Surfing Porthtowan, St Agnes & North Cornwall

Mount Hawke is a terrific central base for surfing the North Cornwall coast. Little Beside sits just inland from Porthtowan and St Agnes, putting you within easy reach of reliable beach-breaks and more exposed reef and point breaks further along the coast. Whether you're chasing mid-tide peaks, winter groundswells or quieter shoulder-season sessions, here's a practical local guide — plus exactly what you'll find back at the cottage to make your surf trip easy.

Why Little Beside works for surfers

Little Beside is set up for wet, sandy, repeat surf days. Key features for surfers include:

• Wetsuit drying rail in the downstairs wetroom (hang suits inside to dry out of the wind)
• Three showers total: modern upstairs shower, large downstairs wetroom shower, and an outdoor shower beside the board rack for quick rinses
• Secure backyard board rack and storage next to the outdoor shower
• Two toilets for quick turnaround and family stays
• Underfloor heating across the downstairs floor to speed drying and keep boots and floors warm
• Practical hooks, storage and a roomy layout for gear
• Comforts for downtime: wood burner, fast Wi-Fi, and a great Sage coffee machine

These practical touches mean you spend less time fussing with kit and more time in the water.

Local surf spots (from nearest to farther afield)

Below are the main local breaks surfed by residents and visitors. Distances are approximate driving times from Mount Hawke — always check local forecasts, tides and any seasonal restrictions before you go.

Porthtowan — 8–10 minutes

Classic north-coast beach break with a sandy bottom that can deliver punchy peaks when the banks line up. Works best on mid to high tides and can reward intermediates with clean, rideable waves when conditions align. We sometimes walk it with boards — depending on energy levels!

St Agnes / Chapel Porth — 6–10 minutes

Trevaunance Cove (St Agnes) and nearby Chapel Porth are reliable north-coast beaches. Chapel Porth is an exposed beach break that works year-round on the right swell and wind directions; be mindful of rips and rocks on bigger days.

Portreath — 10–15 minutes

A nearby beach break that picks up swell and can be surfable on a range of conditions; quick and convenient for a dawn or dusk session from the cottage.

Perranporth — 10–15 minutes

A long sandy beach that holds swell and gives plenty of options for different tide and wind combinations. Popular and spacious — good for families as well as surfers.

Gwithian (Hayle) — 25–35 minutes

A consistent and popular north-coast break with long rides when conditions are right; tends to pick up good swell and works well on offshore winds. Expect more crowds on the best days.

Godrevy / St Ives Bay — 30–40 minutes

More exposed and capable of picking up large groundswells; Godrevy provides reliable surf but can be windy — check forecast details before heading up.

Seasons & conditions — when to come

• Autumn & Winter: Most consistent swell and the best chance of clean, powerful waves. Cooler water — bring a warm suit and use the wetroom drying rail.
• Spring: Transition months can bring good swells with less crowding.
• Summer: Smaller, more variable surf; ideal for learners and for those who want a mixed holiday (surf plus beach time).

Always check swell direction, wind, and tide before you go; sites like Surfline and Surf-Forecast are excellent local tools.

Practical local tips

• Parking: Most spots have parking near the beach, but availability varies at peak times — Porthtowan and Perranporth have dedicated car parks (some paid). Plan ahead.
• Safety: Many north-coast beaches have strong rips and variable seabeds. If you're new to a beach, watch locals, check surf reports, and pick calmer days or beaches with lifeguards.
• Gear care: Use the outdoor shower for a quick salt rinse, then bring wetsuits inside to the wetroom rail to dry on the underfloor-warmed floor. This keeps the cottage tidy and your kit ready for the next session.

Why this makes Little Beside the ideal surf cottage

You'll be back from the water with minimal fuss: rinse off under the outdoor shower, hang your suit on the wetroom drying rail, stow your board in the backyard surf rack, warm your boots on the heated floor and settle by the wood burner with a hot drink. Little Beside is designed for surf trips that feel effortless — family-friendly, practical and quietly comfortable.