Despite the cooler climate, the UK is actually one of the best places in the world for surfing! The beaches of Cornwall alone attract thousands of visitor’s years on year, who come to experience the famous night surfing, the renowned Cornish ice-cream and the awe-inspiring coastlines. However, here we’re going to be diving a little deeper into the UK’s growing surf scene. With the help of surf experts Compare & Choose, we’ve put together this list of six UK surf spots you probably haven’t heard of.

Salt burn-by-the-sea

Located in North-East England, the gentle waves of Saltburn cater well to beginners and casual surfers. The local surf school is approved by the Great British surfing associations and offers professional coaching to support all skill levels. In the autumn months, Saltburn becomes a surf hotspot with numerous events taking place on the coastline. Whilst the town is small, there are plenty of hotels and pubs that are perfect for those visiting from far afield.

Llangennith

If you couldn’t tell by the name, Llangennith beach is based on the Western edge of the Gower peninsula in sunny Wales. The beach itself is dedicated to surf culture and water sports, due to the consistency of the waves breaking from the Atlantic Ocean and the various surf schools operating in the summer time. Llangennith is also the perfect destination for those who prefer dry land, with plenty of walking tracks off-the-beaten-track to explore.

Rest Bay

Sticking with our Welsh friends, Rest Bay offers a contemporary and casual surf scene, perfect for advancing beginners. Whilst the waves are consistently gentle, the currents are a little stronger than the usual ‘beginner beaches’, offering a fresh new challenge for surfers looking to improve their skills.

Longsands

A short drive from the vibrant city of Newcastle upon Tyne lies the quaint Longsands beach. This quiet bay is a short walk from Tynemouth’s town centre, which is full of quirky restaurants and bars where you can grab a bite to eat after a day on the waves. Longsands is a great place for novice surfers as. Its quick and easy to rent equipment from a local surf shop.

Croyde Bay

In Northern Devon, you’ll find a bustling surf scene around the picturesque Croyde Bay. Serving up larger waves within a smaller bay means that this area is better suited to experienced surfers, rather than beginners. If you’ve got the experience, Croyde Bay is a great location to hone your skills and take inspiration from other advanced surfers.

Severn Bore

For a totally spectacular experience Severn Bore, a large surge wave in the Estuary of the River Severn, is a must for proficient surfers. Unexperienced surfers should be wary of this destination as the tidal range is the second highest in the world, often towering over 50 feet. The Bore attracts competitive surfers from all over the world, who battle it out for the longest ride. Five miles is the record, are you up for the challenge?