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Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Cornwall/Devon towns similar to Lyme Regis with Surfing?

33 replies

Thematic · 02/03/2025 12:33

We went to Lyme Regis last year with our tween/teen and had a really fun time. It was the right kind of town for us - big enough but small enough, refined enough but busy enough, just the right kind of places to eat (good gastro pubs rather than Michelin Star restaurants or Wetherspoons standard!), good walks nearby, nice beach, places to go crabbing, pretty shops for pottering and really quaint and pretty. We're thinking of heading to either Devon or Cornwall this year and would like to find somewhere with a similar feel to it where we can rent a cottage. But the boys would like to learn to surf so ideally with surfing lessons nearby. Newquay and Falmouth probably too big for us but nowhere too small either as I can't be doing with mega crowded places. Somewhere inbetween. Any suggestions please? . North maybe better for make the drive a bit shorter. We have a healthy budget. Thanks

OP posts:
CherryGurl73 · 20/06/2025 18:42

While North Devon is the best for surfing, Bantham in South Devon is great, especially for beginners. I grew up in Torquay and spent my youth attempting to surf there! You could stay in Salcombe or Kingsbridge, which are both lovely areas. You're also close to other areas in South Devon such as Dartmouth and Torbay so lots of places to visit nearby.

CrowsInMyGarden · 20/06/2025 19:10

Woolacombe. I’m going tomorrow and I cannot wait. Has surf, pubs, walks. Beach is amazing.

Y2ker · 20/06/2025 21:54

Toomuchstufff · 03/03/2025 17:39

watergate bay is fun for surfing, well the whole coast there is, so you could stay in or near padstow and then you've access to nice pubs and restaurants in padstow, and down to newquay. polzeath is nice and there are several nice eateries but it is not quite the same vibe as lyme regis - it is really only the few shops on the front.

I like watergate bay too. Great surf schools too, never feels too busy.

Littlefish · 20/06/2025 22:15

I recommend Porthleven on the South coast of Cornwall. Some great surfing, lovely restaurants and great walks.

Hayley1256 · 20/06/2025 22:17

Its smaller than Lyme Regis but Westard Ho! Is great and very popular for surfing.

lifeisacat · 20/06/2025 22:19

We loved Woolacomb when the kids were little. Loved the curry at the beach in Barricane bay too.

LittleMonks11 · 21/06/2025 21:24

Stay in St Ives and take teen to Porthmeor beach. Our teen DD has grown up body boarding there. It’s perfect for what you’re looking for. We always rent a cottage in town (highly recommend Cherished Cottages) and you can walk to the beaches (there are several) and then for a meal in the eve.

LittleMonks11 · 21/06/2025 21:26

Also shops, potteries and art galleries galore as well to keep mum (me) happy!

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