The Atlantic Highway is a winding tarmac road that cuts through natural beauty, connecting Devon and Cornwall. But did you know where to surf in Cornwall and Devon?

Vendors dealing in boards, wax and waves can be seen darting up and down this highway, wild-eyed and foaming at the mouth; looking for what the area has to offer.

Here are some of the best surf spots in Cornwall and Devon.

See also: Best Places to Visit in Cornwall

Where to surf in Cornwall and Devon

Join local Cornish and Devon surfers at these surfing hotspots.

Croyde

Croyde in North Devon is considered by many to be the most popular beach break for surfing and is the place to be when the waves are up. Both pro and amateur surfers will be there, but things can get a little hairy and heavy at this point, with rips in big swells.

There are car parks at both ends, with a nice cafe and board hire shop at the down end car park – which is also a nice spot for photographers if you’re just there to watch.

There is also a pub and surf shops further down in the small town.

Saunton sand

If you’re more of a longboarder who prefers more predictable waves, this point break might be for you.

This beach is also long and is great for walking dogs and is also popular for film productions. The surf rolls into the caves that look like the moon was made out of sand. There is a cafe and equipment rentals as well as beach hut rentals.

Parking fees are reasonable and there are plenty of them so you don’t have to struggle to find a parking space.

The best views of this beach are from the road that winds along to Croyde and there are a couple of point breaks between the two beaches which are likely to be less crowded if you are an experienced surfer. There are also good opportunities for windsurfers.

Puttsborough

When the wind picks up you are somewhat sheltered here and so are the waves.

It’s a bit more difficult to get to, but there are good parking facilities, although they are more expensive at £9 per vehicle in summer and £7 in winter.

The huge headland divides Croyde and Putts like a mythical whale charging at you as you ride the waves back to shore. Good for surfers of all levels. There are also surf rentals, camping and amenities.

West Ho!

Kitesurfing is the name of the game here. On windy days, people terrorize the seas with kites at speeds that have surfers wondering if they got it all wrong.

Sporting is the only place name in the UK with an exclamation mark in the title; On wild days it’s easy to see why!

There is a friendly gear hire company that can get you what you need, reasonably priced and open all year round.

If you want to surf and then eat something, there are also many dining options here, including the famous Hockings Ice Cream.

West Ho! is on the south side of the dividing Bideford Bar which leads to Appledore and then Instow, two other lovely locations.

booth

Walking down to the end of the harbor where the fishermen are getting their boats ready to leave, you wouldn’t think this is a big surfing beach – but it is.

Bude has a lovely family feel and the surf is suitable for all surfers with this west facing beach break although it can be a hard paddling and cracked.

There are a few different spots to surf including Sandymouth Bay, Crooklets and Summerleaze Beach which is the closest to Bude.