Museum of British Surfing, Surf museum in Braunton, England
The Museum of British Surfing is housed in a converted railway goods shed and displays over 300 surfboards showing design evolution across a century of surfing history. The collection ranges from early handmade boards to contemporary styles, documenting the technical diversity of British surfing culture.
Founded by journalist Pete Robinson as an online resource in 2003, the museum established its physical location in Braunton in 2012. This transition from digital to physical space allowed the growing collection of British surfboards to reach a wider audience.
The collection features a significant wooden surfboard from Hawaiian royalty, connecting Pacific surfing traditions with British water sports culture. This connection shows how surfing evolved when it reached the shores of Britain.
The museum keeps limited weekend hours, so check ahead before planning your visit. The location in a former railway building is straightforward to access, and the collection is arranged in a single space, making for a focused viewing experience.
The museum maintains an extensive print archive documenting over 200 years of British surfing history, rarely seen by visitors. These historical records reveal how surfing developed in Britain far beyond what the displayed boards show.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
