Perranporth offers a good shorebreak at low tide. At mid-high tide at the left side of the beach (Droskyn) side wash comes off the cliffs which creates a nice wedge. High tide offers a mellower wave for the beginner. If you are lucky you might get a few barrels.
I was there in August. The surf at Fistral was small, maybe 2-3+. Decided to go check out Perranporth, it was a lot better. 4-5ft and really good fun. Definitely a good place to go when everywhere else is small. Just my 2 cents. England was great!
I went to Perrensands and got the best waves of my life! Only been surfing for 6 months though! Just north of perrenporth, accesable through a caravan park and a huge, steep sandbank! You can get a really easy paddle out if you give it time. Top bollocks surf spot!
I first learnt to surf here. It is best to surf at mid tide. 3-5 foot with an offshore easterly wind on good days. Plenty of strong, nasty rips on bad days.