Surfing holidays: The best places to learn to surf in the UK

But the good news is you don’t need to commit to a long-haul escape to sample this popular water sport.

The UK's coastline is a little treasure trove for surfers, offering a plethora of beaches and surf schools catering to all experience levels and abilities. From the celebrated surf spots of Cornwall and the idyllic beaches of Jersey to the unspoiled charm of Wales and the up-and-coming scene of the north coast, there is a beach to captivate every surf enthusiast. So, grab your wetsuit and surfboard and get ready to ride the waves along the stunning shores of the British Isles.

How long does it take to learn to surf?

If you’re generally quite physically fit and confident in the water, you can expect to be able to stand up on your surfboard in the shallows during your first lesson. Staying up and riding the waves will, of course, take more time but a two-hour surf lesson is usually enough for most people to get the basics and then it’s a case of practice and determination to improve your skills. This means that you will be able to find your sea legs and make great strides even if you only have time for a short break or a week’s holiday.

We’ve rounded up the best places to learn to surf and the chicest seaside hotels for the most magical surfing holidays in the UK.

As the largest of the Channel Islands, Jersey is one of the best places to learn to surf in the UK. Its varied coastline provides surfers with a range of conditions, making it a popular destination for all skill levels.

St. Ouen's Bay, on the west coast of Jersey, is the hotspot for surfers. The beach stretches for miles, offering plenty of space for learners to practice without feeling intimidated or overcrowded. Surf schools in the area provide friendly expert coaching to help newcomers find their feet on the board.

For those seeking gentler waves, Green Island Beach, named after the grassy islet of ‘La Motte’ that sits just off the beach and is accessible to explore on foot at low tide, and St. Brelade's Bay are excellent choices.

Beyond the beach, Jersey’s mix of cultural attractions and natural wonders make it a charming holiday destination. The island's unique blend of British and French influences is evident in its architecture, cuisine, and local customs, and it’s also home to beautiful coastal walks, stunning gardens, and a thriving arts and crafts scene.

Best place to stay:  With its prime location overlooking St. Ouen's Bay, The Atlantic not only offers superb facilities from a sumptuous spa to award-winning dining but also direct access to some of the best surfing beaches in Jersey.

If you’ve yet to explore The North East of England, chances are that beaches are probably not front of mind when you think of the region’s claims to fame. But while the temperatures are certainly on the chillier side, the sheer wild and rugged beauty of the Durham Heritage Coast makes it a compelling destination for surfers seeking consistent waves and fewer crowds.

Starting just North of the River Tees estuary, the Durham Heritage Coast extends northward to the mouth of the River Tyne at South Shields with charming seaside towns and attractions  dotted along the way, including Hartlepool Headland, Seaham, Sunderland Docks and Whitburn Beach.

Bamburgh Castle Beach, a sandy beach near Alnwick, is widely regarded as one of the best beaches for surfing in Northumberland as conditions on this stretch are the most consistent and reliable.

Beadnell Bay, situated two miles away from the seaside town of Seahouses, is another secret gem. This wide, sandy beach nestled in a horseshoe shaped bay forms a natural harbour and is host to a wealth of great water sports experiences, including windsurfing, kitesurfing and sailing, as well as surfing.

Lying on the North Sea coast between Hartlepool and the mouth of the River Tees, Seaton Carew Beach is another hotspot for messing about on the water. In winter, the vast expanse of sand revealed at low tide is popular with walkers and anyone wanting to blow away the cobwebs in the bracing North Sea winds, whilst in summer the sea is teeming with kayaks, canoes, and jet skis — and you can even try your hand at water skiing and windsurfing in addition to learning to surf.

The north coast of England offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and coastal charm. Here, you can also discover quaint fishing villages, traditional pubs, and friendly locals who embrace the surf culture that has found a home along their shores.

Best place to stay: Seaham Hall, a spectacular Georgian country house hotel with a spa, is the perfect base. Situated on the seafront in the pretty harbour town of Seaham, this hotel offers a cosy retreat and your gateway to the delights of Durham’s Heritage Coast.