Find out the best locations to go surfing within a two-hour journey from London!  The top surfing spots include Broadstairs, Joss Bay ...

Near London, the top surfing spots include Broadstairs for beginners and longboarders, Joss Bay for diverse waves, Littlehampton for beach breaks, Brighton for a vibrant surf culture, Eastbourne for sheltered conditions, and West Wittering for scenic, uncrowded surfing. Each location is within a two-hour journey from the city, offering a variety of waves suitable for all levels, find out more about each spot in this blog post:

Looking for a coastal getaway from the urban hustle? Explore the UK's vast, scenic coastlines and their inviting sandy beaches by checking our top surf spots near London, all within a mere two-hour journey from the heart of the city!

Broadstairs, Kent: This charming seaside town boasts two excellent surfing locations. Viking Bay, the primary beach, offers a clean, more sheltered wave, ideal for longboarders, especially at low tide near the harbour jetty. Beginners will find the bay's inside welcoming, with conditions favourable throughout the tide. Optimal surfing times are around low tide. Adjacent to Viking Bay is Joss Bay, celebrated as Kent's premiere surf spot, with sand bars and chalk reefs. Although the beach break can be challenging at high tide, the reefs provide consistent left and right waves. The best conditions are found from mid to low and low to mid tide, where sand bars form desirable wave sets.

Kent Surf School stands out as our go-to surf school on Viking Bay. Their great team of instructors offers fun lessons and straightforward equipment hire!

Getting There: A train from London St Pancras reaches Broadstairs in just 1 hour 20 minutes, or drive in about 1 hour 40 minutes (82 miles).

Littlehampton, West Sussex: Known for its modest yet significantly exposed beach break by the harbour entrance, Littlehampton offers favourable conditions at high tide, particularly with east/southwesterly swells. While it can get busy, the beauty of the location makes it a must-visit. Winter months are ideal for catching the perfect wave.

Get Kiteboarding is a kiteboarding and surfing school in West Sussex just outside of Littlehampton. Bracklesham Bay is a great place for beginners and experienced surfers alike! There, you can even take your surfing skills to the next level by trying kitesurfing as well for a new skill to master!

Getting There: It's a 1 hour 45-minute train ride from Central London or a similar duration by car (65 miles).

Brighton, East Sussex: The surf scene is a vital aspect of Brighton's vibrant culture. The Marina area offers the best breaks, with the Wedge known for its superior waves during favourable conditions. West Pier is preferred for longboarding, especially at low tide. For the largest swells, aim for November to January, though summer is great for socialising with the local surfing community along the beachfront bars and restaurants.

Brighton Kitesurf & SUP Academy is our pick to explore this amazing area. Lancing Beach has shallow calm water with sand underfoot making it the premier kite beach on the South Coast for teaching, even used by the British Kitesports Association for national and local competitions. All of their instructors are affiliated with the British Kitesports Association, making it the best place to learn. Plus, once you are ready to fly solo they can set you up on their teaching beach and they will help make sure you are safe and ready to go!

Getting There: A quick hour by train from London or around 1 hour 30 minutes by car (55 miles).

Eastbourne, East Sussex: Offering splendid facilities and a variety of water sports, Eastbourne's sheltered beach break shines at mid tide, suitable for all levels of surfers and best with a south to southwest swell.

Getting There: The train from Central London takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, or drive in about 1 hour 50 minutes (74 miles).

West Wittering, West Sussex: A pristine location for those seeking less crowded waves and a warm local community. Optimal surfing is just before high tide with a southwesterly swell, with the best waves from September to April. Summer may see more surfers.

Getting There: From London, travel takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to Chichester station, followed by a 15-minute taxi ride to the beach. Alternatively, it's a 1 hour 50-minute drive (85 miles).

Make the most of the UK's stunning coastline, whether you're a seasoned surfer or a beginner eager to catch your first wave, these destinations promise amazing views and unforgettable experiences!

Looking for an online booking system to help you run your outdoor activities? eola is dedicated to helping surf instructors and water centres share their passion with more people. We take care of the admin, so you can have spend more time doing what you love.

Looking for more ways to get outdoors in 2024? Check out Best winter outdoor activities for adventure seekers and 7 places to go stand-up paddleboarding in Sussex.

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Best places to go surfing near London

Prepare to paddle through some of the most beautiful rivers the UK has to offer! Here are our top 5 spots to go rafting in Wales:

Wales features untamed rivers and breathtaking landscapes, with some of the best white water rafting spots in the UK. Perfect for adrenaline seekers and nature enthusiasts alike - let's explore the top spots for white water rafting in Wales:

Experience consistent rapids year-round at the River Tryweryn. Its dam-controlled waters cater to both novices and experts, providing a mix of challenging and gentle flows amidst the serene Welsh countryside.

The River Dee offers a blend of beautiful landscapes and thrilling rapids. With sections suitable for all levels, it's a fantastic spot for an exhilarating day out. The historic town of Llangollen nearby also adds a cultural twist to your rafting adventure.

3. Cardiff International White Water (CIWW)

In the heart of Cardiff Bay lies CIWW, a top-notch facility offering thrilling rafting experiences on its man-made course. Ideal for all skill levels, it's a perfect place to either learn the ropes of rafting or challenge yourself under the guidance of professional instructors. A must-visit for seasoned and first-time rafting enthusiasts.

For a picturesque rafting experience, the Afon Gwy is unparalleled. Stretching through the Welsh borders, it offers tranquil waters for beginners and challenging rapids for thrill-seekers. It's a journey through the heart of Wales' stunning countryside.

Adventures Wales offers exciting white water rafting tours in various rivers around south wales, including River Usk, Rhondda & Wye. These rivers are not dependant on dam releases which makes Adventure Wales one of the few rafting venues in South Wales to offer year round rafting experiences in natural rivers!

Ideal for families and beginners, the River Teifi provides a serene rafting experience through scenic gorges and woodlands. Its gentle rapids and calm stretches make it perfect for those seeking both adventure and relaxation in nature's lap.

Wales' rivers are ready to offer you the ultimate rafting adventure, each with its unique charm and challenges. Prepare to paddle through some of the most beautiful terrains the UK has to offer!

Need for a booking system to help you run your outdoor activities? eola is dedicated to helping instructors and outdoor activity centres share their passion with more people. We reduce your administrative burdens, so you can have more time to spend doing what you love. Find out more at our watersports page.

Looking for more ways to get outdoors in 2024? Check out All you need to know about white water rafting and Where to go donutting in the UK.

Best places for white water rafting in Wales

1. River Tryweryn

2. River Dee

3. Cardiff International White Water (CIWW)

4. Afon Gwy (River Wye)

5. River Teifi

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