9 of the best beaches for surfing in Wales

Coastal, Watersports, The Great British Outdoors

Posted by Ruth on 12th June 2023

Surfing in Wales

There are so many reasons why Wales should be the destination for your next surf break. Imagine perfect waves surrounded by unspoilt scenery, away from the popular spots of Devon and Cornwall, then add to that some brilliant pubs and restaurants to visit by the beach, and plenty of cultural sites nearby too. Does it look like the perfect setting for a surf holiday? We think so.

Whether you’re looking to visit the surf centre of Wales – the Gower – or somewhere a little more off the beaten track; whether you’re a beginner hunting for surf schools in Wales where you can learn a new skill, or you’re a pro looking for your next perfect wave, Wales has such a huge variety of surfing beaches, it’s impossible to visit them all in one trip!

To help you narrow it down, we’ve rounded up our nine favourite surfing spots in Wales. And if you’re also in search of a Welsh coastal cottage for some downtime when you’re all surfed out, just click the button below.

Wales coastal cottages

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Surfing in North Wales

Rhosneigr surfPhoto credit: Instagram @matt_vickerman_surfer

Rhosneigr

On the fantastic Isle of Anglesey, Rhosneigr is a popular beach break that has consistent waves all year round, making it one of the best places to surf in North Wales. The combination of both left and right-breaking waves, as well as the fact that it’s surfable on most tides, makes it a real crowd-pleaser – although with lots of mellow waves that rarely get bigger than 6ft, you’d best pack your longboard for a trip to this beach!

Surf school nearby: FunSport, Rhosneigr

Stay nearby: Lake Dinam Cottage | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs


Surf SnowdoniaCredit: Adventure Parc Snowdonia

Adventure Parc Snowdonia

Ok, so it’s not a surfing beach, however we couldn’t miss Adventure Parc Snowdonia off our list. The world’s first commercial wave pool is actually 7 miles inland from the nearest coast and surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Snowdonia National Park but, thanks to its groundbreaking technology, it offers perfect waves day after day as well as lots of other outdoor adventures. For this reason, it’s one of the most popular places for surfing lessons in Wales; where else can you practise your pop-up on endless peeling waves?!

Surf school nearby: Lessons available at Adventure Parc Snowdonia

Stay nearby: Little Manor - Plas Cwta Conwy Valley | sleeps 4 + 1 dog


Hell's Mouth surfingPhoto credit: Instagram @phillboyd_outwest

Porth Neigwl/Hell’s Mouth

As intimidating as Hell’s Mouth sounds, it’s actually one of the best surf beaches in Wales for beginners. The long stretch of sandy beach in North Wales means there’s plenty of room for catching waves and minimal underwater hazards if you wipe out. Plus, it doesn’t get a lot of powerful swell, so the waves are gentle enough for even the most clueless of beginners. Nearby Abersoch has surf shops and plenty of places for a post-surf pick-me-up too.

Surf school nearby: West Coast Surf Shop, Abersoch

Stay nearby: Capel Neigwl, Abersoch | sleeps 10 + 2 dogs


Great British Coast


Surfing in Pembrokeshire & West Wales


Whitesands Bay surfPhoto credit: Instagram @izawizzy

Whitesands Bay

One of our favourite spots for surfing in Wales, Whitesands combines brilliant conditions with great apres-surf activities found nearby in the UK’s smallest city, St Davids. The beach gets lots of shelter from Ramsey Island and this creates some brilliant conditions, especially with a westerly swell, that can produce waves of up to 12ft. When you’re surfed out, head 2 miles inland to St Davids to sample Pembrokeshire’s finest cafes and bars or, if you have some energy to spare, take a breathtaking walk along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

Surf school nearby: Ma Simes Surf School, St Davids

Stay nearby: St Davids Cottage, St Davids | sleeps 6 + 2 dogs


Freshwater West

Freshwater West

This Pembrokeshire beach has seen some of the best surfing in Wales due to it being the home of the Welsh Nationals. However, despite its pedigree, it’s a great spot for all levels, with a beach break suitable for beginners and a reef section for those looking to advance their surfing. On top of this, it’s surrounded by gorgeous National Trust land so surely has to be one of the most spectacular settings for a surf in Wales.

Surf school nearby: Outer Reef Surf School, Pembroke

Stay nearby: West Grove Barn Ash, Hundleton | sleeps 6 + 5 dogs


Manorbier surfPhoto credit: Instagram @laurap.4

Manorbier

Another great Pembrokeshire surf spot, Manorbier attracts surfers from all around due to the quality of this break, so get there early if you want to beat the crowds! The small bay and rocky reef here shape the swell into waves of up to 10ft which are great for intermediate to advanced surfers, while at low tide, there is also a sandy beach break available. Look out for a south-westerly swell and north-easterly wind for the very best conditions.

Surf school nearby: Surfing West Wales, Pembrokeshire

Stay nearby: Glanymor Coastal View, Manorbier | sleeps 4


Surfing in South Wales


Llangennith

Llangennith

Llangennith is one of the most popular places to surf in Wales, but you needn’t worry about the crowds. It’s another Welsh beach with plenty of room for beginners and their epic wipeouts, packing loads of gentle waves into a 5km stretch of coastline at western edge of the Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s one of the most scenic places for surfing in Wales too, with great views of Worm's Head, or Penryhn Gwyr, a narrow tidal island at the far end of the peninsula.

Surf school nearby: Llangennith Surf School, Llangennith

Stay nearby: Kingsland Cottage, Gower | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs


Langland Bay surfPhoto credit: Instagram @richimagessport

Langland Bay

Another great intermediate surf spot in Wales, Langland Bay has several breaks to choose from depending on the tide. However, the best conditions are found at low to mid tide where the wave can get big and hollow, especially in a south-westerly swell. There are a few rip currents and lots of rocks, so take caution; if you want a slightly more beginner-friendly wave on the Gower Peninsula, head around the coast to Caswell Bay.

Surf school nearby: Gower Surf School, Newton

Stay nearby: Ael Y Don, Gower | sleeps 4


Llantwit Major surfPhoto credit: Instagram @madhaus_photography and @_ollie_wongo

Llantwit Major

One of the best surfing beaches in Wales for experienced wave riders, Llantwit Major has an impressive right-hand point break providing a fun challenge. Its quality can’t be disputed; it has played host to many Welsh Surfing Federation events, however the wave forms over a reef made out of boulders and can produce some dangerous rips too, so this why it’s only suitable for those surfers who are confident in their abilities. Visit on a north-westerly swell with a north-easterly wind to see this break near Cardiff at its finest.

Surf school nearby: Cresseys Surf Academy, Porthcawl

Stay nearby: Bwthyn Eglwys - Cowbridge | sleeps 4 + 1 dog


A map of the best surfing beaches in Wales

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Stay with us in Wales

Is Wales next on your surfing bucket list? Whether you’re visiting in a big group, want an action-packed family holiday or are hoping to spend some quality time with your loved one, we have a wide range of coastal cottages close to the waves. Click the button below to find your perfect beach house in Wales.

Wales coastal cottages



Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.