To provide you with the best experience, cookies are used on this site. Find out more here.
Explore North Devon
Stay
What's On in North Devon
Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours.
To build your own Itinerary, click to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
30th June 2022
As the UK’s first surf reserve, there is nowhere better than the North Devon region for surfing this summer. If you’re on the hunt for some amazing surfing spots, here are some of the best ones to visit this summer.
We’re going to start with one of the most famous of North Devon’s coastlines and one of the most popular for surfing. The beach at Croyde Bay is one of the region’s best-loved places for watersports and offers some world-class waves. Low tide is much better for skilled surfers because of the rocks and rips, but that doesn’t mean that beginners will be left out – high tide offers plenty of opportunities for beginners or those who are less confident.
Croyde village has a buzzing surfing community full of equipment hire and surf schools offering tuition and family sessions.
If you’re coming to Croyde for some surf, be aware that during the summer it can get very busy because of its popularity.
Another popular option is Saunton Sands, which neighbours Croyde Bay. This beach is ideal for those who are newer to surfing or are looking to get in a bit more practice before taking on some of the harder wavers in Croyde.
As it is a longer beach, there is much more space than at Croyde and the rolling waves make it ideal for long and short boards.
As the winner of Britain’s Best Beach, this is another one that can get busy during the summer, but it is one of the bigger beaches in the region, so there is always plenty of room, no matter how busy it is. Like Croyde, you’ll find a host of surfing schools in the area and this is a great beach for anyone who wants to try their hand at surfing for the first time.
As it is along the same stretch as Woolacombe, you’ll find similar conditions here and the varying swells make it ideal for both beginners and advanced surfers, though be wary of the stronger currents at the south end of the beach as these can take you by surprise if you’re not experienced in these waters.
This is generally a little quieter than some of the more popular spots, so is ideal if you’re wary of having a large audience.
If you are new to surfing, this is the best beach for you to hone your skills. The water at Westward Ho! is much more mellow and relaxed than some of the others along this coastline. There are a host of surf schools and equipment hire right on the beach and of course, being a popular spot with families, plenty of amenities, so the whole family can have a great time, even if they aren’t all interested in getting out on the waves.
While this beach isn’t known for the surf, it isn’t one to be sniffed at, though the conditions will depend on the day, if you get the right one, it has the only point break in the area! It is not really one to recommend for beginners or surfers who aren’t very confident, due to how challenging some of the waves can be. This is rockier than some of the beaches in the area but offers waves you won’t find anywhere else.
Where are your favourite places to surf in North Devon?
Let us know!
You can find more information about surfing in the region here.
© Visit Devon Community Interest Company