South Devon's best surf spots

If you’re a keen surfer heading to Devon on a wave-seeking trip, you may have heard that North Devon is the only place where you can find some high-quality waves. And while it’s true that Devon’s north coast receives a more abundant swell from the Atlantic, if you ignore the south coast’s waves then you’re missing out on epic, uncrowded surf among some of the county’s most stunning scenery.

From gentle beach breaks suitable for beginners learning to surf to fast and hollow waves in river mouths that are best left to the experts, South Devon should certainly be a contender for your next surf trip. And if the sea goes flat, you’ve still got charming villages, historic sites and mouth-watering eateries to explore before the swell picks back up again.

Here’s our guide to the best places to surf in South Devon – and a few great holiday cottages that are perfect for some post-surf relaxation.  

Mothecombe

At the mouth of the River Erme as it reaches the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll find Mothecombe Beach, a lovely sandy beach on a privately owned estate, with plenty of public parking, a restaurant and other facilities. There’s around a 15-minute walk from the car park to the beach, which is worth factoring in when your arms get tired towards the end of the surf session!

As this surf break is one of the closest to Plymouth, it does tend to get crowded at the weekends, but it’s a great spot for all abilities due to its gentle waves. The only hazards are a few occasional rip tides and a few feisty locals – but be respectful in the sea and you should get along fine!

Challaborough

Challaborough credit: Instagram @kcmd586

One of South Devon’s most well-known surf spots, Challaborough sits alongside its twin beach, Bigbury-on-Sea, to the west of Burgh Island which can be accessed by foot at low tide or by the quirky sea tractor when the tide’s in! It’s a really picturesque spot with low-tide rock pools that the little ones will love, plus there are plenty of village facilities including public parking – try the Aymer Cove car park which is a little walk from the beach but free for National Trust members. The National Trust has several attractions in Devon, for more information, read our guide about some of our favourite National Trust places to visit in Devon.  

There’s a reason Challaborough is a popular South Devon surf break – the quality and size of the waves are among the most consistent on the coast, with a decent southerly swell producing fast and hollow waves to please intermediate surfers. Just be aware of a few rocks on the beach bottom and a few rip currents on the right of the bay towards the rocks.

Bantham

Bantham credit: Instagram @compassquay

This is the South Devon surf spot – and is actually two sets of breaks on Bantham Beach, just across the River Avon from Challaborough. The beach offers a beginner-friendly beach break, with the waves produced by shifting sand bars (these can create rips, so always pay attention to the lifeguards). The other break is in the mouth of the River Avon which is only surfable at low tide and best left to the pros – the fast-flowing river water produces some speedy rip currents which can be used to your advantage to carry you out to the line-up, but only if you know what you’re doing!

Due to its year-round popularity, Bantham has lots of choice for a post-surf pick-me-up, and there are also facilities like toilets and a public car park. Another side effect of its popularity is that it can get crowded, so be respectful in the waves.

Thurlestone

Thurlestone credit: Instagram @ver0ver

The next village across from Bantham also has a great surf break but, unlike Bantham, this one is for intermediate to expert surfers. The sandy beach has a few submerged rocks and the shifting sand bars produce some fast, right-hand waves which are among some of the best on the entire coastline in the right conditions.

As it’s slightly trickier than neighbouring Bantham, Thurlestone is often a lot quieter, but still has some decent facilities such as a pub and a village shop. There’s a public car park near the golf course, and as you walk towards the sea you should see some nicely peeling waves in front of you when the conditions are good.

North Sands, Salcombe

North Sands credit: Instagram @noahpetersons

Where the Kingsbridge Estuary meets the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll find one of the ficklest waves in South Devon – but it’s worth checking out when there’s a storm. Large south-westerly swells bring waves up the estuary and to North Sands, where the beach is sheltered from a headland and produces some sizeable peaks.

In the right weather, you can take your pick from either the left or right-hand peak which form best at mid-tide. When you’re all surfed out, you have Salcombe's many cafes, pubs and restaurants at your disposal – plus there’s ample parking available in North Sands car park.

Paignton

Paignton credit: Instagram @_mark_mason

Facing east and sheltered by Berry Head, Paignton doesn’t receive a lot of the swell from the Atlantic – but when it does, it’s well worth a visit. The popular resort is well set up for visitors, with ample parking right by the beach plus plenty of pubs, restaurants and cafes to sample after you’ve been in the sea.

When the swell turns south-easterly or easterly, you can find some fun waves suitable for all abilities and, with the beach bottom being completely sandy and the town being in a sheltered bay, there are rarely any hazards – making it a great spot for everyone to enjoy! Check out our guide on things to do in Paignton for more ideas if you are visiting the town.  

Exmouth

Exmouth credit: Instagram @adz_zephyr

This East Devon reef break is often known as the Bone Yard, but don’t let that put you off. Apart from a few rocky hazards, it’s a fun wave suitable for most abilities (beginners, maybe sit this one out). The best waves come at high tide, when you can paddle out to the line-up from the left end of Sandy Bay Beach.

The wave can be quite fickle, but even if the conditions aren’t great, Exmouth is still worth a visit. With ample parking and public facilities, it’s easy to get to and easy to enjoy – plus there are some great cliff walks along the South West Coast Path and plenty of things to see and do in the town centre.

Beer Point

Beer Point credit: Instagram @mrjoe

Situated between Branscombe and Beer, this point break is really easy to get to and offers long, chilled-out waves suitable for most abilities on a south-westerly swell. In the middle of the point there is an A-frame wave that’s a little faster, and some right-hand and left-hand breaks either side – making it a fun and challenging surf spot.

It’s a bit of a walk from the nearest car park, meaning that it’s often an uncrowded place to surf. Plus, you have your pick of both Beer and Branscombe’s facilities when you’re all surfed out.

Book your surfing holiday to Devon

With an abundance of surf breaks to suit every ability, surely you think it’s time to pack your surfboard and wetsuit and head to South Devon? Take a look at our full guide to Devon’s best surfing beaches for even more surf inspiration. Or take a look at our full collection of coastal holiday cottages in Devon to be even closer to the action.