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Best beach bags for summer 2024, tried and tested
Hitting the beach? Then you’ll want to hit up our guide to the best beach bags before setting off to ensure you’ve got the perfect accessory to cart your books, suncream, snacks, drinks and games (and more!) down to the sand.
By Laura Cooke | Last updated Jul 11, 2024
Heading to the coast on a sunny day is guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face. To keep them smiling, it’s well worth making sure you have all the right gear with you, including the essentials (beach towels, suncream) and stuff that’ll keep you and the family entertained (travel games, beach toys, books, tablets and snacks).
So it’s important to think about a suitable beach bag that’ll keep everything safe and dry, provide enough room to cart damp towels and swimwear home and ensure that you don’t take half the beach back with you. Luckily there are loads of options that combine practicality and style.
From traditional straw and canvas bags to carriers that’ll fit all but the kitchen sink in, our list has you covered.
To keep you organised on the go, we've got handy guides to the best suitcases, the best cabin bags, the best kids' luggage, the best packing cubes, the best toiletry bags and the best bum bags, all featuring top product recommendations from Mumsnetters.
Best beach bags at a glance
Best overall: Falmouth Beach/Travel Bag | Buy now
Best budget: Leopard Print Foil Beach Bag | Buy now
Best canvas bag: Boden Neon Structured Canvas Tote Bag | Buy now
Best tote: Longchamp Le Pliage Original Large Shoulder Bag | Buy now
Best waterproof: ITIWIT Waterproof Dry Bag 30L | Buy now
Best large bag: Rex London Jumbo Storage Bag | Buy now
Best straw bag: M&S Straw Striped Tote Bag | Buy now
Best cotton bag: Accessorize Metallic Large Beach Bag | Buy now
1. Best overall beach bag: Falmouth Beach/Travel Bag
Price: RRP £56 (holdall set) | Buy now from QVC
Key specs
Size: 38 x 55 x 16 cm | Material: Synthetic
What we like
Machine washable for easy cleaning
Water resistant
Available in a wide range of pretty prints
What we don't like
Big enough for all your beach essentials, but may not be big enough to fit the whole family’s gear in
What Mumsnet users say
“I've got a Mia Tui Falmouth travel bag which I take on the plane and round the pool/to the beach. It's really useful with lots of pockets which I don't normally like, and water resistant too. It also fits over my suitcase handles and on my shoulder really well” - IloveJudgeJudy
“The Mia Tui big totes are great for the airport and could easily be used for the beach”- sunisblinding
Our verdict
If you’re looking for a beach bag that’s roomy, practical, stylish and affordable, the Mia Tui Falmouth Beach/Travel Bag ticks all the boxes. Hidden inside this bag are two insulated bottle holders, one large and one small pocket, and there’s a large zipped pocket on the front, with a clip for your keys, and phone/pen pockets. The main compartment can be zipped up to keep all your items safe and secure. There’s even a pocket at the back which allows you to slip the bag over suitcase handles, making the Falmouth a great choice for the airport too.
The Falmouth is water resistant, so if it gets splashed, it’s not the end of the world. And if it gets grubby or sandy, it can be safely popped in the washing machine. With a wide range of bold colours, leaf prints and geometric patterns to choose from, there really is a Falmouth out there to suit everyone.
Read next: Looking for family holiday inspiration? Check out our guides to the best family-friendly destinations and hotels, as recommended by Mumsnetters
2. Best budget beach bag: Leopard Print Foil Beach Bag
Price: RRP £10 | Buy now from Matalan
Key specs
Size: 37 x 52 x 17.5 cm | Material: Polyester
What we like
Zipped top keeps valuables safe
Stylish leopard print design
What we don't like
Not machine washable
Lack of pockets
What Mumsnet users say
“I saw some with zips in Matalan yesterday. Not sure how hard wearing etc but noticed the zip because it makes a pleasant change from a popper that does no good at all keeping everything in!” - Tryingtogetitright
Our verdict
With a black and gold leopard print design, we’d recommend this stylish offering from Matalan.
It doesn’t come with loads of fancy accessories or pockets, favouring instead a sling-it-all-in approach. But the top of the bag is zipped closed, meaning that everything stays put. The rope handles are sturdy and shouldn’t let you down, but the bag itself is wipe-clean only, so if the bag gets grubby, you can’t throw it in the washing machine for a quick freshen up.
Related: The best beach tents for coastal fun
3. Best canvas beach bag: Neon Structured Canvas Tote Bag
Price: £60 | Buy now from Boden
Key specs
Size: 36 x 30 x 15 cm | Material: Canvas
What we like
Large tote design
Handy zip-up pocket
What we don't like
Main compartment doesn't zip- or button-up
Our verdict
Channel your inner nan with this retro shopper from Boden. It's larger than your average tote and its chuck-it-all-in size means you can load all the beach essentials inside. It's a muted shade but the bold neon detail gives it a stylish look. There's a handy zip for small loose items and its sturdy canvas design will ensure you can use it summer after summer.
Related: Relax in the shade with ur pick of the best hammocks
4. Best tote beach bag: Longchamp Le Pliage Original Large Shoulder Bag
Price: RRP £100 | Buy now from John Lewis & Partners
Key specs
Size: 46 x 30 cm | Material: Nylon
What we like
The perfect blend of stylish and practical
Lightweight
What we don't like
You may feel £100 is a bit steep for a bag that is going to be dragged around the beach - but many Mumsnetters say it’s worth the price tag
What Mumsnet users say
“I was convinced by the ladies here to buy a Longchamp Le Pliage last summer, and it has been rather a brilliant purchase - top zip, folds up small for storage/packing in suitcase if you don't want to use it at the airport. Fits tonnes of crap in it for the beach, looks more expensive than it is. Will be used again this summer” - OrdinarySnowflake
“I use a Longchamp Le Pliage. Saw plenty of other people using these as beach bags on Mykonos too” - countdowntonap
Our verdict
This distinctive bag has multiple uses but it works really well as a beach bag and is ideal for taking on holiday. The lightweight nylon canvas means it won’t take up too much room in your suitcase as opposed to a straw bag, and the zip means it stops sand from getting on your things.
It comes in navy blue and black, which is great if you’re going for a chic look, but if you’re looking to make a statement, Le Pliage is also available in hot pink and lime green. To clean, just use a wet cloth.
Read next: The best crossbody bags to buy, as rated by Mumsnetters
5. Best waterproof beach bag: ITIWIT Waterproof Dry Bag 30L
Price: RRP £37 | Buy now from Decathlon
Key specs
Size: 30 litres | Material: Polyvinyl Chloride
What we like
Splash proof
Grab handle and backpack straps for easy carrying
What we don't like
Not a traditional stylish beach bag
What Mumsnet users say
“The best thing for the beach is a roll top dry bag designed for water sports. One of those is not going to be on the cover of Vogue though” - reefedsail
Our verdict
If your idea of a beach trip involves something a little more high-octane than reading this summer’s bestsellers in the dunes, then the ITIWIT Waterproof Dry Bag is a practical, no-nonsense alternative to summery tote bags.
This 30-litre dry bag with carry straps will protect your belongings from splashes when kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding or light sailing. But even if you’re taking everything at a more relaxed pace, the ITIWIT has rucksack straps, making it easier to carry all your beach essentials than a traditional shoulder bag. Sure it probably won’t win you any style points, but at least everything will be dry, so who’s the real winner?
Read next: The best wallets for women, as tried and tested by Mumsnetters
6. Best large beach bag for families: Rex London Green On Blue Spotlight Jumbo Storage Bag
Price: RRP £6 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Size: 55 × 28 × 48 cm | Material: Plastic
What we like
Great for carting around the whole family’s beach essentials
Available in bold colours and patterns
Budget-friendly price
Made from 90% recycled bottles
What we don't like
If you like to pack light, you may want to look elsewhere
What Mumsnet users say
“I like these as they zip up” - Fivemoreminutes1
Our verdict
If you’re not fussed about designer labels or fiddly pockets and are just looking for one whacking great zipped bag to accommodate everything the whole family needs for a day at the beach, then this is the bag for you.
Strong but lightweight, the Rex London Green On Blue Spotlight Jumbo Storage Bag can be folded down when not in use and any dirt or muck can be simply wiped off. Although it is meant for storing bedding, clothing, laundry and the like, Mumsnetters swear by these jumbo bags for ferrying all the family beach essentials.
Read next: The best tote bags to buy, as reviewed by Mumsnetters
7. Best straw beach bag: M&S Straw Striped Tote Bag
Price: RRP £45 | Buy now from M&S
Key specs
Size: 7 x 13 x 18 cm | Material: Straw, cotton lining and polyurethane trim
What we like
Stylish and elegant
Handy drawstring top for easy fastening
What we don't like
Not one of the bigger bags on our list
What Mumsnet users say
“… a couple of straw totes look very stylish, otherwise get yourself a French basket from Etsy or Ebay” - windmill26
Our verdict
If you’re looking for a traditional but on-trend straw bag, this beauty could be just right for you. The simple-but-stylish design will turn heads but it’s still practical and big enough to fit most of your essential items in. Plus, it's a total dupe of Loewe's iconic basket bag that would otherwise set you back £450.
Inside is a pure cotton lining that can be fastened quickly and securely with a drawstring. There's also an internal zip pocket for squirrelling away smaller items, plus a handy external slip pocket that matches the bag handles. So chic.
Read next: Best collapsible folding wagons for the beach, festivals and family adventures
8. Best cotton beach bag: Accessorize Metallic Large Beach Bag
Price: RRP £30 | Buy now from Accessorize
Key specs
Size: 55 x 37 cm | Material: Cotton lining and polyester
What we like
Pretty design
Lightweight
What we don't like
No pockets - just one big main compartment
What Mumsnet users say
“Mine’s large with a zip, shoulder straps & very light to carry, pale with a rose gold pattern, it was about £25 from Accessorize last year - they have a very similar one this year.” - tierraJ
Our verdict
This sizeable tote bag has plenty of space for all the beach essentials, with a zip sealing up the main compartment to make sure everything stays in while the sand stays out.
The botanical pattern in shiny foiled fabric means this bag adds a touch of effortless glamour to all beach outfits. The bag is wipe-clean only though, so you need to take extra care to ensure your bag stays sparkling white.
How to buy the best beach bag
From trendy woven straw bags that'll stand out in your pictures, to waterproof bags with lots of pockets and zippers, there’s a beach bag out there to meet your needs. But there are a few things to consider before making a purchase.
Size. How much do you want to carry in your bag? Is it just for you or are you the one that ends up carrying everyone else’s worldly goods? Also, will you be using it to travel with or packing it away in a suitcase? Make sure to check the dimensions and the number of compartments or pockets before you buy. Secondly, is it just for a regular trip to the beach or will you be taking it on a boat trip and therefore might need something more hard wearing? If it’s the latter, think about buying a waterproof beach bag. When it comes to style, that’s a personal choice and with so many variations, you’ll have fun browsing.
Read next: The best women's backpacks to buy
What is the best material for a beach bag?
Sturdy fabrics such as canvas, denim and twill are best for beach bags. Since many beach bags seldom require cleaning, novelty drapery and upholstery fabrics can be fun choices too. Faux leather vinyl and nylon are more durable options.
What is the best beach bag to buy
The Mia Tui Falmouth Beach/Travel Bag has got everything going for it. A spacious interior with plenty of pockets means the Falmouth is highly practical, while the gorgeous pattern choice means you will be the envy of the whole beach. It’s even machine washable - hurray!
About the author
Laura Cooke is a Content Editor at Mumsnet, with a special focus on homeware and product reviews. She's a mum of two and lives in Sussex. Her work has been published in the Daily Mirror, the i, Metro, Stylist and Happiful magazine.
Laura started writing Swears By articles for Mumsnet in 2021 and has since written several buyer's guides and product reviews to help Mumsnetters make informed choices when it comes to parting with their pennies.
In her free time, Laura enjoys going to gigs, learning to play tennis and eating fish and chips by the seaside.
How we choose our recommendations
We’ve thoroughly researched the best beach bags you can buy this season including tried-and-tested experiences from a wide range of honest, trusted sources. Here’s how we narrowed it down to our top picks.
Mumsnet community
When it comes to stylish and practical beach bags, Mumsnetters know a trusty carrier when they see (and use) one.
We first assessed all the recommendations from the Mumsnet community, getting feedback on the best beach bags they have personally used, reviewed and rated, including their favourite models, and must-have additional features. We also considered the reasons why Mumsnetters would avoid certain beach bags.
Expert opinions
We know that choosing the right beach bag takes a lot of thought and consideration, so we made sure our recommendations were well received within the bags and luggage industry, rated or recommended by travel experts and industry leaders.
Trusted consumer reviews
Finally, we scrutinised honest customer reviews on retailer sites such as Amazon and John Lewis to get wider consumer opinions on the products on our shortlist. Through this research, we were able to weigh up the best beach bags for a variety of needs and gain a greater understanding of the pros and cons of each.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.
Mumsnet carries some affiliate marketing links, so if you buy something through our posts, we may get a small share of the sale.