Surf’s Up: Catching Waves at the Best Beaches Near Truro

Truro is a breathtaking part of Cornwall, with plenty to see and do. The Roseland Peninsula has plenty to recommend it, from unspoilt landscapes to delightful circular walks to serene stretches of beach. To find truly awesome surfing, though, you will need to head a little further afield. Still, there are plenty of great surfing spots within a short drive of Truro.

• Fistral Beach is an iconic surfing destination. Located in Newquay, it features a long beach of golden sand, and waves suitable for surfers at all levels. If you are a beginner, you will find a friendly atmosphere and several surf schools, while experienced surfers will love the challenging waves at the famous Cribbar reef break. Newquay, with its unique surfing culture, is easily accessible by car, train, or bus, and Fistral Beach is not far from the town centre.
• Watergate Bay has a wide sandy beach and consistent waves. This makes it the perfect place, not only for surfing, but also for kiteboarding. Exposed to the Atlantic Ocean, this beach offers excellent conditions for surfers of all levels, as well as amenities like surf schools and beachside cafes. It is only three miles away from Newquay, which makes it easy to reach, and there is plenty of parking near the beach. If you prefer, you can park in Newquay and walk to the beach along the South West Coast Path.
• Sennen Cove is known as much for its picturesque scenery as for its surfing conditions. Located near Land’s End, this beach faces west into the Atlantic Ocean, so it has ideal surfing conditions all year round. The surf schools and rental shops at Sennen Cove make it a perfect place for beginners to learn to catch a wave, and the swells rolling in from the Atlantic make it a delight for experienced surfers as well. The beach is about eight miles southwest of Penzance, and you can find parking near the beach or take a bus from one of the nearby towns.
• Porthtowan Beach is located near St Agnes, on Cornwall’s north coast. This jewel of a beach sits between towering cliffs, and it is known for its powerful waves and the adrenaline-pumping rides they offer. The surfing is consistent all year, and the beachside cafes and pubs make this beach just as popular with tourists as it is with surfers. Porthtowan Beach is approximately nine miles southwest of Newquay, and there is bus service to the beach from Truro and other nearby towns, as well as parking available at the beach.
• Polzeath is one of the most famous surfing destinations in the region. Located near Wadebridge, on the North Cornwall coast, it provides consistent waves at a variety of surf breaks suitable for every level of surfing. Beginning surfers will gain confidence on the gentle rollers near the shore, while surf experts will relish the challenging reef breaks this beach offers. About twenty miles northwest of Newquay, Polzeath and its vibrant surfing culture can be reached by car or by bus service, and there is ample parking near the beach.
• Perranporth Beach can look chaotic, but it is perfect for novice surfers. It gets crowned, especially during high tide, but the beach gets bigger and less rowdy once the tide goes out. Located on Cornwall’s rugged North Coast, this lovely three-mile stretch of sand generally offers gentle surf. During low tide, the waves are even more manageable, giving new surfers an excellent opportunity to master the sport. It is easily accessible by car, with parking near the beach, or can be reached by bus from nearby towns.
• Porthmeor Beach is located in the charming town of St Ives. This stunning location boasts crystal-clear waters and Blue Flag status, making it popular with beach lovers in general and surfers in particular. It is a safe, enjoyable place to learn to surf, with consistent waves and sheltered bay that facilitate that learning. There is parking available near the beach, which can be reached by car or train.
• Gwithian Beach is spacious, sandy, and backed by dunes. Part of St Ives Bay, this wide beach offers the perfect setting for beginners to learn on the Atlantic swell, and there are lifeguards patrolling it during peak season. It is a wonderful spot to bring the family, and the friendly atmosphere, surf schools, and surf hire make it a great place for new surfers to spend the day enjoying the water.
• Harlyn Bay is a northern-facing beach, with smaller swell than some of its neighbours. It is a lovely little cove, ideal for learning to surf, especially when the other popular spots get too windy, with lots of swell. It is also an amazing spot to sample some delicious local seafood! You can drive to Harlyn Bay and park at the beach, or make use of the bus service from one of the nearby towns.
• Towan Beach is a more mellow spot than its famous neighbour. When you talk about surfing in Newquay, Fistral Beach is the name that comes to mind for most people. However, Towan Beach can be found by following the headland north, and it provides a great alternative. It offers suitable waves for surfers of all levels, and is located in the harbour next to the town centre. Bonus: you can often spot seals frequenting the area.