Whether you’re searching for a seaside getaway or a countryside escape, South Devon has everything you’re looking for.
Our stunning Hawkchurch Resort & Spa is perfectly placed in South Devon for you to discover all it has to offer. Being surrounded by the picturesque Devonshire countryside and only a short drive away from the golden sands of the Jurassic Coast.
We thought we would help to narrow down the best attractions so you can start planning your getaway with a list of our top picks below.
Beer Beach
Seaton, EX12 3BZ / 20 min drive
A wonderful shingle beach that’s surrounded but stunning limestone cliffs. Only a short walk away from the charming and picturesque village of Beer, with independent shops and stores waiting to be explored. The beach was once a smuggler’s haven with its cove-like features. There are mackerel fishing trips available to book as the beach still operates as a fishing port, with specially designed boats that are launched by very skilled fishermen.
Seaton Jurassic Visitor Centre
Seaton, EX12 2WD / 20 min drive
Take a journey back in time and see all the local discoveries from fossil hunters and geologists over the decades. The Jurassic Coast is home to thousands of prehistoric fossils and you can learn all about them at the visitor centre. Jump aboard the time-ship which will take you back 200-million years to the Jurassic seas, where you can control what kind of prehistoric creatures you want to meet. During your journey, you’ll also be shrunk down and land in a giant rock pool display, with spectacular models and hands-on activities to explore.
Exe Estuary Trail
Exmouth, EX8 1 DG / 1-hour drive
A newly constructed 16-mile cycle and walkway through beautiful scenery. The trail is mostly flat so can be enjoyed by all (even the fur-buddies in your life!). It runs around the whole the Exe Estuary and links Exmouth, Exeter, and Dawlish Warren while running along the picturesque River Exe. Whether you choose to walk or cycle the trail, it’s a wonderful couple of hours out, enjoy the countryside and seeing Exmouth in a whole new way.
Stuart Line Cruises
Exmouth, EX8 1FE / 55 min drive / Pre-booking needed
A multi-award-winning, family-run passenger boat company, offering a fantastic way to see the Jurassic Coastline. The cruises have been running since 1968 and are hugely popular way to see the coast, with the calm waters of the River Exe helping throughout the year. They have a whole host of different cruises you can book to see the best that South Devon has to offer.
- Guided bird watching
- Day trips to the English Riviera
- Circular cruises of the Jurassic Coast
- Exeter Canal Cruises into the heart of the city
Exeter Cathedral
Exeter, EX1 1HS / 1-hour drive
Discover a thousand years of inspiration at one of Europe’s most significant cathedrals. Exeter Cathedral offers history, architecture, and unique treasures all in one place, being home to the world’s longest, uninterrupted, Gothic stone vaulted ceilings. See the sledding flag from Scott’s legendary British Antarctic Expedition and a 15th Century astronomical clock, which shows how the solar system was understood during that time. There are also family activities and guided tours to enjoy.
Beer Quarry Caves
Seaton, EX12 3AS / 30 min drive / Pre-booking needed
Book a guided tour of the 2000-year-old, man-made caverns! These mind-boggling caverns run deep and were carved out by the brave men and boys for the stone to be used in some of the most prestigious buildings in the country, including Exeter, Winchester, St. Pauls, and Norwich Cathedrals. Up until the 16th Century they used picks to cut the rock, but in the early 18th Century they started using handsaws, all done by candle-light for up to 14 hours a day. Learn more about the quarry caves and the people who worked there on your tour.
The Donkey Sanctuary
Sidmouth, EX10 0NU / 25 min drive
Visit the hundreds of acres that lots of rescued donkeys call home. The resident donkeys love to meet new people and showing off their fun and unique personalities. The sanctuary is an award-winning attraction and is free to visit. Why not adopt a friendly donkey and help rescue others all over the world? It’s a wonderful day out for all ages, with activities, talks, and walking trails available to book too.
There really is something for everyone in South Devon, with so much history to explore you’re sure to love spending time with us at Hawkchurch Resort & Spa where you can enjoy a fascinating day out in the local area, and fantastic spa facilities in the evening.
There are lots of things to do with your family along the Cornish coastline, from zoos to pirates!
With so many things to do and places to see in and near Newquay, we thought we would narrow it down for you and put our top favourites all in one blog post. There are endless miles of golden sands to explore, from Fistral Beach to Lusty Glaze, but Newquay has so many family-friendly attractions waiting for you too, you’ll love spending time along the stunning coastline.
Find out more about our top picks of the things to do in Newquay with the family below when you visit us at Piran Meadows Resort.
Pirate’s Quest
Newquay, TR7 1RA / 20 min drive / Pre-booking needed
Visit this family-fun attraction and learn all about Cornwall’s fascinating pirate past. The hour-long adventure is a fully immersive walk-through with real-life pirates! Escape a shipwreck, find your way through the mystical caves and explore the murky 18th Century streets and replica tavern. If you’re brave enough: enter the Sunken Village of Damned, where screams and laughs await you but don’t worry there’s a safe path for those who don’t want to brave the terrors too!
Flambards Theme Park
Helston, TR13 0QA / 1-hour drive / No booking needed
Perfect for the thrill-seekers in your family, you can take to the skies with endless rides, including the Sky Raker, spectacular Space Shuttle, and the Hornet rollercoaster. There are also rides for the little ones, with the Tiny Tots Pirate Ship being a favourite, as well as the fabulous and traditional Carousel. Head inside for the award-winning attractions where you can learn all about British history with interactive displays. Including digging up fossils in the Prehistoric Journey, learning how the Victorians lived in the Victorian Village and learning what life was like during World War II in Britain in the Blitz walk-through.
Blue Reef Aquarium
Newquay, TR7 1DV / 20 min drive / Pre-booking needed
Located on Towan Beach in Newquay, the Blue Reef Aquarium offers a fantastic journey through local waters, all the way to exotic shores through fascinating displays and underwater creatures. There are over 40 displays to discover, showcasing local reef sharks which can grow up to two meters! Meet the friendly loggerhead turtles and learn how long they live and enjoy the sights from the walk-through Ocean Tunnel, filled with colourful fish and sharks. Say a big hello to the most interesting creature, the Giant Pacific Octopus, which has blue blood, 3 hearts and a brain-shaped like a doughnut!
Newquay Zoo
Newquay, TR7 2NN / 15 min drive / Pre-booking needed
Home to 1000 of the worlds rarest and most endangered animals, Newquay Zoo is not only a family-fun day out, you’ll be helping conservation all over the globe too! There are so many places to visit and you can travel the world with the exhibits, from the sizzling savannahs of Africa, the stunning sub-tropical gardens to the picturesque rainforests of South America. There are so many friendly animals waiting to meet you, and you can learn all about them from the knowledgeable keepers who have talks and educational feeding times too.
Start planning your escape to North Cornwall with our beautiful Piran Meadows Resort, where you’re only a short distance away from all the family attractions and the miles of golden sands, as well as having fabulous facilities on your doorstep!
There are so many places to go and things to do in North Wales that we thought we would pick out the best ones to show you.
Whether you’re looking for stately homes, stunning gardens, or historic castles, this post is for you. We’ve listed the best tourist hot spots to visit in North Wales and with our four locations in the region offering holiday home ownership, and two holiday destinations, you’re sure to find the perfect escape for you.
The North Wales coastline is waiting for you to explore and discover all the legends, history, and adventures.
Erddig Hall
Wrexham, LL13 0YT / Pre-booking needed
A stunning National Trust property, which was constructed in 1687 and is now one of the best-preserved stately homes in the country. The house is filled with historical furnishings, artwork, and fascinating stories, book a guided tour and find out all about the lives of the people who lived here. The picturesque walled garden is still in the same layout from the 18th Century gardeners and offers stunning views over the countryside. Explore the out-buildings with various shops/stores, including a blacksmiths, joiners and stables housing beuatiful horses.
Llechwedd Deep Mine
Blaenau Ffestiniog, LL41 3NB / Pre-booking needed
The mines are now part of the fabulous ZipWorld family, you’ll be able to explore 500ft down into the stunning 19th Century slate mine. The tour takes one hour and fifteen minutes and includes all 16 underground floors of the mine (yes, we said 16!), including the 8 underwater layers. This spectacular tour also includes a display of light technology and enhanced reality technology, showcasing what life was like down the mines for the brave men who worked there and carved these mines.
Bodnant Gardens
Colwyn Bay, LL28 5RE / Pre-booking needed
Another National Trust property that offers a peaceful day out with stunning views and glorious gardens. Bodnant Gardens is one of the oldest (and most visited) formal gardens in Wales. It overlooks the Conwy Valley and has spectacular views of the valley from seating areas and secret gardens. Founded in 1874, the Italiante terraces and waterfall have not changed, but there has been wonderful additions, including the peaceful riverside garden. The gardens are mostly known for their stunning 55 meter Laburnum arch, which was originally planted in 1880 and still flowers every May and June. It’s also home to a popular tearoom with beautiful views and a wide-ranging menu.
Beaumaris Castle
Beaumaris, LL58 8AP / Pre-booking needed
An impressive moated castle, Beaumaris is now a Cadw property and kept in wonderful condition. Located on the Isle of Anglesey, you can take in the imposing caslte’s defensive circular towers and enjoy the stunning views from the top. Walk the walls and find out more about the history of King Edward I’s largest Welsh castle. The castle was built in 1295, with five metre thick walls and an enclosed inner courtyard, ensuring it could hold up during medieval feuds.
Caernarfon Castle
Caernarfon, LL55 2AY / Pre-booking needed
Another of King Edward I’s Iron Circle Welsh castles, Caernarfon Castle was built in 1283 as a seat for his eldest son, Edward Prince of Wales. The castle took 37 years to complete, having 13 towers and two gates, it’s regarded as one of the most impressive and best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe. The castle was used in Prince Charles’ investiture in 1969, and has featured the Netflix show, The Crown.
Start planning your next adventure along the stunning Welsh coastline and discover all the lost legends and historic stories waiting for you.
We’ve picked the top four family-friendly things to do in Somerset near our Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa.
There’s so much waiting to be explored in the countryside, we wanted to help you plan your next UK holiday breaks with the kids. In our list we’ve got everything from indoor play areas to farmyard favourites, there’s something to do for the whole family.
Mendip Activity Centre
Where: Winscombe, BS25 5PQ / How far: 10-min drive / Pre-booking needed
A fabulous day out in Somerset with activities for all ages. Try out the unusual frisbee golf, test your skills with dry skiing or get your adrenaline going with tobogganing or kayaking. They also have a range of target sports, including axe throwing, air rifle ranges and activity archery, where you have to complete an activity course while shooting from a bow and arrow! You’ll also be able to learn about living in the woods with bushcraft and survival skills, as well as learning how to build a raft.
Hope Nature Centre
Where: Trowbridge, BA14 9QD / How far: 1-hour drive / Pre-booking needed
The 15-acre centre is located in the picturesque Southwick Country Park and is a wonderful and peaceful nature centre, perfect for all ages. There are lots of farmyard animals waiting to meet you, you’ll be able to join in on the goat walks and enjoy the donkey meet and greets. The Land Train can take you on a tour of the whole centre, and you’ll be able to stop off and enjoy some breakfast or lunch at the on-site cafe.
Court Farm Country Park
Where: Banwell, BS29 6DL / Haw far: 15 min drive / No booking
An all-weather attraction, there is something for all ages to enjoy on your day out in Somerset. There are two indoor play areas for all ages, a fantastical outdoor adventure play area perfect for older children, play barns for little ones, and exciting safari jeep adventures! Enjoy a tractor ride, meet the adorable animals and say hello to the friendly llama’s, cows, pigs, rabbits and magical red deer all waiting for you.
Puxton Park
Where: Weston-super-Mare, BS24 6AH / How far: 20 min drive / Pre-booking needed
A perfect attraction for all ages and a fantastic family day out in Somerset. The older children will love the aerial climbing, all ages can enjoy the fast and furious slides. The whole family can get competitive with the mini-golf range, find your way around the maze and defend the giant fort! Enjoy a peaceful trip around the boating lake, while the little ones will spend hours in the JCB play diggers. Puxton Park also has two indoor adventure play areas, with a separate toddler area including a ball pool so the little ones and can run around to their heart’s content. Enjoy the friendly farm animal petting sessions throughout the day, and marvel at the daily flying display at the Falconry Centre, where there is also owl encounters available. There really is so much to discover for all ages at Puxton Park.
Start planning your day out in Somerset and find out more about our countryside resort. Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa has everything you need for a self-catering breakaway, with a range of family-friendly facilities available, including an activity programme, an indoor heated swimming pool, and outdoor play areas. We have something for all ages to enjoy.
We’ve listed the best 6 family-friendly attractions near our Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa for you to explore.
Whether you’re searching for a perfect soft play or endless animal adventures, we’ve got you covered for things to do with kids in Norfolk. Located in King’s Lynn, our Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa is the perfect base to explore the countryside, find your next adventure with the family-friendly facilities available, and discover the best days out with the kids in Norfolk.
Read more and start planning your escape to Norfolk.
Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure
Where: Norwich, NR9 5JW / How far: 40 mins drive / Pre-booking needed
A fantastic family day out, with something to do for all ages. Explore the 85-acre park with lots of play areas, indoor and outdoor, including the Dinomite with large slides, climbing nets, ball pools, and a two-level play area for under 5’s. Find the next T-Rex with the fun Dinosaur Trail where you can earn stickers. Venture to the Secret Animal Garden to meet some cute critters, including wallabies and Kune Kune pigs. There is so much more waiting for you.
Wroxham Barns
Where: Hoveton, N12 8QN / How far: 1-hour drive / Pre-booking needed
The Barns have everything you need for a fabulous day out with the kids in Norfolk and is one of the most popular places to visit with rides, slides, and adorable animals. Visit the Piggery and meet the cute micro pigs, cheeky goats and see the wonderful Rabbit village. Jump as high as you can on the jumping pillows and race around the track in the Go-Karts, or find adventure on the pirate ship before testing your skills on the mini-golf course. You’re sure to have a fantastic day out here.
Banham Zoo
Where: Banham, NR16 2HE / How far: 1-hour drive / Pre-booking needed
Discover over 2000 animals in this 50-acre award-winning attraction in Norfolk. Meet the breath-taking big cats, including tigers, cheetahs, and the stunning snow leopards. Head to ‘Eureka’, the subtropical house for a range of species waiting for you, including the two-toed sloth. Visit the Birds of Prey exhibition, where you’ll learn about the lives of these spectacular birds and see the barn owls and bald eagles fly over your head!
BeWILDerwood
Where: Hoveton, NR12 8JW / How far: 1-hour drive / Pre-booking needed
Let imagination run wild at one of the best kids’ activities in Norfolk. Venture to this award-winning forest adventure, where you’ll meet Swampy and his forest inhabitant friends. There’s so much to do, including exploring treehouses, running along jungle bridges, and finding your way through the sky maze. Take in the woodland along the enchanted river with a ride on the Bewilderboats. The attraction also has a range of scheduled activities for all ages, including puppet shows, fancy dress days, and storytelling events.
Congo Rapids Adventure Golf
Where: Easton, NR9 5GA / How far: 40 min drive / No booking needed
A great family day out at an 18-hole adventure golf course. The course is fantastically themed throughout, with obstacles including waterfalls, a volcano, a caged gorilla, a jeep and even a real-life airplane! Can you make it through the Congo?
Wroxham Miniture Worlds
Where: Hoveton, NR12 8QJ / How far: 1-hour dive / No booking. Contactless payment only. No buggies or pushchairs on certain days.
An interesting day out at one of the most popular places to visit in Norfolk. The largest indoor modeling attraction at over 10,000 square feet is also home to some of the world’s largest railway models that are permanently displayed. The attraction is split into different zones for you to wander through, including the railway zone with models of all sizes, the doll displays, and a whole city made from Lego. You can also discover the UK’s top 100 toys exhibition, where you can see handbuilt dollhouses and vintage arcade games you can actually play.
Our Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa is perfect for a self-catered breakaway in the countryside, where you can explore all the things to do with kids in Norfolk. We also have a fantastic range of family-friendly facilities, including an indoor heated swimming pool, outdoor splash zone, activity programme including archery, and lots of outdoor play areas for all ages.
We’ve found the best dog-friendly beaches for you and your four-legged pal when you’re on your pet-friendly holiday to our Piran Meadows Resort in Newquay
Whether you’re searching for the best dog-walking areas with stunning scenery or looking for a full family day out with your pooch, these sandy beaches are the perfect place for you. Enjoy the summer sun and surf the waters of the Cornish coast with your dog when you visit these beaches on your pet-friendly holiday to Cornwall.
Fistral Beach
Distance from resort: 20 min drive | Postcode: TR17 1HY | Dogs allowed all year round
One of Cornwall’s most popular beaches, with a surf centre, cafes, surfboard and wetsuit hire company – there’s so much to do here. With such a vast expanse of golden sands waiting for you, you’ll love a dog walk or a day sunning yourself at Fistral Beach.
Crantock Beach
Distance from resort: 20 min drive | Postcode: TR8 5RN | Dogs allowed all year round
A large, golden sandy beach that’s perfect for getting away from the busy summer crowds. Explore Piper’s Hole cave towards the western end of the beach, which has carvings dating back over 100 years.
Holywell Bay
Distance from resort: 20 min drive | Postcode: TR8 5DD | Dogs allowed all year round
This a beautifully deceptive cove, hidden behind large sand dunes you’ll find a mile stretch of white sandy beach waiting for you. Holywell Bay takes it’s name from the hidden cave in the northern side of the cliffs, which you can explore during the low tide.
Watergate Bay
Distance from resort: 20 min drive | Postcode: TR8 4AD | Dogs allowed all year round
Ideal for long walks along a sandy beach during low tide. The Extreme Academy calls this beach home, offering surfing, kitesurfing, and kite buggying, you can also enjoy delicious food with Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Restaurant on the beach front.
Take a look at our list of top five dog-friendly beaches near Bude, Cornwall below, and enjoy a stroll with your four-legged best friend!
When you’ve found our perfect pet-friendly Cornish holiday spot at our beautiful Sandymouth Holiday Resort, the next step is to find the right sandy beach for you and your dog to explore. We’ve found all the nearest dog-friendly beaches near Bude for you and put them in one handy list, so you can explore the stunning Cornish coastline on your getaway.
Sandymouth Bay
Distance from resort: 5 min walk or 5 min drive | Postcode: EX23 9HW | Dogs allowed all year round
Super close to our resort, this beautiful sandy beach is only a five-minute walk away from your holiday home. The walk to the beach is quite steep and is not suitable for buggies or wheelchair users. Around two miles long, the beach is mostly pebbles during high tide but stretches out to golden sands during low tide.
Summerleaze Beach
Distance from resort: 15 min drive | Postcode: EX23 8HN | Dogs allowed all year round
A very popular beach with it being only a five-minute walk away from Bude town centre, but because of the vast size of this beautiful beach, it very rarely feels crowded. Popular with surfers, in particular, there are quite powerful waves here, so please take care if swimming. You’ll also find a fabulous sea-water bathing pool, which is protected from the swells and perfect for all weathers. You could also enjoy the Bude Tidal Pool, which provides sheltered swimming all year round! A fabulous family day out can be had at Summerleaze Beach. (N.B: dogs on leads between 10am and 6pm from 21st May to 30th September)
Breakwater Beach
Distance from resort: 15 min drive | Postcode: EX23 8HN | Dogs allowed all year round
Across the town from Summerleaze Beach, behind the breakwater (hence the name), is this pretty, quiet, shingle beach. Surrounded by grassy cliffs and open to the Atlantic Ocean, the waves are very powerful here. But you’ll enjoy a peaceful stroll with your fur buddy.
Northcott Mouth Beach
Distance from resort: 15 min drive | Postcode: EX23 9EL | Dogs allowed all year round
A fabulous expanse of sandy beach waiting for you to explore.
Widemouth Bay
Distance from resort: 20 min drive | Postcode: EX23 0AH | Dogs allowed all year on Black Rock & South Beach. Restrictions on the main beach: no dogs from 15th May to 30th Sept, between 10am and 6pm
Two miles of open sand to explore, Widemouth Bay was recently awarded the Blue Flag Award. Known for the fascinating rock formations, called ‘The Bude Formation’, this beach is not to be missed. Popular with surfers as it is exposed to the Atlantic swells, the beach also has a range of cafes, public toilet facilities and free parking!
Whether you’re looking for a sandy beach dog walk or a full family day out with your best four-legged friend, we’ve found the best dog-friendly beaches in South Cornwall for you
When you book a holiday to Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat in South Cornwall with your pooch, walking on the golden sandy beaches is surely at the top of your list! All Cornwall’s beaches are dog friendly, although some do have certain restrictions during the summer months. We’ve put together our top four choices for you in this list, so you’ve got your pick of the best dog-friendly beaches in South Cornwall.
Caerthillian Cove
Distance from resort: 15 min drive | Postcode: TR12 7JX | Dogs allowed all year round
A pretty rocky inlet behind Lizard Point, this little cove is popular with bird watchers all year round and has an abundance of wildlife and perfect picnic areas.
Housel Bay
Distance from resort: 15 min drive | Postcode: TR12 7NU | Dog restrictions: no dogs from 1st July – 31st August, between 10am and 6pm
A beautiful hidden cove at the bottom of craggy cliffs. A wonderful place for a wander with white sand and turquoise water. Be careful, as you can become cut off during high tide.
Polpeor Cove
Distance from resort: 15 min drive | Postcode: TR12 7NU | Dogs allowed all year round
Very close to Lizard Point and the above Housel Bay. This stunning cove is dominated by the Old Lizard Lifeguard Station, with dark grey sand and beautiful blue water – a truly picturesque place for a stroll with your dog.
Kennack Sands Beach
Distance from resort: 15 min drive | Postcode: TR12 7LT | Dogs allowed all year on the Eastside. Restrictions on the main beach: no dogs from 1st July to 31st August between 10am and 6pm.
A popular family beach, Kennack Sands is sheltered from the wind by being on the eastern side of Lizard Point. It’s also popular with surfers and has some interesting World War II defenses still standing along the east side of the beach.
Are you looking to catch some waves in Dorset? Well, worry not, as we’ve done the legwork to highlight the top 5 places to surf in Dorset, so you don’t have to!
Whilst surf in the UK is far from consistent, it more than makes up for it in diversity! With five surfing schools and lots of places to hire boards dotted along the coast, Dorset is a great place to learn. Locations in Dorset may not be considered the best, or most reliable surf spots in the UK, but the county’s natural offshore reef means that waves form well even without a great deal of groundswell. Dorset can therefore offer great surfing in the right conditions that can cater to both experienced and novice surfers.
did you know? our Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat is in Dorset so you can book a holiday and try out the top surfing locations
1. Kimmeridge Bay
Kimmeridge Bay is something of a legendary place on the south coast. It is home to some of the best waves in the country and is nestled amongst the breathtaking scenery of the Jurassic Coast. It is well known as both a surfing venue and a windsurfing hotspot and is also where the renowned custom board shaping and repairs company, K-Bay, derived its name. To get to Kimmeridge Bay you need to pay a small toll, and then you can park just a minute’s walk from the slipway (you may have to pay for parking).
The wave itself is a very consistent long mellow reef break that favors left-handers. The surf is usually best in the winter months, and it works best in offshore winds from the north. It is worth noting, however, that the beach shares a border with a military firing range, and there have been reports of shells landing out to sea. Therefore remember to take heed of the red flag, as you could encounter a lot worse than rough seas!
2. Bournemouth Beach – the pier, and at Southbourne
A popular spot due to its close location to the town, Bournemouth Beach has fun, beach-break peaks with sandbars anchored by the pier. The Eastside is the most popular spot, with left-handers heading back into the pier and faster rights leading down the beach. There are more peaks on the west side without the SW wind protection. On a solid SW groundswell and N wind, there are decent barrels for the taking. There are also a number of surf schools on the beach, making Bournemouth Beach a perfect place for beginners. In the summer months it can often be crowded, and competition for waves can be tough. On sunny summer days where the beach is heaving, you are probably better off visiting another of the places on this list!
3. Highcliffe Beach
With views facing out across Christchurch Bay and the Isle of Wight, Highcliffe Beach is a popular resort beach as well as a surfing destination.
The surfing itself is pretty variable, as it is a fairly exposed beach break that only works when conditions are just right – it can often be a bit slow and crumbly. Winter is the best time of year for surfing here, and northerly winds are favorable. The wave itself tends to receive a relatively even mix of groundswells and wind swells and the ideal swell angle is from the southwest. The beach break provides good left and right handers on its day, although Kimmeridge and Bournemouth beach is arguably more consistent.
4. Durlston Point
Perfect to visit if you are staying at Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat, Durlston Point is a variable point break located in the shelter of some imposing limestone cliffs off Durlston Head. Winter is the best time of year for surfing here, and ideal winds are from the west, although there is some shelter here from southwest winds. Wind swells and groundswells are in equal measure, and the ideal swell angle is from the southwest. The best time to surf is around low tide.
Although the site is a bit hit and miss, when conditions are right, Durlston Point can provide some of the best point break waves that the UK has to offer, however, these days are extremely rare, and there are many more consistent places in the vicinity. There are relatively few surfers here, even on good days, however, beware of rocks and rips, if you are inexperienced I would recommend Bournemouth Beach as a better spot to build your confidence.
5. Lyme Regis
Lyme Regis Habour Wall in the South Coast of England is a quite exposed point break that has unreliable waves, which are best during winter months. Despite not being renowned as a surf destination, Lyme Regis does offer up some decent surfing conditions. Plenty of reefs make for predictable breaking sets and easy paddle-outs. There are safe sand-bottomed smaller waves close to the harbour in the bay right through to the punchy reef wedge, thus there is something for everyone. Whilst Lyme Regis isn’t on the map for the serious surfer, as long as you are willing to get out there and enjoy it, you can still have plenty of fun!