The best beaches in the UK
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The UK might not be known for the best beaches in the world, but take some time to explore the coastline on those increasingly common sunny UK days and you might be pleasantly surprised. The best beaches in the UK hail from the well-loved Cornwall coast to the secret sandy spots in Scotland. We've searched high and low to bring you our expert pick of the best UK beaches, plus where to stay nearby for a weekend break in the UK. For more inspiration, see our round-up of the best beaches in Europe.
Are there any sandy UK beaches?
It takes some by surprise, but it turns out the UK does have some of the world's most beautiful sandy beaches. From Cornwall to the Isles of Scilly, you can expect sun-kissed sandy beaches, with each stretch of coastline more beautiful than the next. While we don't like to pick favourites, we do recommend exploring the southwest corner of Wales, which has an enchanting stretch of coast and sandy UK beaches.
Where is the clearest water in the UK?
While southeast beaches are perfect for long summer afternoons, the English Channel doesn't offer the clearest waters. By no means skip a trip to the sandy shores of Kent and Sussex but, for ultimate paddling visibility, Cornwall and Devon offer some of the best spots – lay a towel down on Kennack Sands or Combesgate Beach and take to the water. When the British weather permits, some of Scotland's beaches are truly breathtaking, with crystal-clear waters to match – in 2009, Koh Chang Marine National Park in Thailand reportedly used a picture of Berneray island in Scotland's Outer Hebrides by mistake, mixing up Thailand's tropical shores with the Scottish swathes of sand.
The best beaches in the UK
The best beaches in England
1. Blackpool Sands, Devon
The rather inauspiciously named Blackpool Sands is actually in South Devon, and it comes as a wonderful surprise. A drive through pine trees, almost reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast, brings you out onto a splendid sweep of beach.
Despite the name - and appearance from a distance - the beach is in fact formed from the smoothest little pebbles, which makes the water astonishingly clear. (It has won awards for cleanliness; no dogs allowed). The pontoon floating off the shore is the coolest place to be when temperatures soar, good for diving off into the bay's blue waters.
Head to Blackpool Sands Beach Shack, which serves locally roasted coffee, cakes, pies and pasties with beachfront seats.
Where to stay near Blackpool Sands
A 10 minute drive from the beach is Dart Marina Hotel, a smart harbour-side stay with an onsite spa and restaurant. In nearby Salcombe, we love Gara Rock for its staggering clifftop views, and Harbour Beach Club for it's steps-from-the-sand location. For more options, see our pick of the best hotels in Devon.
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2. Seven Sisters, Sussex
Seven Sisters is one of the most arresting coastlines in Britain thanks to a dramatic stretch of pristine white chalk cliffs that dominate the landscape. The name refers to the seven peaks of those cliffs and there’s a fabulous undulating hike that runs along the top of them. It’s not for the faint-hearted (with a lot of steep up-and-down sections, it’s real dust-off-your-hiking-boots territory), but it’s visually rewarding. Keep an eye out for the story-book, red-and-white-striped Beachy Head Lighthouse along the way. This is a great spot for outdoor activities so bird watchers, canoeists and wild swimmers all flock here too.
Where to stay near Seven Sisters Beach
At the Seaford end of the cliffs, set within Seven Sisters National Park, Saltmarsh is a characterful boutique hotel in a 16th-century farmhouse, with six bedrooms and a café that plates up fresh local produce. Nearby in Eastbourne, we love Port Hotel, a design-led bolthole set right on the seafront. By Olivia Holborow
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3. Sennen Cove, Cornwall
This mile-long cove, just around the corner from Land's End, is breathtakingly beautiful. Years ago, it was thought that mermaids frequented the shores. Years later, the mermaids actually turned out to be dolphins, which can still be seen frolicking in the deep blue waters at certain times of year. Surfers love it, too - conditions are top-rate. The village of Sennen still maintains the atmosphere of an old fishing village.
Where to stay near Sennen Cove
Drive twenty minutes north to Penzance, where you can check into quirky Artist Residence or six-room B&B Chapel House. See our edit of the best hotels in Cornwall for more options.
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4. Walberswick Beach, Suffolk
On the south side of the River Blyth’s mouth, Walberswick’s long, grassy dune-backed beach is much quieter and wilder-feeling than neighbouring Southwold across the river. It’s just a short walk from its postcard-perfect village, which has several solid pubs, is the unofficial crabbing capital of the UK, and home to screenwriter and director Richard Curtis and his broadcaster partner Emma Freud. Catch Dani Church’s row-boat ferry across the river (it takes about five minutes) to the excellent fish restaurants right opposite on the Southwold bank.
Where to stay near Walberswick Beach
In nearby Southwold, we love The Swan, a 17th-century coaching house and one of three pubs in Southwold run by Adnams brewery. Downstairs houses two restaurants while upstairs has 24 bedrooms including six very big suites, plus another 11 rooms arranged around the lawn behind.
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5. Pentle Bay, Scilly Isles
Pentle Bay's white sand and intensely blue sea give it an almost tropical look, but this beach is in fact in the Isles of Scilly, almost 30 miles south-west of Land's End. The water here is safe for swimming, which is tempting since the Isles have an unusually warm climate for Britain, and the beach is a great spot for collecting sea shells or just lounging on the sand. The safe waters around the island mean it's perfect for water sports, and amateur ornithologists and archaeologists will find plenty to keep them interested.
Where to stay near Pentle Bay
There is one hotel on the island, the New Inn, which is comfortable and overlooks New Grimsby Bay. Even better are the various houses and cottages available for rental. Some of the most luxurious options on the island are the Flying Boat Cottages, well-designed beachfront houses which can sleep up to 10 people, and the lovely Sea Garden Cottages.
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6. Crantock Beach, Newquay, Cornwall
Crantock Beach is a golden stretch of sand nestled between towering dunes and expansive grasslands that stretch well beyond the beach, forming Rushy Green. Upon descending the dunes of Crantock Beach, you’re immediately transported to another world, even though you’re only a mere 12-minute drive from Newquay. Crantock sits a the mouth of the Ganneal estuary, which boasts turquoise waters that beach-goers can paddle up and down when the seas are calm. Be sure to grab a treat from Cargo Coffee for a lovely cap to your day, or take a short walk to Jam Jar Kitchen for a fresh lunch or cream tea.
Where to stay near Crantock Beach
We recommend staying at the Watergate Bay Hotel, a quick 20-minute drive from Crantock Beach, which offers panoramic views of the north Cornish coast.
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7. Mothecombe, Plymouth, Devon
This sweep is where in-the-know locals head – think soft fine sand, warm shallow waters and gorgeous green backdrops. Right at the mouth of the River Erme, it’s a hidden pocket perfect for summery days spent by the coast. Once you’ve had enough sun, sea and sand, stop by The School House for epic barbecues between 5pm and 8pm during summer.
Where to stay near Mothecombe Beach
Glebe House is a 25-minute drive in Southleigh, a lovely early-19th-century hotel sandwiched between the Jurassic Coast’s red sandstone cliffs and the verdant Blackdown Hills. It’s a place for families with tots in tow, solo travellers and good-food devotees.
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8. Mwnt Beach, Cardigan, Wales
Hike your way through hedgerow-covered single-track lanes before the coastline suddenly opens up in front of you, complete with azure waters and honey-hued sand. Surrounded by towering grassy cliffs, visit the Church of the Holy Cross, a huge whitewashed chapel once a magnet to pilgrims en route to Bardsey Island.
Where to stay near Mwnt Beach
Just south of Cardigan is Bethsaida, a pretty blue Baptist chapel reborn as a boutique B&B. The storybook rooms have stained glass windows, Welsh fabrics, and pews refashioned as headboards.
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9. Holkham Beach, Norfolk
Wild and free and almost lunar-like, Holkham Beach is a vast expanse - four miles - of golden sands backed by pine woods and huge sand dunes held in place by wildflowers and marram grass. A half-moon basin fills up at high tides to form a lagoon. It's part of the Holkham estate and nature reserve, so it's protected and wonderfully unspoilt - no fires or barbecues here - and great for beachcombing.
Where to stay near Holkham Beach
Red-brick 19th-century inn The Victoria has smart bedrooms and a restaurant serving local, seasonal produce.
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10. Durdle Door, Jurassic Coast, Dorset
On the Jurassic Coast, Durdle Door is the name of the limestone arch between two lovely beaches, St Oswald's Bay and Man O'War Cove. Even on the hottest days in the height of summer they won't get overcrowded; to get here you need to climb down several hundred steps in the cliff (and it's a long walk back up to the loo or to get your sandwiches).
But it's worth the climb. It is a beautiful spot, sheltered from the wind and so striking that it has been chosen as a location for Far From the Madding Crowd and Wilde, for Pink Floyd artwork, and music videos for Cliff Richard, Bruce Dickinson and Tears for Fears. The sea is unexpectedly blue and crystal-clear - though breathtakingly cold, drawing gasps from even the bravest bathers.
Neighbouring Lulworth Cove is more popular with families, being easier to get to with facilities nearby, plus a couple of inns overlooking the cove.
Where to stay near Durdle Door
The Lulworth Cove Inn is just up the hill from Lulworth Cove and a 20-minute walk along the coast path from Durdle Door. The pub downstairs has great food. For something more homely, we love this beachfront house Airbnb in neighbouring Ringstead Bay. The coastal path runs in front of the house, so it's perfect for seaside walks up to the chalky headland of White Nothe or west for the coastal hamlet of Osmington Mills.
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11. Dunwich Beach, Suffolk
Framed by cliffs, marshes and plant-filled heath, the windswept expanse of shingle-and-sand Dunwich Beach is the perfect wild spot for a weekend walk by the waves. While it’s close to some of Suffolk’s best-known towns such as Southwold, it feels pleasingly remote and has the added thrill of a colourful history. Dunwich was one of England’s largest towns in the 11th century, but coastal erosion saw it gradually receding into the sea. Today Britain’s Atlantis is a pretty village with a tiny museum and a dog-friendly beach with a car park and a child-friendly café with in- and outdoor tables, so it couldn’t be easier to visit.
Where to stay in Dunwich
The Ship, right on the coastal path and dating back to Tudor times, is an excellent pub with rooms furnished in White Company style; some are in the stable block outside, but try for the snug attic room in the main building. The pub itself has a wood burner and a hearty menu.
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12. Pedn Vounder Beach, Cornwall
On one of Cornwall's most remote and stunning shorelines, the north coast of the Penwith Peninsula, Pedn Vounder is a quiet, sandy little cove that can be reached by boat, or a 15-minute walk from the village of Treen. Its seclusion and privacy - especially when high tide completely cuts it off from neighbouring beaches - means that it is popular with naturists.
At low tide you can reach the secluded beach from neighbouring Porthcurno (in the foreground of our picture) but beware that a climb awaits if you get cut off. The pretty Treryn Dinas cliffs, which stretch out along the east of the beach (at the top of our picture), overlook the blue Atlantic; among them is The Logan Rock, a 70-ton block of granite which can be rocked by human force.
Where to stay near Pedn Vounder Beach
Boskenna Home Farm is made up of a small B&B and self-catering cottages, and is 10 minutes' drive from the beach and within walking distance of the famously beautiful south-west coast path. Or check our round up of the best Airbnbs in Cornwall for more inspiration.
13. Hunstanton, Norfolk
Hunstanton-the-town parcels up all the best bits of a quintessential British seaside resort: quaint little teashops, a candy striped helter-skelter and pony rides along the promenade – and come summer, families are lured here by the calm shallow waters and crabbing in the rockpools punctuating this wide, pebbly stretch of coastline. For lower-key, more rugged charm, lose the crowds and head a little further north to reach Old Hunstanton – here, wind-whipped clapperboard beach huts sit on a sweep of pristine buttery sand – and if you time your visit right, you'll get ringside views of a spectacular sunset in front of the region's famous red-and-white streaked cliffs. This is the only west-facing beach on the east coast, so in cooler months, it sometimes even feels a degree or two warmer than its better-known neighbours too.
Where to stay near Hunstanton
Not quite on the beach but an easy 25-minute drive inland, the Dabbling Duck’s pub-with-rooms serves up real ales, wood-fired pizzas and steaming pots of local mussels; Upstairs, bedrooms come with rickety beams and views across the village green. A few miles closer there’s the altogether grander Congham Hall – handy for those planning a trip to Sandringham – but if you really want to be in the thick of it, rent a cottage in Old Hunstanton: Airbnb has a good selection. Teddy Wolstenholme
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14. Shell Bay, Studland, Dorset
The sun-bleached sands, flanked by soft grassy dunes, are spared the swathes of tourists on nearby Sandbanks. This is perhaps due to its location – a chain-ferry away from the tip of the Sandbanks peninsula or a longer 45-minute loop around Poole Harbour, past Wareham and Corfe Castle before reaching Studland. Forget the seaweed, rocky shallows and, yes, a few shells as the name suggests – the smooth overlap of sloping, unblighted sand into warm, glassy water is almost tropical. Navigate your way along the nudist patches (unless of course you’re keen to join in) and find a beach blissfully free of tarmac promenades, ice-cream shops and the usual coastal caper. Shell Bay’s undulating sand dunes really come into their own for summer barbecues and picnics. In cooler months, blustery walks along this tip of the National Trust-owned Studland peninsula are rewarded with local cider and ploughman’s sandwiches at the Bankes Arms.
Where to stay near Shell Bay
While not necessarily right on the sand, as the name suggests, The Pig on the Beach is set high on the Jurassic Coast’s white cliffs, with sweeping views across Studland Bay. Its architecture is an eclectic, mustard-coloured mix of Gothic grandeur and seaside Victoriana. More curious still are its interiors, a contrived confusion of dark mahogany woods, strange ornaments, distressed velvet chairs and fresh, floral rooms. Expect vegetables from the kitchen garden, pollock from Poole Harbour and tender rumps of local Purbeck lamb. See our best hotels in Dorset guide for more options. By Rosalyn Wikeley
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15. Southwold, Suffolk
With its picket-fenced cottages, brightly coloured huts and vintage pier, this is a proper seaside destination with a beach that’s ideal for promenading with an artisan coffee in hand, picked up at the Two Magpies Bakery or one of the many little cafés and tearooms. Then find a spot in the sun to sit and watch the world go by. Southwold is also home to Adnams brewery – tours are available – which has the best views across town.
Where to stay in Southwold
The swanked-up Swan, parts of which date back to the 14th century, is the smartest place to stay on this part of the coast. It sidesteps familiar seaside clichés with an urban design scheme of neon colours, copper details and mid-century furniture. Picnics with plenty of foodie treats can be arranged for the beach.
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16. Mudeford Sandbank, Dorset
Reach this white-sand beach by the local ferry from Mudeford Quay – a popular spot for crabbing and fishing – or on foot from Hengistbury Head. While there are plenty of beaches along the Dorset coast, Mudeford Sandbank offers something a little different. The narrow stretch is best known for its 350 colourful beach huts, so popular they have in the past sold for the price of a two-bedroom house. Taking in the powdery sand dotted with wild marram grass and that sea view on your doorstep, it’s easy to see why. Grab an ice cream or settle in for a pizza, paella or burger at The Beach House Café overlooking Christchurch harbour.
Where to stay near Mudeford Sandbank
One of the closest stays is Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa, which is within walking distance of the beach and has a restaurant that overlooks the water.
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17. Cuckmere Haven, Seaford, East Sussex
One of our top picks for the best beaches near London, this is also one of the wildest beaches on the south coast, with superb views of the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs. At low tide, the adventurous can explore the foreshore eastwards all the way to the Birling Gap, or head west for sea caves. This area was a favourite haunt of the Bloomsbury Set, with Charlestone House museum not far away. Be careful of currents by the river mouth and being cut off by tides if you explore the undercliff area.
Where to stay near Cuckmere Haven
Further up the coast in Rye, check into The Galivant, a beachfront hotel that takes inspiration from New England motels.
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18. Whitstable beach, Kent
It’s not sandy but this pretty town’s pebble beach backed by stripy beach huts still rates as one of Britain’s best seaside spots. The stones may be hard on your feet, but the water is lovely – and for those who don’t like sand in their shoes it’s win-win. The town is getting smarter by the day (the annual Oyster Festival draws the crowds), and there are plenty of independent shops and cafés for diving into should it rain. You can’t miss the oyster stalls from the beach – once you’ve had your fill, plonk yourself on the pebbles near The Old Neptune pub so you can pop in and out for drinks (and, crucially, use the loos), then buy a crab sandwich from Elliott’s at No.1 Harbour Street for lunch.
Where to stay near Whitstable Beach
The Sportsman, the incredibly popular Michelin-starred gastropub, has rooms to book, too. Hotel Continental's beach huts are smart, or, for something a little rougher around the edges, find several of the cute beach huts for rent on Airbnb. By Tabitha Joyce
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19. Aldeburgh, Suffolk
Long associated with writers and artists – the Scallop sculpture on the beach by Maggi Hambling in memory of the late composer and resident Benjamin Britten says it all – Aldeburgh has a bustling seafront that’s one of the best places in the world to sit and munch exceptionally good fish and chips. Stroll up the promenade between quirky historic houses and the long, glorious Blue Flag shingle beach, and buy the freshest catch imaginable from fishermen’s huts dotted along the way. For supper there’s the award-winning Golden Galleon and Aldeburgh Fish & Chips or several more formal restaurants to choose from.
Where to stay in Aldeburgh
The town has a couple of great places to bed down, of which the beachside Brudenell Hotel with its suntrap terraces is the best. Bright and cosy, it’s awash with ocean colours and riffs on its setting with nautical prints, driftwood furniture and porthole windows by the bed. The menu, naturally, focuses on seafood with crab arancini, lobster and cod straight from the boat.
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20. Brancaster Beach, Norfolk
North Norfolk is blessed with plenty of beautiful beaches (the entire stretch of coastline is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), but for lower-key loveliness head to Brancaster with its miles of golden sand and no need to jostle for sandcastle space. It’s perfect for long walks and one of the best dog friendly beaches in the UK. Kitesurfers love it too because of the pancake-flat water. For wildlife enthusiasts, Titchwell Marsh Nature Reserve is just two miles down the road, so on a good day visitors can spot avocets, skylarks, pink-footed geese and seals basking on the sandbanks. At low tide, the shipwreck of SS Vina (which the RAF used for target practice during World War II) peeks out from the sand – though tides can be dangerously strong, so keep an eye on timetables before heading in for a swim. And you can skip the picnic: just up from the car park is the eternally popular Crab Hut, which serves unbelievably delicious, just-caught lobster and crab rolls.
Where to stay near Brancaster Beach
The Ship Hotel is a 15-minute walk away; the best of the nine, newly refurbished rooms features a roll-top bath and the restaurant has an aptly nautical vibe. A little further down the coastal road is Titchwell Manor, a larger converted farmhouse backing on to the nature reserve with fantastic seaside views. By Teddy Wolstenholme
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21. Dungeness, Romney Marsh, Kent
Dungeness might not be your typical postcard-perfect beach, but it’s a wild and wonderful place to explore. There’s a surreal clash between nature and man: industrial power stations tower over a protected wildlife sanctuary. Anglers, artists and ornithologists make the pilgrimage to this curious landscape, but the shoreline stretches for miles so it also makes a peaceful place to bring a picnic and watch common tern diving for fish (see if you can hold your breath as long as they do). The Fish Hut serves up fresh catch and cold drinks – well earned if you climb the 140 steps to the top of the old lighthouse. The sea here is not for swimming, but ask a local for directions to ‘the Long Pool’ in the forested area known as ‘the jungle’ – it’s not on any maps.
Where to stay near Dungeness
Some of the best restaurants in Kent double as places to stay – The Wife of Bath is a romantic bolthole with fantastic menus to boot. By Anna Prendergast
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22. Polzeath, Cornwall
This haven for surfers and watersports types was also the favourite place of the late poet laureate Sir John Betjeman, and it's not hard to see why everyone loves Polzeath. It's a picturesque mix of sand and shingle, and is studded with rock pools and backed by a dramatic rockface. The only downside is the riptide, which makes it unsuitable for children to swim.
Where to stay near Polzeath
A short drive away you'll find this charming chalet Airbnb in Porthily. It's the perfect set up for beach goers with an outside shed for storing paddleboards, bikes, surfboards, plus a wood fired hut tub. Just across the Camel Estuary, the Pig at Harlyn Bay is set in an elegant, rambling manor dating back to the 15th century.
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23. Bantham Beach, South Devon
One of the best beaches in Devon, set within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Bantham Beach is reached down a narrow country lane, high with hedgerows of cowslip and foxglove, which you have to scrunch right into to pass the VW surf wagons - then there it is below: the sea!
The sand is pale and fine; there are fantastic rockpools for poking about in, and a tiny estuary to explore. The waves here break long and low so it's popular with surfers, veteran and beginner. When the tide is out there's a vast expanse of sand (it looks as though you can walk all the way to Burgh Island, and perhaps you can, if you wear your shortest shorts and time it right). Dunes and rocky cliffs provide shelter from the wind.
Sand in the sandwiches may hold a certain nostalgic charm - but we'd rather eat at the Gastrobus in the dunes, or the catch of the day at the marvellous Sloop Inn up the road, which chalks up an excellent daily menu.
Where to stay near Bantham Beach
At Burgh Island Hotel, the Art Deco gem of a hotel that has been restored to its 1930s grandeur (Agatha Christie stayed here, and Noël Coward). It's the only place to stay on the island, which gets cut off from the mainland at high tide. If you can't get a room, go for a pint at The Pilchard, the island's only pub.
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24. Filey Brigg, North Yorkshire
The best part of this sandy beach is the wildlife. Trek out to the north and find Filey Brigg: a stretch of stony land that protrudes out into the ocean, and is teeming with rock pools to explore. There's also the sculpture trail along the beach, and a series of colourful chalets dotted along the coastline that are available to rent - the ideal place to stay for a peaceful summer holiday by the sea.
Where to stay near Filey Brigg
Drive inland to stay at The Talbot, a coaching inn at the heart of arty town Malton.
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25. West Wittering, West Sussex
West Wittering draws a crowd from all over the south coast, and is particularly popular with windsurfers. Low tide brings the promise of shallow lagoons to paddle in and creates a blank canvas for sand-castles. There's a grassy patch ideal for picnics behind the beach huts that fringe the beach.
Where to stay near West Wittering
The Crab and Lobster is a cosy 16th-century inn just a short drive from the Witterings. The four rooms are decorated in typical seaside shades - a nod to its position on the banks of Pagham Harbour. And the reference doesn't stop there: the restaurant menu is based around seafood, serving everything from delicate lobster dishes to hearty fish pies.
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26. Sandbanks, Dorset
A huge, sloping stretch of fine, golden sand marks the shoreline of this popular beach front, with perfectly clean, swimmers-only bathing areas, and designated barbecue sites for feasts with family and friends. The beach has held its European Blue Flag award for more than 22 years, making it one of the safest and most scenic beaches in Britain.
Where to stay near Sandbanks
The Pig on the Beach is just a 30-minute drive away.
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27. St. Bees, Cumbria
A truly beautiful stretch of shingle and sand backed by a series of low cliffs, St Bees is an excellent place to go for a quiet day of contemplation. There are a fascinating array of shells and stones to pick through here, many of them caused by the continual erosion of the cliff face. It also marks the start of Wainwright's Coast-to-Coast route, which stretches from here to Robin Hood's Bay, in North Yorkshire.
Where to stay near St. Bees
Head to the neighbouring town of Sandwith to stay at this converted barn Airbnb that sleeps 10 and is surrounded by private scenic gardens including its own pond. For more, see our round-up of the best Airbnbs in the Lake District.
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28. Woolacombe Sands, Devon
With two and a half miles of golden beach backed by voluminous dunes and fronted by rolling Atlantic breaks, Woolacombe Sands is a surfer's paradise. It is one of the most popular beaches in Britain, and with such fantastic water conditions, is a great place to take the family. The nearest town is Ilfracombe.
Where to stay near Woolacombe Sands
Broomhill Art Hotel in nearby Muddiford is a hotel set in an expansive contemporary sculpture garden, with five simple, comfortable rooms and a restaurant.
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29. Cromer Beach, North Norfolk
If you're looking for a traditional seaside experience, Norfolk has them in abundance. From promenading along the pier to watching a puppet show in the theatre pavilion, or taking a ride at the fun fare, Cromer Beach is the place to go for a truly British beach holiday. Look out for the famous Cromer crabs that lurk in the pools left behind by the tide - they're world-renowned for their quality and flavour.
Where to stay near Cromer Beach
The Gunton Arms is a traditional inn surrounded by a 1,000-acre deer park, with eight bedrooms and a classic restaurant.
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30. Sheringham beach, North Norfolk
From the fantastic local produce, to the luxury accommodation, and the outstanding coastal walks, Sheringham is a truly romantic retreat by the sea. At low-tide, there are long stretches interspersed by stones and plenty of rock pools to inspect for wildlife. It retains the feel of an old-fashioned seaside village too, and you can buy fresh fish anywhere - even in the pubs.
Where to stay near Sheringham Beach
The Gunton Arms is a twenty-minute drive away.
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31. Whitley Bay, Tyneside
This stunning beach front was originally a famous Victorian holiday resort, complete with a traditional funfair and bathing area. Now, it is still a popular holiday destination for locals, who come here to swim in the clean, safe waters.
Where to stay near Whitely Bay
There aren't too many hotels of note in the town just yet, but there are plenty of great Airbnb options. We like the look of this large upper floor maisonette which is a ten minute walk to the beach.
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32. South Bay, Scarborough, Yorkshire
Legend has it that Scarborough, in North Yorkshire, was one of the world's original spas: pilgrims from as early as 1611 would come from miles around to bathe in the sea, the waters of which were thought to have peculiar healing properties. Today, the beach is just as picturesque as ever, with plenty of attractions to keep you occupied. Be sure to explore the 11th-century ruins of Scarborough Castle, which separates South Bay from its similarly stunning sibling, North Bay.
Where to stay near South Bay, Scarborough
There's a handful of sweet houses to take over as your own on Airbnb.
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33. Ventnor, Isle of Wight
More than half the Isle of Wight has been designated an Area of Outstanding Beauty, and there are 65 miles of coastline to explore. Along the more beautiful south coast there's has a beach to suit everyone: swimming at Sandown, surfing off Compton Bay, and family fun at Ventnor (pictured).
Navigate the winding roads down through the cliffs and the cascading gardens, and onto the golden beachfront of the Victorian town of Ventnor, which has something of a riviera feel. The tide is strong here, but the beach itself is clean, mainly sandy, easily accessible, and has rockpools to poke around in at either end.
Where to stay near Ventnor
Just south of Ventnor in the quiet residential area of St Lawrence, the National Trust has an unusual two-bedroom house to rent. Called Chert, it is a rare work of excellent 1970s architecture, and is modern, monochrome and authentically 1970s throughout. Next to it is the less-dramatic but similarly 1970s Little Cher.
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34. Viking Bay, Broadstairs
Once a popular haunt of Victorian daytrippers, Broadstairs' charm has clearly endured. Come summertime, “down from Londoners” flock towards the town's main stretch of sand, Viking Bay. On beach-level, seasonal shops sell buckets and spades, while cafés serve ice creams and chilled refreshments. There's access to pub gardens and fish and chip shops, too. Not only is the water shallow at high tide, making it a great choice for families, but there are lots to enjoy atop the cliff face that looks over the beach, from Charles Dickens' house museum to a bandstand that comes alive with entertainment on sunny days.
Where to stay near Viking Bay
You can't get much closer to the beach than The Royal Albion. Fill up at breakfast before heading onto the promenade and down the stairs onto the sand to secure a prime spot.
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35. Lantic Bay, Cornwall
You won't regret navigating the uneven paths and steep slopes down to Lantic Bay. Rip currents mean swimmers ought to be wary but, despite the risk, it's a perfect choice for child-free coastal adventurers. Lay a towel down and tuck into a picnic (be sure to bring supplies) before cooling off with a paddle in the seemingly emerald-green water. Dogs are welcome year-round and, due to its remote location, it's hardly ever packed.
Where to stay near
It may be a 30-minute drive away (including a ferry crossing), but a stay at Fowey Hall Hotel is worth it. The homely hotel offers the perfect base for exploring all this stretch of coastline has to offer.
36. Scarista Beach, Lewis & Harris, Scotland
Anyone from Britain who finds themselves longing to escape the drear for island life, somewhere with deserted beaches and turquoise shallows, would be well advised to look closer to home. Britain has more than 6,000 islands, and Lewis & Harris, in the Outer Hebrides, must be one of the loveliest of them all.
It is an island of two halves. The Isle of Harris is the southern part, narrowly joined to its northern neighbour and blessed with spectacular beaches, wildflower-carpeted moorlands, and mountainous lunar landscapes. Scarista Beach is one of its best beaches: an immense space, made up of miles of shell-scattered pale-gold sand, backed with dunes and lapped by waters that look decidedly un-Scottish (though a wetsuit might be advisable outside of summer months). Seals play in the waves; eagles can be spotted wheeling overhead; deer stroll down almost to the beach.
Where to stay near Scarista Beach
Blue Reef Cottages, at the back of the beach, are built to blend harmoniously in with the landscape: low and rocky and covered in grass and wildflowers, as though part of the scenery themselves. Inside they are stylish, decorated in natural wood and stone, with jacuzzis, saunas and log fires, and long windows to let the sweeping, dramatic outside in. Stay here and feel as though the beach is yours, barely another building to mar the view. And at night, the skies are bright with stars.
- Rex Features
37. Achmelvich Beach, North-west Scotland
Among the little islands and coves of the west coast of Scotland can be found countless beautiful beaches. Some are wild stretches of sand, some sheltered bays with turquoise sea when the sun shines, and almost all are free from crowds, pollution and noise.
In the far north-west of the Scottish Highlands, Achmelvich has a series of lovely, intimate beaches backed by a picturesque, flowering landscape. It offers clean white sands (no dogs in summer holidays), clear, safe waters where porpoises swim in summer, an annual sandcastle-building competition and Europe's tiniest castle, Hermit's Castle.
Where to stay near Achmelvich Beach
There's a campsite right next to the beach - but to stay in style, we'd recommend checking into the Summer Isles Hotel, 20 miles to the south in Ullapool, where the food prepared with homegrown and locally caught produce has earned its restaurant a Michelin star. If you prefer your accommodation chic yet isolated, head 20 miles in the other direction to the eco-cottages of Croft 103 in Port na Con.
- Alamy
38. Machir Bay, Islay, Scotland
Islay, known as 'Queen of the Hebrides', is famous for its single malt whisky (there are eight distilleries on the tiny isle); but it's also outlined by 130 miles of rambling coastline. Take a walk along the green, boggy flatlands, pass the iconic stone Celtic Cross of Kilchoman and you'll come to Machir, one of the fairest stretches of sand of them all. It's got a simple but perennially pleasing beauty: more than a mile of white-sand shoreline and a well-deserved reputation for stunning sunsets. Hike down to the south end and you'll also come across a crumbling Iron Age fort hidden amongst the coastal crags.
Where to stay near Machir Bay
Bridgend Hotel, set near the banks of Islay's fishing lochs, is a sweet little stone cottage with charming, well-manicured gardens. The rooms are modern but cosy, and it's only a 20-minute drive from Machir.
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39. Uig beach, Isle of Lewis, Scotland
Scotland's Isle of Lewis, has, along with its sister Isle of Harris, the most exceptional beaches. Like the Caribbean in all but temperature: the soul-liftingly clear turquoise waters; the fine, white sand it is a joy to skip along, with just the wind remind you that you're as far from anywhere as you'll ever be, in the Outer Hebrides.
Uig Beach itself, or Uig Sands, is our pick - an unusually stunning landscape with bright, inviting waters. 'Here are golden shifting sand dunes, machair grassland, myriad islets and rugged cliffs,' writes former Acting Deputy Editor Michelle Jana Chan, who wishes she could once more 'camp here on the springy moss, awaken to the trill of the curlew, and then kite-surf at high tide in the shallow waters.'
The waters are similarly bright and clear, the sands as fine and fair on the Isle of Lewis's other beautiful beaches: Cappadale Sands, also in Uig Bay, the cliff-flanked cove of Mangersta Sands, or sweeping Reef Beach where you can go beachcombing along the shoreline for shells.
Where to stay near Uig
Handcrafted B&B Mint Croft is one of the prettiest stays on Skye.
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40. St Cyrus, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Aberdeen isn't best known for being a spot of natural beauty, but outside the hubbub of the city is Montrose, home to an array of beaches including St Cyrus (once known by the name of Ecclesgreig). Bordered by red granite cliffs and set in a National Nature Reserve, it plays host to a superabundance of wildlife: butterflies and fulmars reign the skies, whilst porpoises are often spotted in the sea. The north end of St Cyrus is also the setting of a grizzly slice of horrible history: set on a rocky outcrop lies the Kaim of Mathers, a castle where a local sheriff was once boiled by a cannibal laird. Luckily, the nasties died out in the 14th century, and it's now simply a serene coastal village.
Where to stay near St Cyrus
90 minutes' drive inland, in Braemar, there's a selection of luxury properties; Gairnshiel Lodge, near Balmoral Castle, is one of the biggest (it sleeps 20) and best, and great for big get-togethers, or check into The Fife Arms, an art-filled hotel from Hauser & Wirth.
- Alamy
41. Luskentyre, Outer Hebrides, Scotland
The Isle of Harris has some of the most evocative landscapes in the Outer Hebrides. Brooding, sombre backdrops, terrains reminiscent of lunar scenes - it has a real sense of isolation. And there are many beaches to be enjoyed, too. The best is arguably Luskentyre, which has azure-green waters less associated with Scotland than with the Caribbean: clear as crystal, and trimmed by vast white coastline. Occasionally, wild ponies are spotted grazing along the dunes, but they're not the only nature to be spied: otters, seals, dolphins, eagles and deer all call Harris home.
Where to stay near Luskentyre
Scarista House, hidden in a solitary spot amid heather-covered mountains, is the only hotel on the island that can claim to be five minutes from the sea. The Georgian manse, a 20-minute drive to Luskentyre beach, is located overlooking a shell-sand beach of its own, along whose shores otter footprints are often found.
See more of the best beaches in Scotland
42. Three Cliffs Bay, Wales
Three Cliffs Bay, on what is undoubtedly one of Britain's most beautiful shorelines, is relatively quiet year-round due to the fact that scaling its dunes makes for a challenging walk - but it's worth the hike. Rugged green cliffs give way to an undulating stretch of sandy coastline, home to lots of postcard-picturesque beaches.
The bay is popular with horseback riders, who are oft-spotted galloping along the sand, as well as naturalists; lucky visitors might spot the occasional rare peregrine falcon sweeping overhead. It's overlooked by the crumbling remnants of Pennard Castle, which lends the area an isolated, forgotten feel with a touch of the fantastical. According to folklore, the castle has long been the haunt of fairies.
Where to stay near Three Cliffs Bay
Seven miles from the bay is The Penthouse, a luxury self-catering house sleeping six, which overlooks the also-very-beautiful Langland Bay and has its own Edwardian beach hut. Keen riders may like nearby B&B Parc-Le-Breos which has its own stables; while for literature buffs, Browns Hotel is about an hour's drive from Three Cliffs, in the small town of Laugharne. The hotel was Dylan Thomas's favourite drinking hole, and one of the spots where the poet penned works such as Under Milk Wood.
- Facebook.com/Hen Ty Llaeth Holiday Cottage
43. Aberfforest Beach, Wales
A horseshoe-shaped little bay halfway between Dina Cross and Newport, on Aberfforest Beach you are significantly more likely to spot a sunbathing seal or a passing pod of dolphins than you are a picnicking family. It's completely unspoilt. The sand and smooth slate-shingle is met by cool clear still waters and steep cliffs on either side. Access is via the footpaths that hug the very edge of the coastline. The famous Dinas Island walk, a circular loop which climbs and falls dramatically along the rocky edge with astonishing views, brings you round to the Old Sailors pub on Fishguard Bay for a well-deserved pint of Felinfoel and a doorstep-thick crab sandwich.
Where to stay near Aberfforest Beach
There are four converted cottages available to rent right by the beach, but the prettiest is Crab, with its simple, bright New England style - whitewashed walls, scrubbed pine farmhouse table and a wood burner for chilly nights.
- Drew Buckley/Rex Features
44. Llanddwyn, Anglesey, Wales
We're hoping Anglesey's recent time in the spotlight, as the part-time home of a certain royal couple, won't bring the hordes flocking to the island's stunningly beautiful beaches. On tiny Llanddwyn Island, the three-mile-long beach is known as the 'Beach of Romance', thanks not to Kate and Wills but to another princess, Dwynwen, who long ago ran away to Llanddwyn after a love affair went awry and became Wales's own St Valentine, patron saint of lovers.
Behind the beach is the Newborough Warren National Nature Reserve, a hot spot for bird-watchers and wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors might spot the world's second-largest species of raven, or perhaps even an elusive red squirrel. Nearby, Lligwy and Traeth Yr Ora are also home to spectacular stretches of sand.
Where to stay near Llanddwyn
What was once a grand country mansion is now the Tre-Ysgawen Spa, set in cultivated gardens on Anglesey, half an hour from Llanddwyn. For a more off-the-beaten-track experience a little further away, Anglesey Tipi & Yurts are a laid-back alternative: think authentic wood dwellings decked out with sheepskin throws and fairy lights.
45. Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales
The south-west corner of Wales has the most wonderful stretch of coast and sandy beaches. Try beautiful Barafundle Bay, reached after an invigorating half-hour romp across the clifftops, which ensures it stays relatively quiet even in the height of summer. Out of season you can often have the beach to yourself, save a few surfers who brave the brisk Irish Sea all year round - although in summer the water is a very un-Irish Sea shade of blue, which has drawn comparisons with the Caribbean Sea. Take a picnic, as there's nowhere to buy food and drink (and no loos, either).
The nearby beach of Marloes Sands, where Snow White and the Huntsman was filmed in 2011, is similarly remote, and also highly recommended.
Where to stay near Barafundle Bay
A picturesque drive away is The Grove at Narberth, a truly welcoming and stylish B&B in a refurbished manor house. It has a lovely atmosphere, warm and deeply comfortable rooms, pretty gardens with bucolic views, and an excellent restaurant where the chef is producing quite special food with local and seasonal produce.
46. Rhossili Bay, Gower Coast, Wales
The Gower peninsula has one of the UK's most picturesque coasts, with rugged little coves and large expanses of golden sand. At its western end, Rhossili Bay is a relatively untouched beach, a long, beautiful curve of white sand enclosed by steep limestone cliffs, with little on it other than the remains of Norwegian ship Helvetia, which was beached in 1887, sticking up out of the sand. It is big enough so that it never feels busy, particularly if you head for the northern stretch, down the track from the village of Llangennith, where the surfers go; and it has waves that are perfect for novice surfers and long-boarders.
Around the village of Rhossili itself is Dylan Thomas country, popular with walkers; and not far away is the town of Mumbles.
Where to stay near Rhossili Bay
If you stay at Hillend campsite behind the dunes, you can be in the swell before breakfast. In Llangennith, The Kings Head is a family-friendly pub with rooms and an award-winning restaurant: the cheese board was recommended in The British Cheese Awards 2011. Up in the hills in Llandeilo, an hour away, the boutique Cawdor hotel has individually designed rooms and family apartments.
- Alamy
47. Harlech, Gwynedd, Wales
Harlech beach is huge enough that you'll feel completely alone, despite it being easily accessible with excellent facilities including toilets, shops and parking. One of the beach's major attractions is its clean golden sand, and it's been designated a National Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its miles of rolling dunes. The clean, safe water is ideal for adults and children to swim in.
Where to stay near Harlech
Castle Cottage has seven nicely decorated guest rooms in its 16th-century building, and an award-winning restaurant.
- Alamy
48. Penbryn, Ceredigion, Wales
Some people have the soft sands of Harbour Island or the Seychelles, but for others only the wild coastline of Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire will do. Not quite as balmy, perhaps; but there's poetry flowing through its rock strata. Use Cardigan as your base. Poppit Sands is the closest beach to town - and it's very nice, with a handy car park and a café. But further north is Penbryn, for which you have to put in a little more legwork. You can cove-hop all the way up here, with signposts every half mile or so pointing the way to another tucked-away shore. Penbryn lies at the end of a fern-fronded valley and is completely untouched - not a bin or Wall's sign in sight.
If this was Cornwall you'd barely get on the sand, but it's rarely busy. A few surfers, perhaps, or seals out to sea, or families playing beach cricket. On the northern side is the black maw of a cave - a Welsh dragon's den - for which you have to tip-toe over a few rocks to step inside and take photographs peering out. There's so little light pollution that star-gazing walks are held in the summer. Despite its lack of airs, Penbryn is a film star, having appeared in Die Another Day. It stood in for North Korea, and Pierce Brosnan and Halle Berry snuggled up in a beach hut together. Perhaps there's a beach outside Pyongyang that once stood in for West Wales?
Where to stay near Penbryn
Follow in the stumbling footsteps of Dylan Thomas and bed down for the night at the Black Lion Inn in New Quay.
- Getty Images
49. Whitesands Beach, Pembrokeshire, Wales
One of the most popular surf spots in the country come summer, the west-facing Whitesands Beach in Pembrokeshire sees its waters brimming with bodyboarders, canoeists and surfers at the northern end, all competing for the best waves. The south end is quieter, but visitors seeking more solace might prefer to take a 15-minute walk northwest to Porthmelgan, which overlooks Ramsay Island, the home of the UK's largest grey seal population. Porthmelgan's waters are more dangerous for swimming in, but the beach serves as respite from the clamour of the crowds at Whitesands.
Less than a 10-minute drive away is St David's, the smallest city in Britain and popular thanks to its impressive cloistered cathedral, which bears evidence of both Romanesque and English Gothic influences. It's also home to Cwtch Restaurant, widely considered the best restaurant in the area; stop by for lunch to try the local game casserole.
Where to stay near Whitesands Beach
Managed by those behind the restaurant of the same name, Cwtch Cottages are two snug, stylish stone-walled cottages that sit alongside one another in the heart of St David's. Situated slightly out of town is Penrhiw Priory, a self-catered luxury rental home that was once a vicarage. There's also the dramatic Roch Castle hotel - the views from the Norman property's turret overlook rolling green countryside, 25 minutes' drive from Whitesands.
- Getty Images
50. Benone, Ulster, Northern Ireland
In the summer, Benone is a haven of buckets and spades, windbreakers, and brightly patterned picnic blankets. It’s immensely popular with families, especially those with young children, though the gorgeous view (including a glimpse of the Mussenden Temple on the cliffs above) is enough to impress the adults as well. Stop for a coffee and a thick wedge of freshly-baked banana bread from the tiny dune café, The Sea Shed, to fortify yourself for a day filled with paddling and sandcastle-building.
Where to stay near Benone
You don’t need to wrestle with tent-pegs to enjoy a stay in the great outdoors. Benone Getaways glamping pods are as plush as any hotel room; with a private hot tub moments from the beach.
- ARV / Alamy Stock Photo
51. Mill Bay, Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland
This tiny island (six miles long and one mile wide) draws in visitors from all over the world thanks to the puffins nesting on the cliffs. Spend a morning watching these portly little birds dive-bombing into the sea for fish, and after a seafood lunch in the Water Shed Cafe, head down to the harbour for an afternoon stroll on Mill Bay. This small beach near the ferry port takes its name from the old ruins of the kelp-drying mill nearby. Today, it’s the preferred nap spot of the local seals, who will happily flop down just feet away from you to enjoy the sun. If you plan to join them, make sure to bring a deckchair as the beach is stony rather than sandy.
Where to stay on Rathlin Island
The Manor House, a charming 18th-century Georgian home, is right by the harbour. On a sunny day, take coffee and breakfast in the al-fresco dining area to enjoy a beautiful view of the sea.
- scenicireland.com / Christopher Hill Photographic / Alamy Stock Photo
52. Magilligan Point, Ulster, Northern Ireland
This beach is at the very tip of the Magilligan Foreground, a place which has been declared an Area of Special Scientific Interest thanks to the ever-changing nature of its 20-mile stretch of dunes, which each shift and reform with the winds. However, one thing that remains constant here is the Martello tower rising in the distance. Though this rather stumpy landmark may look like the ruins of a fairytale castle, it was built in the early 1810s as a watchtower to protect against Spanish invasion; this spot was chosen for the building due to its vantage point over both Magilligan Point and the Donegal coastline across the water. Today, it makes the ideal picnic spot to shelter from the wind and take in the spectacular views.
Where to stay near Magilligan Point
Drive 30-minutes up the coast and check into The Royal Court Hotel for friendly service, sea views and a traditional Sunday lunch. Bring an appetite.
- Trevor Buchanan / Alamy Stock Photo
53. Whiterocks, Portrush, Northern Ireland
This long, sandy beach is popular with swimmers and watersports enthusiasts; from the shore, you’ll often spot brightly-coloured kayaks bobbing up and down on the waves and surfboards can be rented on-site. Dramatic white limestone cliffs line the sands, with figures and faces appearing in the rocks as you peer out into the secret sea-caves and hidden corners of the craggy coastline. It’s here that you’ll find the distinctive Wishing Arch, which is strikingly similar to Durdle Door – though, if you ask the locals, far superior.
Where to stay near Whiterocks
There are plenty of pretty B&Bs and guesthouses in the neighbouring seaside town of Portrush. For something a little different, check into Portstewart’s eclectic Me & Mrs Jones, a romantic, boutique stay with beautifully decorated rooms.
- imageBROKER / Alamy Stock Photo
54. Whitepark Bay, Antrim, Northern Ireland
This expansive beach is perfect for a bracing walk and though it’s not suitable for swimmers, Whitepark Bay’s main attraction has little to do with the water. It’s home to a herd of possibly the most-photographed cows in Ireland. Used as a method of conservation for the dunes, the grazing cattle often wander down to the shore or a quick dip or a snooze on the sands, and if you turn up in the early morning you’re sure to catch sight of these beach-bound bovines.
Where to stay near Whitepark Bay
The Bushmills Inn has been welcoming guests since the 16th century, when it acted as a coachhouse for weary travellers along the coast; now, it’s a smart hotel where you can enjoy all the perks of traditional Irish hospitality including turf fires, a hearty pub menu – and most traditional of all, a pint of Guinness.