Widemouth Bay
Distance: 20 minutes (12 miles) | Level: Beginner to Intermediate | Type: Sandy Beach Break
Perfect family beach with lifeguards and consistent waves for learning.
Beach Overview
Widemouth Bay is one of the best beaches in North Cornwall for learning to surf. The wide sandy beach offers consistent waves that work on most swells. Lifeguarded in summer and with surf schools operating, it’s ideal for beginners while still offering fun waves for intermediates.
Surf Conditions
- Best Tide: Mid to high tide
- Swell Direction: SW to NW
- Wave Type: Beach breaks
- Bottom: Sand
- Works In: Most swells
- Crowding: Can be busy in summer
Facilities
- Parking: Large pay & display car park
- Lifeguards: Summer season (May-September)
- Toilets: Yes, at car park
- Café: Widemouth Manor café
- Surf Hire: Available in season
- Showers: Outdoor rinse showers
Surf Schools
- Widemouth Bay Surf Lifesaving Club
- Several surf schools operate in summer
- Equipment hire available
- Group and private lessons
Best For
- Beginners: Gentle waves, sandy bottom
- Families: Lifeguarded, good facilities
- Learning: Multiple surf schools
- All Tides: Works on most tides
- First-Timers: Safe, supervised environment
Safety
- Swim between lifeguard flags in summer
- Sandy bottom - few hazards
- Can get powerful on big swells
- Rip currents possible - ask lifeguards
- Check conditions before entering
Getting There
From Waterloo Farm: 20 minutes via A39 towards Bude, then follow signs to Widemouth Bay.
Nearby Amenities
- Widemouth Manor café/restaurant
- Beach shop
- Ice cream van (summer)
- Seasonal surf hire
Best Time
- Summer: Warmest water, lifeguards, surf schools
- Autumn: Cleaner waves, less crowded
- Winter: For experienced surfers, cold!
- Spring: Warming up, good for beginners
Excellent choice for learning to surf or a safe family surf session. The combination of consistent waves, lifeguards, and facilities makes this one of North Cornwall’s most accessible surf beaches.