9 Best Breaks to Surf in the UK
Cover image: © Magicseaweed / Ed_West
Home to big wave charger Andrew Cotton and 11,000 miles of coastline, the UK is home to incredible surf. Though a bit chillier than your classic tropical surf destination, these waves offer epic rides and a chance to tour from Scotland to Cornwall. Pack a 4/3... or even a 5/4 and check out the best breaks to surf in the UK.
Thurso East, North East Scotland
Arguably one of the best waves in the UK, Thurso is a peeling right-handed, deep, dark barrel. Located on Scotland’s “Norse Shore,” it breaks over a shallow reef and can hold surf up to three times overhead. This break is best for advanced surfers who have reef surfing experience. Thurso is world-class on a West to Northwest swell, Southeast wind, and the tide is dependent on swell size.
Croyde, North Devon
It is no surprise that Croyde is one of the most popular surf destinations in the UK. Its variety of breaks ranges from beginner and longboard friendly rollers at Santon Sands to powerful and steep peaks at the main wave. On good days conditions are comparable to the famous French beach break Hossegor and intermediate to advanced surfers can find barrels and high-performance fun. It is best with a Northwest to Southwest swell, East wind, and low tide.
Portrush East Strand, County Antrim
On this otherwise wind-battered stretch of coast, Portrush East Strand is a sheltered surf haven. In the summer and on smaller days, its gentle, clean waves are perfect for beginners. With bigger swells, it turns into a whitewashing machine with the potential to produce some explosive right and left barrels and is best for advanced surfers due to a super gnarly paddle out. The spot works best on a Northwest swell, Southwest wind, and all tides.
Saltburn, North Yorkshire
Saltburn is one of the first surf hubs in the northeast. Despite the freezing winter temperatures, the spot has mellow waves near the pier ideal for beginners, and the farther south, Penny’s Hole is an all-level break with fun rights and lefts. This spot works best on a Northeast swell, Southwest wind, and low to mid-tide.
Llangennith, Gower Peninsula
The crown jewel of the Welsh surf scene, Llangennith is a three-mile stretch of golden sand and beach breaks. It is fairly consistent, and there are nuggets to be found for all levels. When it’s good expect a crowd... and even when it's not good, expect a crowd. It works best on a West, Northwest, to Southwest swell, East wind, and all tides.
Dalmore Bay, Isle of Lewis
If looking for a bit of an adventure away from crowded mainland breaks, try heading out the Isle of Lewis and surfing at Dalmore bay. When driving to the mellow clean waves at Dalmore Bay, secret coves with pale sand and bright blue water hide along the coastline. The bay is home to an exposed reef break that's best when small. With big swells come dangerous rips that should be left for experts only. This spot works best on a Northwest swell, northeast wind, and almost all tides.
Kimmeridge Bay, Dorset
K-bay is home to three breaks ranging from longboard perfection to heavy big swell playgrounds. The Ledges is the longboard hotspot with long, mellow rides. The Bay is sheltered from big swells and has a variety of fun rides, and finally, the Bench is for experienced surfers and can hold surf up to double overhead. It works best on a Southwest swell, a North wind, and all tides.
Fistral Beach, Cornwall
Home to multiple surf competitions including the annual Boardmasters contest and British National Surf Championships, Fistral has been the heart of the UK surf scene since the 1960s. The summer has smaller, more gentle waves for beginners and longboarders, and in the winter, it comes alive with steep, powerful A-frames, and even handles big swells for big wave chasers. Fistral works best on a Southwest to Northwest swell, Southeast to Northeast wind, and all tides.
Porthleven, Cornwall
An experts-only level spot, Porthleven is a classic reef break that presents beautiful hollow rights and lefts. When the stars align, this spot is hard to beat, and expect a hard-charging group of locals, expert longboarders, and world-class bodyboarders. Porthleven becomes a true gem on a Southwest swell, Northeast wind, and mid-tide.
Plan to surf in the UK? Remember to check out the Jamie O’Brien Surf App here for anytime, anywhere surf coaching.
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