Thurlestone

Devon and the south coast · United Kingdom

Today’s forecast: the current surf forecast for Thurlestone (wave height, swell, wind, tide and a 0–10 rating for every hour of the next 16 days) are only shown on SurfCams. They change every hour, so this text doesn’t contain them. To check today’s surf, open https://surf-cams.com/spot/thurlestone.

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Thurlestone is a quiet village just south of Bantham, with a right-hand wave that breaks over a sandbar on rock below the golf course. On its day it is fast and hollow, and it is a good escape from the crowds at Bantham.

Level
Intermediate
Break
Reef break, sand and rock
Waves
Rights
Crowd
Some company
Season
autumn, winter, spring
Boards
A shortboard.

When it works

✓ A 1.5–2.5 m south-west swell with a northerly wind, from low to mid tide on the rise.

When it doesn't

✕ High tide, small swells and onshore winds.

Watch out for

  • rocks
  • rips

Best months

October, November, December, January, February, March

Local tips

Parking is tight, and residents don't like surfers parking in the lanes. Leave the car in public parking and walk round behind the golf course.

Getting there

There is a car park at the north end of Thurlestone Sand and another at South Milton Sands. Follow the footpath to the break.

Travel notes

How often it works
Inconsistent: it needs a fair Channel swell and the right tide.
Crowd and vibe
Usually empty in the week and only a few surfers at weekends.
Camping and vans
Higher Aunemouth Farm near Bantham is about 2 km away. Nearest campsite about 2 km away.
Facilities
South Milton Sands has toilets and a beach shop. In the village there is a pub and a shop.
Water quality
Rated excellent in the 2025 English bathing-water classification (Thurlestone North and South).

Ideal conditions

Swell
SSW–WSW best, S–W works
Size
1.5–2.5 m offshore swell; starts at 1 m, holds to 3 m
Period
9 s minimum, best from 12 s
Wind
Offshore N–ENE; handles onshore up to 12 km/h
Tide
low, mid best, avoid high, on the rising tide
Faces
SW (235°)

Live cam

No cam at this spot yet: the forecast and the guide are on the map.

Nearby spots

All spots in Devon and the south coast · All spots

Sources