Southern England

23 Surf spots
families beginners
  • j
  • f
  • m
  • a
  • m
  • j
  • j
  • a
  • s
  • o
  • n
  • d
Positives
  • Groundswell and windswells
  • Offshore in winter northerlies
  • Pier and jetty breaks
  • Efficient road system
Negatives
  • Inconsistent
  • Short-lived, weak swells
  • Mostly onshore winds
  • Crowded at the main breaks

Southern England surf travel guide

Not the UK's most exposed coast, requiring not too much S or too much W in the swell to penetrate the narrow English Channel. When the waves do arrive and the wind has N in it, then there are a few high quality spots that attract surfers from the surrounding large cities. This is a famous sailing coastline so expect kites, windsurfers, skiffs and SUPs, all of which may be bolted to a foil!

Surf spots in Southern England

Research the 23 surf breaks in Southern England and discover what spots suit the current conditions.

Break lowdown

We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 23 breaks in Southern England.

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When to go

Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Southern England

  • jan
  • feb
  • mar
  • apr
  • may
  • jun
  • jul
  • aug
  • sep
  • oct
  • nov
  • dec

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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 

Accommodation

Every type of accommodation you can think of can be found along this huge stretch of coastline. There are no real surf specific options so just do the regular search and find something that suits your budget and location. Summer gets booked out but there is rarely any surf in summer anyway. Onshore winter days are your best bet for surf and accommodation will be easy to find on such days.

Activities
cultureoutdoorurbanwatersports

Museums, galleries, aquariums, festivals, nightclubs and every other type of urban entertainment can be found in big towns like Brighton, Bournemouth and Portsmouth. Sailing and other wind-related watersports can be found all along the coast.

Hazards & hassles

Offshores along the south coast are mainly from the north which in winter means freezing cold air temps and the water is never warm so be prepared to wear thick rubber. Lots of beginners, kitesurfers and foil riders mean extra care is needed when it gets busy. The prime spots are extra crowded and very competitive and aggro in the water is rare but can happen when the surf gets good and everybody wants some of it.

Handy Hints

To get good clean surf you need to be quick. Swells are often short lived and come with onshore winds but if you get your timing right you can get a few good hours of surf when the winds are favourable and the swell still holds. The surf shops in the witterings are some of the best stocked in the country. Crowds tend to follow crowds so it can be easy to find empty waves if you walk away from car parks and visit beaches outside of the main towns.

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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