Where to Surf Near London

1. Joss Bay, Kent (1h 45m from London)

Kent's best surf spot. It works on northerly and north-easterly swells as well as large south-westerlies, making it more flexible than most south coast options. The beach section suits beginners at lower tides; the reef and sandbar setups get more interesting at mid to high tide. Check the forecast before you go.

• By car: Around 1h 45m (80 miles)
• By train: London St Pancras to Broadstairs in around 1h 20m, then a short taxi
• Best for: All levels
• Conditions: Inconsistent. Best in autumn and winter.

2. Bracklesham Bay, West Sussex (2 hrs from London)

A beach break on the West Sussex coast that works at mid tide with a south-westerly swell. Like all south coast spots, it needs the right swell to be worth the trip. Check the forecast before going.

• By car: Around 2 hours (65 miles)
• By train: London Victoria to Chichester (around 1h 45m), then a taxi
• Best for: Beginners
• Conditions: Very inconsistent. Needs SW swell. Best in winter.

3. The Wave, Bristol (around 2 hours from London)

An inland wave pool just outside Bristol with consistent waves for all levels. You book a specific session in advance and the waves are the same regardless of weather or tide. More expensive than a beach break, but you are guaranteed to surf. The only option on this list where conditions are never a reason to stay home.

• By car: Around 2 hours (119 miles)
• By Surf Bus: Drop-in runs a bus from London Paddington every Saturday. £35 return. See upcoming trips.
• Best for: All levels
• Conditions: Consistent year-round

4. Croyde and Saunton, Devon (4 hrs from London)

Two beaches side by side on the North Devon coast. Croyde is a punchy beach break with a classic surf-town vibe. Saunton, right next door, is a 3.5-mile stretch of gentler, rolling waves widely regarded as Devon's best spot for learning. Both work best in autumn and winter. By car it is a long day trip; without a car, you're better off staying overnight.

• By car: Around 4 hours (200 miles)
• By train: London Waterloo to Barnstaple (around 3.5 hours), then a bus to Braunton and a taxi to either beach
• Best for: Croyde for intermediates, Saunton for beginners
• Conditions: Best in autumn and winter. Summer can be flat.

5. Watergate Bay and Fistral, Newquay (5 hrs from London)

Two of the UK's best surf beaches near Newquay in Cornwall. Fistral is the UK's most famous surf spot, powerful and consistent, with a south end that suits beginners and a north end for more experienced surfers. Watergate Bay is a two-mile beach just north of town with waves for all levels and more space. Too far for a comfortable day trip, but worth making a weekend of it.

• By car: Around 5 hours
• By train: London Paddington to Newquay via Par (around 5 hours). Fistral is a 10-15 minute walk from Newquay station.
• Best for: All levels
• Conditions: Best in autumn and winter. Picks up swell well.

Which Should You Choose?

If you want to surf this weekend without a car, The Wave Bristol is the easiest answer. Drop-in runs a Surf Bus from London Paddington every Saturday for £35 return, and the waves are guaranteed regardless of the forecast.

If you have a car and want real ocean waves, Croyde or Saunton in Devon are the best day-trip options. Leave early. For the south coast, Joss Bay is the most accessible but check conditions before committing.

For the full experience, Newquay is worth a weekend trip. The train from Paddington takes around 5 hours and there is more than enough to fill two days.