How to plan a surf camping trip on the north Cornish coast, with beaches, kit and safety tips.
The north coast of Cornwall faces straight into the Atlantic, which makes it one of the best places in the UK to learn to surf or catch a few waves on a camping trip. This guide covers the surf beaches within reach of our farm campsite near Boscastle, how tides and swell affect them, lessons, kit and how to stay safe.
Why surf camp in North Cornwall?
- Atlantic swell: the north coast picks up swell from the Atlantic, giving waves through much of the year.
- Variety: from wide, sandy beaches for beginners to more challenging reef and point breaks.
- Camping: a campsite base keeps costs down and means you can be in the water at the best tides.
Surf beaches near Boscastle
Bude
Bude, about 15 miles from our campsite, has several beaches, including Summerleaze and Crooklets. They are popular for surfing and have surf schools. See our Bude day trip guide.
Widemouth Bay
Widemouth Bay, just south of Bude, is a wide, sandy beach and a well-known spot for beginners and improvers. Read our Widemouth Bay guide.
Crackington Haven
Crackington Haven is a small cove closer to the campsite. It can have surf in the right conditions, but it is more exposed and has rocks, so it suits experienced surfers best. See our Crackington Haven page.
Polzeath
Polzeath, on the Camel estuary further south-west, is a popular, family-friendly surf beach. Read our Polzeath and Rock guide.
Trebarwith Strand
Trebarwith Strand near Tintagel can have surf at the right tide, but the sand disappears at high tide. It's for confident surfers. See our Trebarwith Strand guide.
Understanding tides and swell
Tides
Each beach works differently at different stages of the tide. Some are best at low to mid tide, others at mid to high. Some beaches are almost covered at high tide. Always check tide times before you go, and ask local surf schools or shops for advice.
Swell
Swell is created by distant storms. Swell size, period and direction all affect the waves. Forecast apps and websites show these, but local knowledge helps a lot.
Wind
Offshore winds (blowing from land to sea) usually give cleaner waves. Onshore winds make waves messy. On the north coast, an easterly or south-easterly wind is often offshore.
Learning to surf
If you're new to surfing, take a lesson with a qualified surf school. They provide boards and wetsuits, choose the right beach for the conditions, and teach you about safety. Lessons are available at several north coast beaches, including Bude, Widemouth Bay and Polzeath. Check with the schools for details.
Kit
- Wetsuit: water in Cornwall is cool year-round. A summer suit may be fine in August, but a thicker suit is better in spring and autumn.
- Boots, gloves and hood for colder months.
- Board: beginners should use a large, soft-top board.
- Leash.
- Changing robe or towel.
- Wax for hard boards.
Drying wetsuits on a campsite
- Rinse wetsuits in fresh water after each session.
- Hang them inside out in the shade to dry.
- Use a wetsuit hanger.
- Bring a large plastic box for wet kit in the car.
At our campsite, please hang wetsuits by your own pitch. We have free showers for warming up after a surf.
Safety
- Surf at lifeguarded beaches if you're a beginner, and follow lifeguard instructions.
- Learn the flags: surf between black and white flags, swim between red and yellow flags.
- Know about rip currents. If caught, don't fight it; float, raise a hand and shout for help.
- Never surf alone in unfamiliar spots.
- In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Read our full Cornwall beach safety guide.
Surf etiquette
- Don't drop in on someone already riding a wave.
- Paddle wide of the peak, not through it.
- Keep hold of your board.
- Respect locals and other surfers.
When to surf
- Spring: fewer people, cooler water.
- Summer: warmest water, smaller waves, busy beaches.
- Autumn: often the best waves with warm water left from summer.
Our campsite is open from 1 April to 31 October. See October camping in Cornwall.
Surf camping at Lower Pennycrocker Farm
Our farm campsite is about two miles from Boscastle, 15 miles from Bude and within easy reach of the north coast surf beaches. Adults are £10 per night and children 5 and over are £5. There are free showers, toilets and a washing-up room. Book your pitch on our home page.
A sample surf day
Check the forecast and tides the night before. If the tide suits Widemouth in the morning, head off early, surf for a couple of hours, then warm up with a coffee. Spend the afternoon exploring Bude, and be back at the campsite for a hot shower and dinner as the sun goes down over the fields. On flat days, swap surfing for a coast path walk.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best surf near Boscastle?
Bude and Widemouth Bay are the most popular, especially for beginners.
Do I need a wetsuit in Cornwall?
Yes. The sea is cool year-round, so a wetsuit makes surfing much more comfortable.
When is the best time for surfing in North Cornwall?
Autumn often has the best combination of waves and warm water.
Can I take surf lessons near Boscastle?
Yes. Surf schools operate at beaches including Bude, Widemouth Bay and Polzeath.
Check the wind before you pitch: our guide to north Cornwall weather for campers explains how to read the forecast.
Stay near Boscastle
Lower Pennycrocker Farm is a quiet, family-run campsite at St Juliot, about two miles from Boscastle (PL35 0BY). We welcome tents, touring caravans, motorhomes and campervans from 1 April to 31 October. Adults are £10 a night, children aged 5 and over £5, electric hook-up £7 and dogs £2 each (maximum two). Showers are free and you park beside your pitch. Check availability and book direct, or see pitches and prices.
Still deciding where to base yourself? Our guide to the best areas to camp in Cornwall compares the north, south and west coasts.
Coming with friends or another family? Read about small group camping in Cornwall at Lower Pennycrocker Farm before you book.
