You surf, but there’s a high chance you don’t live anywhere near the sea. Am I right?
Every one of us is guilty of dreaming we could live somewhere else – that wasn’t quite so noisy, polluted and littered with garbage.
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But if you’re a surfer, where is the best place to live in the UK?
There’s a whole bunch of amazing places to live and they aren’t all in Cornwall…
It might sounds obvious, but there’s a reason so many surfers live in Newquay.
Many people believe it to be the home of British surfing with folk flocking from all over the country to surf here.
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The local break is Fistral Beach but beach break Watergate Bay isn’t far away. Our personal favourite is Crantock beach, just the other side of Pentire.
It’s perfect for longboarders and just far enough away from town to avoid the hoards of summertime stag dos.
If you’re looking for surf in Wales, you need to head to the south coast.
Porthcawl is located between Swansea and Cardiff, so it’s really close if you want to live in the city.
It’s a fairly exposed beach and point break. Rest Bay is the most consistent break. Although be warned, it’s guaranteed to be crowded when it’s working.
If it’s blowing a hooly, head around to Coney for more shelter.
Scotland might not have the warmer seas of south-west England, but man it has some epic surf.
The most legendary surf spot is the village of Thurso to the very north of mainland Scotland.
It was once described as: “Scotland’s premier righthand reefbreak and a world-class barrel on its day…[with one of] the longest, hollowest rides in Europe.”
Tempted?
North Devon has been an epicentre for British surfing since the 1960s when waveriders from all over the country gravitated here.
Braunton in North Devon is a great place to live. Not only does it have dozens of surf shops and the Museum of British Surfing, but it’s just a few minute drive from Saunton Sands and Croyde.
It’s also not too far from Barnstaple which has a main train station and plenty of shops, so you’re not too isolated from the rest of the world.
Located nearer France than the UK, this tiny but beautiful islands catches some of the best Atlantic swell.
St Ouen and St Helier are the places to live to be within reaching distance of the island’s best surf spots.
It’s home to a serious crew of dedicated surfers, so don’t expect the waves to be empty.
Unfortunately, you can’t live on Jersey permanently unless you are born there or have resided on the island for substantial amount of time. There’s always hope!
Ireland’s west coast is known for having surf that rivals Hawaiian waves in magnitude.
The small coastal town of Bundoran has hosted the European Surf Championships four times at its famous reef break.
Just because it’s small doesn’t mean there isn’t lots going on. Top Irish bands regularly flock here to play gigs at bars like the Chasin’ Bull.
Think the north-east of England is totally devoid of surf? Think again.
Saltburn is one of the most popular surf spots in Yorkshire. OK, the sea isn’t crystal clear and blue but you get a really nice beach break either side of the pier.
If you live up in Newcastle, then this is a great local break – but if you’re not tied to a city, then a cottage around here would be the dream.
St Ives is pretty remote – it’s almost as far south-west as you can get – but it’s a buzzing hub of activity during the summer months.
Home to artists and surfers, it’s a great town with two beaches, surrounded by lively bars, pubs, restaurants and even it’s own Tate art gallery.
So if you’re looking for a slice of culture, beautiful scenery and great surf spots within spitting distance, St Ives is the place for you.
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