✏️ Updated on 2nd September 2022
Intro
Welcome surfing friends, in today’s post we’ll be looking at the ‘Best Places to Surf in North Devon’.
Well be looking at each locations type of wave, level of surfing required, whether lessons and rentals are available as well as the parking and food options.
Here are the surf spots we’ll be looking at…
1. Lynmouth
2. Combesgate
3. Woolacombe
4. Putsborough
5. Croyde
6. Saunton
7. Westward Ho!
It’s a pretty comprehensive list, so grab yourself a cuppa and let’s get started!
1. Lynmouth
Starting with the most Northern and probably least known surf spot in North Devon – Lynmouth. Not everyone’s first choice, but this place can offer experienced surfers a great days play in the right conditions.
Lynmouth
Type of Wave
Lynmouth is a point break which can offer up crazy long left handers along a bouldering shoreline. Typical wave lengths last between 150-300m, this wave can provide some ridiculous ride time. Works best in offshore winds from the South and the ideal swell direction is from the West North West.
With its sheltered position along the Northern coast, the right conditions are however quite hard to come by (so it’s flat most of the year).
Level of Surfing Required
Advanced.
This is not somewhere you want to be surfing if you’re a beginner surfer. With the danger of ground boulders and some fairly pointy rocks making up the shoreline, this point break isn’t for the faint hearted.
When conditions are right, expect a busy lineup with an experienced level of surfing attached.
Surfing Lessons
Nope.
Surfboard & Wetsuit Rentals
Nope.
Parking
There are plenty of parking options in Lynmouth, some are even motorhome friendly. Free roadside parking is limited to 2 hours in designated parking bays between 10.00am – 6.00pm for most of the year. Blue Badge holders can also use free roadside parking all day throughout the year.
However, most will be heading for the the pay and display car parks and there’s a few of those too…
Pay & Display car parks;
• Esplanade – The Esplanade, EX35 6EQ
• Lower & Upper Lyndale – Watersmeet Road, EX35 6EP (Motorhome friendly)
• Cross Street – Cross Street, EX35 6HG
Prices (Can pay using the RingGo app);
• All car parks / 3 hours – £3.30
• All car parks / All day – £5.00
Food
For that post-surf grub, be sure to check out the award winning Esplanade Fish Bar. With its high quality seafood and the ability to eat in or take-out, this would be my go to (if I was good enough to surf here).
If the queue for the above is too long, take a walk down to Lynmouth’s Traditional Fish and Chips. These guys offer more of the same as Esplanade Fish Bar just without the fancy award.
2. Combesgate
The second surf spot on this North Devon list is Combesgate.
This beach is a long way away from Lynmouth but just around the corner from Woolacombe (and still relatively unknown to weekend surfers).
Combesgate
Type of Wave
Combesgate is a fairly small beach and offers up both beach and reef breaks. Typical wave lengths vary between 50-150m and it starts working at mid-tide when the tide is rising. It’s good for both regular and goofy footers as the waves include both right and left handers.
For the best waves, look for East South Easterly winds combined with a swell direction of West North West. When conditions are right this surf spot can offer mega clean waves without any crowds.
Level of surfing required
Intermediate to Advanced.
Combesgate is not really a beach for beginners. There are a fair amount of rocks, so it can get dangerous at high tide when they’re hidden. Also, because the beach is quite small, it can only be surfed for a short time before the rocks are concealed.
If new to surfing, it makes more sense to check out the next surf spot on this list – Woolacombe.
Surfing Lessons
Nope.
Surfboard & Wetsuit Rentals
Nope.
Parking
Unfortunately, the parking situation at Combesgate is not ideal either. You’re mainly relying on finding a space along the South West coastal path (the bit that goes around the main headland). If you manage to, it’s free from October until March each year.
If you’re visiting in the Summer months the usual pay and display charges apply.
Pay & Display car parks;
If there are no spaces at the above your next best bet is The Esplanade, Woolacombe EX34 7DJ (Motorhome friendly). You’re much closer to Woolacombe in this car park, but if you’re determined to visit Combesgate it’s about a 15 minute walk.
The Esplanade team doesn’t take card, so make sure to have some cash available on arrival.
Prices (vary throughout the year);
• The Esplanade car park / All day – £8.00
• The Esplanade car park / Arriving after 4pm – £4.00
• The Esplanade car park / Leaving before 1pm – £4.00
Food
There are a couple of hidden gems around Combesgate beach when it comes to post surfing food.
For a quick getaway, check out Heartbreak Hotel Coffee’s freshly made doughnuts and other home-baked remedies. They’re easy to find and their food is even easier to finish off.
If you’re after something a bit more substantial, head over to Barricane Beach Cafe. These guys run out of an old mobile hut but have a cracking selection of baps, ciabatta’s, wraps and salad bowls. But be sure to take cash though, card payments are a no go at this eatery.
3. Woolacombe
The third stop on our journey is Woolacombe.
Recently placed #20 in 2020s best beaches in the world list, Woolacombe is one of the best places to surf in North Devon. Just around the corner from Combesgate is this 3-mile long stretch of sandy goodness.
Woolacombe
Type of Wave
Woolacombe is a 3-mile stretch of sand that offers up your standard North Devon beach break.
This place pumps out great learner waves throughout the Summer so is perfect for beginners. It also gets bigger swells in the Autumn and Winter if you’re an intermediate or advanced surfer.
Typical wave lengths are between 50-150m on good days and it produces its best on a rising tide. Ideal conditions would be East South East winds paired with a West North West swell.
Level of surfing required
Beginner.
Woolacombe is a great place to start your surfing journey.
The length of the beach means there’s loads of space, so plenty of waves to go around (even on busy weekends). Also, with the number of surf lesson providers here – it’s easy to see why so many people learn to surf at Woolacombe.
If you’re a more seasoned surfer, Woolacombe can still produce in the colder months. The location means it gets a lot of big swells from the Atlantic, but the lack of wind protection can reduce it to a choppy mess. Is a certified wave if conditions hold out though.
Surfing Lessons
Yes.
If it’s beginner surfing lessons you want, Woolacombe Surf Centre is what you need. Their team of experienced surf coaches make starting out easy, but be sure to check availability ahead of time.
If you’re struggling for availability, Nick Thorn Surf Coaching would be your next best bet.
Woolacombe Surf Centre;
• Group lesson / half day / 2-hours – £35
• Group lesson / full day / 2-hours x2 – £68
• Private 1:1 lesson / half day / 2-hours – £50
Nick Thorn Surf Coaching;
• Group lesson / half day / 2 hours – £30
• Group lesson / full day / 2 hours x2 – £58
• Private lesson 1:1 / half day / 2 hours – £60
• Private lesson 2:1 / half day / 2 hours – £150
Surfboard & Wetsuit Rentals
Yes.
If you just fancy renting a surfboard and wetsuit for the day then Woolacombe Surf Centre can sort you out. Hunter is another rental option but for the best value head to The Bay Surf Shop, they’re just a two minute walk from the beach.
Woolacombe Surf Centre;
• Surfboard or Wetsuit rental / 3 hours – £8.00
• Surfboard or Wetsuit rental / 6 hours – £12.00
Hunter;
• Surfboard rental / 3 hours – £12.00
• Surfboard rental / 6 hours – £16.00
• Wetsuit rental / 3 hours – £10.00
• Wetsuit rental / 6 hours – £14.00
The Bay Surf Shop;
• Surfboard rental / 4 hours – £8.00
• Surfboard rental / full day – £12.00
• Wetsuit rental / 4 hours – £7.00
• Wetsuit rental / full day – £10.00
Parking
Woolacombe has a load of parking options, so even on the busiest summer days there is still room at the inn. Free parking is available on the South West coastal path (the bit that goes around the main headland), but it’s rare and only between October and March.
Pay & Display car parks;
The closest car park to the beachfront is The Esplanade car park, Woolacombe EX34 7DJ (Motorhome friendly). If this overflows there is usually a field car park open a few hundred metres down the road.
The Esplanade team don’t take card, so make sure to have some cash available on arrival.
Prices (vary throughout the year);
• All day – £8.00
• Arriving after 4pm – £4.00
• Leaving before 1pm – £4.00
Food
There’s only one place you want to end up after a long day’s surfing in Woolacombe and that’s The Red Barn. Established in 1965 this place has served more than a few generations of surfers, and it’s another personal favourite of mine.
With a menu that satisfies even the most cultured eaters, this place will quickly become part of your trips to Woolacombe. Plus – there’s a collection of old school surfboards stuck to the ceiling… what’s not to like!
4. Putsborough
If you were to start at Woolacombe beach and walk the 3-mile stretch to the other end, you’d find yourself at Putsborough.
Another North Devon gem that is just as popular with general beach goers as it is with keen bean surfers. With plenty of space to spread out it’s another popular location for beginner surfers in the summer months.
Putsborough
Type of Wave
As Putsborough is partly connected to Woolacombe, the wave is pretty similar for the most part. It offers a standard beach break but is much more sheltered from winds due to the main headland to the left.
Normal wave lengths are between 50-150m on good days and it produces its best on a rising tide. Ideal conditions would be East South East winds paired with a West North West swell.
This is my personal stomping ground and in my opinion, the best place to surf in North Devon.
Level of surfing required
Beginner.
Putsborough is a great location for those who want to learn how to surf in the summer months. The waves in the Summer are pretty mellow and do go on for a while, giving beginners plenty of time to stand up.
For intermediates and above, Putsborough is a great surf spot to know if the wind conditions elsewhere aren’t great. The main headland to the left offers a huge amount of protection. This means conditions are usually better here compared to elsewhere on the North Devon coastline when sh*t is hitting the fan.
Surfing Lessons
Yes.
There are two surfing lesson providers at Putsborough, Barefoot Surf School and Nick Thorn Surf Coaching. Both offer group or family lessons and private lessons with varying prices.
Prices cover tuition, surfboard and wetsuit hire and lessons usually take between 90-120 minutes. As always, be sure to book ahead of time to avoid any disappointment.
Barefoot Surf School;
• Family lesson (2 adults & 2 children) / half day / 1.5 hours – £140
• Private lesson 1:1 / half day / 1.5 hours – £80
• Private lesson 2:1 / half day / 1.5 hours – £120
Nick Thorn Surf Coaching;
• Group lesson / half day / 2 hours – £30
• Group lesson / full day / 2 hours x2 – £58
• Private lesson 1:1 / half day / 2 hours – £60
• Private lesson 2:1 / half day / 2 hours – £150
Surfboard & Wetsuit Rentals
Yes.
You can rent surfboards and wetsuits from Barefoot Surf School but only if you’ve booked previous lessons with them before. If that’s not you, there’s usually a Nick Thorn pop-up tent / van in the car park area with all the rental gear ready to go.
Barefoot Surf School;
• Surfboard or Wetsuit rental / half day – £5.00
• Surfboard or Wetsuit rental / full day – £10.00
Nick Thorn Surf Coaching;
• Surfboard rental / half day – £10.00
• Wetsuit rental / half day – £8.00
• Surfboard rental / full day – £14.00
• Wetsuit rental / full day – £12.00
Parking
Putsborough is a private access beach so the team have good control over the number of cars in the car park. If the main car park fills up, there’s an overflow area up the hill – so there’s plenty of room. You pay a one off price at the entrance for the entire day and can pay with card or cash.
If you wish to stay overnight in a camper or motorhome, there’s a hard standing area at the top of the car park. Cost of an overnight stay varies from season to season but ranges between £25-45 per night.
Prices (vary throughout the year);
• All day – £9.00
Food
The Putsborough Beach Café sits on the hill next to the beach, has a great menu and views of the surf. It’s open everyday between April and October and every weekend through the winter months.
There’s a freshly prepared daily menu offering everything from a quick sausage bap to full blown fish and chips. My favourite post surf meal here is hands down the scampi and chips with a side of curry sauce, tis unreal.
5. Croyde
Around the headland from Putsborough is our next surf location – Croyde.
Probably one of the most well known surfing locations in the whole of the UK let alone the North Devon coastline. Croyde is smaller than Woolacombe and Putsborough, but has been a surfing mainstay in the South West for a long time.
Croyde
Type of Wave
Although the beach is only around the corner from Putsborough, the waves here can be different gravy.
Croyde is another beach break offering right and left handers and is at its best with a rising tide. At low tides this location pumps out steep, fast moving barrels so high quality surfers are expected. At mid and high tides the waves mellow out, so can be surfed by less experienced surfers.
Usual ride length is between 50-150m, but this shortens on the weekends as is tends to get very crowded. Ideal wind conditions are from the East with a swell direction of West South West.
If you’re an experienced surfer, this can be one of the best places to surf in the UK.
Level of surfing required
Intermediate to Advanced.
For me, Croyde isn’t the place to go if you’re learning how to surf for the first time. In my opinion, there are plenty of other beaches (within a 5-mile radius) that offer more suitable waves in a less crowded environment.
If you’re an intermediate or advanced surfer though this is the most popular place to surf in North Devon. With the added spice of consistent hollow barrels, it’s easy to see why this place competes with spots in Cornwall for the UK’s best waves.
Surfing Lessons
Yes.
If you’re still keen to surf at Croyde (despite my advice above), there are three main providers to choose from; Croyde Surf Academy, Surfing Croyde Bay and Surf South West.
All three providers include the usual surfing tuition, rental surfboard and rental wetsuit in the price. As with all surf lessons be sure to book in advance to avoid any disappointment.
Croyde Surf Academy;
• Group lessons / half day / 2.5 hours – £40
• Group lessons / full day / 2.5 hours x2 – £80
• Private 1:1 lessons / half day / 2 hours – £99
• Private 2:1 lessons / half day / 2 hours – £149
Surfing Croyde Bay;
• Group lessons / half day / 2.5 hours – £35
• Private 1:1 lessons / half day / 2 hours – £120
Surf South West;
• Group lessons / half day / 2 hours – £35
• Private 1:1 lessons / half day / 2 hours – £120
• Private 2:1 lessons / half day / 2 hours – £170
Surfboard & Wetsuit Rentals
Yes.
Both Croyde Surf Academy and Surfing Croyde Bay offer surfing equipment hire for the day at reasonable prices. Croyde Surf Hire is another shop that offers rental equipment and is a useful back-up.
Croyde Surf Academy;
• Surfboard or wetsuit rental / 4 hours – £7.00
• Surfboard or wetsuit rental / full day – £10.00
Surfing Croyde Bay;
• Surfboard rental / 4 hours – £10.00
• Surfboard rental / full day – £15.00
• Wetsuit rental / 4 hours – £8.00
• Wetsuit rental / full day – £12.00
Croyde Surf Hire;
• Surfboard rental / full day – £20.00
• Wetsuit rental / full day – £12.00
Parking
Croyde has good parking options with three main Pay & Display car parks. There is also free parking available for National Trust members in the Baggy Point car park (about a 5 minute walk to the beach) – Croyde, Braunton EX33 1PA.
Pay & Display car parks;
Croyde Beach car park is the most Northern car park out of the three – Beach Rd, Croyde, Braunton, EX33 1NP. It’s located right next the the Surf South West lesson building so is a great place to park if you’re looking to have lessons as well.
Croyde car park is in the centre of the village so a bit more of a walk to the beach compared to the other two. It doesn’t boast as many amenities or spaces as Down End but is in a much more central area – Croyde Car Park, Braunton, EX33 1LX.
Down End is the furthest South and has a small café, toilets and showers as well as a decent number of spaces onsite – Down End Car Park, Braunton, EX33 1QE.
Prices (vary throughout the year);
• Croyde Beach car park / All day – £5.00
• Croyde Beach car park / 3 hours – £3.10
• Croyde car park / All day – £4.40
• Croyde car park / 3 hours – £3.30
• Down End car park / All day – £6.00
• Down End car park / 3 hours – £3.00
Food
As you’d expect with such a popular beach, there are some great places to eat in Croyde.
If you’re in the village centre and you’re after good pub grub, The Thatch is the place for you. It’s a local favourite and has been well established in the Croyde area for many years.
If you’re a bit further up from the village centre and fancy a quick bite, Biffens Kitchen has some great options. Based out of the Ocean Pitch Campsite, Biffen cooks up healthy street food from his food van – and you don’t even need to be staying at the campsite to check it out.
6. Saunton Sands
The penultimate stop on our journey down the Northern Devon coastline is Saunton Sands.
Similar to Woolacombe, Saunton is a huge stretch of sand that goes on for as far as the eye can see. It’s located just around the corner from Croyde and stretches for 3-miles until the River Taw estuary to the South. It’s not quite as well know as Croyde or Woolacombe but a great place for surfing none the less.
Saunton
Type of Wave
Like most of the beaches on this list Saunton offers up a beach break, but this particular break is perfect for long boarders.
Ride length on good days can stretch past 200m and it works best when the tide is rising. The majority of waves are long right handers so perfect for any regular footed long boarders. There are still some lefties up for grabs for goofy footers but the rides aren’t quite as long.
Of course, you don’t need to be a long boarder to enjoy the waves at Saunton. Conditions are fairly good all year round with a mixture of waves suitable for every surfing level. With a 3-mile stretch available, it’s easy to find some space and test out your skills.
Level of surfing required
Beginner.
Saunton is a great beach for surfers of any level and so the level of surfing required is beginner.
Throughout the Summer months Saunton offers a good mix of gentle waves perfect for learning on. With such a long stretch of sand there’s also plenty of room if you want it. Similarly, in the Winter months there’s just as much on offer for experienced surfers.
Favourable conditions at Saunton are winds from an Easterly direction and a swell direction from the West. The things to be careful of at Saunton are the rip current next to the Northern headland and the rocks that make up the headland itself.
Surfing Lessons
Yes.
Saunton has it’s very own blue hut for everything surf lesson related – the Surf Saunton Surf School. It’s located between the car park and the sea and is the to place to go if you’re looking for a surfing lesson.
If there’s no availability at the above, Walking on Waves also do surf lessons at Saunton.
As always the prices below include your surfing tuition, a rental surfboard and rental wetsuit. Book in advance to avoid any disappointment, especially on busy weekends.
Surf Saunton Surf School;
• Group lessons / half day / 2 hours – £40
• Private 1:1 lessons / half day / 1.5 hours – £80
Walking on Waves;
• Group lessons / half day / 2 hours – £40
• Private 1:1 lessons / half day / 2 hours – £80
Surfboard & Wetsuit Rentals
Yes.
If you just want to hire some surfing gear for the day you can absolutely do that at Saunton. Right next to the Surf Saunton Surf School is the Saunton Surf Hire team. These guys can kit you out with surfboards and wetsuits alike but as I’ve mentioned before – be sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
They have a range of equipment available for hire but here are some guide prices;
• Surfboard rental / full day – £15.00
• Wetsuit rental / full day – £10.00
Parking
Saunton does have its own car park which is located right next to the beach making it extremely easy to go from the motor to the waves. This is the postal address for the car park – Saunton Sands Car Park, Braunton, EX33 2NU. It’s worth mentioned that they shut the entry gate if the car park is full. This tends to only happen during the busiest Summer weekends, but try and get there in the morning to guarantee a spot.
If you still fancy Saunton and need a backup car park there’s Sandy Lane Car Park, Braunton EX33 2NX. It’s located further South and is a 20-minute stroll through the dunes, so not for the faint hearted.
Prices (vary throughout the year);
• Saunton Sands car park / All day – £8.00
• Saunton Sands car park / 3 hours – £4.50
• Sandy Lane car park / All day – £2.00
Food
After a long sesh out amongst the waves food is of upmost importance, fortunately Saunton has the Beachside Grill. It’s next to the car park and serves up both great food and that perfect sunset view at the end of a long day. It’s possible to get a table as a walk-in, but there are no guarantees so be sure to book a table before arriving.
If you’re not after a sit-down meal and just fancy some chips, Saunton Break Cafe has you covered. Offering the cheap and cheerful take away meals to keep most happy, it’s also next to the car park and operates out of two cubby holes.
7. Westward Ho!
The final surf spot on our sublime North Devon coastline is Westward Ho!
Westward Ho is situated on the same stretch of sand as Saunton but on the other side of the River Taw estuary. It’s known for being a very relaxed beach for surfers and holiday makers alike. With its game arcades and holiday camps it certainly has that UK staycation feel but offers plenty for one day surfers too.
As this is one of the lesser known beaches on the North Devon coastline, it doesn’t much of a crowd.
Westward Ho!
Type of Wave
Westward Ho! offers up a mellow beach break like so many other great beaches along Devon’s Northern coastline. Longboarders tend to enjoy the less frantic action near the estuary and shortboarders enjoy waves closer to the town end.
There are both left and right handers on offer with ride lengths going past 200m in good conditions. Works best when there are offshore winds from the East and a swell direction of West North West.
Level of surfing required
Beginner.
Westward Ho! is another great beach for first time beginners and intermediates looking to improve. The gradual beach incline means waves gently roll in giving surfers plenty of time to get to their feet.
As for the advanced surfers, Westward Ho! doesn’t offer much in the Summer months unless you’re after that mellow wave. It does spice up quite a bit more in the Winter though with westerly swells from the Atlantic.
Surfing Lessons
Yes.
There are a few places you can get surf lessons from in Westward Ho! but the best three are; North Devon Surf School, Surf SUP Academy and Westward Waves Surf School. All three pretty much offer the same lessons and it’s nice to have a few options incase you struggle for availability.
As with most lessons all three providers also include your surfing tuition, your rental surfboard and your rental wetsuit in the price.
North Devon Surf School;
• Group lessons / half day / 2 hours – £32
• Private 1:1 lessons / half day / 2 hours – £95
Surf SUP Academy;
• Group lessons / half day / 2 hours – £30
• Private 1:1 lessons / half day / 2 hours – £70
Westward Waves Surf School;
• Group lessons / half day / 2 hours – £30
• Private 1:1 lessons / half day / 2 hours – £75
Surfboard & Wetsuit Rentals
Yes.
Despite the abundance of surf lessons there’s not as much on offer in Westward Ho! when it comes to rentals. North Devon Surf School and the local Surf and Kite Shop are the only two options and both are fairly close on price.
Both providers also rent out equipment for longer than two hours if you fancy, just check the links for more info.
North Devon Surf School;
• Surfboard rental / 2 hours – £12.00
• Wetsuit rental / 2 hours – £8.00
Surf and Kite Shop;
• Surfboard rental / 2 hours – £10.00
• Wetsuit rental / 2 hours – £8.00
Parking
There are a few places to park at Westward Ho! but the only one you’ll really need is Northam Burrows Country Park – EX39 1XS.
This ones more of a long road and it runs parallel to the beach and links golf course. If you keep driving along it though, there’s a car park type area at the end. There’s also plenty of space to park along the road if you’d rather do that. If you’re planning on getting a surf lesson, North Devon Surf School are also based at the entrance – handy.
Prices (vary throughout the year);
• Northam Burrows Country Park / All day – £7.00
• Northam Burrows Country Park / 4 hours – £4.00
Food
Being a seaside town, Westward Ho! has a great range of food venues to choose from. There are three places I can recommend however; The Pasty Shack, Atlantic Bay and the Pig and Olive.
If you’re after a quick getaway and are thinking of ordering in your dripping wet wetsuit, The Pasty Shack is the one you want. With a selection of great tasting pastry, this place will sort you out whilst you waiting for your hands to unfreeze.
If you’re after something a bit more substantial, Atlantic Bay might be a better option. These guys do a classic cod and chips takeaway that is very popular with the locals.
Finally, the Pig and Olive. This place specialises in stone oven baked pizza and it is the bomb! It’s located opposite the North Devon Surf School so you can drop off your equipment and get the pizzas in.
Summary
And that is that! My full guide to the ‘Best Places To Surf in North Devon’.
I hope it’s helped those of you looking for a new surf spot in the South West. I’m planning to do more guides like this one to highlight our fantastic surfing locations in the UK.
As always, be sure to follow on the usual socials below to keep up to date with the latest surfing content!
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