West Cornwall
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Positives
- Variety of beach aspects
- Maximises swell
- Beautiful scenery
- Close to south facing coastline
Negatives
- Cold water
- Cool and wet climate
- Crowds
- Pollution
- Expensive
West Cornwall surf travel guide
The most consistent surfing area of the long Cornish coastline is in the far southwest where year-round swells batter a series of long, sandy beaches. The polar opposite to the dark and moody north of the county, West Cornwall may as well be called Summer County. With its mild climate and consistent waves it's the most popular surfer and tourist destination in the whole country, which means one thing for the summer months - crowds. Outside of the summer months clean W/SW swells are readily tackled by keen local crews and clued in travellers. A system of coastal paths runs the entire length of the Cornish coast, offering extensive views of the waves.
Surf spots in West Cornwall
Research the 16 surf breaks in West Cornwall and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 16 breaks in West Cornwall.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to West Cornwall
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Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring West Cornwall.
Travel Information
General
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- Population
- 55,980,000
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Visas
Since Brexit, unrestricted travel between the UK and the EU is over. The current system allows for visa free travel for up to 90/180 days a year. Beyond 90 days things get very complicated so check online for the details. US, Canada, OZ, NZ and some others follow the same 90-180 day rules. Most other countries need a visa before arrival. more info here
Getting There
Newquay airport offers the closest air route. Newquay is on a branch line which does not follow the coast. St Ives also has a railway station.
The A30 main dual-carriageway allows swift progress to various spots down the spine of West Cornwall.
Getting Around
Holiday traffic can be a nightmare and many of the region's beaches are located off the main A roads down winding country lanes. Traffic notwithstanding the journey from Newquay in the north to Sennen close to Lands End takes around an hour via the A30, Cornwall's main arterial road. Via the coast, the journey time will double.
That said private or hired car is probably the most sensible option as public transport is torturous, slow and irregular. Buses stop at every village along their winding routes and the train line veers south from Newquay hitting the coast again at St Ives before terminating at Penzance.
Accommodation
The main beach towns are small and although well stocked with accommodation options they get booked up quickly. The flexibility of the Carbis bay breaks means it's a good place to base yourself with easy access to Sennen and the south coast breaks as well as the spots further north. Camping spots are everywhere.
Activities
Beautiful coastal walks along the entire coast. St Ives is known for its art and artists. Check the Tate Gallery and Barbara Hepworth sculpture gardens. Land's End has great views, exhibitions, film shows and an animal farm/centre. Buy something and support SAS at their shop in St Agnes.
Hazards & hassles
Like the rest of the UK's coast, the sewage in the ocean and the crowds in the water and on land are a real drag. Intense traffic jams on holiday weekends. The roads are notoriously thin and travelling times are always longer than expected.
Handy Hints
Along with the south coast breaks you have just about every favourable wind option so be prepared to move around. Low tide will mean more peaks on the beaches so can be a good option to get less crowded waves.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.