Surfing in Devon: The best surf beaches

Surfing in Devon: The Best Surf Beaches

It’s not surprising that surfing in Devon is big business! Devon is home to some of the best surfing beaches in the UK. To the north, the rugged coast is flanked by vast sweeping beaches of surfing hotspots, Croyde and Putsborough. On the stunning south Devon coast we have the beautiful beaches of Bantham and Bigbury which sit at the mouth of the River Avon estuary and offer some of the best surfing in Devon.

Both coastlines are home to some excellent surf schools offering wetsuit and board hire as well as excellent tuition with qualified instructors. Every beach is different so we recommend booking a lesson or two especially if you’re new to surfing. So wax your board and come and join Devon’s surfing community at the best surf spots in Devon. You’re in for the ride of your life!

Surfing in Devon – Bantham beach

This is one of the best surfing beaches in south Devon. The beach can get busy in high season but it’s a vast expanse of sand, backed by dunes and once you’re out in the surf the beach goers will be a dot in the distance. An excellent place for beginners who can catch the waves closer to the shore. It’s always a good plan to take lessons with the Bantham Surfing Academy who also provide board hire. Lessons are tailored to suit all abilities so whether you’re a complete novice or an experienced surfer looking to fine tune your skills, book yourself a few sessions and jump on your board. Get together with your surfing mates and book one of our stylish coastal holiday cottages with plenty of room for your kit!  

Bigbury

On the opposite side of the bay from Bantham, Bigbury Beach is perfect for beginners looking for a chilled vibe in their surfing community. The beach is lifeguarded from May to September and the water quality is excellent; there’s Blue Flag accreditation in the bay. Book lessons with the qualified instructors at the Discovery Surf School and learn the basics. You’ll soon feel at home in the surf. Bigbury also has excellent facilities with the excellent Venus Cafe, loos, showers and a large car park. Checkout our luxury cottages in Kingsbridge for easy access to Bigbury via the tidal road in Aveton Gifford. 

Croyde

This is one of the best surf beaches in North Devon for having consistently good surfing conditions. Croyde certainly draws in surfers from all over the world who come to brave the incredible swell of vast Atlantic rollers. During the summer months the crowds flock with their surf and bodyboards but we recommend booking a few lessons with Croyde Surf School if you’re a newbie to the sport. After a day in the surf, what could be better than relaxing in one of our luxurious north Devon holiday cottages, perfect for a romantic surfing escape.

Start Bay

Open to the elements, this vast stretch of beach has some powerful waves ideal for the more experienced surfer. The ultimate surfing challenge requires skill to ride the waves and Start Bay has to be one of the best surf beaches in Devon, an area known for its vibrant surfing culture. Choose from one of our cool coastal cottages and have an awesome surfing holiday! 

Putsborough

This is one of the best surf beaches in Devon for beginners to learn to surf because it’s regarded as one of the safest. This fabulous beach attracts surfers of all abilities But it’s by no means the soft option. It’s important that beginners book a few lessons to get them started. Nick Thorn at the North Devon Surf School is a good starting point, they provide board hire with soft beginner boards, you can also hire paddle boards. Book a few days at Bluebird Cottage, just a short drive from the fabulous north Devon beaches. 

Thurlestone Bay

Thurlestone is a good place to launch yourself into surfing. This beautiful crescent bay is protected from strong winds. The waters are relatively calm and the sandy beaches slope very gently into the sea, so you can wade out to waist height without (generally) getting knocked off your feet.  A great place to introduce younger children to bodyboarding and the absolute thrill of catching a wave. Thurlestone also has good facilities for families with loos, parking and the Beach House seafood cafe just off the sands which is open all day. Book a few days at the dog friendly Avon Rock right in the heat of the village with easy access to the beach, the excellent village pub and community shop. View all Thurlestone holiday cottages here.