Porthmeor Beach, St Ives.

Porthmeor is one of West Cornwall’s best-known surfing beaches, picking up the Atlantic swell that keeps the waves rolling through most of the year. It is popular with surfers, bodyboarders and anyone who enjoys being out on the water, whether you are just starting out or already know your way around a board.

There is a surf school right on the beach with qualified instructors, along with surfboard, bodyboard and wetsuit hire if you are travelling light. Porthmeor is also a Blue Flag beach, with a café, restaurant, toilets, changing rooms and showers, making it easy to spend the whole day by the sea.