Best coastal spots for watersports

Windsurfing off South Milton Sands, Devon — Have a go at windsurfing on the Devon coast | © National Trust Images/Ben Selway

From sea kayaking to windsurfing to coasteering, there are plenty of ways to get your adrenaline going and experience the coast from a new perspective. Discover the coastal locations we look after, including beaches, estuaries and bays, that are the best for watersports.

Brancaster Beach, Norfolk: If you’re seeking a coastal adventure in North Norfolk, it’s hard to beat Brancaster. This wide expanse of golden sands is perfect not just for building sandcastles but for high-adrenaline sports too. It’s particularly popular with kite-surfers, and there are designated zones for launching and landing to ensure all visitors can enjoy the beach. Due to strong tidal conditions it’s recommended that only experienced kite-surfers use this beach.Try the surf at Brancaster
Compton Bay, Isle of Wight: Compton Bay is an excellent location for surfers of all abilities, with areas suited to both shortboarders and longboarders. The bay is also a great place for windsurfing beginners, although Brook Bay to the east is better for intermediates. If you’re new to surfing, the Isle of Wight Surf Club can offer advice and lessons on how to get started.Enjoy the waves at Compton Bay

Children bodyboarding at Portstewart Strand, County Londonderry — Children bodyboarding at Portstewart Strand | © National Trust/John Millar

Portstewart Strand, Northern Ireland: Sweeping along the edge of the northern coast, this two-mile stretch of golden sand is one of Northern Ireland's finest beaches. While an ideal place for lazy picnics and walks into the sand dunes, it also provides gentle waves, making it perfect for certain watersports. The middle of the beach is well suited for surfing beginners, while either end provides more of a challenge for experienced ones.Ride the waves at Portstewart Strand
Poldhu Cove, Cornwall: Poldhu Cove is particularly popular with surfers, and has a small surf school that operates every day in the summer. Former professional surfer Dan Joel offers family-friendly lessons from £25, with £1 of each booking coming back to the National Trust to look after beaches like Poldhu. www.danjoelsurf.comTry surfing at Poldhu

Coasteering at Poldhu Cove, Cornwall — Try coasteering...if you're brave enough | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Stackpole, Pembrokeshire: Get up close and personal this summer with the Pembrokeshire coast through an adrenaline-fuelled watersports session at Stackpole Quay. Experts will be on hand to guide you through a sea kayaking session, or if you’ve a head for heights you can have a go at coasteering, which was invented in Pembrokeshire and combines cliff jumping, low level rock traversing and sea swimming.Visit the home of coasteering
Studland Bay, Dorset: Studland Bay is a prime location for watersports enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities for beginners and experts. It's known for its calm waters, making it an ideal place to enjoy paddleboarding and kayaking. The bay is also popular with windsurfers thanks to its steady breezes.Experience kayaking at Studland Bay
Wembury, Devon: While Wembury beach is perfect for strolling and sandcastle-building, there's plenty do in the water too, including sailing, diving and watersports. This part of the coast is a popular spot for kayaking and, with swells of up to ten feet, it’s fantastic for surfers of all abilities.Get involved at Wembury

Two visitors walk along the coastal path at the White Cliffs of Dover, with the man carrying a young child on their back. They're wrapped up in winter coats and the ocean can be seen behind them in the background.

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