North Devon Surf Spots
Gleaming tubes and thundering Atlantic rollers await all those looking to surf the waves of the North Devon coast. A succession of long, sandy beaches hug this magnificent stretch of the southwest peninsula where some of the UK’s best breaks are waiting to be discovered. Here is a handful of the region’s most popular surf spots.
Woolacombe
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Three uninterrupted miles of golden sands and sparkling swells, it’s no wonder surfers flock to the dreamy shores of Woolacombe to ride North Devon’s wild Atlantic breakers. This award-winning beach has twice been voted best in Britain and is a great place for learners to find their feet. It remains very popular with longboarders and kite surfers who love the rangy sets and the fact that it can be surfed on all tides. The beach, which lies between Morte Point and Baggy Point, not far from the pretty, coastal village of Croyde, is well known for its cleanliness and its safe bathing waters. It’s also a hub for surf schools and board hire. When the southerly wind is whipping up, surfers tend to head for the sheltered reaches of Putsburough at the far southern end. You’ll find a shop, toilet facilities, disabled access, and lifeguards on patrol, there’s also lots of parking nearby.
Croyde Bay
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Another of North Devon’s popular surfing destinations, Croyde Bay is well- known for its clean breaks which are at their best at low tide. The shifting sand banks can conjure some impressive sets, ideal for surfers looking for faster, bigger rides with the chance of catching a barrel. The bay is a wide expanse of soft, sandy shoreline backed by dunes and rolling meadows. It’s widely considered one of the most picturesque beaches in the region as well as providing some of the best waves. It’s located between Baggy Point and Saunton Down and plays host to a handful of well-established surf schools whilst also being the venue for some major surf competitions. Shortboard surfers adore Croyde’s fast and cranking boomers but remain mindful of the rocks and rip currents. A National Trust car park can be found at Baggy Point while toilets, an outdoor shower, and tea rooms are also available. Seasonal lifeguards are in operation.
Lynmouth
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The shingle shore of Lynmouth can be found hugging the coast along the northern reaches of Exmoor National Park. Encompassed by towering cliffs and wooded hillsides, this lesser-known surfing spot is definitely worth a visit if you’re on the hunt for clean waves and long rides. The beach forms the mouth of the River Lyn which flows through the village harbour and into the bay where dolphins are regularly seen by surfers waiting in the line-up. When conditions are right, Lynmouth is regarded as one of the most pumping surfing beaches in Devon and is known for its long and mellow left hander. There’s ample parking along the esplanade and there are also public loos. You’ll find some lovely shops, pubs, and bistros in the village, perfect for your post-surf wind down. You might also enjoy a relaxing trip on the water-powered Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway. Despite its growing popularity amongst boarders, the general vibe is that this is still a great place to head to if you want to escape the crowds.
Saunton
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Saunton is a long and sandy beach that stretches for three and a half miles between the distant headland of Croyde and the mouth of the River Taw. This golden shore is considered a Shangri-La for longboarders who adore the lasting, smooth rides whatever the tide, the only downside being the paddle back to the line-up. The beach is popular with families and the surfing vibe here is very laid-back and friendly with a mix of grommets (young surfers) and seasoned boarders all sharing the sets. The beach is backed by a precious sand dune system known as the Braunton Burrows which runs to the farmland fringes and is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve due to the abundance of rare plants and insects that live within its grass-tufted undulations. You’ll have no problem finding a quiet spot to set up your surfing base camp on this far-reaching North Devon beach.
Westward Ho!
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Set within the boundaries of North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and looking out on Bideford Bay, Westward Ho! is another of the region’s stunning surfing beaches. Also popular with the classic longboard crowd, it’s the south-westerly swells that stack the best waves, the juiciest sets coming on the low water which throw up some bombs (very large waves) when conditions are amped. Surfing areas are clearly flagged, and lifeguards are on patrol from May to September. There’s ample car parking and disabled spaces adjacent to the beach as well as free public toilets.
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