Newquay Surf Beaches Map & Complete Surf Guide

Surfing in Newquay & Holywell Bay

Newquay is widely recognised as the surfing capital of the UK and remains one of the best surfing destinations in Cornwall. With consistent Atlantic swell, world-famous surf beaches and one of the largest concentrations of surf shops, surf schools and surf accommodation in Britain, Newquay attracts surfers from across the world throughout the year.

One of the unique advantages of surfing in Newquay is the variety of beaches facing different directions, allowing surfers to find suitable conditions in almost any weather or swell. From beginner-friendly beach breaks to advanced reef waves, the coastline between Mawgan Porth and Holywell Bay offers surfing conditions for all abilities.

• Mawgan Porth – Located four miles north of Newquay, Mawgan Porth is a west-facing beach break known for producing fast hollow waves around the river mouth at low tide. The beach works best with easterly winds when the sandbanks are properly formed, making it a popular choice for experienced surfers seeking clean conditions.
• Watergate Bay – One of Cornwall’s largest surfing beaches, Watergate Bay is a two-mile stretch of sandy coastline popular with beginner and intermediate surfers. The beach offers reliable surf throughout the year and is often less crowded than Fistral during larger swells. The northern end of the beach can produce bigger and more hollow waves, while the easier paddle-out attracts both learners and local surfers alike.
• Whipsiderry Beach – A more secluded beach break near Newquay, Whipsiderry works best from low to mid tide and becomes submerged at high tide. The beach is particularly sheltered from strong south-westerly winds and can provide excellent surf conditions when other beaches are blown out.
• Newquay Bay Beaches – The north-facing beaches of Tolcarne, Great Western and Towan combine at low tide to create a long sandy surfing beach in the centre of Newquay. These beaches are extremely popular during summer and offer convenient access to surf hire, surf schools, cafes and accommodation. Best surf conditions are usually found around mid tide with light westerly winds.
• Fistral Beach – The most famous surfing beach in Cornwall and one of the best-known surf spots in Europe, Fistral Beach is renowned for its fast, powerful and hollow waves. Located beneath the iconic Headland Hotel near Towan Head, Fistral consistently produces high-quality surf conditions and hosts major UK surfing competitions throughout the year. The beach works exceptionally well on low tide and can still produce quality surf during onshore winds. Advanced surfers also visit the nearby Cribbar Reef during large winter swells, where massive waves break off Towan Head for experienced big wave riders only. Strong rip currents can develop in surf above 4ft.
• Crantock Beach – Situated just south of Newquay, Crantock Beach is a scenic north-west facing beach sheltered by the Pentire headlands. The beach often provides cleaner surf conditions when exposed beaches become wind affected. Surf is generally best from mid to high tide, although strong rip currents can occur during larger swells.
• Holywell Bay – A spectacular north-west facing beach popular with surfers, bodyboarders and beachgoers alike. Holywell Bay works best around low tide and can produce excellent beach break waves throughout the year. The beach becomes more challenging when surf exceeds 4ft due to strong rip currents and powerful shore breaks.

Whether you are looking for beginner surf lessons in Newquay, advanced reef breaks, family-friendly beaches or some of the best surfing waves in the UK, the coastline from Mawgan Porth to Holywell Bay remains one of Cornwall’s premier surfing destinations.