▲Lonely Planet says that when the swell is up, this Welsh beach can rival any surf spot in Europe.

▲It lies to the west of Porthcawl, a town in Bridgend, 25 miles west of Cardiff and 19 miles southeast of Swansea. Lifeguards patrol during the summer months, making this a safe spot for beginners to build confidence.

▲Surfing may bring to mind exotic tropical beaches and images of Australia, but the UK also has some great spots to catch a wave.

▲Just outside of Newquay on the North Cornwall coast, two miles of golden sand provide a beautiful beach and a popular surfing and kitesurfing spot.

▲There are surf schools here for beginners and the bay provides a calmer alternative to nearby Newquay.

▲Lonely Plant reports that sea temperatures on this north-eastern beach average 15°C at the height of summer, so it isn't for the half-hearted.

▲The Blue Flag award-winning beach is another great spot to build confidence in surfing. There are several local schools and the beach break has staged national championships.

▲On the North Devon coast near Braunton, Saunton Sands is a popular longboard surfing location with traditional beach huts.

▲The three-mile stretch of sand has been voted as one of the top surf spots in the UK by GoEuro and FionaOutdoors.

▲There are several schools here, making this a great option for those learning to surf.

▲Northern Ireland has some of the best surfing opportunities in the UK. The scene is centred around the resort town of Portrush on the north coast.

▲Belhaven Bay is an extensive beach within the John Muir Country Park in East Lothian.

▲The shallow waters and variety of schools put the bay on Lonely Planet's list of spots for beginners, but the waters are cold year-round.

▲The Guardian reports that this is one of the most consistent breaks in Britain and that Sennen can hold good-sized waves and have surf when everywhere else is flat.

▲This is Cornwall’s most western surf spot. A long, sandy beach, small harbour and working fishing port make this a great option for a holiday.

▲The break's reputation means that it gets busy and the Atlantic water temperature peaks at 15°C, but this is a great spot for experienced surfers.

▲This is reportedly one of the best waves in Europe. The Scottish fast reef break has hosted many international competitions

▲Pembrokeshire has stunning coastlines that offer golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and fantastic hiking.

▲This south westerly facing beach is reported to have the best waves in the area. Strong rip currents make it a risky spot that is only for the experienced surfer.

▲Known as Hell's Mouth in English and located near Abersoch, its strong winds and currents make it a good choice for intermediate surfers.

▲The Guardian reports that this is the best-known surf spot in North Wales and that the four-mile long bay has peaks along its length on a good swell.

▲The Guardian reports that this bay in the Scottish Borders features a good beach break and a more challenging reef for better wave riders.

▲Less than an hour from Edinburgh, it has a sandy beach with sandstone cliffs and rocky outcrops.

▲The Guardian reports that good beginner waves can be found either side of the pier. The crescent-shaped bay provides challenging waves for pros and perfect curls for the less experienced.

▲There are public showers and changing rooms on the promenade and national surfing events are held here during the autumn and winter months.

▲It is a European Designated beach and has achieved the highest standard for UK bathing water.

▲The Guardian reports that Llangennith is one of the most popular surf spot in Wales, with beach breaks all the way along its three-mile coast.

▲Rhossili Bay at the south of the Gower Peninsula was voted the best beach in the UK in June 2010.

▲Lonely Planet lists it as a beach perfect for beginners.

▲This seaside town in Cleveland features the Saltburn Cliff Lift, one of the world's oldest water-powered funiculars, and a Grade II* renovated pier.

The UK's best surfing spots

You don't need to take a flight to find some great waves

11/02/21 por StarsInsider

TRAVEL Surfing

You don't need to book a flight to an exotic tropical beach to ride a wave – just take a weekend at one of these destinations. Take a look through the gallery to see the UK's excellent surfing spots.