"Simply exhilarating", remarked a friend of mine, describing his Saltburn surfing experience. "But where is Saltburn?" was my succinct reply to his utterly effusive account. Forgive me for my rather incredulous derision towards surfing destinations on the world map, but I could certainly learn a thing or two from my friend. From airlines offering discount airfare to Scotland and Wales, to little-known historical facts about Cornwall and Pease, he could easily put any sincere travel guide out of work.

Think United Kingdom and a thousand scintillating pictures suffuse your mind. It is actually a series of contrasting images. From the historical heft of the Tower of London and Westminster to high octane names from the world of fashion on Oxford Street and Bond Street, this culturally and historically-rich part of the world is also credited with giving us delightful food and soul stirring music.

But the United Kingdom is all this and much, much more. It is also a traveler's delight that offers more than bright and sunny weather, golden sunsets at the bay, scuba diving and banana boat rides on sparkling waters and snorkeling.

If you think life is a beach, and surfing forms an integral part of it, then you have to catch the perfect wave at the most amazing surf spots in the United Kingdom. After all, a vacation with the sun, sand and surf for company does promise an ocean full of fun and frolic, a sentiment echoed by beach lovers across the globe, be it in Hawaii, New Zealand or the Caribbean.

Cornwall Calling

Statistics on the tourism industry in the United Kingdom show a massive increase in the number of tourists making a beeline for this seaside paradise in the last 10 years. The reasons are there for all to see. Cornwall is more than just a beach lover's paradise. The lush natural surroundings offer the kind of scenic beauty that makes every adventure sport a unique experience, be it swimming, snorkeling, diving or surfing. Cornwall is every surfing enthusiasts dream come true. While Fistral Beach offers great conditions for both beginners and pros, Watergate Bay is no less.

Saltburn, Cleveland in north-east England is where the surf scene comes alive during the surf season. And in case thrashing around in the North Sea is not your cuppa tea, try some hot piping coffee at Camfield's Coffee Bar, just right above the beach.

Your desire to catch the perfect wave in Scotland will lead you to Pease Bay in Borders, while Llangennith in Gower is where you should head to catch the best surfing action in Wales.

Bournemouth, Devon, Hell's Mouth, Thurso East and Freshwater West are the other places in the United Kingdom where surfers come face to face with great breaks.