The Best Surfing Beaches in Devon, UK

Bantham is probably the best beach in South Devon, with a swell range between 2 to 12 feet (0.6-3.6m). As such, it attracts a wide range of levels and abilities, with families flocking here during the summer holidays. There can be a strong rip due to the River Avon, but the swell is good here on all tides. Bantham is a great place to sit and while away the day, too, with stunning views of the coast and Burgh Island, which you can walk to when the tide is out.

Woolacombe, one of North Devon‘s most famous surf spots, has a nice regular set perfect for beginners, intermediates and longboarders. Of course, it can get crowded here, but the atmosphere is generally relaxed, and there are lifeguards patrolling the beach throughout the summer. Even when the waves here aren’t big, they are definitely fun. If you venture around the rocky point to Combesgate, there are fewer people and the opportunity for some pretty epic barrels. The catch here is that there are more rocks and a strong rip, so best left to the experienced surfer, and the best waves are at mid-tide.

Most likely the most popular surfing spot in the southwest outside of Newquay, Croyde offers perfect barrels at low tide and has one of the best breaks in the whole of the UK if conditions are just right. As is imaginable, it can get pretty busy here during the summer, so crowding can be an issue – as can rip tides and large swells – nonetheless, Croyde is a great spot for surfers of all abilities.