfing beaches, being exposed to the rolling waves coming from the Atlantic Ocean. With the corona-virus lock down restrictions in the UK being lifted in time for summer, we've hand selected our top 5 beach breaks.
1. SENNEN BEACH
Since the 1970's surfers have been making the trip down to Sennen and for good reason! The area, located right at the tip of Cornwall is surrounded by rural farmland, sparsely populated with clean, white sand beaches and dazzlingly turquoise clear waters. A good tip is if you've spent all day surfing and are too tired to make dinner, head over to the nearby fishing town of St. Newlyn to find some wonderfully cooked fresh fish.
2. WATERGATE BAY
Becoming a destination unto itself, Watergate Bay is home to the upmarket Watergate Bay Hotel. The beach is a fantastic one to visit as it picks up a lot of swell, being in an exposed position to the ocean. The beach can be surfed at all tides, but it best surfed on a rising tide.
3. CRANTOCK BEACH
Just around the corner from the iconic Fistral Beach, Crantock beach is the calmer, family favorite. With the River Gannel running straight into the sea this beach offers much more than your usual beach. It is very tidal, like most Cornish beaches and on a high tide you have the alternative option of a more relaxing swim or stand up paddle board along the river.
Crantock Village itself is very charming and has a shop, pub and other amenities. Every summer the village hosts the Crantock Bale Push where locals gather together to race each other pushing hay bales up a hill in teams.
4. GWITHIAN BEACH
Found in west Cornwall, Gwithian beach offers good quality waves that are slightly bigger in size to the neighboring beach, Sandy Acres yet smaller than the larger waves that roll onto its other neighbour, Godrevy Beach. Its a good middle ground with plenty of peaks along the beach to practice your surfing skills without too many people around.
5. PORTHMEOR BEACH
Set in picturesque St Ives, home to many art galleries and a labyrinth of quintessentially Cornish streets with interesting, independent shops to potter around after a surf. Porthmeor Beach is just to the other side of St Ives harbor, a secluded feeling cove that is great for both surfers and body boarders. You may also find some friendly seal pups there too!
To bring the Cornish surf vibes into your home, take a look at our shop with hand-poured, natural candles made by surfers.