Surfing in North Devon: Why Woolacombe is a must-visit

Home to sandy beaches and shore-breaking waves, North Devon is a true water sports hotspot. Whether you're staying on our touring holiday park at Woolacombe, or own a holiday home here you can hit the waves as often as you like, then relax in your own private retreat after a day of surfing.

Home to sandy beaches and shore-breaking waves, North Devon is a true watersports hotspot. Whether you're staying on our touring holiday park at Woolacombe, or own a holiday home here, you can hit the waves as often as you like, then relax in your own private retreat after a day of surfing.

The best surfing beaches in North Devon

1. Woolacombe Beach

With almost 3 miles of golden sands and reliable waves, Woolacombe Beach is a popular choice for families and surfers all over the UK. There are great learner waves throughout the summer, which are ideal for beginners. More advanced surfers can take advantage of bigger swells in autumn and winter months, where plenty of big swells roll in from the Atlantic. The lack of wind protection can, however, reduce this to a choppy mess so make sure you check conditions before heading out.

Currents at Woolacombe vary depending on where you start off from, but wave lengths are typically between 50-150cm. The best time of year to surf at Woolacombe with consistent waves is November-March, where you’ll get strong storm swells off the northern Atlantic. In June-September, the swells calm and winds switch to more South and South West directions, which is perfect for beginners.

The beach is accessed via two short, sloping paths and there is ample parking nearby. Changing rooms, showers and lockers can be found on the beach, as well as a cafe to enjoy a bite to eat after a surf session. Lifeguards patrol the beach from Easter until the end of October.

For beginners, there are surf schools such as Woolacombe Surf Centre and Nick Thorn Surf Coaching providing lessons (private or in a group) at different levels, from £30 for a half day. Surf board and wetsuit hire is also available from Woolacombe Surf Centre (prices start from £8 for 3 hours). You will be guided through the basics of surfing, the importance of correct positioning, how to mount and dismount the board and catching your first wave. Coaches will also teach beginners about surfing etiquette, how to determine right of way, and how best to stay safe on the waves.

5-minute drive from Golden Coast

2. Croyde Bay

One of the best-known surfing locations in the UK, Croyde Bay is perfect for lovers of fast waves. It’s best surfed at low tide, where steep, fast-moving barrels are produced, and with great surfing conditions almost all year, this beach is better suited to more experienced surfers. At mid and high tides, the waves are calmer, which is ideal for less experienced surfers. Typical ride length is between 50-150m, but this can be shorter during busy periods as the beach can become quite crowded.

While Croyde isn’t recommended for those learning to surf for the first time, there are still surf lessons available from three main providers: Croyde Surf Academy, Surfing Croyde Bay and Surf South West. All three provide surfboard and wetsuit rental, and prices start from £35 for a half day.

The beach is accessed via a short slope and there are three car parks close to the beach. There is also a cafe for when you’ve worked up an appetite. The lifeguard service runs from the end of March to the end of September, as well as October half term and weekends.

For more experienced surfers wanting to get involved, there are several annual surfing competitions held at Croyde Bay:

• Jesus Surf Classic
• Goldcoast Oceanfest

19-minute drive from Golden Coast

3. Putsborough Beach

Looking for a gorgeous surfing backdrop with spectacular sunsets? Look no further than Putsborough Beach. As a fairly exposed beach, Putsborough has consistent surf throughout most of the year. Plus, it’s a great place to avoid the southerly winds thanks to the position of Baggy Point which provides some shelter. We recommend visiting early in the day if you’re looking to avoid the crowds.

Putsborough is located at the end of Woolacombe, so the surf conditions are similar. Typical wave lengths are between 50-150m, and it’s best surfed at rising tide. During the summer months, waves are generally calm, so it’s a great spot for beginners. For more experienced surfers, Putsborough is the place to be if wind conditions are poor elsewhere as there is a huge amount of protection.

Surf lessons are available from Barefoot Surf School and Nick Thorn Surf Coaching which include board and wetsuit hire and start from £30 for a half day. There is a cafe located at the beach with a mouth-watering menu, and ample parking available near the beach. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer.

17-minute drive from Golden Coast

4. Saunton Sands

For longboarders, surfing beginners, and those just wanting a more relaxed wave, Saunton Sands is the beach for you. It’s known for its long, gentle waves that flow into the huge stretch of sandy beach.

Like Woolacombe, Saunton has a huge stretch, providing plenty of room for new and experienced surfers. It is not as well-known as Woolacombe and Croyde, so is also generally quieter. The particular break at Saunton is ideal for longboarders, with ride lengths stretching past 200m at rising tide, but conditions are fairly good all year round with waves suitable for all types of surfing. Waves are at their gentlest during summer, which is the perfect time for beginners, and surfers with more experience can enjoy the conditions during winter months.

Lessons are available from the Surf Saunton Surf School and Walking on Waves which offer tuition as well as board and wetsuit hire. Prices start from £40 for a half day. Parking is available close to the beach, where a cafe can also be found.

There is also a beautiful walking route from the beach to Crow Point, the perfect way to stretch your legs after a surf session.

23-minute drive from Golden Coast

Did you know? Saunton Sands features in Robbie Williams’ Angels music video.

5. Lynmouth Beach

Although conditions are perfect only a few times of the year, Lynmouth Beach is known as one of the best surf spots in Devon. If you catch it on the right day, you might find peelers of up to 200 metres (Surf Atlas). Plus, this hidden gem offers the most incredible views of the Exmoor hills and forests.

Lynmouth is a point break, offering fantastic long left handers along a bouldering shoreline. Typical wave lengths last between 150-300m, working best in offshore winds from the South. With pointy rocks making up the shoreline and the danger of ground boulders, this is definitely not the place for beginners. When the conditions are right, the beach is usually busy with experienced surfers.

Parking can be found near the beach, as well as plenty of fabulous food options. After a day of surfing, you won’t have to travel far to find some cosy pubs by the shore.

37-minute drive from Golden Coast

6. Westward Ho! Beach

Located on the edge of a lovely little village, this beach falls into the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Westward Ho! tide times and conditions make it a popular hotspot for a range of water sports, including kayaking, paddle boarding, and of course, surfing. With very few riptides and a Blue Flag award for cleanliness, this beach is one of the safest in Devon for surfing. What’s more, at just over 2 miles long, Westward Ho! Beach offers plenty of space for everyone, so it very rarely feels crowded.

Offering a mellow beach break, Westward Ho! is great for both longboarders and shortboarders. Both left and right handers are on offer with ride lengths going past 200m on a good day. Waves roll in gently due to the gradual beach incline. In the winter, experienced surfers can enjoy westerly swells from the Atlantic.

Surf lessons are available from North Devon Surf School, Surf SUP Academy and Westward Waves Surf School, all including board and wetsuit rental and with prices starting from £30 for a half day. There are a few car parks located near the beach, and plenty of places to enjoy a bite after your surf session. Westward Ho! also has a lifeguard service running from May to September.

53-minute drive from Golden Coast

Why choose Golden Coast Holiday Park?

With fantastic facilities, incredible entertainment and a stunning location, Golden Coast is the perfect place to enjoy a family holiday in North Devon. The park is located only 2 miles from Woolacombe Bay and is a great base for a spot of surfing and exploring everything the North Devon coastline has to offer.

At Golden Coast, there are a variety of activities to take part in, such as:

• Pet-friendly bars and restaurants
• Indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools
• Outdoor activities including climbing wall, and high ropes
• 10 pin bowling alley
• And so much more!

There is also a surf simulator for those who want a more relaxed surfing experience.

If you’re just starting out with surfing, we offer discounts for our holiday home owners and holiday guests at some top-rated surfing schools and surfboard hire in and around Woolacombe and Ilfracombe:

• 15% off with Nick Thorn Surf Coach
• 10% off at OSKC Watersports
• 10% off at Woolacombe Surf Centre

If you’re just starting out with surfing, we offer discounts for our holiday home owners and holiday guests at some top-rated surfing schools and surfboard hire in and around Woolacombe and Ilfracombe:

• 15% off with Nick Thorn Surf Coach
• 10% off at OSKC Watersports
• 10% off at Woolacombe Surf Centre

Whether you’re a seasoned surfer, or you’re just beginning, Golden Coast is the perfect destination for your next holiday. Book your stay in North Devon here.

If you’re interested in holiday home ownership in North Devon, browse our holiday homes for sale or contact us here.