Explore the Best Surfing Beaches in Wales
Wales is the perfect destination for your next surfing holiday. Picture golden sandy beaches, unspoilt scenery and some of the best waves in the country. Plus, a weekend surfing in Wales allows you to escape the crowds of Devon and Cornwall!
Keep reading to discover the best surfing beaches in Wales…
Surfing Beaches in Pembrokeshire
1. Freshwater West
The first of our surfing beaches in Wales is Freshwater West, one of the most popular beaches in Pembrokeshire. A vast sandy beach known for its powerful waves, reefs and point-breaks, it has been said to be the scariest in Wales. There are a few surf schools that operate at Freshwater West.
The beach is situated in South Pembrokeshire and can be found to the southwest of Pembroke off the B4319.
2. Whitesands
Whitesands near St Davids in Pembrokeshire is a fantastic beach for surfing and is certainly one of the best beaches in West Wales. The waves at Whitesands can reach intimidating heights for beginners, however, don’t avoid going in the water, just keep close to the shore and pick up the tails of the waves if the surf is high.
Whitesands can be found at the end of an unclassified road off the A487. Follow signs from St Davids Rugby Club.
3. Newgale
Next is Newgale Beach and again a very popular surfing hotspot and one of the best family-friendly beaches in Pembrokeshire. The flat sandy beach is 2 miles long and has been awarded the blue flag for its clean waters.
Surf lessons are available and a surf hire shop that is very reasonably priced is located close to the beach. A lifeguard is in operation throughout the school summer holidays and there are plenty of refreshments available along the roadside. Newgale is situated along the A487 some 7 miles south-east of St Davids.
4. Manorbier
Manorbier is an exposed beach with fairly constant surf although during the summer months the swell tends to be quite flat. The beach is mostly sandy but does have some rocks that you should be careful of while surfing and also bear in mind that there are no lifeguards at this beach. Holidaying with your four-legged friend? Manorbier is one of many dog-friendly beaches in Pembrokeshire.
The water is very clean and there are shops and pubs within walking distance of the beach. Manorbier can be found in south Pembrokeshire. Take the B4585 off the A4139 some five miles southwest of Tenby.
5. Poppit Sands
Poppit Sands is a beautiful sandy beach near Cardigan, it tends to have much smaller waves which are consistent and means that it is more suited to the less experienced surfers. Poppit sands is a very clean beach with a cafe and a large car park. Make sure you stay to the west side of the beach as near the river mouth are strong currents. Lifeguards are on duty between July and August. Poppit Sands can be found on the north Pembrokeshire coast. Follow the B4546 off the A487 in Cardigan.
Looking for somewhere to relax after a day enjoying one of these awesome surfing beaches in Pembrokeshire? Browse our selection of holiday cottages in Pembrokeshire for a home away from home in West Wales.
Other Surfing Beaches in Wales
1. Hells Mouth
Aberdaron on the Llyn Peninsular has a great beach with an even better name – Hells Mouth. A well-known, pretty beach that gets extremely wild during south-westerly gales. Ideal for beginners (on clam days) to the more advanced surfers. It gets its name from old sailing days when many a ship was wrecked here trying to shelter from high seas. Hells Mouth can be found at the western end of the Lleyn Peninsula. Follow the B4413 to Aberdaron.
2. Llangennith
Llangennith/Rhossili on the Gower simply has to be on any list of surfing beaches in Wales. When the swell hits the southern shores of Wales – Llangennith can reach some great heights.
Head to the northern end of the beach for the big powerful waves or to the south (Rhossili) for less swell and a more sheltered surf. To find Llangennith, follow the B4295 through the village of Llangennith, pass through Hill End caravan park to a small car park. Take the footpath through the dunes to the beach.
If Wales is your ideal destination for a surfing getaway, then be sure to read our guide to the ultimate beaches in West Wales or check out our range of holiday cottages across West Wales. Whether you’re looking for group accommodation or a romantic getaway, we have a wide range of cottages close to the best surfing beaches in Wales.
