Best Places To Surf in Cornwall

🕓 32 min read

✏️ Updated on 13th March 2025

Intro

Howdy folks, in today’s post we’ll be looking at the ‘Best Places To Surf in Cornwall’.

As one of the most well known places in the UK for great surfing – I’ve compiled literally everything you’d want to know before your visit. This guide has it all, from forecasts, wave types and best conditions to surf lessons and rental equipment availability all the way to local restaurant recommendations and parking.

Rest assured, I’ve got you covered! In no particular order, here are the surf spots we’ll be looking at…

1. Fistral Beach
2. Perranporth Beach
3. Polzeath Beach
4. Watergate Bay
5. Sennen Cove
6. Porthleven
7. Gwithian Beach
8. Praa Sands
9. Porthtowan Beach

1. Fistral Beach

Fistral Beach, located in Newquay, is one of the most famous surfing destinations in the UK. Known for its consistent and powerful waves, it attracts surfers from around the world and even hosts surf competitions like the English National Surfing Championship and Boardmasters Festival. The beach features golden sands and dramatic cliffs, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The area surrounding Fistral has a variety of facilities, including surf schools, equipment rentals, cafes, and restaurants, making it a great location. The beach is easily accessible, with parking available nearby, and it’s within walking distance of Newquay town center.

Fistral Beach

Type of Wave

Fistral is a beach break that offers wave ranges from small, manageable sizes ideal for beginners to large, hollow barrels that challenge even experienced surfers. In terms of wave size, you’ll likely get 2-4ft in Summer, 6-10ft in Winter and somewhere in between for Spring and Autumn.

Typical wave length at Fistral beach is between 50-150m but can extend up to 200m on a day with good conditions. Talking about good conditions, this place really produces with a West North West swell and East South East winds. If those directions seem a bit confusing, take a quick look at my ‘How to Read a Surf Report’ post that explains swell direction and wind direction in an easy to understand way.

The North end of the beach offers one of the best beach breaks in the UK, and the South end can offer sheltered waves for South Westerly winds if needed.

Current forecast

Here’s the Fistral Beach surf forecast for the next 48 hours, thanks to surf-forecast.com.

Level of Surfing Required

Beginner friendly in the Summer months, otherwise intermediate and above.

Due to its position facing the Atlantic, Fistral can produce powerful waves. In the Summer when the swells aren’t so big, the waves on offer are great for beginners looking to start their surfing journey.

However, when things start to ramp up – this is not really the place for a beginner surfer. Intermediates can enjoy Fistral as it offers consistently good waves that provide lots of opportunities to improve key skills, such as bottom turns.

Where this place really shines though is with those big Atlantic swells in those Autumn and Winter months. It’s ability to produce fast, hollow waves that create barrels can challenge even the most experienced surfers – and is one reason it’s such a renowned surf spot in the UK.

Surfing Lessons

Yes.

Fistral Beach Surf School is one of the most well-known surf schools in Newquay offering lessons to all levels, from beginners to advanced surfers. If they’re struggling for availability, Quicksilver Surf School Newquay would be your next best bet, and they’re located right on the beach on the South side.

It goes without saying that wetsuit and surfboard rental is included in the lesson price, but be sure to check availability before your visit.

Fistral Beach Surf School;

£45 – Group lesson / half day / 2 hours
£105 – Private lesson (1 person) / half day / 2 hours

Quicksilver Surf School Newquay;

£45 – Group lesson / half day / 2 hours
£105 – Private lesson (1 person) / half day / 2 hours
£160 – Private lesson (2 people) / half day / 2 hours

Surfboard & Wetsuit Rentals

Yes.

Just interested in renting some gear? Fistral Beach Surf Hire can sort you out, they offer all the gear you’d want for all surfer levels. Alongside their offer of surfing lessons, Quicksilver Surf School Newquay also just rent out equipment.

Fistral Beach Surf Hire;

£7 – Surfboard rental / 1 hour
£12 – Surfboard rental / 1 day
£5 – Wetsuit rental / 1 hour
£8 – Wetsuit rental / 1 day

Quicksilver Surf School Newquay;

£15 – Surfboard rental / 1 day
£10 – Wetsuit rental / 1 day

Parking

There’s a couple of solid parking options near Fistral beach. The most popular and closest to the beach is aptly called Fistral Beach car park. This is towards the North end of the beach and is a short stay car park (overnight parking is not allowed).

If it’s parking overnight you need, South Fistral car park is the one you want. It is a bit further away and towards the South end of Fistral beach (as the name suggests) but is better value and offers longer stays.

Fistral Beach Car Park, TR7 1HY

200 spaces
Mon-Sun: 08:00 – 02:00 (Free outside these hours)
Height restriction: 7ft 3″
3 hours – £6
14 hours (longest time available at this car park) – £15

South Fistral Car Park, TR7 1NX

250 spaces
Mon-Sun: 09:00 – 16:00 (Apr-Oct) / Mon-Sun: All Day (Nov-Mar)
Height restriction: 6ft 0″
FREE after 4pm (Apr-Oct)
4 hours – £4.80 (Apr-Oct)
24 hours – £6.40 (Apr-Oct) / £1 (Nov-Mar)
Weekly – £50.75 (Apr-Oct) / £4 (Nov-Mar)

Food

My favourite place to grab food after a long day amongst the breakers is from The Fish House. This place offers fantastic views at golden hour, whilst serving up some of the best fresh seafood in Cornwall. It’s got a great rustic vibe and won Trip Advisors Travellers Choice Award 2023 – need I say more?

Of course, The Fish House can get quite busy during peak season. For that reason, I’d recommend The Harbour Fish & Grill as a fantastic back up option. It’s only a 10 minute walk from The Fish House but continues to offer great views of the harbour and serves up top-notch grub.

2. Perranporth Beach

Perranporth Beach (also known as Perran Beach) is another iconic surfing destination situated on the North coast of Cornwall. It’s known for its three mile stretch of golden sands (at low tide) and consistent surf. With sand dunes, historic tidal pools and rugged cliffs – Perranporth offers a fantastically diverse coastal landscape.

Your typical surfing necessities including surf schools, equipment rentals, beachside cafes, and restaurants all feature close by. The beach is accessible with ample parking, and there’s also a regular bus service connecting Perranporth with other Cornish towns.

Perranporth Beach

Type of Wave

Perranporth Beach features a beach break that can accommodate surfers of all skill levels. Summer waves are perfect for beginners, but as the seasons rotate wave size and power becomes more challenging – with the biggest waves arriving in the Winter months. Typical wave heights range from 2-4ft in the Summer and up to 6-8ft in the Winter, with Autumn and Spring conditions somewhere in between.

The waves at Perranporth generally break between 50-150m, but can peel for up to 200m. The best surfing conditions occur with a West or Northwest swell and an East or Southeast wind. For a deeper understanding of how these factors influence wave conditions, refer to my ‘How to Read a Surf Report’ post.

The central and Southern parts of the beach offer more consistent breaks, and the large headland can provide sheltered waves during strong winds.

Current forecast

Here’s the Perranporth Beach surf forecast for the next 48 hours, thanks to surf-forecast.com.

Level of Surfing Required

Beginner.

Perranporth is beginner-friendly, especially during the Summer. It’s an ideal spot for those new to surfing, with plenty of room to practice without overcrowding.

However, like most Cornish surf spots, the Autumn and Winter months are a different story. With its position facing the Atlantic Ocean, Perranporth waves can get significantly larger and more powerful. Intermediate surfers will find plenty of opportunities to sharpen skills, whereas advanced surfers can enjoy the fast and hollow waves that feature in the Winter months.

Surfing Lessons

Yes.

Perranporth Surf School is a well-established surf school right on the beach thats been offering surf lessons for over 20 years. With tutoring for absolute newbies all the way up to big wave experts they’ve got you covered. If they’re fully booked, Stoked Surf School is another great option. They offer a similar service accompanied by a brilliant way of assessing and communicating a surfers ability using differently coloured wristbands.

Both surf schools include wetsuit and surfboard rentals in the lesson price, but it’s always a good idea to book in advance to secure your spot.

Perranporth Surf School:

£40 – Group lesson / half day / 2 hours
£65 – Family lesson (2 people) / half day / 2 hours
£115 – Family lesson (4 people) / half day / 2 hours
£100 – Private lesson (1 person) / half day / 2 hours
£150 – Private lesson (2 people) / half day / 2 hours

Stoked Surf School:

£45 – Group lesson / half day / 2 hours
£80 – Group lesson / full day / 4 hours (can be taken over 2 days)
£75 – Family lesson (2 people) / half day / 2 hours
£130 – Family lesson (4 people) / half day / 2 hours
£90 – Private lesson (1 person) / half day / 2 hours
£130 – Private lesson (2 people) / half day / 2 hours

Surfboard & Wetsuit Rentals

Yes.

For those looking to just rent gear, Stoked Surf School has got you sorted there as well. They offer rentals for softboards, custom hardboards and even bodyboards as well as wetsuits for all ages. They’re open 7-days a week through the peak season (April to October) and offer a range of rental periods.

Stoked Surf School:

£15 – Surfboard rental (Softboard) / 1 day
£25 – Surfboard rental (Hardboard) / 1 day
£10 – Wetsuit rental (Kids) / 1 day
£12.50 – Wetsuit rental (Adults) / 1 day

Parking

Parking at Perranporth Beach is straightforward, with a couple of popular options. For short stays the most convenient is Perranporth Beach Car Park (also known as Car Park on the Promenade). You can park here until 8pm, but there’s no overnight parking available for the purpose of sleeping/camping.

If you need longer-term parking, the Wheal Leisure car park is much a better option. You can be parked in this car park for up to SEVEN months, as with most car parks in the UK the vehicles are not allowed to be occupied overnight. This car park also offers free parking in the off-peak season between Nov-Mar for all you Winter surfers!

Perranporth Beach Car Park, TR6 0JL

145 spaces
Mon-Sun: All day
Height restriction: 7ft 0″
4 hours – £7
24 hours (longest time available at this car park) – £15

Wheal Leisure Car Park, TR6 0EY

145 spaces
Mon-Sun: 09:00 – 00:00 (Apr-Oct) / Mon-Sun: All day (Nov-Mar)
No height restriction
All day – FREE (Nov-Mar)
4 hours – £6.80 (Apr-Oct)
24 hours – £10.50 (Apr-Oct)
Weekly – £26.30 (Apr-Oct)
Monthly – £99.75 (Apr-Oct)

Food

After a long day of surfing or soaking up the sun, I highly recommend heading to The Watering Hole. This beachside bar is actually on the beach and proudly claims to be the ‘UK’s only bar on the beach’. It’s a huge pub with lots of indoor and outdoor seating, offering unbeatable views of the sunset while you enjoy a meal. It’s a relaxed spot, perfect for unwinding after a day amongst the waves.

If The Watering Hole doesn’t appeal, try the nearby Pavilion Boatshed Restaurant. It’s a short walk from the beach and offers a cozy, rustic setting with excellent seafood and stunning views of the coast.

3. Polzeath Beach

Our third Cornish surf spot is Polzeath Beach, which is also nestled on the Northern coastline.

Known for its expansive sandy beach and consistent waves, Polzeath offers a vibrant surf scene with a friendly, laid-back atmosphere. Similar in setting to Fistral and Perranporth, Polzeath is set against a backdrop of rugged cliffs and rolling hills, providing stunning views even if you’re not surfing.

Polzeath Beach

Type of Wave

Polzeath Beach features a mellow beach break that’s ideal for beginners and intermediates. The waves themselves typically range from 1-3ft in the Summer months but can reach 4-6ft in Winter, offering more of a challenge for those who want it.

The waves at Polzeath break over a sandy bottom and usually offer rides between 50-100m, with longer rides possible in favourable conditions. The best surfing conditions at Polzeath are usually a West or Northwest swell and an East or Southeast wind (check out my ‘How to Read a Surf Report’ for more info on surf swells and what they mean). These conditions shape the waves into clean, rideable lines that are perfect for practicing turns and manoeuvres.

The central part of the beach is the most consistent for surf, while the Northern end (near Pentire Point) can offer more shelter during Southwesterly winds.

Current forecast

Here’s the Polzeath Beach surf forecast for the next 48 hours, thanks to surf-forecast.com.

Level of Surfing Required

Beginner.

Polzeath is a beginner-friendly beach, particularly during the Summer when conditions are more forgiving. It’s an ideal spot for those new to surfing, with gentle waves that allow for steady progression.

Intermediate surfers will also find plenty to enjoy here. The consistent waves provide a great environment for refining technique and gaining confidence in the water. While Polzeath doesn’t offer the same level of challenge as some of the more renowned Cornish surf spots, it’s a fantastic place to build a solid foundation in surfing.

For advanced surfers, Polzeath can still be fun on the big days… however, it’s more of a place to enjoy a chilled vibe rather than seeking out heavy, barreling waves.

Surfing Lessons

Yes.

Two options spring to mind when thinking about surfing lessons in Polzeath. The first is Wavehunters who offer the more tradition set of surf lessons (large group / private sessions). The second is George’s Surf School who also offer traditional private surf lessons but lean more into surfing courses spread over a few days.

Both offer fantastic learning sessions for surfers of all abilities, so it’s more a question of the type of surfing lessons you had in mind. If it’s a casual visit to Polzeath with some surfing attached, I’d recommend Wavehunters. If there’s a specific focus on really honing those surfing skills over a bit more time, George’s Surf School would be the one to go for.

Important – Wavehunters surf lessons include the wetsuit and surfboard rental in the price, but George’s Surf School charges £5 per lesson for wetsuit rental (surfboard rental included in the price).

Wavehunters:

£45 – Group lesson / half day / 2 hours
£110 – Private lesson (1 person) / half day / 2 hours
£140 – Private lesson (2 people) / half day / 2 hours

George’s Surf School:

£150 – Private lesson (1 person) / half day / 3 hours
£200 – Private lesson (2 people) / half day / 3 hours
£250 – Immersive courses (1 person) / weekend or 2 days / 3 hours per day
£350 – Immersive courses (1 person) / 3 days / 3 hours per day
£550 – Immersive courses (1 person) / 5 days / 3 hours per day

Surfboard & Wetsuit Rentals

Yes.

If you’re only interested in renting some gear and bombing into the waves, Wavehunters will get you fixed up. Interestingly, Wavehunters also offer boat trips, water taxi tickets and beach yoga sessions! Wavehunters are also conveniently located on the beach, making it easy to grab your gear and go.

If you’re only looking to rent equipment for an hour, Surf’s Up! Surf School is the one to use.

Wavehunters:

£20 – Surfboard rental (Softboard) / 1 day
£25 – Surfboard rental (Hardboard) / 1 day
£15 – Wetsuit rental / 1 day

Surf’s Up! Surf School:

£6 – Surfboard rental (Softboard) / 1 hour
£20 – Surfboard rental (Softboard) / 1 day
£6 – Wetsuit rental / 1 hour
£15 – Wetsuit rental / 1 day

Parking

Parking at Polzeath Beach is pretty easy going, with options right on the beach. The main Polzeath Beach Car Park is located right by the sand, ideal for a stress free visit. Worth mentioning, this car park stays open until 6pm (Apr-Oct) and doesn’t permit overnight stays (unless the vehicle is unoccupied). For those surfing in the Winter, parking is free in the off-peak season (Nov-Mar) after 4pm!

For those planning on staying the weekend and are lucky enough to own a motorhome / camper van, Tristram Caravan Park is a great choice. It’s located on the hillside overlooking the beach and offers that flexibility for extended stays.

Polzeath Beach Car Park, PL27 6SS

260 spaces
Mon-Sun: 09:00 – 18:00 (Apr-Oct) / Mon-Sun: 09:00 – 16:00 (Nov-Mar)
No height restrictions
FREE after 4pm (Nov-Mar)
4 hours – £6.80 (Apr-Oct) / £5 (Nov-Mar)
24 hours – £10.50 (Apr-Oct) / £6.30 (Nov-Mar)
Weekly – £26.30 (Apr-Oct) / £15.80 (Nov-Mar)

Tristram Caravan Park, PL27 6TP

No height restrictions
Overnight camping allowed
2 nights (Minimum) – From £80, depending on length of vehicle

Food

After a day in the waves, head to local favourite The Oystercatcher for a spot of pub grub with a view. Located up the hill from the beach it’s a great place to unwind and soak up that golden hour goodness.

If The Oystercatcher is a bit of a stretch, TJ’s Surf Cafe is another excellent post surf food choice. Located right next to the beach, it’s much closer than The Oystercatcher and offers a fantastic selection of dishes. It’s got a chilled vibe, offers sliced pork sausages for doggo’s and has a rooftop terrace…what’s not to like!?

4. Watergate Bay

Just up the coast from Fistral beach is our fourth great surf spot in Cornwall, Watergate Bay.

Known for its gorgeous stretch of golden sand, fantastic cliff side scenery and consistently good waves. Privately owned, Watergate Bay offers a welcoming atmosphere for visitors of all ages.

The area around Watergate Bay is well-equipped with facilities, including surf schools, equipment rentals, and a selection of places to eat. The beach is easily accessible with two nearby carparks, and there’s also great transport links to Newquay town centre if you fancy it.

Watergate Bay

Type of Wave

Watergate Bay is one of the most reliable beach breaks in the UK. The waves are very friendly in the Summer months and are perfect for those learning to surf. As the seasons move into Winter these same waves can reach up to 6-8ft, offering experienced surfers plenty to play with.

Fairly standard when it comes to ride length, with 50-150m the typical range. The best conditions to be surfing at Watergate Bay are a West or Northwest swell and an East or Southeast wind. If you’ve got that combo you’re in for a treat. Just gonna keep plugging my ‘How to Read a Surf Report’ for those who may have missed it above.

The Northern end of the beach near Stem Point tends to be more sheltered, so a great feature on a windy day (if you don’t mind the walk). While the central and southern parts of the beach can provide more powerful and challenging waves.

Current forecast

Here’s the Watergate Bay surf forecast for the next 48 hours, thanks to surf-forecast.com.

Level of Surfing Required

Watergate Bay is very beginner friendly – particularly in the Summer, if that’s you – this is a great surf spot.

Intermediate surfers will also find plenty to enjoy here, the consistent waves offer opportunities to hone skills in a spacious environment.

For those advanced surfers, you lot can look forward to the powerful swells that arrive in Autumn and Winter. While Watergate Bay might not produce the same heavy barrels as some of Cornwall’s surf spots (Fistral immediately comes to mind) – it still offers plenty of thrills on those bigger days.

Surfing Lessons

Yes.

Watergate Bay is home to a number of excellent surf schools, with West Country Surf School being one of the most popular. They offer a number of options when it comes to lessons, from single and private lessons to surf courses. All options include your wetsuit and surfboard in the price so no need to bring anything with you.

Another great alternative for surf lessons at Watergate Bay is Blue Surf School. They also offer traditional lessons (broken out by surfing ability) and surf courses. Wetsuits and surfboards also included in the price with these guys.

West Country Surf School

£39 – Group lesson (1 person) / half day / 2 hours
£100 – Private lesson (1 person) / half day / 2 hours
£120 – Private lesson (2 people) / half day / 2 hours
£78 – 2 day course (1 person) / 2x half day / 4 hours
£110 – 3 day course (1 person) / 3x half day / 6 hours

Blue Surf School

£30 – Kids lesson (1 person) / half day / 1.5 hours
£40 – Beginner Group lesson (1 person) / half day / 2 hours
£45 – Improver Group lesson (1 person) / half day / 2 hours
£100 – Private lesson (1 person) / half day / 2 hours
£120 – Private lesson (2 people) / half day / 2 hours

Surfboard & Wetsuit Rentals

Yes.

Making their second appearance in this list we have Wavehunters. These guys provide top notch rentals right next to the beach at Watergate Bay and are the easiest way to sort out some rental gear.

If you wanted to hire wetsuits and surfboards in advance for a holiday, give West Country Surf School a call (Phone number is on their website). They’re very accommodating and will be very happy to help with a bespoke rental order.

Wavehunters:

£20 – Surfboard rental (Softboard) / 1 day
£25 – Surfboard rental (Hardboard) / 1 day
£15 – Wetsuit rental / 1 day

Parking

Parking at Watergate Bay is good, there are two main car parks within close proximity to the beach. The closest car park is the Watergate Bay Beach car park, it’s left of the main walkway as you walk down to the beach (Next to a big ice cream shipping container). This car park does have an ANPR camera that reads number plates, so be sure to get a ticket.

If that one is full, which is highly likely during the Summer months… I’d head to the larger Watergate Bay car park, which is often used as the overflow. Situated a minute up the road, this car park has a LOT more room and charges about the same. There’s also no height restriction in this car park, if you’re in a tall van.

Watergate Bay Beach Car Park, TR8 4AY

150 spaces
Mon-Sun: 09:00 – 06:00 (Free outside these hours)
Height restriction: 8ft 2″
3 hours – £5.50
21 hours – £8.50 (Longest time available at this car park)

Watergate Bay Car Park (Overflow), TR8 4AD

400 spaces
Mon-Sun: 09:00 – 00:00 (Apr-Oct) / Mon-Sun: All day (Nov-Mar)
No height restriction
FREE all Winter (Nov-Mar)
4 hours – £6.80 (Apr-Oct)
24 hours – £10.50 (Apr-Oct)
Weekly – £26.30 (Apr-Oct)
Monthly – £99.75 (Apr-Oct)

Food

One thing that Watergate Bay truly excels in (in my opinion) is the post surfing grub on offer.

For great value food and an even better view head to The Beach Hut. Situated just above the beach, this chilled cafe features some pretty nice windows (trust me) and even nicer views during golden hour.

If you’re after a place that has cider on tap, head up the road to WAX (this is where you’d typically find me… sometimes even before a surf 😅). There’s some proper pub grub featured here, from pizzas and burgers to local fish and desserts.

After something for a certain special occasion? Make a booking at Zacry’s. Located right on the beach (in the Watergate Bay Hotel) this fine establishment serves unbelievable food and equally good views. It’s on the pricier side, but well worth it considering the high standard dining experience you’ll receive in return.

5. Sennen Cove

Our most South Westerly surfing spot on this list (and possibly the UK as a whole) is a charming place called Sennen Cove.

This place is a wonderful mix of small time fishing village meets unreal surfing conditions. Located right next to Land’s End at the tip of Cornwall, it’s easy to understand why this place is known for good waves.

You’ll find all the usual amenities… surf schools, equipment rentals and food options dotted around this family-friendly destination with a chilled vibe.

Sennen Cove

Type of Wave

Sennen Cove offers up a crystal clear beach break suitable for all surfers in the Summer months and experienced surfers from Autumn through to Spring.

Gentle swells range from 2-4ft in those hotter months, so is ideal for beginners needing some whitewater to stand up on. During the Winter, these same waves can grow to 10ft so definitely appealing more to experienced surfers.

Typical rides can be between 50-150m and the best surfing conditions consist of a West or Northwest swell and an East or Southeast wind. Of course no wind is almost as good as an onshore winds, so if there’s no wind – that’s good too. Again, feel free to check out my ‘How to Read a Surf Report’ for super easy info on understanding surf conditions.

If you’re a beginner, the harbour side of the beach is often more sheltered so can offer a less intense session if the waves get too big.

Current forecast

Here’s the Sennen Cove surf forecast for the next 48 hours, thanks to surf-forecast.com.

Level of Surfing Required

Beginner.

Like so many places on our list so far, Sennen Cove is a great place to learn to surf. The gentle beach break in the Summer (familiar to so many surf spots in Cornwall) can help give beginners that first taste of surfing in a safe environment. It’s then no surprise that all the facilities and equipment are also available for those looking to learn.

Make no mistake though, Sennen Cove is a proper surf spot that can pump out gorgeous ocean corduroy when the conditions are right.

Intermediate surfers can enjoy excellent opportunities in the changing seasons (Autumn and Spring) to hone their techniques with more powerful sessions. The beach width as well as the sheltered harbour area makes it easy to find a spot that suits your skill level.

If you’re lucky enough to be one of those advanced surfers, Sennen Cove if simply a place you can enjoy. It may not have the heaviest barrels in Cornwall, but it arguably has the most picturesque – and when conditions hit, this place is hard to beat.

Surfing Lessons

Yes.

Sennen Cove is lucky to house two extremely good options for surfing tuition. One is Sennen Surfing Centre and the other is Smart Surf School, both very competent and offer great lesson options. Sennen Surfing Centre offers private tuition so if that’s what you’re after I’d recommend them. If you’re after a taster session, I’d go with Smart Surf School as that’s their bag (and it’s ever so slightly cheaper).

Both surf schools include wetsuit and surfboard rental in the lesson price, ensuring you have everything you need for a fun and productive session.

Sennen Surfing Centre:

£35 – Group lesson / 1-day / 1.5 hours
£70 – Group lesson / 2-days / 2x 1.5 hours
£90 – Private lesson (1 person) / 1-day / 1.5 hours
£120 – Private lesson (2 people) / 1-day / 1.5 hours

Smart Surf School:

£30 – Group lesson / 1-day / 1.5 hours
£60 – Group lesson / 2-days / 2x 1.5 hours
£90 – Group lesson / 3-days / 3x 1.5 hours
£120 – Group lesson / 4-days / 4x 1.5 hours
£140 – Group lesson / 5-days / 5x 1.5 hours

Surfboard & Wetsuit Rentals

Yes.

After a wetsuit and a board for the day? No problem, you can get both from the ground floor of the Beach Complex, which is the first building next to the beach on the harbour side. They also offer rental equipment for half a day so if that’s your bag, they can facilitate that too. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a website for these guys so is one to do on the day.

Important – If you’re looking to hire a board they will be asking for photo ID, so don’t forget to take that with you. They also ask for a £10 deposit for any wetsuit or surfboard rental.

Sennen Beach Hire:

£13 – Surfboard rental (Softboard) / 3 hours
£18 – Surfboard rental (Softboard) / 1 day
£15 – Surfboard rental (Hardboard) / 3 hours
£20 – Surfboard rental (Hardboard) / 1 day
£8 – Wetsuit rental / 3 hours or less
£10 – Wetsuit rental / 1 day

Parking

There’s two main car parks available at Sennen Cove, one situated right next to the beach (Sennen Beach Car Park) and the overflow up the hill (Top Park car park). Neither of these car parks allow overnight camping, but you can park your car in Sennen Beach Car Park for 24 hours (unoccupied). If you don’t mind a walk, the overflow up the hill is cheaper and much less likely to fill up, especially in the peak season.

Important – Both car parks are using those fancy cameras that track number plates, so ensure to pay for your stay.

Sennen Beach Car Park, TR19 7DG

170 spaces
Mon-Sun: All day
No height restrictions
3 hours – £3.90
8 hours – £6
24 hours (Longest time available at this car park) – £9

Sennen Top Car Park, TR19 7BT

Large grassed area
Mon-Sun: All day
No height restrictions
2 hours – £2.50
All day – £5

Food

There’s really only one stand out option for the real foodies in Sennen Cover and that’s The Old Success Inn. A quaint Cornish pub with a cozy atmosphere and stunning sea views, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a hearty meal after a long session. The menu features a variety of dishes, with a focus on fresh seafood – it’s a local favourite that won’t disappoint.

If there’s no room at the inn (pun fully intended 😏), Blue Lagoon is a great back-up fish and chips takeaway just down the road.

6. Porthleven

Our sixth ‘Best’ surf spot along the expansive Cornish coastline is Porthleven.

Situated on Cornwall’s South coast, Porthleven is another fantastically charming harbour town that’s gained a reputation for its powerful surf. With a rugged coastline that creates an interesting reef break, Porthleven is certainly the most challenging surf spot on this Cornwall list.

Porthleven town is full of character and holds up well without any surf, with a number of cafes, restaurants, and shops lining the harbour.

Porthleven

Type of Wave

As I mentioned, Porthleven has become famous for its powerful reef break.

This reef break produces some of the most challenging waves in the UK, combine that with powerful Atlantic swells – it’s no surprise this place has earned its reputation.

As with most beaches in the UK, Summer months are when swells are at their most gentle. In those warmer months Porthleven typically sees swells between 2-4ft, which sounds manageable but the nature of the reef break makes it a much more difficult challenge. The swell size ramps all the way up to 8-12ft in the Winter, so make sure you’ve got your grown-up pants on if venturing into that type of session.

In terms of conditions, you’re after a Southwest swell and Northeast wind, both help to clean up the waves and create those iconic barrels. My ‘How to Read a Surf Report’ gives some great info on the effect wind plays in creating good surfing conditions, if you’re interested.

Current forecast

Here’s the Porthleven surf forecast for the next 48 hours, thanks to surf-forecast.com.

Level of Surfing Required

Advanced.

I’d say it’s doable for confident intermediate surfers, but only ever during small swells. The reef break requires skill to navigate and it’s crucial to respect the conditions and only paddle out if you’re confident in your abilities. If you’re unsure out of your depth, or don’t have a high level of water confidence this is not the place to find that out.

For advanced surfers, Porthleven could be your new favourite surf spot on the Cornish coast. The fast, hollow waves during those colder months can produce memorable rides that really test the best. It’s a wave that demands respect but repays ten-fold to those who’re up for the challenge.

Surfing Lessons

No.

Surfboard & Wetsuit Rentals

No.

Parking

There are two car parks available at Porthleven, one fairly close to the harbour and the other a walk up the hill.

The one close to the harbour and my recommendation is called Kittos Field (although it’s not actually a field). This one is a long stay car park with the ability to park your car (unoccupied overnight) for a up to a week. There’s just over 50 spaces so not massive but certainly closer than the next option, and also FREE after 4pm.

Up the hill we have our backup car park known as Shrubberies car park or Top Park. This one is a walk up the hill (and around half the size) from the waves but the silver lining is that it’s FREE all day, everyday. Of course, usual rules apply regarding no overnight camping / sleeping.

Kittos Field Car Park, TR13 9JX

59 spaces
Mon-Sun: 09:00 – 16:00 (Apr-Oct) / Mon-Sun: 09:00 – 16:00 (Nov-Mar)
No height restrictions
FREE after 4pm
4 hours – £5 (Apr-Oct) / £2.60 (Nov-Mar)
24 hours – £6.30 (Apr-Oct) / £3.70 (Nov-Mar)
Weekly – £15.80 (Apr-Oct) / £9.20 (Nov-Mar)

Shrubberies Car Park, TR13 9EA

32 spaces
Mon-Sun: All day
No height restrictions
24 hours – FREE

Food

Whether you’ve braved the waves or not, there are some great spots to eat in Porthleven.

My first recommendation, and this place is something of a big deal… is The Square At Porthleven. Offering fantastic food at a fair price and being awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand (Grade below a Michelin star) in 2021, this place is different gravy. It’s a popular spot though so be sure to reserve a table for dinner if it’s one you want to visit.

If you’re looking for something a bit different, check out Kota Kai. The product of chef Jude Kereama (who’s featured on BBC2’s popular Great British Menu), this award winning bar / kitchen serves up a fusion of asian cuisines. Located right on the harbour, this is a perfect spot to unwind with some high quality dining and a view for days.

7. Gwithian Beach

Our next beach on this Cornwall surf spot list is Gwithian Beach, located on the Northern Cornish coastline (near St Ives).

Stretching for miles, Gwithian is part of the larger St Ives Bay and offers some of the best surfing conditions in Cornwall. Expect consistent surf, golden sands, rolling dunes and a decent number of surfers. The surrounding area is well-equipped with surf schools, cafes, and a beach shop and the expansive beach provides plenty of space, even during peak season. Parking is available nearby, and the beach is easily accessible from Hayle and other nearby towns.

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Gwithian Beach

Type of Wave

Gwithian Beach is huge so offers a range of waves for different surfing abilities.

It’s a typical beach break that can produce lovely long, peeling waves – particularly when the swell is from the West or North West. Check out my ‘How to Read a Surf Report’ if you want to learn more about the best surfing conditions. In the Summer months you’ll typically get swells between 2-4ft and in the Winter that increases to around 6-8ft. The waves at Gwithian are often clean and well-formed and offer a forgiving surf experience (great for beginners).

The Northern end of the beach near Godrevy is a popular spot for more experienced surfers as the waves are typically a bit bigger and more powerful. If you’re after a more chilled days surfing, head South down the beach as the headland provides a more sheltered experience the further you go.

Current forecast

Here’s the Gwithian Beach surf forecast for the next 48 hours, thanks to surf-forecast.com.

Level of Surfing Required

Beginner.

Gwithian Beach is very beginner-friendly, there’s plenty of space, the waves are a perfect size in the Summer and there’s a good supply of surf schools.

If you’re an intermediate surfer, there’s plenty to enjoy here too. This beach offers a unique variety of waves to choose from with consistent waves in the centre of the beach to more powerful waves towards Godrevy. There’s no doubt you’ll find ample opportunities here to practice bottom turns, moving across the waves face and plenty more.

For those advanced surfers, Gwithian starts firing during the Autumn and Winter months. Those bigger swells create some fantastic wave shapes and it’s towards Godrevy (North end) you’ll get the best of the bunch. This is where you’ll find the majority of seasoned surfers at Gwithian.

Surfing Lessons

Yes.

Global Boarders Surf School Gwithian is one of the most well-regarded surf schools in the area. They offer lessons for all levels, from complete beginners to those looking to fine-tune their skills. The surf school is based at Sunset Surf Cafe next to the main car park (right next to the beach). They’ve been doing what they do best for over 15 years so they’ve got shed loads of experience teaching surfers.

If the surf is forecasted to be a bit flat, Gwithian Surf School is the better option due to their location. They offer a variety of lessons for beginners and improvers and due to their location on the beach they’ll have a better chance of getting waves. If you have a national trust membership there’s also a FREE car park very close to the surf school.

Both surf schools include wetsuit and surfboard rental in the lesson price, ensuring you have everything you need to enjoy your time on the water.

Global Boarders Surf School Gwithian:

£40 – Group lesson (1 person) / half day / 2 hours
£75 – Group lesson (1 person) / full day / 2x 2 hours
£120 – Private lesson (1 person) / half day / 2 hours
£140 – Private lesson (2 people) / half day / 2 hours

Gwithian Academy of Surfing:

£45 – Group lesson (1 person) / half day / 2 hours
£85 – Group lesson (1 person) / full day / 2x 2 hours
£135 – Private lesson (1 person) / half day / 2 hours
£135 – Private lesson (2 people) / half day / 2 hours – (Yes, it’s the same price for two people)

Surfboard & Wetsuit Rentals

Yes.

If you just want to rent the equipment, both Global Boarders Surf School Gwithian and Gwithian Surf School have several rental options available. There’s not much difference in price but they’re located at different points on the beach, so might just be a case of which one’s closest to the car.

Global Boards Surf School Gwithian:

£30 – Surfboard and wetsuit rental / 1 day
£20 – Surfboard rental / 1 day
£12 – Wetsuit rental / 1 day

Gwithian Academy of Surfing:

£15 – Surfboard (Softboard) rental / 1 day
£20 – Surfboard (Hardboard) rental / 1 day
£10 – Wetsuit rental / 1 day

Parking

The parking at Gwithian Beach is great with the main car parks being a good sizes and right next to surf schools and rental equipment (if needed).

The main car park is Gwithian Towans Car Park, it’s on the beach and right next to Global Boards Surf School. It’s a long stay car park but if you want to park your car there overnight you’d need a permit. There’s also no overnight camping / sleeping and so motorhomes and campers are prohibited between 11pm-8am.

For those who’re National Trust members, Godrevy Car Park towards the Northern end of the beach is another good option. If you’re not a national trust member that’s also totally fine, you’ll just have to pay the listed prices below.

Gwithian Towans Car Park, TR27 5BT

200 spaces
Mon-Sun: 09:00 – 00:00 (Apr-Oct) / All day (Nov-Mar)
No height restrictions
FREE all Winter (Nov-Mar)
4 hours – £6.80 (Apr-Oct)
24 hours – £10.50 (Apr-Oct)
Weekly – £26.30 (Apr-Oct)
Monthly – £99.75 (Apr-Oct)

Godrevy National Trust Car Park, TR27 5ED

90 spaces
Opening times: Dawn-Dusk
No height restrictions
All day (Members) – FREE
4 hours (Non-Members) – £4
All day (Non-Members) – £8

Food

Unfortunately, there’s not loads of food options near Gwithian Beach – but I do have some suggestions…

On the beach itself you’ve got Kabyn Cafe which serves up great lunchtime type meals (ciabatta, dhal and nachos are some examples) between 12-3.30pm.

If you’re after something a bit more substantial post surf sesh head to the Red River Inn. This is a traditional pub with a great range of cider on tap and tasty food offered at good prices. Worth mentioning it’s a 10 minute drive (or a 25 minute walk) from the beach front and parking is limited.

If you’re after a cozy hot chocolate in those colder months, head to Godrevy Cafe (right next to the National Trust carpark). This chalet style café offers stunning views of Godrevy Lighthouse and serves up a decent range of homemade cakes and lunch options.

8. Praa Sands

Our penultimate surf spot on this list is Praa Sands, just up from Porthleven.

This stretch of golden sand is one of the lesser known spots on the list but offers everything a surfer could want from a day amongst the waves. It’s also a great backup if the North coast of Cornwall is being battered by winds, and fancy a bit more space.

Praa Sands is a simple place… two carparks, some food spots and surf lesson / rental shops – but all of them are great quality.

Praa Sands

Type of Wave

Praa Sands is a beach break that offers waves suitable for all levels of surfers.

The beach is known for its 2-4ft mellow waves during the Summer, perfect for beginners and intermediates. In the Winter, Praa Sands will appeal to advanced surfers and can get as big as 6-8ft. This kind of size would require a pretty hefty swell from the Atlantic though, due to its location on the South coast. Best surfing conditions for Praa Sands is a Northeast Swell paired with Southwest winds. To understand why these are the best conditions, check out the swell and wind direction bits in my ‘How to Read a Surf Report’.

If conditions are right, rides can last over 150m but you’ll more often find ride lengths between 50-100m.

Current forecast

Here’s the Praa Sands surf forecast for the next 48 hours, thanks to surf-forecast.com.

Level of Surfing Required

Beginner.

Praa Sands can accommodate the most novice surfers wanting to try surfing for the first time. The length of the beach means there’s always plenty of room and the mellow waves make it a great place to start a surfing journey. Because of where Praa Sands is located, it also means the waves themselves are a nice size for learners to begin with.

Intermediate surfers will more likely enjoy Praa Sands, if they take a walk further down the beach towards Hendra. This allows a bit more of the swell power to reach the beach due to the headlands either side. If you’re happy walking, you’ll often be rewarded with a peak to yourself for the day!

Advanced surfers can enjoy Praa Sands but it would only be worth the trip if the conditions are right. If Porthleven is a bit too much, or reef breaks aren’t your thing (but the South coast has unreal conditions) – this could be an unbelievable backup.

Surfing Lessons

Yes.

Two great surf schools at Praa Sands, both of them offering surf lessons for all abilities. The first is Global Boarders Surf School who also featured on our Gwithian Beach list – these guys known their stuff and is the school I’d recommend.

Always great to have a backup option if there’s no availability with Global Boarders, for that backup I’d go with Boatshed Activity Centre. Very well respected in the local area and again offer surf lessons for all abilities. They’re a bit old school in terms of booking and your best bet is to ring them up directly to discuss details (Phone number is on their website).

Both schools are located right next to the beach, so you’ve got easy access to the waves and all equipment is included in the price.

Global Boarders Surf School Praa Sands:

£40 – Group lesson (1 person) / half day / 2 hours
£75 – Group lesson (1 person) / full day / 2x 2 hours
£120 – Private lesson (1 person) / half day / 2 hours
£140 – Private lesson (2 people) / half day / 2 hours

Boatshed Activity Centre:

Best to call them direct for pricing

Surfboard & Wetsuit Rentals

Yes.

If you’re just looking to rent surf gear, both surf shops also offer equipment hire. Out of the two I’d recommend going with Global Boarders as the equipment is a bit cheaper to hire for the same amount of time. Don’t forget to take some ID with you as they require that for the rentals.

Global Boards Surf School Praa Sands:

£30 – Surfboard and wetsuit rental / 1 day
£20 – Surfboard rental / 1 day
£12 – Wetsuit rental / 1 day

Boatshed Activity Centre:

Again, best to call them direct for pricing

Parking

Parking at Praa Sands is very convenient as there’s two options, both right next to the beach.

The first is Praa Sands Beach Car Park, this is a large car park located right next to the beach. During peak season, it can get busy so it’s worth arriving early to secure a spot. There’s no caravans allowed at the car park but motorhomes are totally fine. As with most car parks, overnight stays are not allowed – so cars have to be left unoccupied overnight if booking for 24 hours.

I’d recommend Maggie’s Patch Car Park, which is also located right next to beach but has much cheaper fares!

Praa Sands Beach Car Park, TR20 9TG

95 spaces
Mon-Sun: All day
No height restrictions
4 hours – £3
12 hours – £8
24 hours – £12
3 days – £36

Maggie’s Patch Car Park, TR20 9TG

55 spaces
Mon-Sun: All day
No height restriction
3 hours – £2
All day – £3
Overnight – £5

Food

Like I mentioned in the intro, Praa Sands doesn’t have too much on offer – but what is on offer is top quality.

The one (and only) place to grab some top end grub is The Welloe, located inside the Stonereef complex right next to the beach. Luckily for visitors this place serves up lovely food at good prices, with a number of good ciders on tap. It’s also got really cool seating outside that looks out towards to surf. I’d recommend booking a table for dinner as it can get quite busy in peak season (being the only decent option).

9. Porthtowan Beach

Porthtowan Beach is nestled on Cornwall’s rugged North coast and is a fantastic little surf spot.

It’s well known for its impressive waves and quaint village (that’s practically built into the cliff face). Porthtowan offers a mix of small time Cornish village with gorgeous surf scenery alongside pumping waves. The beach is also a Blue Flag Award winner, which speaks to its high environmental standards and cleanliness. Parking is available right on the beach front, and the beach is easily accessible from the main road.

Porthtowan

Type of Wave

Porthtowan Beach is a classic beach break that chucks out waves for all levels of surfers. Interestingly, there are a few reefs and rocky outcrops that creates some interesting waves, particularly at low tide. So… whether you’re after long, chilled rides or more challenging barrels, Porthtowan has something for everyone.

As you’d expect, the Summer months output smaller more chilled swells with waves ranging from 2-4ft (perfect for beginners and intermediates). Despite the size, the waves here are powerful and fast moving, providing enough excitement to keep everyone happy.

In the Winter, Porthtowan can get intense! Wave heights can reach 6-10ft or more, and if you’ve got a Southwest swell paired with Southeast wind, expect hollow waves built for expert surfers. If you were interested in learning more about surf conditions, here’s my final plug for my ‘How to Read a Surf Report’… just incase you missed it the other eight times 😉.

Current forecast

Here’s the Porthtowan Beach surf forecast for the next 48 hours, thanks to surf-forecast.com.

Level of Surfing Required

Beginner.

As mentioned, Porthtowan offers great beginner-friendly waves during the Summer months. The beach break helps create consistent surf that creates a good environment to learn in. There are also a great surf school located here, which I discuss more below.

Intermediate surfers will find plenty to enjoy at Porthtowan, with consistent waves that are perfect for practicing new skills. The beach’s variety of waves means you can work on everything from basic turns to more advanced maneuvers.

For advanced surfers, Porthtowan really shines in the Autumn-Winter period when the big swells arrive. The powerful waves and fast, hollow barrels can test the most experienced surfers and is one of the reasons the beach upholds its stellar reputation for producing quality waves during those periods.

Surfing Lessons

Yes.

ESKINZO: The Cornish Surf Company is the new kid on the block known for offering high quality lessons for surfers of all levels. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to take your surfing to the next level, their experienced instructors can help you improve. Located in ‘The Unicorn on the Beach’ complex (two minute walk from the beach), the surf school provides easy access to the waves and wetsuit and surfboard rental is included in the price.

ESKINZO Surf School:

£40 – Group lesson / half day / 2 hours
£120 – Private lesson / half day / 2 hours

Surfboard & Wetsuit Rentals

Yes.

If you’re only interested in grabbing a wetsuit and board and sprinting into the waves, I understand! ESKINZO do equipment hire as well and their prices are below. If you’d rather get your gear closer to the beach, head to Tris Surf Shop – they’ve been in the biz since ’72 so know their onions about equipment.

ESKINZO Surf School:

£10 – Surfboard rental / 2 hours
£15 – Surfboard rental / 1 day
£8 – Wetsuit rental / 2 hours
£10 – Wetsuit rental / 1 day
£15 – Surfboard & Wetsuit rental / 2 hours

Tris Surf Shop:

£5 – Surfboard rental / 1 hour
£24 – Surfboard rental / 1 day
£5 – Wetsuit rental / 1 hour
£20 – Wetsuit rental / 1 day
£6 – Surfboard & Wetsuit rental / 1 hour
£24 – Surfboard & Wetsuit rental / 1 day

Parking

Parking at Porthtowan couldn’t be easier with a Porthtowan Beach car park right next to the beach. This is a long stay car park, but unfortunately no motorhomes or campers are allowed between 11pm-8am. As with most car parks, the vehicle has to be unoccupied if parking overnight. As this is really the only car park option, in peak season it can fill up quickly, so get there early.

Porthtowan Beach Car Park, TR4 8AA

151 spaces
Mon-Sun: 09:00 – 16:00 (Apr-Oct)
No height restrictions
FREE after 4pm (Apr-Oct)
FREE all Winter (Nov-Mar)
3 hours – £2.10 (Apr-Oct)
24 hours – £3.70 (Apr-Oct)
Weekly – £9.20 (Apr-Oct)
Monthly – £34.90 (Apr-Oct)

Food

Considering Porthtowan is on the smaller side, it’s got some pretty decent refuelling options after a surf.

Blue Bar is a local favourite and “Cornwall’s original beach bar and kitchen”. This great food spot offers gorgeous sea-views along with locally sourced dishes. Whether it’s hearty mains, nachos to share or food for the little ones – Blue Bar has got you.

Fancy some traditional fish and chips? Seasmiths Fish and Chips is the place to go, they only do fish and chips for a reason… they’re damn good at it.

If you’re after a relaxed café, try ‘The Unicorn on the Beach’ complex. It serves up a range of sandwiches, cakes, and drinks and is ideal for a quick bite before heading back out into the waves.

Summary

And that is pretty much the most comprehensive guide I’ve ever written. 😅

If you’ve made it this far I hope you found something useful in those 8,000 words above. If you did, let me know! This one took a lot of time and effort to create and I hope that comes through when you read it. Of course if there’s any spots you think deserve a mention. drop it in the comment section below.

Looking to do more of these types of guides, so watch this space!