Tucked away on the south-west tip of the UK, you’ll find Cornwall — home to the best surf spots in England. The golden beaches here are perfectly angled for riding up those waves that roll off the North Atlantic.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or experienced pro, there are a huge variety of waves in Cornwall — from novice-friendly Watergate Bay to fast-breaking barrels at Praa Sands.
Getting to Cornwall is easy by train. There are several direct routes from London, Bristol, Exeter, and Plymouth. Make sure you bag a window seat, as the journey is particularly scenic — you will pass storm-pummeled beaches, lush green fields, and quiet woodland.
Wetsuit at the ready? Here are the best places to go surfing in Cornwall — and how to get there by train.
Image Credit: Getty Images, john shepherd. Image Location: Fistral Beach, Newquay, Cornwall
The best surf spots and surfing schools in Cornwall
Fistral Beach
Nearest station: Newquay
Back in 1962, four Australians surfed at Fistral Beach in Newquay on the first fiberglass surfboards ever seen in the country. From then on, Fistral became a hub for surfing, earning itself the title as the birthplace of British surfing.
This 750m stretch is one of the finest surf spots in the UK. The northern end of the beach boasts a great right-hander wave, while the south end tends to be more mellow. Beginners should book a lesson with the appropriately named Fistral Beach Surf School.
Waves too big? There are four other beaches within walking distance — Towan, Great Western, Tolcarne and Lusty Glaze — that provide more shelter on stormy days.
Watergate Bay
Nearest station: Newquay
Two-mile long Watergate Bay is a haven for surfers of all abilities.
Beginners will appreciate the endless stretches of whitewater, while pros come here to compete in the English National Surfing Championships. Compared to Fistral, it’s a more mellow, wedge-like wave that’s popular with longboarders when the tide is pushing towards high.
Wavehunters, a highly-rated surf school, operates right on the beach. Hire gear here or book a lesson; they offer lessons for beginners, as well as coaching sessions for confident surfers.
Swap stories afterwards over a pint of Korev beer at The Beach Hut.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Westend61. Image Location: Gwithian Beach, Cornwall, England
Gwithian and Godrevy
Nearest station: Hayle
Three beaches — Godrevy, Gwithian and Mexicos — blend into one at The Towans, a three-mile swathe of sand just outside of Hayle. Godrevy is more suited to advanced surfers, as the waves tend to be bigger here, while Gwithian is slightly smaller.
Global Boardriders have a surf school at Sunset Surf Café. Take advantage of the heated changing rooms, toilets and lockers here. Once you’re in the water, look out for grey seals; a large colony lives at Mutton Cove, just past Godrevy Point.
Praa Sands
Nearest station: Penzance
Advanced surfers gravitate to Praa Sands for its fast, barreling wave that pummels straight onto the sand, especially at high tide. It’s particularly popular when there’s a strong northerly wind.
Global Boardriders have been teaching surf lessons here as well since 2005. They’ll guide you into the best waves for your ability (beginners are generally better off surfing at low tide here).
After your surf, hike along the South West Coastal Path to Perranuthnoe, where The Victoria Inn serves up traditional British classics like fish and chips.
Porthmeor Beach
Nearest station: St Ives
Right in the center of St Ives, you’ll find the spectacularly beautiful Porthmeor Beach. With its pristine white sand and crystalline waters, you could almost be in the Caribbean.
It’s a great place to learn to surf. St Ives Surf School run lessons year-round and offer equipment hire. Expect beginner-friendly waves at high tide and more hollow, punchy ones —aimed at advanced surfers — at low tide. Watch out though, Porthmeor gets particularly busy during July and August.
How do I get to Cornwall by train?
Cornwall is connected to the rest of the UK via Great Western Railway. Direct trains from London run to Penzance via Exeter and Plymouth, plus there are smaller branches that’ll take you to Newquay, and also take you to St Ives. Check out the Trainline app for tickets and train times.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Mark Leary. Image Location: Perranporth, Cornwall, United Kingdom
