Surfing in Sennon

Sennen Cove, tucked into Whitesand Bay on the far western tip of Cornwall, is one of the south west's most reliable and welcoming surf beaches. A clean mile-long crescent of white sand backed by low dunes, it picks up swell from the Atlantic year-round and offers gentle, well-formed waves that are ideal for beginners and improvers, with more powerful peaks at the northern end for experienced surfers.

Several long-established surf schools operate directly from the beach during the main season, offering group lessons, private coaching and board and wetsuit hire. The sandy bottom, lifeguarded patrol in summer and slow-breaking inside waves make it a popular spot for first-time lessons. Beyond the surf, the bay is a fine swimming and bodyboarding beach, with rock pools at low tide and clear turquoise water that rivals anywhere in Britain.

The little harbour village above the beach has a working lifeboat station, a handful of pubs and cafes including the Old Success Inn, and easy access onto the South West Coast Path. Land's End lies just over a mile to the south, and the open-top A1 Land's End Coaster bus links Sennen with Penzance railway station and St Ives in summer.