Constantine Bay
Distance: 45 minutes (30 miles) | Level: Intermediate to Advanced | Type: Sandy Beach Break
One of North Cornwall’s most consistent surf beaches, delivering quality waves that reward experienced surfers.
Beach Overview
Constantine Bay is a wide, sandy beach on the exposed north coast near Padstow. It picks up virtually every Atlantic swell going, which means there are almost always waves here. The trade-off is power – on bigger days, the surf can be strong and fast, making it better suited to confident intermediates and advanced surfers. The beach is backed by dunes and a golf course, giving it a wilder feel than the more developed spots.
Surf Conditions
- Best Tide: All tides, but best at mid to low
- Swell Direction: W to NW (very exposed, catches everything)
- Wave Type: Powerful, well-shaped beach breaks
- Bottom: Sand
- Crowding: Popular with experienced surfers; busy on good days
Facilities
- Parking: National Trust car park behind the dunes
- Lifeguards: RNLI lifeguards May to September
- Surf Hire: Constantine Bay Surf School on site
- Toilets: Yes, at the car park
- Nearby: Padstow is 10 minutes by car for restaurants and shops
Best For
- Intermediates: Clean, well-shaped waves on moderate days
- Advanced Surfers: Powerful and hollow on bigger swells
- Consistency: Almost always has rideable waves
Getting There
From Waterloo Farm: Take the A395 to the A39 towards Camelford, then the A389 towards Padstow. Turn off at St Merryn and follow signs to Constantine Bay. Around 45 minutes.
The furthest of our recommended surf spots but well worth the drive for quality, consistent waves. Combine it with lunch in nearby Padstow for a memorable day out on the North Cornwall coast.