The UK's best surfing spots - Surfing may bring to mind exotic tropical beaches and images of Australia, but the UK also has some great spots to catch a wave.

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Rest Bay, South Wales - Lonely Planet says that when the swell is up, this Welsh beach can rival any surf spot in Europe.

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Rest Bay, South Wales - It lies to the west of Porthcawl, a town in Bridgend, 25 miles west of Cardiff and 19 miles southeast of Swansea. Lifeguards patrol during the summer months, making this a safe spot for beginners to build confidence.

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Watergate Bay, Cornwall - Just outside of Newquay on the North Cornwall coast, two miles of golden sand provide a beautiful beach and a popular surfing and kitesurfing spot.

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Watergate Bay, Cornwall - It is a European Designated beach and has achieved the highest standard for UK bathing water.

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Watergate Bay, Cornwall - There are surf schools here for beginners and the bay provides a calmer alternative to nearby Newquay.

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Longsands, Tynemouth - The Blue Flag award-winning beach is another great spot to build confidence in surfing. There are several local schools and the beach break has staged national championships.

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Longsands, Tynemouth - Lonely Plant reports that sea temperatures on this north-eastern beach average 15°C at the height of summer, so it isn't for the half-hearted.  

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Saunton Sands, Devon - On the North Devon coast near Braunton, Saunton Sands is a popular longboard surfing location with traditional beach huts.

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Saunton Sands, Devon - The three-mile stretch of sand has been voted as one of the top surf spots in the UK by GoEuro and FionaOutdoors.

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Saunton Sands, Devon - Lonely Planet lists it as a beach perfect for beginners.

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Gower Peninsula, South Wales - The Guardian reports that Llangennith is one of the most popular surf spot in Wales, with beach breaks all the way along its three-mile coast.

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Gower Peninsula, South Wales - Rhossili Bay at the south of the Gower Peninsula was voted the best beach in the UK in June 2010.

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Portrush, County Antrim - Northern Ireland has some of the best surfing opportunities in the UK. The scene is centred around the resort town of Portrush on the north coast.

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Portrush, County Antrim - There are several schools here, making this a great option for those learning to surf.

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Belhaven Bay, East Lothian - Belhaven Bay is an extensive beach within the John Muir Country Park in East Lothian.

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Belhaven Bay, East Lothian - The shallow waters and variety of schools put the bay on Lonely Planet's list of spots for beginners, but the waters are cold year-round.

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Sennen Cove, Cornwall - This is Cornwall’s most western surf spot. A long, sandy beach, small harbour and working fishing port make this a great option for a holiday.

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Sennen Cove, Cornwall - The Guardian reports that this is one of the most consistent breaks in Britain and that Sennen can hold good-sized waves and have surf when everywhere else is flat.

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Thurso East, Caithness - This is reportedly one of the best waves in Europe. The Scottish fast reef break has hosted many international competitions

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Thurso East, Caithness - The break's reputation means that it gets busy and the Atlantic water temperature peaks at 15°C, but this is a great spot for experienced surfers.

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Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire - Pembrokeshire has stunning coastlines that offer golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and fantastic hiking. 

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Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire - This south westerly facing beach is reported to have the best waves in the area. Strong rip currents make it a risky spot that is only for the experienced surfer.

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Porth Neigwl, North Wales - The Guardian reports that this is the best-known surf spot in North Wales and that the four-mile long bay has peaks along its length on a good swell.

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Porth Neigwl, North Wales - Known as Hell's Mouth in English and located near Abersoch, its strong winds and currents make it a good choice for intermediate surfers.

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Pease Bay, Cockburnspath - The Guardian reports that this bay in the Scottish Borders features a good beach break and a more challenging reef for better wave riders.

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Pease Bay, Cockburnspath - Less than an hour from Edinburgh, it has a sandy beach with sandstone cliffs and rocky outcrops.

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Saltburn - This seaside town in Cleveland features the Saltburn Cliff Lift, one of the world's oldest water-powered funiculars, and a Grade II* renovated pier.

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Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire - The Guardian reports that good beginner waves can be found either side of the pier. The crescent-shaped bay provides challenging waves for pros and perfect curls for the less experienced.

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Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire - There are public showers and changing rooms on the promenade and national surfing events are held here during the autumn and winter months.

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