No holiday in Cornwall is complete without a surfing adventure! If you’re staying in Fowey, you have loads of beaches to choose from. Here are some of the best spots near Fowey that promise big waves and a memorable day by the sea.
Readymoney Cove
Located just half a mile from Fowey town centre, Readymoney Cove is a charming and sheltered sandy beach. While it’s not a prime surfing spot, its calm waters are perfect for beginners to practice paddling and balance. The scenic surroundings and proximity to St Catherine’s Castle make it a delightful spot for a family day out. The nearby village of Fowey also offers numerous cafes and shops where you can relax after a day in the water.
Polkerris Beach
Polkerris Beach, about 2 miles west of Fowey, is a small, sheltered cove ideal for water sports in Cornwall, including surfing, paddle boarding and sailing. The beach has a surf school offering lessons and equipment hire, making it a great place for beginners to learn the ropes. Polkerris’s calm waters and accessible facilities make it one of Cornwall’s best family beaches. The Rashleigh Inn and Sam’s on the Beach, both located a stone’s throw from the water, provide a perfect spot to enjoy a meal with a view.
Par Sands
Approximately 4 miles from Fowey lies Par Sands Beach, a wide, sandy beach with gentle waves suitable for beginner surfers. It’s backed by sand dunes and a nature reserve, offering a scenic and tranquil setting to enjoy the day. The beach has ample parking and facilities, including a surf school that provides lessons and equipment rental. Nearby, you’ll find cafes and shops in the village of Par, where you can round out your visit before heading back to Fowey.
Crinnis Beach at Carlyon Bay
Crinnis Beach, about 7 miles from Fowey, is a large sandy beach great for various water sports in Cornwall. The beach is part of a trio, including Shorthorn and Polgaver beaches, offering plenty of space and varying tidal conditions for surfers. Facilities include a surf school, equipment hire and seasonal lifeguards. The nearby town of St Austell provides additional amenities and dining options, making it a convenient location for surfers and families alike.
Porthpean Beach
About 9 miles west of Fowey, you’ll find Porthpean Beach, a sheltered, family-friendly cove. The sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming and building sandcastles. Porthpean is also popular for sailing, windsurfing and kayaking, with equipment rental and lessons available at the nearby St Austell Bay Watersports Centre. If you tire of the water, the surrounding cliffs offer stunning views and coastal walks. A seasonal beach cafe and public toilets make this a well-equipped spot for a fun day out.
Pentewan Sands
Pentewan Sands is a beautiful beach 10 miles from Fowey known for its clear waters and excellent conditions for water sports. The beach features a holiday park with extensive amenities, including a surf school and equipment rental. The calm, shallow waters make it an ideal spot for beginner surfers. After a day on the waves, explore the nearby village of Mevagissey, known for its picturesque harbour and charming eateries.
Talland Bay
Talland Bay, situated between Looe and Polperro, is a picturesque beach known for its tranquil waters and beautiful surroundings. It’s an excellent spot for kayaking and paddle boarding, with equipment hire available during the high season. The bay’s calm waters are ideal for beginner surfers looking to practice their skills. Nearby cafes and eateries provide a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the coastal scenery after a day of water sports.
Hannafore Beach
A bit farther up the coast is Hannafore Beach, a lesser-known spot excellent for surfing, especially during low tide when the waves are more consistent. This beach is also popular for rock pooling and exploring marine life. Enjoy stunning views of Looe Island, about a mile from the mainland. The nearby town of Looe provides plenty of amenities, including cafes, restaurants and shops.
East Looe Beach
This town beach and swimming destination is a long-time favourite of holidaymakers. Ideal for swimming or just lazing about, East Looe Beach occasionally sees good surf conditions. The bay is also great for kayaking and paddle boarding, with equipment hire available nearby. It’s an excellent destination if you want to combine your day on the beach with exploring the charming town of Looe, where you’ll find numerous cafes, restaurants and shops.
Millendreath Beach
Millendreath Beach is a beautiful, sheltered cove ideal for families and water sports enthusiasts. Known for its calm, clear waters, the beach is perfect for swimming, paddle boarding and kayaking. The conditions are also great for beginner surfers when the swell is right. Nearby Millendreath Beach Resort provides amenities like equipment hire, lessons, a cafe and public facilities. The surrounding countryside and coastal paths offer stunning views and excellent walking opportunities, making it a must-visit destination during your Cornish holiday near Fowey.
Gwithian Towans Beach
For the very best surfing in Cornwall, you must be willing to travel a bit farther from Fowey. About 40 miles west is Gwithian Towans Beach near Hayle, a vast stretch of sand offering excellent surfing conditions for all levels. Facilities include a surf shop and cafes. Gwithian Academy of Surfing also provides lessons and equipment rental. The beach is exposed, so it picks up plenty of swell, but it’s also prone to wind. Be cautious of strong rips, especially near the river mouth at Hayle.
Porthtowan Beach
Nestled in an area of outstanding natural beauty 30 miles west of Fowey, Porthtowan Beach boasts consistently big waves, making it a hotspot for intermediate to advanced surfers. The beach has a surf resort and holds Blue Flag status, which speaks to its high-quality water and facilities. Eskinzo Surf School offers lessons and equipment hire. After your surfing session, enjoy the local cafes and bars in nearby Porthtowan. Round out your visit with a coastal walk amidst breath-taking scenery.
Perranporth Beach
Perranporth Beach is located about 30 miles west of Fowey near St Agnes. This popular destination for intermediate surfers offers consistent waves amidst a stunning backdrop of grassy cliffs and pale sands. The Perranporth Surf School provides lessons and equipment hire. The beach is also home to the famous Watering Hole, a bar right on the sand, perfect for relaxing after a surf session. The scenic beauty and reliable waves make Perranporth Beach a must-visit for anyone interested in surfing in Cornwall.
Mawgan Porth Beach
Located 25 miles from Fowey on the South West Coast Path north of Newquay, Mawgan Porth Beach is a beautiful setting known for its excellent surfing conditions. The beach is backed by sand dunes and cliffs, providing some shelter from the wind. It’s ideal for surfers of all levels, with schools like King Surf offering lessons and equipment hire. The beach’s natural beauty and relatively uncrowded waves make it a great spot for water sports in Cornwall.
Constantine Bay Beach
Situated on the Trevose Headland 30 miles from Fowey, Constantine Bay Beach is renowned for its high-quality waves, particularly during mid to high tide. The beach features a reef at the southern end, which is largely to thank for the excellent surfing conditions. Constantine Bay Surf School offers lessons and equipment hire. The area is also known for its scenic hiking trails, making it a great destination for both surfing and exploring Cornwall’s natural beauty.
Praa Sands Beach
Head down to the southern coast 50 miles from Fowey. Between Prussia Cove and Rinsey, you’ll find Praa Sands Beach, known for its powerful waves that challenge even the most seasoned surfers. The beach is surrounded by rolling dunes and is less crowded than other popular spots. Lifeguards are present during the summer, and Global Boarders Surf School offers top-notch lessons and equipment hire. You can also explore quaint villages and coastal paths nearby before heading back to Fowey for the night.
Book Your Stay at The Old Quay House Hotel
Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just starting out, there are clearly plenty of beaches near Fowey where you can surf in Cornwall. After a thrilling day riding the waves and soaking up the scenery, take a load off at The Old Quay House Hotel.
Nestled in the quaint seaside town of Fowey, this whitewashed Victorian building offers unrivalled riverside luxury for your Cornish holiday. Enjoy fine dining at The Old Quay House Restaurant, where head chef Richard Massey prepares exquisite dishes for our rotating menu. Indoor and outdoor seating allows you to enjoy the views, no matter the weather.
Slow down and enjoy the morning before heading out on your surfing adventure. Every room in our three-storey hotel features a small balcony, most of which overlook the estuary and the village of Polruan on the other side of the river. There, you can sit and sip your morning coffee as you anticipate the fun-filled day ahead.
Ready to plan your visit? For the best rates and seasonal discounts, book directly through our website. You can also call 44 0172 683 3302 to check availability and book a room. We look forward to having you stay with us!