The British Isles isn't just rain and people moaning while they queue. Believe me, it's a great place to surf. Whether you're an experienced surfer, or someone new to the sport like me, there's a lot of choice. That choice doesn't necessarily mean that you're limited to the coast either. As the popularity of surfing has increased in the UK, so has the number of inland surf centres.
Coastal Surfing in the UK
Being an Island nation, the UK has surfing destinations in all 4 of its constituent countries. Let's start our exploration in Scotland
Lewis, Outer Hebrides
Yes, you read right, Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. Perched on the edge of the Atlantic, I admit it's not obvious. But when you consider that it's not unheard of for temperatures ranging from 15°C - 18°C (that's 59°F to 64.4°F to my trans-Atlantic friends) even in Autumn and Spring, it's not unwelcomely cold. This combined with among the most consistent waves in northern Europe, Lewis in the Outer Hebrides is ideal for the seasoned surfer.
You'll be greeted with that signature Scottish welcome, but beware, this one isn't for the inexperienced. You'll need to take a flight or a ferry, but totally worth the effort. See tides and weather information in Stornoway or Carloway.
Perranporth, Cornwall
Cornwall is your typical UK surfing destination, and no place embodies this like Perranporth in Cornwall. Located on Cornwall's north-west coast, Perranporth is easiest reached by car. There you'll find plenty of other surfers of all abilities (Perranporth Surf School has you covered if you're new to the sport), and reliable waves typically at low tide.
Perranporth has a great community of independent businesses including hotels, shops and pubs for that real Cornish welcome. Board hire is also available as well, so ideal for a family surfing holiday. See tide times and weather for Perranporth.
Newgale, Pembrokeshire
Over to my native Wales, there are few places as beautiful as Pembrokeshire in the UK (yes, I'm totally biased). Set in a coastal National Park, Newgale offers reliable beach breaks for newbie to intermediate surfers. With two miles of surfable coast, accessibility isn't an issue either, with much of the length of the coast providing car parking. In addition, that irresistible Welsh hospitality is just waiting for you.
Newgale has plenty to offer for a 'camp and surf' trip with friends or family, with a couple of surf schools including Newsurf and The Big Blue Experience. Get tide times and weather for nearby Solva when heading over.
Portrush, Northern Ireland
When it comes to Northern Ireland, Portrish IS surfing. Located on the north coast, Portrush boasts two beaches, thanks to its unique peninsula topography. West Strand offers larger beach breaks for the more experienced surfer, while East Strand provides smaller ones for those who are just getting started.
Accessible by road and rail, that famous Irish welcome can be found in abundance, as can many surf schools. Visit Portrush Surf School, Troggs Surf School or Alive Adventures Portrush to find out more. Get tide times and weather for Portrush before taking to the sea.
Inland Surfing in the UK
As mentioned, surfing isn't reserved for those on the Coast, the UK has a growing number of inland surfing destinations, opening up the sport to a much bigger audience. Let's take a look at a few of them.
Lost Shore Surf Resort, Edinburgh
This is where writing this article gets fun. Surfing, in Scotland's capital... Why not? Lost Shore is more than an inland surf centre, it's a resort boasting accommodation in the form of lodges and pods, restaurants and of course, surfing. As Europe's largest wave pool, Lost Shore provides predictable and reliable surfing for all abilities. Surf and stay packages are available, as are surf lessons. See Lost Shore's website for more info.
The Wave, Bristol
Again, Bristol is known for many things - Isambard Kingdom Brunel's SS Great Britain and the Clifton suspension bridge - but certainly not surfing! That's until The Wave came along. Powered by the same Wavegarden technology that powers Lost Shore, The Wave provides reliable surfing to those of all ages and abilities.
The Wave is more than a surf destination; with cold water dips, yoga and various surf schools, it's a wellness centre with water and waves at its heart. Visit The Wave's website to find out more.
Your thoughts and comments