When you think of surfing, you’ll no doubt picture early mornings at an exotic, far-flung beach trying to catch a wave. But a recent ranking of the world’s best surf parks had a surprise winner: not only is it in the UK,  it’s nearly a half-hour drive to the nearest beach. 

The Lost Shore Surf Resort is in Ratho, a Scottish village that’s better known for its close proximity to Edinburgh Airport than as a surfing destination. Yet this in-land surf park beat competition from around the world to grab the title, awarded by attractions industry magazine Blooloop. 

Lost Shore Surf Resort opened its doors in 2024, and last year it welcomed 200,000 visitors. At the heart of the resort is Europe’s largest wave pool, and here people of all abilities can learn to surf or hone their skills, without needing to step into the ocean. The pool has different sections and wave settings, so beginners can start off in a shallow spot with slow-moving waves, while those with more confidence can tackle tougher challenges.

If you’d rather stay on dry land, the resort also offers surfskating, a type of skateboarding that mimics the actions of surfing and allows you to try surf moves and techniques before you hit the water. 

But the 60-acre resort isn’t just for surfers. It also has wellness facilities including a spa, sauna, and luxury accommodation such as lodges and pods. It offers surfing weekends where you can stay on-site and enjoy coaching sessions, or you can simply book a stay to relax and enjoy the other facilities.

Lost Shore is just half an hour from the centre of Edinburgh, and there’s a regular bus service that runs to the resort. There’s plenty to do in the city centre, from the iconic castle to the vast National Museum of Scotland and the ever-popular Royal Mile.

If you are in the mood for a seafront walk, then Cramond Beach is also just a half-hour drive away. It’s famous for its historic paved Cramond Causeway, which runs from the beach to Cramond Island. At low tide, it’s a short, easy walk along the route, and you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings of this uninhabited island. Cramond Island has pretty, unspoilt woodland, and you can still see some of its WW2 fortifications that once played an important defensive role. 

Lost Shore Founder Andy Hadden said: “It’s not every day you’re recognised as the world’s best and it is incredibly humbling. It reflects the dedication of our team, the belief of our partners, and the support of the surfing community who’ve backed us from the beginning.”

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