An Introduction To Bantham Surf
- Author | Matt K
- Updated | May 21, 2025
Bantham surf is one of the must-visit places on the South Devon coast, because its waves are known to be dominant, with some breathtaking and very relaxing surroundings which entice every soul. With easy beach access in an inviting village surf scene, this is a place made for a surf trip without a car. No matter whether you are a beginner or an expert, everything is possible to enjoy at Bantham.
Bantham Beach is the main surf spot, with mellow inside waves perfect for beginners and more powerful peaks further out for intermediate and advanced surfers. The wide sands and views of Burgh Island add a unique charm to every session. With friendly locals and an inclusive surf community, it creates a very laidback atmosphere both in and out of water.
Thurlestone Beach and Bigbury-on-Sea are within easy reach either by foot or by bike. South Milton Sands and Hope Cove are quiet, alternative beaches to escape with a few friends away from the crowd. Bantham surf is an uncomplicated yet highly pleasurable coastal experience. Indeed, it’s great as walkable along with amazing surf and natural beauty.
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In This Guide
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Best Time To Surf Bantham
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Peak Bantham Surf Season | October to March
Suited For Intermediate & Advanced
Bantham surf comes alive in the colder months as the Atlantic sends consistent groundswells rolling into the South Devon coast. From October to March, Bantham surf enjoys waves in the 4 to 8-foot range, creating powerful, long walls suited to experienced surfers.
The beach break handles these swells well, producing punchy, fast waves. Bantham surf in winter is at its most challenging, with fewer crowds & cooler water. Though storms can bring unruly days, the powerful surf makes it worth the effort for those seeking solid sessions.
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Shoulder Bantham Surf Season | April, May & September
Suited For All Skill Levels
Bantham surf during the shoulder months offers more accessible conditions while still delivering quality waves. April & May bring a mix of lingering winter swells & smaller spring pulses, with waves generally in the 3 to 6-foot range.
September is a standout, as early autumn swells begin to push through, providing clean & consistent Bantham surf. Crowds grow slightly as the weather warms, but conditions are often ideal for all levels. This is a great time to enjoy Bantham surf without the extremes of winter.
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Low Bantham Surf Season | June to August
Suited For Beginners & Intermediate
Summer is the mellowest time for Bantham surf, with waves typically in the 1 to 3-foot range. Long flat spells can occur, but small wind swells keep things fun for beginners & longboarders.
Bantham surf in these months is more about playful, soft waves rather than power, & the town sees a spike in beachgoers. While advanced surfers might find it lacking, it’s a great season for practicing turns or enjoying the scenic South Devon coastline.
Bantham Surf Temperature, What To Wear & Rainfall Guide
Bantham Surf Temperature:
14–17°C (57–63°F)
What To Wear:
A 4/3 mm wetsuit is ideal during summer at Bantham, with many surfers able to ditch the hood & gloves by late July. The warmer water makes for more comfortable sessions, especially on sunny days.
Rainfall:
Summer brings about 8–12 rainy days per month. Days are generally longer & drier, but short, light showers are still common, often clearing quickly.
Bantham Surf Temperature:
13–16°C (55–61°F)
What To Wear:
A 4/3 mm wetsuit remains ideal, with boots returning by late autumn as the water cools. Winds pick up, so added protection from wind chill is recommended.
Rainfall:
Autumn sees around 13–16 rainy days monthly. Expect more frequent storms & passing showers, especially later in the season.
Bantham Surf Temperature:
8–10°C (46–50°F)
What To Wear:
A 5/4 mm wetsuit with hood, gloves, & boots is essential for Bantham’s cold winter surfs. Conditions are harsh, with icy waters & cold winds.
Rainfall:
Winter averages 15–18 rainy days per month. Rain is persistent, often accompanied by strong winds & overcast conditions.
Bantham Surf Temperature:
9–12°C (48–54°F)
What To Wear:
A 5/4 mm wetsuit with boots, gloves, & a hood is necessary for the chilly waters of Bantham in spring. Conditions remain cold, especially early in the season, & wind chill can make sessions feel even colder.
Rainfall:
Expect around 13–17 rainy days per month in spring. Showers are typically scattered & mixed with occasional sunny spells, though weather remains unpredictable.
Surf Spots Within 5km or 3 Miles From Bantham
| Bantham Surf Spots | Distance from Bantham | Wave Size | Wave Quality | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Bantham Beach |
Approx. 500m (0.3mi) west |
2-6 foot |
Classic beach break |
All levels |
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Thurlestone Beach |
Approx. 2.5km (1.5mi) south |
2-6 foot |
Sheltered beach break |
Beginner to intermediate, great for learners |
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Bigbury-on-Sea Beach |
Approx. 3km (1.9mi) west |
2-6 foot |
Beach break |
Beginner to intermediate, good for building confidence |
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South Milton Sands |
Approx. 3km (1.9mi) south |
2-6 foot |
Powerful beach & point break |
Intermediate to advanced |
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Hope Cove |
Approx. 5km (3.1mi) south |
1-3 foot |
Mellow beach break |
Beginner |
Further Information To Bantham Surf Spots
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: All tides depending on size
- Wind: Northeast
- Swell Direction: West or southwest
- Crowd Factor: High
Bantham Beach is a classic South Devon beach break offering fun, rippable waves over a sandy bottom. The best conditions occur on a west to southwest swell with light northeast winds, where the sandbanks create clean, peaky left & right waves.
The wave is versatile, offering mellow shoulders for beginners on smaller days, while more powerful conditions suit intermediate surfers. Due to its popularity & consistent waves, Bantham Beach often gets crowded, particularly on weekends & holidays.
Rating: 4/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Low to mid tide
- Wind: Northeast
- Swell Direction: Southeast
- Crowd Factor: Low
Thurlestone Beach is a sheltered beach break offering softer waves ideal for beginners & longboarders. Best during low to mid tide with a southwest swell & light northeast winds, it produces mellow left & right peaks that break over a sandy bottom.
The spot is less exposed than neighboring beaches, which makes it a good option during bigger swells or for those seeking a quieter session. Due to its mellow nature & lower consistency, Thurlestone is rarely crowded & is suitable for relaxed, easy-going sessions.
Rating: 3/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: All tides depending on size
- Wind: Northeast
- Swell Direction: Southwest
- Crowd Factor: Moderate
Bigbury-on-Sea is a sandy beach break offering mellow waves perfect for beginners & intermediates. Best on a southwest swell with northeast winds, the waves are soft & slow, ideal for longboarding & beginners refining their skills.
The beach offers long, crumbly walls & forgiving take-offs, making it a good choice for surf schools. While not a high-performance wave, its consistency & user-friendly nature keep it popular, particularly during the summer months.
Rating: 3.5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Low to mid tide
- Wind: Northeast
- Swell Direction: Southwest
- Crowd Factor: Low
South Milton Sands is a quiet, lesser-known beach break that works best on a solid southwest swell with light northeast winds during low to mid tide. The waves here are generally softer & slower, offering gentle left & right peaks over sand.
This spot is rarely crowded & is suited to beginner & longboard surfers looking for an uncrowded alternative. While not the most consistent break, South Milton Sands offers fun, laid-back sessions when the conditions align.
Rating: 3/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tide
- Wind: Northeast
- Swell Direction: Southwest
- Crowd Factor: Very low
Hope Cove is a small, sheltered beach break that only works on larger southwest swells combined with light northeast winds. The wave is soft, short, & ideal for beginners or longboarders during the right conditions.
Due to its sheltered location & lower exposure, it’s highly inconsistent but can offer mellow, uncrowded sessions when the swell fills in. Hope Cove is not a performance wave but provides a quiet, scenic spot for a casual surf session.
Rating: 2.5/5
Travel Time To Bantham Surf Spots
| Bantham Surf Spots | Walking Time | Biking Time | Public Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
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Bantham Beach |
5 min. |
Not required |
Not required |
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Thurlestone Beach |
Approx. 40 min. |
15 min. |
40 min. (Bus routes available) or 10 min. Taxi
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Bigbury-on-Sea Beach |
Approx. 45. Includes paddle across River Avon |
N/A |
30 min. Taxi |
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South Milton Sands |
Approx. 45 min. |
20 min. |
20 min (Bus routes available) or 10 min. Taxi |
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Hope Cove |
Approx. 1 hr 15 min. |
Approx. 35 min. |
Approx. 1 hr. 15 min. (Bus routes available) or 30 min. Taxi |
Accommodation In Bantham
Trip.com makes it handy for you to book accommodations for your United Kingdom surf adventure. From luxury hotels to cheap guesthouses right on the shore, you will find accommodation that suits your style & budget. Booking early for your stay will mean less stress and more time for ocean fun.
If you want to hone your skills in the UK, Tripaneer surf camps combine professional coaching with good accommodation & community activities. By going through these camps, you really get to dive into the United Kingdom surf culture while sharpening your skills & confidence in the waves.
| Accommodation Type | Description | Price Range (EUR)* | Price Range (USD)* |
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Hostels |
Dormitory-style accommodation |
N/A |
N/A |
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Mid-range Hotels/Serviced Apartments |
Studio apartments, motels, or 1-bedroom units |
€110 to €230 |
$120 to $250 |
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Luxury Stays |
Luxury beachfront resorts or high-end apartments |
€280 to €450+ |
$300 to $500+ |
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*Rates are per night and subject to change. |
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Bantham Surf Lessons & Surf Schools
Bantham surf schools offer a welcoming way to get into surfing, with gentle waves & a stunning estuary setting perfect for beginners & improvers alike.
Discovery Surf is renowned for its friendly and experienced instructors who cater to all ages and abilities, ensuring a safe and enjoyable learning experience.
Bantham Surfing Academy specializes in high-quality surf coaching, emphasizing ocean safety and wave-riding techniques.
With experienced instructors & a mellow beach vibe, Bantham surf schools make learning to surf feel natural, fun, & low-pressure.
Bantham Surf Camp
Unfortunately Bantham doesn’t have a surf camp, however, if you’re looking for a surf camp experience, we recommend heading to the west side of the kingdom to Newquay and staying with Base Surf Lodge, which offers 4-day or 6-day surf packages. Check out some of their photos below!
Bantham Surfboard Hire
Bantham surfboard hire gives you easy access to a range of boards suited to the beach’s consistent & manageable waves.
Both Discovery Surf and Bantham Surfing Academy provide convenient surfboard rental options, ensuring access to quality equipment for all skill levels.
Whether you’re practicing your pop-up or trimming along a clean face, Bantham surfboard hire ensures you have the right gear to make the most of your session.
Bantham Surf Report & Surf Cam
To maximize your time catching waves, staying updated on Bantham surf is essential. Surf-Forecast gives you thorough forecasts on tides, swell size, tide and wind, while Surfline live cams provide a live look at popular United Kingdom surf spots, accessible via subscription. Investing in Surfline’s paid service is worthwhile for real-time wave checks.
Connectivity is a breeze with a Drimsim eSIM or a Yesim eSIM, which activates instantly once you arrive, avoiding the need for local SIM cards or shops. This allows you to monitor surf conditions, view live cams, and upload your best UK surf moments straight from the beach.
How To Get To Bantham Surf
- Exeter Airport (EXT) To Bantham
Distance: 50km (30mi)
Reaching Bantham surf from Exeter Airport (EXT) is straightforward, with several options and travel times. Below is a guide to help you out!
Public Transport
Approx. 2.5-3.5 hrs.
Details:
After arriving at Exeter Airport, the most affordable route to Bantham is by taking the Stagecoach local bus to Exeter St David’s station, which takes around 30–40 minutes. From there, board a GWR train to Totnes, a journey of about 45 minutes. Once in Totnes, you will need to take a local bus, such as Tally Ho! Bus 164, to Kingsbridge.
From Kingsbridge, local taxis or infrequent buses can bring you to Bantham. This route involves several changes & requires attention to bus & train timetables, particularly on weekends when services may be limited.
Shuttle Service
Approx. 2-2.5 hrs.
Details:
Though less common, some shuttle companies or surf lodges may offer pre-arranged shared transfers between Exeter Airport & Bantham, especially during peak summer months. These services usually require prior booking & operate on flexible schedules, sometimes combining airport pick-ups with stops in nearby surf towns like Croyde or Saunton.
Pre-book your shuttle service with HolidayTaxis or Welcome Pickups to have a waiting vehicle upon landing. This hassle-free transfer gets you from the airport to the beach quickly & comfortably.
United Kingdom Travel Information | 7 Essentials You Need To Know
Surfing in the United Kingdom can be a smooth experience if you know the basics. The local currency is the British Pound, and card payments are widely accepted. Tap water is safe across the country. English is the main language. Emergency services are efficient and can be reached by calling 999.
Our United Kingdom surf page details all 7 essentials, including health care, visa requirements, and safety tips to help you plan with ease.
Travel Insurance For Your Bantham Surf Trip
An unwelcome wave of bad luck, be it an illness or a late flight, can wash over even the most carefully planned surf trips to the UK. Having travel insurance may determine whether or not that journey is saved or cut short. VisitorsCoverage has highly trusted options to ensure that you are ready to go.
Insure yourself against health problems, stranded flights, and ruined equipment. Surf breaks in the UK will not mind whether or not you are up for recovering. Pack more than just your gear pack peace of mind.
Discover Bantham: What To Do When The Waves Are Flat
When the surf is flat in Bantham, there are plenty of exciting alternatives to enjoy. Here are 4 recommended activities to make the most of your time.