Surfing Beaches | Watersports in North Cornwall | Surfing and Surf Clubs in North Cornwall

From quiet nooks and coves to exciting surfing venues, all flanked by magnificent coastal scenery, North Cornwall has some of the cleanest beaches in Cornwall - and that's official.

Sandy Mouth

This beach is in prime condition with sand, rocks and many rock pools. The cliffs surrounding the beach are moderately unstable but provide a great variety of wildflowers. The area around Sandymouth is classed as a Heritage Coast, and therefore, walking is recommended but keep an eye on the tide. Some areas may be cut off by the incoming tide and the cliffs offer little escape. National Trust leaflets provide information about the beach as does the Heritage Coast Exhibition in the Visitor Centre in Bude.
Lifeguard Seasonal, Tidy Britian Group Award , Swim, Surf, Toilets, Cafe, Car Park, Shop .

Northcott Mouth

The sandy beach at Northcott is approximately one third of a mile long and proves to be popular with surfers and swimmers. The bay is bordered by Menachurch Point to the north and Maer Cliff to the south and bathing can be dangerous in these areas. There is much to see on the coastal path, heading along the Heritage Coast, in the way of views and wildlife.
Lifeguard Seasonal, Swim, Surf, Car Park, Cafe.

Bude - Crooklets

The small bay at Crooklets is due north of Summerleaze and adjoins it at low tide. The bay is formed by the rocks of Wrangle Point to the north and outcrops of rocks to the south. Due to the small size of the beach it does tend to become quite congested in the summer. The coastal path around Crooklets provides marvellous views over to Efford Down, Millook and the Cornish north coast.
Lifeguard Seasonal, Swim, Surf, Cafe, Toilets (Dis.), Shop, Car Park, Dog Ban.

Bude - Summerleaze

This has proved to be one of the most popular beaches of the area and hence it becomes congested in the height of the season. The beach is surrounded by dunes on one side and the canal on the other. The sand dunes are undergoing restoration at present and have been planted with marram grass to increase stability.

Situated in the Crescent car park is the Bude Visitor Centre where the Heritage Coast Service has an information section on the area and its wildlife. The cliffs to the south of the beach provide a network of pleasant walks over Efford Down and along to Efford Beacon and beyond.
Life Guard - Seasonal, Car Park, Shop, Cafe, Toilets (Dis.), Swim, Surf.

Widemouth Bay / Blackrock

In comparison to many beaches in North Cornwall, the beach at Widemouth Bay consists of a mile of flat sand backed by low cliffs and grassy fields. The beach is rocky in places providing many rock pools harbouring marine wildlife.

Due to the accessibility of the beach, it becomes very popular during the summer months although there are footpaths over the ascending cliffs that allow escape from the busy sands.

Widemouth bay is popular with surfers and its coastal paths provide excellent views towards Millook and the coast north of Bude.
Life Guard Seasonal Dog Ban Widemouth only , Tidy Britain Group Award, Swim, Surf, Toilets ( Dis.), Car Park, Shop, Cafe.

Crackington Haven

A long descent into Crackington Haven leads to a small yet popular beach encased on either side by steep dark cliffs. Due to its popularity in the summer and the small size of the village, the beach can become quite congested with surfers and bathers alike. However, there are walks along the coastal path that will take you away from the sand and surf. The coastal path to the south of the bay leads over National Trust land to High Cliff which provides an excellent vantage point giving magnificent views for miles around all the way to Boscastle. Crackington lies within the Heritage Coast area.
Life Guard - Seasonal, Swim, Surf, Dog Ban, Car Park, Shop, Toilets, Cafe.

Trebarwith Strand

The beach at Trebarwith is at the bottom of a deep valley with many attractive views along the Heritage Coastline towards Gull Rock. Rocks must be negotiated before you reach the rocky sands of the beach.

The high tide covers the beach completely for about two hours so care must be taken. Signs at the top of the beach warn of the dangers. The coastal path north leads to Tintagel and makes a wonderful scenic walk.

The village of Tintagel provides much to see including the old Post Office, King Arthur's Hall and the ruined castle. Tintagel itself has no beach and therefore Trebarwith Strand is the closest.
Life Guard - Seasonal, Swim, Car Park, Shop, Toilets (Dis.), Cafe.

Polzeath

Polzeath can be found in the Camel Estuary in Hayle Bay. The beach is well used by surfers and bathers and is regularly cleaned. Information in the form of a board describes the area as well as giving details of water quality.

National Trust land adjacent to the beach provide footpaths leading to Pentire Point giving superb views from the Rump headlands.

The Heritage Coast Service regularly organises "Seashore Searches" of the rock pools near New Polzeath as part of its summer programme.

L ife Guard Seasonal Dog Ban, Tidy Britain Group Award, Cafe, Swim, Surf, Toilets (Dis.), Shop, Car Park. Polzeath Voluntary Marine Wildlife Reserve

Daymer Bay


This bay is situated to the south of Trebetherick next to National Trust land and consists of approximately one third of a mile of sand. The coastal path to the north of Daymer Bay leads to Polzeath and provides some picturesque views of Padstow harbour and surrounding area.
Swim, Car Park, Toilets, Cafe, Shop, NO LIFEGUARD.

Harbour Cove

Harbour Cove is situated in a Site of Special Scientific Interest north of Padstow. There is no car park as such but during the summer there is parking for approximately 150 cars at Lellizzick. Permissive access is given from the car park to the beach. Walks along the coast path give excellent views over Padstow and Rock as well as Pentire Point and Trevose Head. Padstow Tourist Information Centre contains much information about the wildlife and the surrounding area and also features an information section by the Heritage Coast Service.
Summer Car Park NO LIFEGUARD.,

Trevone Bay

Trevone Bay is located to the south of Trevose Head and to the north of Harlyn Bay.

This beach is situated in an area of great geological interest. There is ample parking during the summer season.
Life Guard Seasonal Dog Ban, Cafe, Car Park, Toilets( Dis.), Shop.

Harlyn Bay

On the eastern side of Trevose Head sits Harlyn Bay. The two thirds of a mile of sand and pebbles are backed by the dunes which are themselves surrounded by the cliffs towards Cataclews Point. These cliffs form Big Guns Cove. The south east corner of Harlyn village provides the access to the beach next to a stream that flows on to the beach. The remains of an old iron age cemetery were discovered behind the beach below the sand. The cliffs at Trevose Head give superb views towards Pentire Head and Newquay across the rocky sea. To the north east of the bay lies Mother Ivey's Bay. On the northern shore of this rocky cove stands the Padstow lifeboat house. Wildlife and walks information is available from the Padstow Tourist Information Centre which has a Heritage Coast Information section within it.
Life Guard - Seasonal, Tidy Britain Group Award , Swim, Surf, Car Park, Toilets, Cafe, Shop.

Booby's Bay

South of Trevone Head sits Booby's Bay. There is a small National Trust property adjacent to the bay which is popular in the summer. There is limited car parking and it is best to park at Constantine Bay and walk along to Booby's Bay. Walks to the north of the beach provide superb views from Trevose Head along the Cornish coast as well as a great variety of wild flowers.
Life Guard Seasonal Swim, Surf. (Nearest facilities Constantine)

Constantine Bay

The beach at Constantine Bay is backed by large dunes blanketed in marram grass and is defined by the low headlands and rocky islands that head out to sea. The dunes to the rear of the beach have been planted with marram grass to help stabilise them.

The rocky beach can provide many rock pools well worth exploring. The coastal path traces the perimeter of the bay over the low cliffs with some seaward views that should be seen.

TAKE PARTICULAR NOTE OF THE SAFETY NOTICES.
Life Guard Seasonal Tidy Britain Group Award , Car Park, Toilets (Dis.), Swim, Surf, Shop 400m up the road.

Treyarnon Bay

Treyarnon boasts one of the most unspoilt beaches in North Cornwall. Its sandy bay lies in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty next to Constantine Bay. It also boasts one of the cleanest beaches. The coastal path provides some of the most spectacular views in North Cornwall.
Life Guard Seasonal , Tidy Britain Group Award, Car Park, Swim, Surf, Shop, Toilets (Dis.), Cafe.

Porthcothan

The sandy beach at Porthcothan is located south of Constantine Bay. There is plenty of parking although at high tide the area of sand on the beach is restricted. The coastal path gives splendid views both to the north and south as well as displaying a variety of wildlife.

Bedruthan Steps


Famous for its wave swept stacks at the foot of rugged cliffs. No Lifeguards. Do not enter the water and beware of being trapped by incoming tide.

Mawgan Porth


Sheltered sandy beach. Good for surfing.

Watergate Bay

Mile long sandy beach, popular with surfers. Beach/surf hire, Cafe.

The wild and rugged coast of north Cornwall with its shining surf and golden beaches, holds both immense natural beauty and hidden dangers for visitors to the area. Beach safety is essentially an exercise in common sense, and if you and your family take note of the advice that follows then you will enjoy a happy and safe holiday in north Cornwall.

The 14 main tourist beaches in the district are covered by lifeguards throughout the summer season and their instructions should be obeyed at all times. Remember to listen for their whistle, you may be in danger.

Where there is no lifeguard, please seek local advice and always read warning notices before entering the water. Lifeguard patrolled beaches employ the tried and tested flag system, which is easy to understand and very hard not to notice. The simple rules are that you should always bathe between the red and yellow striped flags and must, on no account, enter the water when the red flag is flying. A major hazard of bathing in the ocean is the rip current. This is the seaward movement of water caused by natural drainage of water brought in towards the beach by the tide. These currents test all but the strongest swimmers and are invisible to an inexperienced eye. The best advice is always to bathe only on patrolled beaches. These currents, along with offshore winds also dictate that inflatables should never be taken into the sea. It is all too easy to loose control and be swept out.
There is a large rise and fall of tides in north Cornwall and the times of high and low water, as laid out on this page, should always be checked before you set off on long walks on the foreshore. The incoming tide rises rapidly and consequently it is very easy to find yourself cut off. We want you to enjoy your holiday, so please do not take any unnecessary risks. If in doubt, seek expert advice - remember, it is not only your life but the lives of the emergency services that can be put at risk by you not taking the time to think!
Noel Harradine, Beach Safety Officer, North Cornwall District Council.

Safety on the North Cornwall Coast

Be alert to people who may be in distress. You could save a life. If you see a red flare, orange smoke or a craft or person in difficulty, find a phone quickly, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

1. Spot the dangers:

If in doubt stay out! Look for a beach patrolled by lifeguards with zoned areas, i.e. RED over YELLOW FLAGS for swimming, belly and boogie board riding. BLACK and WHITE CHEQUERED FLAGS for surf craft. A RED FLAG means do not enter the water DANGER.

2. Know the difference:

You may be used to a nice warm indoor pool, but its not so easy in cold outdoor water.

3. Check new places:

New places, may have dangers that you do not know about. Ask the lifeguards, the locals, somebody who knows.

4. Take Safety Advice:

Special flags and notices warn you. Know what they mean, do what they tell you.

5. Do not go alone: Children should always go with a grown up, even at lifeguard patrolled beaches, lifeguards are not babysitters.

6. Learn how to help:

You may be able to help yourself and others if you know what to do in an emergency, "so" join a lifesaving club at most swimming pools or at a beach surf lifesaving club near to you. For details contact the Beach Safety Officer on 01208 893410

7. Strange Objects:

Don't touch strange objects. Dangerous items such as flares or canisters of chemicals may sometimes be washed ashore. Tell the Coastguard or the Police.