Like many of our Islanders, we have struggled being stuck indoors during isolation. Staring at our surf bracelets and longing for the sea we have been so excited to get back down to Bournemouth beach now lockdown has been lifted slightly. We thought we'd share with you our favourite UK surf spots and local vegan cafes that we can't wait to travel to, and we just know that you will love them too. 

Top of the list has got to be The Cave. A renowned surf spot perfect for beginners and pros alike, Saunton offers a peak for everyone. The location is so perfect it even provides some shelter from the Northerly winds. (Little tip from the locals: Arrive before 8.30am or after 5.30pm to avoid pricey car parking charges.)

 

Photography credit: Carolyn Seager

 

Once you've exhausted your energy riding the waves, just a short walk off the beach is the Beachside Grill. All the vegan options are ridiculously good, so be warned you may struggle to choose between all of their lush options!  This café also serves breakfast so if you're heading there before the car park charges then you could grab a superfood breakfast after catching some waves.

  

 

 2. Croyde Bay - Devon 

Well known as one of the UK’s best beach breaks and often referred to as a “surfing mecca”, Croyde has long been the place to surf. Nath and other pros would enjoy the thumping, low-tide barrels that present themselves at the right peak as the tide drains out; whereas beginners like Alice and I would be wise to wait for the tide to fill in before catching any waves.

 

Pro tip: an hour after low-tide is your best chance at snagging a shady tube

  

Blue Groove is a beautiful little eatery a short drive from this surf spot - open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They offer amazing vegan options from a smoked tofu & rainbow salad to a tempeh burger you could definitely knock back after a tiring day at the beach! 

 

 

 

Found at the northern end of Fistral, ‘The Cribbar’ is a truly big wave spot that can hold up to 5x overhead! It’s also the home of the surfer festival Boardmasters – you may have seen us selling our surf bracelets there 😏

Newquay is just such a great place so knowing that they have these huge waves is even more of a reason for you to head there. 

 

Up the road from Cribbar you’ll find The Green Heart Café. Well-known locally for their vegan garlic bread, red lentil curry and beetroot chocolate cake, anything you order here is guaranteed to be amazing. With specials popping up often, be sure to visit more than once to avoid missing out!

 

 

Our surfer friends have said, “this is one wave you must surf in your lifetime”. Could this be anything to do with the top to bottom barreling reef break that can peel for up to 100m? Ermm... we're so there! Need any more convincing to join us? The local Deli will do the trick.

 

After surfing all day long you’ll undoubtedly be hungry. We recommend heading up to The Corner Deli, who pride themselves on stocking local produce. You’ve got loads of choices here with all of their handmade pizza bases being vegan, you can create the vegan pizza of your dreams! They also have a deli fully stocked with the best produce in Cornwall, so why not grab something to take home?