Sometimes we forget just how beautiful the British coastline is. Sure, our weather doesn’t quite compare to the Mediterranean, but our long stretches of beautiful British beaches are second to none.
Let’s stop babbling and get right to it: The best beaches in the UK! If you’re tired of booking sunshine holidays abroad, here are the Top 15 Beaches in United Kingdom to inspire you to book a holiday nearby.
Woolacombe Beach, Devon (England)
North Devon’s Woolacombe beach stretches out for several miles, leaving plenty of space on its golden sand for beach games or sunbathing. The shallow shore and breaking waves make it a popular spot for surfers. Alternatively, on calmer days you can kayak or jet ski along the coast.
Pelistry Bay, Isles of Scilly (England)
This beach on the Isles of Scilly is one of Britain’s best-hidden gems. Outside the holidays you will find the beach deserted thanks to its remote location on the eastern shore of St. Mary’s. Bask in the astonishingly blue seas that surround the Isles, and paddle out to Toll’s island at low tide.
Treyarnon Bay, Cornwall (England)
Britain’s best family beach, Treyarnon Bay in Cornwall is a lovely place to relax. Child friendly thanks to it’s low cliffs and sand dunes. It even won an award in 2017 for it’s excellent water quality.
Porthcurno, Cornwall (England)
The beach is about three miles away from Land’s end on the southern Coast of West Cornwall. There is a wide footpath sloping down to the beach from the car park where you can also find a café across the road. An ideal spot for family beach days!
Portstewart Strand, County Londonderry (Northern Ireland)
A fantastic Irish sandy beach about two miles long. Even though it was voted as one of the Top 10 visitor attractions in Northern Ireland, the sheer size of the beach means you can always find a pocket of sand to yourself.
Hunmanby Gap, North Yorkshire (England)
The north of England isn’t exactly known for it’s beaches, but don’t write them off just yet! Hunmanby is a large village in North Yorkshire and boasts one of the best beaches in the UK, in our opinion. High cliffs, golden sand and plenty of room for beach games, what more could you want?
Sandwood Bay, Sutherland (Scotland)
The views here are just fabulous! ‘Long walks on the beach’ takes on a whole new meaning here, with the everlasting planes of sand and high rocky cliffs. Undoubtedly the best beach in Scotland.
Compton Bay, Isle of Wight (England)
The best kept secret of the Isle of Wight. The multi-coloured sandstone contrasts with the white chalk cliff whilst the waves crash beneath. Natural, savage, wild are the words that come to mind here.
Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland (England)
If you like chilly waters with castle views, well then this is the best beach for you! The majestic Bamburgh Castle sits proudly on top of the cliff, surrounded by beautiful green grass. Ideal for long walks and short swims (the water rarely warms up even in the summer months).
Rhossili Beach, Gower (Wales)
Rhossili Beach was voted as the best beach in Wales in 2018, coming third in the ‘best beach in the UK’ category. It’s really no wonder, with it’s gorgeous green rolling hills and 3 miles of fine golden sand. Loved by surfers who descend on the beach when the Atlantic swell is at it’s highest.
Beadnell Beach, Northumberland (England)
One of the most unusual beaches in the UK, this one is shaped like a horseshoe! Located south of the small village of Beadnell, you’re likely to find a relatively private beach even in the summer months.
Bigbury-on-sea, Devon (England)
The epitome of a beautiful British beach, Bigbury-on-sea has it all for a family beach day out. Punctuate your dips in the sea with a mint choc chip ice cream from one of the many ice cream vans (flake optional, but highly reccomended).
Blackpool Beach, Lancashire (England)
Home to the UK’s most iconic theme park, it doesn’t get more British-summer-vibes than a day at Blackpool Pleasure Beach! Seven miles of beach stretched as far as the eye can see, with plenty of space for family games and sandcastles.
Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire (Wales)
An intimate bay backed by dunes and pine trees, you’ll feel hidden away, tucked into a beautiful pocket of nature. This hidden feeling doesn’t come without a price though, as the nearest carpark is half a mile away. But what is time really, when you’re faced with crystal clear waters on a sunny day! It’s not by chance that this is one of the best beaches in Great Britain.
West Wittering, Sussex (England)
This beach doesn’t just have sweet colourful beach huts, but also an unspoilt sandy beach and a wonderful view of Chichester Harbour and the South Downs beyond. Here you can find the highest water quality sea water in the UK.
