Severn Estuary

9 Surf spots
families beginners
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Positives
  • Porthcawl break density
  • Reefs and beachbreaks
  • Severn Bore option
  • Close to Cardiff
Negatives
  • Weak and inconsistent
  • Tidally sensitive
  • Crowded Porthcawl
  • Heavy industrial pollution

Severn Estuary surf travel guide

East from Swansea lies the radically contrasting landscape of South Wales, where the heavily industrialised Port Talbot area provides a dystopian backdrop of steel and smoke-belching chimneys to once severely polluted beachbreaks that are thankfully much better now but can still suffer under certain conditions.

Further south the wave rich town of Porthcawl gives way to a heritage coast of remote smugglers' havens stretching to Llantwit and upstream into the Severn Estuary where the Severn tidal bore breaks for over six miles marking the demarkation of Wales from England.

Surf spots in Severn Estuary

Research the 9 surf breaks in Severn Estuary and discover what spots suit the current conditions.

Break lowdown

We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 9 breaks in Severn Estuary.

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When to go

Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Severn Estuary

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Travel Information

General
Current Time
Tourists
1,000,000
Population
3,136,000
Tourist Info
Tourist Info

Security

Health

Money
Currency
GBP
Exchange rate
$1 = £0.7 GBP

Cost of living

Communication
Dialing in
+44
Dialing out
00
Emergencies
112
Language
Welsh, English
Electricity
Plug Type
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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

The Severn Bridge is now free. London to Porthcawl is 3.5 hours drive but that can increase a lot on a busy Friday afternoon. Bristol it's just over an hour.

Getting Around

Most of the year it's a 30 minute drive from Aberavon down to Llantwit Major so it's a small zone, but the roads get clogged up on weekends and in summer and travel times can double.

Accommodation

Porthcawl is a holiday town and has lots of accommodation and good prices.

Activities
cultureoutdoorurbanwatersports

Porthcawl has a lively nightlife and Cardiff is around 45 minutes away and has all the big city entertainments. Outdoor activities are much better around the Gower.

Hazards & hassles

Crowds crowds crowds! The local surf community is large but add in surfers from Cardiff, Bristol and London weekenders and you'll soon feel the pressure at any decent peak along this stretch. Beware of rocks at many of the spots and keep your eyes and nostrils open for polluted water.

Handy Hints

Lots of well stocked, decently priced surf shops in Porthcawl. Free to view webcam of Rest Bay at porthcawlsurf.co.uk and this will give a good idea of waves at all the local breaks. If you want to get some space in the water don't be fussy with the conditions as a bit of onshore winds and rain will thin the crowds a lot.

Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.

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