An Introduction To Newquay Surf
- Author | Matt K
- Updated | May 21, 2025
Newquay surf is an electric mix of world-class surf, stunning coastal scenery, and barrelful surf culture, making it one of the UK’s best surf destinations. Located on Cornwall’s northern rugged coast, Newquay surf breaks are easily accessible without a car.
In the heart of it all is Fistral Beach, Newquay’s jewel, renowned for powerful and consistent waves that attract surfers from all over the country. Situated just a stone’s throw from the town.
Nearby surf breaks also include the mellower Towan Beach, great for beginners, and the quieter Crantock Beach, where you can bike or take a scenic walk and enjoy the local vibe. Head to Watergate Bay for an adrenaline rush just beyond Newquay’s doorstep, where long rolling waves and epic views await.
With so many surf spots, a friendly feeling, and easy access, Newquay surf provides the finest car-free coastal adventure for every type of wave rider.
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In This Guide
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Best Time To Surf Newquay
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Peak Newquay Surf Season | October to March
Suited For Intermediate & Advanced
Newquay surf is at its most consistent & powerful between October & March. During these months, Newquay surf welcomes strong North Atlantic swells that deliver waves from 4 to 8 feet across the town’s multiple breaks.
Winter swells create powerful, fast waves ideal for experienced surfers, with strong rips & occasional stormy conditions keeping the crowds thinner. The colder weather doesn’t deter diehards, as Newquay surf produces some of its best barrels & heavy beach break waves in these months.
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Shoulder Newquay Surf Season | April, May & September
Suited For All Skill Levels
Spring & early autumn offer the most balanced conditions for Newquay surf. Waves typically range from 3 to 6 feet, providing fun, clean surf for all abilities. September is particularly good, as autumn swells kick off the season early. April & May bring calmer days with playful surf & fewer crowds.
Newquay surf during the shoulder months is perfect for those looking for consistency without the intensity of winter, making it a great time to explore the town’s famous breaks.
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Low Newquay Surf Season | June to August
Suited For Beginners & Intermediate
In summer, Newquay surf becomes gentler, with waves mostly in the 1 to 3-foot range. The town becomes a hub for tourists, & the surf is ideal for beginners looking for mellow, soft waves. Newquay surf during these months offers warm water & long daylight hours, making it perfect for longboard sessions & learning the basics.
While seasoned surfers may find the waves lacking punch, summer is still a great time to enjoy the vibrant surf culture that defines Newquay.
Newquay Surf Temperature, What To Wear & Rainfall Guide
Newquay Surf Temperature:
14–17°C (57–63°F)
What To Wear:
A 4/3 mm wetsuit is perfect for Newquay’s summer surf. Warmer days might allow for shorter sessions without boots or gloves.
Rainfall:
Summer brings around 8–12 rainy days per month, with longer daylight hours & drier spells, although light showers can occur suddenly.
Newquay Surf Temperature:
13–16°C (55–61°F)
What To Wear:
A 4/3 mm wetsuit remains sufficient, though boots are common by November. The wind & swell pick up, creating colder-feeling conditions.
Rainfall:
Autumn sees 13–16 rainy days per month. Expect more powerful Atlantic storms & regular rain showers.
Newquay Surf Temperature:
8–10°C (46–50°F)
What To Wear:
A 5/4 mm wetsuit with hood, boots, & gloves is mandatory for Newquay winters. Sessions can feel raw & icy, with strong winds common.
Rainfall:
Winter averages 15–18 rainy days monthly. Rain is frequent & heavy at times, with gales common along the Cornish coast.
Newquay Surf Temperature:
9–12°C (48–54°F)
What To Wear:
A 5/4 mm wetsuit with boots, gloves, & a hood is essential early in spring. As May arrives, some surfers switch to a 4/3 mm, though the water remains chilly.
Rainfall:
Spring averages 13–17 rainy days per month. Expect classic Cornish weather—unpredictable, with passing showers & sunny intervals.
Surf Spots Within 5km or 3 Miles From Newquay
| Newquay Surf Spots | Distance from Newquay | Wave Size | Wave Quality | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Towan Beach |
Approx. 1km (0.6mi) west |
2-8 foot |
Consistent beach break |
All levels |
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Porth Beach |
Approx. 2km (1.2mi) north |
1-4 foot |
Gentle beach break |
Beginner to intermediate, great for learners |
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Fistral Beach |
Approx. 2.5km (1.5mi) west |
2-8 foot |
Consistent beach break |
All levels |
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Crantock Beach |
Approx. 3km (1.9mi) southwest |
2-6 foot |
Quality beach break |
All levels |
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Watergate Bay |
Approx. 5km (3.1mi) north |
2-8 foot |
Powerful beach break |
Intermediate to advanced |
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Holywell Bay |
Approx. 5km (3.1mi) southwest |
2-6 foot |
Challenging beach break |
Intermediate to advanced |
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Surf Spots Within the Area |
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Perran Sands Beach |
Approx. 7km (4.2mi) southwest |
2-6 foot |
Expansive beach break |
All levels |
Further Information To Newquay Surf Spots
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid to high tide
- Wind: Southeast
- Swell Direction: West
- Crowd Factor: High
Towan Beach offers a sheltered, user-friendly beach break perfect for beginners & longboarders. It works best on a west swell with light southeasterly winds at mid to high tide, where the waves become clean, soft, & manageable. The sandy bottom ensures safety, while the consistent, mellow peaks provide an ideal environment for learning & progression.
Due to its central location in Newquay, Towan Beach can get crowded, especially during summer months & school holidays. While it lacks power & size, Towan’s accessibility & consistency make it a reliable surf spot for all levels.
Rating: 3/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: All tides
- Wind: Southeast
- Swell Direction: West or northwest
- Crowd Factor: Low
Porth Beach is a small, sheltered beach break offering mellow, easy-going waves best suited to beginners & longboarders. It works on a west or northwestswell with light southeasterly winds, at all tides, where the waves break softly over a sandy bottom.
The waves here are slow & crumbly, making it ideal for practicing basic maneuvers. Porth rarely attracts crowds, providing a peaceful option for those seeking a quiet surf session. Due to its sheltered nature, it requires a solid swell to come to life & isn’t suited to more experienced surfers looking for power.
Rating: 2.5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: All tides
- Wind: Southeast
- Swell Direction: West or northwest
- Crowd Factor: Very High
Fistral Beach is Newquay’s premier surf break, offering powerful, hollow beach break waves that attract surfers from around the world. Best on a west to northwest swell with southeasterly winds at all tides, Fistral produces fast, heavy waves suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers. Low tide reveals punchy barrels, while mid to high tide offers more forgiving peaks.
The consistent surf & high-performance waves make Fistral the go-to spot for competitions. As a result, it gets very crowded, particularly in the main peak areas. It’s a world-class beach break demanding respect & skill.
Rating: 5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Low tide
- Wind: Southeast
- Swell Direction: West
- Crowd Factor: Moderate
Crantock Beach offers quality beach break peaks that work best on a west swell with light southeasterly winds during low tide. The waves are punchy & can produce hollow sections on the right sandbanks, making it a fun alternative to nearby Fistral.
The beach is spacious, allowing the crowd to spread out, & the consistent left & right peaks cater to intermediate surfers seeking rippable waves. Due to its slightly harder access, Crantock remains less crowded than Fistral, offering a quieter, yet still powerful surf experience when the banks are working well.
Rating: 4/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid to high tide
- Wind: Southeast
- Swell Direction: West
- Crowd Factor: Moderate
Watergate Bay is a consistent, expansive beach break offering peaky left & right waves over a sandy bottom. Best on a west swell with southeasterly winds during mid to high tide, it delivers fun, user-friendly waves suitable for all levels.
The beach’s size ensures plenty of space even on busy days, & the waves tend to be softer & more forgiving compared to nearby Fistral. While not as heavy or hollow, Watergate provides reliable surf, ideal for longboarders & intermediates looking for mellow, clean walls. The crowd is moderate, but manageable due to the beach’s size.
Rating: 3.5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tide
- Wind: Southeast
- Swell Direction: West or northwest
- Crowd Factor: Low
Holywell Bay is a quiet, scenic beach break that works best on a west or northwest swell with light southeasterly winds during mid tide. The waves here are generally soft & mellow, offering long, crumbly peaks ideal for beginners & longboarders.
Due to its remote setting, Holywell Bay remains uncrowded, even when nearby beaches are packed. It requires a solid swell to offer anything more than small, playful waves, & is not suited for high-performance surfing. It’s an excellent spot for relaxed, low-pressure sessions, with clean, glassy conditions on offshore wind days.
Rating: 3/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tide
- Wind: East or southeast
- Swell Direction: West
- Crowd Factor: Low
Perran Sands Beach is an extension of Perranporth Beach offering similar beach break peaks but often with fewer surfers. It favors a west swell with easterly or southeasterly winds at mid tide, where clean, manageable waves peel over a sandy bottom.
The waves are generally softer & more forgiving, making it ideal for longboarders & beginners looking for uncrowded conditions. The open beach can produce fun, playful peaks when the banks are aligned but lacks the power & consistency of nearby Perranporth. Its remote feel & quiet atmosphere make it a favorite for laid-back sessions.
Rating: 3/5
Travel Time To Newquay Surf Spots
| Newquay Surf Spots | Walking Time | Biking Time | Public Transport |
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Towan Beach |
Approx. 15 min. |
5 min. |
Not required |
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Porth Beach |
Approx. 30 min. |
10-15 min. |
25 min. bus or 5 min. taxi |
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Fistral Beach |
Approx. 30 min. |
10-15 min. |
25 min. bus or 5 min. taxi |
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Crantock Beach |
Approx. 1 hr. |
20-30 min. |
25 min. bus or 10 min. taxi |
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Watergate Bay |
Approx. 1 hr. |
20-30 min. |
20 min. bus or 10 min. taxi |
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Holywell Bay |
Not advised |
Approx. 40 min. |
45 min. bus or 15 min. taxi |
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Perran Sands Beach |
Not advised |
Not advised |
1hr. 20 min. bus or 20 min. taxi |
Accommodation In Newquay
If you’re planning a UK surf trip, Trip.com should be your first stop for booking accommodations near the ocean. Their platform offers a diverse selection of hotels and hostels close to the waves, catering to all budgets. Booking early not only saves you money but also guarantees more time surfing and less time on logistics.
For those seeking to improve their surfing abilities in the UK, Tripaneer surf camps deliver expert instruction, cozy places to stay, & a friendly community. These camps allow you to fully embrace the UK and Newquay surf lifestyle while advancing your skills.
| Accommodation Type | Description | Price Range (EUR)* | Price Range (USD)* |
|---|---|---|---|
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Hostels |
Dormitory-style accommodation |
€20 to €60 |
$25 to $65 |
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Mid-range Hotels/Serviced Apartments |
Studio apartments, motels, or 1-bedroom units |
€100 to €280 |
$110 to $300 |
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Luxury Stays |
Luxury beachfront resorts or high-end apartments |
€350 to €600+ |
$380 to $650+ |
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*Rates are per night and subject to change. |
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Newquay Surf Lessons & Surf Schools
Newquay surf schools offer something for everyone, from total beginners to aspiring pros, with consistent waves and a lively surf town atmosphere. SSS Surf School and Newquay Surfing School excel at building solid foundations for beginners, ensuring a supportive and enjoyable learning experience.
Escape Surf School goes beyond the basics, catering to intermediate and advanced surfers looking to refine their techniques and gain confidence in challenging waves. Surf Sanctuary and Blue Surf School offer a unique approach, with Blue Surf School integrating yoga sessions into their surf lessons for a holistic experience.
With years of surf culture behind it, Newquay surf schools combine strong instruction with an unbeatable setting to help you grow your skills on the water.
Newquay Surf Camp
Newquay Surf Camp With Base Surf Lodge
Join Rob & Lou at Base Surf Lodge in Newquay for a truly authentic Cornish surf camp experience. Base Surf Lodge offers an immersive, relaxed, & highly personal surf progression camp with expert coaching, comfortable accommodation, & a chilled community vibe right in the heart of Newquay.
4-Day Newquay Surf Camp With Base Surf Lodge
Spend 3 nights at Base Surf Lodge in cozy, home-style accommodation, located just a short walk to Fistral & Towan beaches. This surf camp includes 3 daily group surf lessons with detailed technical coaching, a surf theory session, & a personalized video coaching analysis. Your hosts Rob & Lou will guide you step by step, blending water coaching with land-based surf-specific movement training.
Surfboards, wetsuits, and all equipment are included for the duration of your stay. Enjoy hearty daily breakfasts, free coffee & tea, and a delicious BBQ evening feast in the tropical garden. Find Out More
6-Day Newquay Surf Camp With Base Surf Lodge
For those seeking deeper progression, the 6-day camp includes 5 nights at Base Surf Lodge with 5 intensive surf lessons, plus surf theory, video analysis, & daily access to the lodge’s movement room for extra land-based skill work. Relax in the lodge’s social spaces or in the sunny garden between sessions, with full access to surf gear for extra practice outside lessons.
Includes daily breakfasts, a BBQ night, digital surf photos, and Rob & Lou’s insider local tips. Perfect for beginners, progressors, and intermediates wanting focused coaching in a laid-back, friendly lodge environment. Find Out More
Newquay Surfboard Hire
Newquay surfboard hire makes it easy to hit the waves, with plenty of options for every level & board preference right near the beach. Newquay Surfing School and Surf Sanctuary offer a range of boards, from soft-top beginner boards to advanced shortboards.
Blue Surf School provides well-maintained equipment for all levels, while Sunset Surf Newquay specializes in flexible rental packages with hourly, daily, or weekly options. With reliable gear and a coastline full of surf spots to explore, Newquay surfboard hire sets you up for a fun and flexible surf experience.
Newquay Surf Report & Surf Cam
If you want to catch the best waves in the UK, staying connected to current surf conditions is vital. Surf-Forecast offers detailed tide, wind and swell forecasts, while Surfline live cams provide real-time views of the waves at key UK surf breaks, with subscription access.
A Drimsim eSIM or a Yesim eSIM activates digitally upon arrival, so there’s no need to buy a local SIM card or visit shops. This keeps you online to check surf reports, stream live cams, and upload your Newquay surf clips effortlessly.
How To Get To Newquay Surf
- Newquay Airport (NQY) To Newquay
Distance: 8km (5mi)
To reach Newquay, the most convenient route is to fly into Newquay Airport (NQY) and then take a taxi to your destination. Below is a quick guide with various transportation options to help you choose the best way to get to Newquay based on your preference.
Public Transport
Approx. 30-40 mins.
Details:
Newquay Airport is only about 7 miles from the town center. Public transport involves taking the Go Cornwall Bus 56, which runs from the airport terminal to Newquay town center, with stops at key areas including Porth & Newquay Station.
The bus operates regularly during the day, though services may reduce in the evening or off-season. This is an inexpensive & straightforward option for solo travelers or those with light luggage.
Shuttle Service
Approx. 20-30 mins.
Details:
Some hotels & surf camps in Newquay offer pre-arranged shuttle services from the airport. These are often shared with other guests & provide convenient drop-offs at key accommodation spots or surf schools.
Pre-arrange your shuttle service via HolidayTaxis or Welcome Pickups so it’s ready when you land. This guarantees a fast & easy transfer from the airport to the beach without any waiting time.
United Kingdom Travel Information | 7 Essentials You Need To Know
Surfing in the United Kingdom comes with dependable infrastructure and a few things to keep in mind. The currency is the British Pound, and cards are the norm for payment. English is spoken everywhere, and emergency help is a call to 999 away. The health care system is solid, but travel insurance is advised for visitors.
To get up to speed on visa info, safety guidance, and the full list of essentials, visit our United Kingdom surf page before packing your board.
Travel Insurance For Your Newquay Surf Trip
Surfing in the UK offers some of the best waves you’ll find, but one small setback can change everything. Maybe you sprain your ankle on the way to the beach or your bag doesn’t make it past the airport. Without insurance, your trip could turn into a financial headache. VisitorsCoverage makes it easy to protect your time and your budget.
With a quality plan, you can adapt quickly and stay focused on the waves. Instead of scrambling to deal with problems, you’ll be free to explore and enjoy the best of the Newquay surf.
Discover Newquay: What To Do When The Waves Are Flat
When the surf isn’t on in Newquay there are plenty of other exciting activities to explore. Below are 5 recommended activities to make the most of your time.
For even more options check out GetYourGuide and Viator for activities like boat tours, day trips, and cultural experiences around Newquay and Cornwall.