top 5 places to surf in Devon
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Devon is known for having incredible spots for surfing along the coast.
And if you are planning a trip down south soon then you will probably want to know some of the top places to surf in Devon. Whether you are an avid surfer or a beginner the list below has something for everyone. Have a read and see which takes your fancy before you next visit Devon. If you are looking for a place to stay we have two Devon resorts perfect for couples escapes, family holidays and pet-friendly breaks:
1. Croyde Beach
dog-friendly: between 1st October and 30th April
closest car parks: Baggy Point National Trust Car Park or Down End Car Park
surfing level: intermediate to advanced
surfing lessons & rentals: yes
This long stretch of beach in North Devon is backed with sand dunes and is an extremely popular spot for surfers and tourists who want to enjoy a day at the beach. It is probably one of the most known surfing locations on the UK coastline and is best for intermediate to advanced surfers. You can have surfing lessons at this beach from Croyde Surf Academy, Surfing Croyde Bay or Surf South West and you can hire equipment for a few hours or a whole day.
2. Woolacombe Beach
dog-friendly: yes, some restrictions of areas throughout the year
closest car park: Sandy Burrows Car Park
surfing level: beginner
surfing lessons & rentals: yes
From winning numerous awards to being one of the best beaches in the area, Woolacombe Beach is definitely one you want to try out if you are looking at getting into surfing. Due to it being so popular you can expect it to get busy quite quickly but it is an extremely long beach so you will definitely be able to find quieter areas along the beach. If you are a beginner you can get lessons from Woolacombe Surf Centre or Nick Thorn Surf Coaching and there are places you can hire equipment from along the beach too.
3. Saunton Sands
dog-friendly: yes, on left hand side of slipway
closest car park: Saunton Sands Car Park
surfing level: beginner
surfing lessons & rentals: yes
This 3-mile stretch of sand is the perfect spot in North Devon to enjoy a beach day, take some surfing lessons or enjoy a solo surf. The beach is backed by the UNESCO Braunton Burrows Biosphere Reserve. Saunton Sands was even used for Robbie Williams Angels music video! If you are wanting surfing lessons you can get them from Surf Saunton Surf School or Walking on Waves and the price of lessons includes the rental of the surfboard and wetsuit.
4. Westward Ho! Beach
dog-friendly: yes, only on North end of the beach
closest car parks: Northam Burrows Car Park
surfing level: beginner
surfing lessons & rentals: yes
You can easily spend a whole day at Westward Ho! Beach with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops you will find everything you need within walking distance. It’s a long sandy beach with a pebble ridge and Northam Burrows Country Park backing it. Whether you are a beginner to surfing or you know what you’re doing you will enjoy the waves on Westward Ho! You can get surfing lessons from North Devon Surf School, Surf SUP Academy and Westward Waves Surf School and each lesson includes rental of the surfboards and wetsuits.
5. Putsborough Sands
dog-friendly: yes, restrictions in certain areas
closest car park: Putsborough Beach Car Park
surfing level: beginner
surfing lessons & rentals: yes
Putsborough Sands can be found on the south side of Woolacombe Beach and is overall a quieter beach to visit. People can learn and enjoy surfing whilst others can explore the rock pools and walks in the area. The two places you can book surfing lessons with are Barefoot Surf School and Nick Thorn Surf Coaching and the price of the lessons includes hire of the surfboard and wetsuit.