The Cornwall peninsula and the county of the same name – the southwesternmost part of the UK – is a favorite holiday destination for both Britons and surfers worldwide.
For half a century, the coastline, buffeted by Atlantic winds and warmed by the Gulf Stream, has attracted extreme surfers. They are particularly drawn by strong winds that generate consistent waves, excellent infrastructure onshore, a mild climate, and proximity to mainland Europe. Charming, thriving towns with rich histories, picturesque fishing villages, and stunning coastal landscapes create a powerful allure for travelers.
Cornwall Peninsula on the Map
Cornwall’s Climate
The main surfing season in Britain is summer and early autumn. The peninsula has a humid maritime climate with mild winters and cool summers – less unpredictable than the climate of Ireland , but lagging behind the weather in San Sebastián , for example.
The average air temperature during the season ranges from +14°C in May and October to +19°C in July and August. Due to the winds and waves, Cornwall is not the best destination for a traditional beach vacation. How does it compare, then, to surfing in Portugal ?
Surfing in the UK
Onshore, people take shelter in tents, and surfers hit the waves in wetsuits. Rainfall is fairly common. Beyond the popular capital of British surfing, Newquay, there are numerous noteworthy surf spots along the west coast that rival those in France.
Heyle
Twenty kilometers west of Newquay lies the town of Heyle, situated around the mouth of the River Hayle. On the beaches of Heyle and the nearby Carbis Bay and Hawkes Point, about 2–3 kilometers away, surfers are greeted by consistent surf.
Southwesterly winds create excellent swells from the northwest. Breaking waves make surfing at Hawkes Point somewhat hazardous. With its left- and right-hand moderate waves, Carbis Bay can get crowded at times. A beautiful bay and Blue Flag beach are some of the highlights of this area.
In Heyle itself, the swell is steady, although summer waves are relatively gentle due to the proximity of the river mouth.
Carbis Bay Beach, England
The conditions are similar: ideal swells from the northwest, with waves breaking both left and right. It’s best to catch the waves at high tide, and the spot is well-suited for longboarding .
Surfing here requires caution due to the reef. Near the Heyle harbor, a small whirlpool can be dangerous. During low tide, the water retreats into an underground tunnel, potentially pulling a person under.
For taller waves, head to nearby Gwithian.
Watching the Sunset at Hawkes Point Beach...
Locals carefully preserve the traditions of the area. Instead of taxis, horse-drawn carriages are used. The walls of restaurants and hotels are adorned with paintings. Visitors can explore a sculpture park and an art gallery in the nearby town of St. Ives.
And in the evening, take a stroll around St. Ives
The coastline boasts excellent hotels starting at 42 GBP, shops, restaurants, and pubs.
The railway passes through Carbis Bay and Heyle
Porthtowan
Fifteen kilometers away from Newquay is the village of Porthtowan, popular among surfers and rock climbers. Porthtowan offers the best local conditions for these activities. The village has a few hotels, hostels, and stores, including ones selling sports gear and wetsuits. For diversity, you can try horseback riding or cycling.
Porthtowan in Its Full Glory
Perranporth
Perranporth is a seaside resort with wide sandy beaches. Perran Beach stretches for three kilometers from the town toward the Ligger Bay. In the southern part of the beach, cliffs with natural arches and historic tin mining tunnels add to its charm.
The beach is a popular spot among surfers and family vacationers
From May to September, lifeguards are on duty here. The spot is safe overall, although around Chapel Rock, one should beware of tricky currents. A surfing school operates in the town. Every autumn, the local lifeguard club hosts a triathlon competition here. Golf and
kite surfing
are popular in the area, while orienteering competitions are held in the sandy dunes.
Perran Sands Holiday Amusement Park
In October, locals host a Celtic festival.
Along the main street, St Piran’s Road, you’ll find cafes, shops, and the Camelo_t_ restaurant. Rooms in Perranporth’s 23 hotels range in price from 46 GBP. To the north of the town is a campsite, while the Droskyn hostel is perched on cliffs. Nearby, you’ll find the 19th-century Droskyn Castle.
Droskyn Castle, Perranporth
A highway runs past the town, and an express bus operates to London.
Newquay
Newquay is considered the surfing capital of Britain. This town of 22,000 residents welcomes tens of thousands of visitors in the season. Along the 10-km coastline, there are nine sandy beaches, with scenic hills and cliffs rising in some places. The most popular beach is Fistral Beach, located on the western side of this resort town.
Fistral Beach with a surfing school on the coast
On the beach, you can take lessons at the surfing school or rent any equipment you need. Many professional surfers work here as instructors and lifeguards. For 20 years, Fistral has hosted national and international extreme sports competitions. At this spot, powerful and long hollow waves up to 6 meters high form in consistent sets. The breaking waves are created thanks to the Cribbar reef.
Fistral Complex - Bars, Restaurants, Shops on the Beach
To the east, in Watergate Bay, the waves are calmer, making it ideal for beginners. The best time to visit is in September-October when the waves reach up to 3 meters. For a more secluded experience, you can visit Porth Beach.
The semi-deserted Porth Beach
Surfing is also practiced on the beautiful and clean beaches of Great Western, Towan Beach, and Tolcarne. These locations are great for swimming and sunbathing, with 30 coastal solariums available.
A recent project to build an artificial reef off Towan Beach to ensure stable waves year-round has sparked heated debates among locals.
Infrastructure in Newquay
The town’s establishments are geared toward surfers and other tourists. Small shops sell everything needed for boarders: boards, clothing, accessories, drinks, and food. Spacious pubs serve delicious cider, and restaurants specialize in dishes like flounder and sardines. Young people unwind at lively parties featuring costumes and energetic music.
Newquay’s more than 100 hotels offer a vast range of accommodation options.
Панорама одного из отелей Ньюквея (Ньюки) hotels
Prices vary widely: you can book a hostel on cliffs above the ocean for 19 GBP or stay in a luxurious boutique hotel for 40 times that price.
The town’s character is enhanced by yellow and pink 1960s-style buses, and young people often get around on skateboards and bicycles.
Things to Do
In Newquay, you can spend hours strolling through narrow streets, exploring Methodist churches, and admiring luxurious hotels. Activities include boat trips, water skiing, underwater fishing, tennis, mini-golf, bowling, swimming, and paintball.
On the beach, you’ll find plenty of fun with Zorbing balls, which are used for sumo-like challenges or even football games. The town is especially family-friendly, with attractions like the local zoo and the Blue Reef Aquarium.
Aquarium Tunnel
At Newquay’s southern edge, you can enjoy a tranquil walk through the Trenance Gardens, which feature centuries-old trees and quaint cottages. You can even rent a boat to take out on the lake.
A Mystery on the Coast
Towan Head Lookout
On Newquay’s promontory stands an enigmatic white structure resembling a bus stop. This is the 14th-century Towan Head Lookout, a remnant of traditional fishing practices.
An observer stationed here would monitor the sea for schools of sardines or pilchards. Spotting a shoal as a purple swirl, they would signal the fishermen.
Where to Dine
In Cornwall, you won’t have a hard time finding a bite to eat. British hotels are known for hearty breakfasts. Major shops in the city usually have affordable cafes (meals cost up to 3 GBP).
Pubs have designated lunch areas (meals up to 12 GBP). For a quick bite, you can grab hot Cornish pasties stuffed with potatoes, vegetables, or meat from kiosks.
In fishing villages, you’ll find delicious Fish & Chips dishes.
Transportation
The Newquay-Cornwall Airport, located 7 km from the town, receives international flights. From Moscow, you can fly here with a layover in Düsseldorf or London.
The best way to explore the area is by renting a car, with rental services available at the airport. The peninsula features a well-developed transport network. Buses and trains run between towns and villages. Discounts are available for children under 16 years old. It is more cost-effective to pay for travel both ways at once, and for a group of three or more people, travel can be done using a “group ticket.” It’s impossible not to fall in love with Cornwall, with its fairy-tale towns, friendly residents, carefully preserved history, and emotionally rich surfing experiences. This is a place you will want to return to.
