Top 9 Best Beaches In The UK

Our Top 9 Best Beaches In The UK

No matter the time of the year, nothing comes close to enjoying a refreshing stroll along the beach. The best thing is that you also don't have to venture a million miles away to find an idyllic spot as the UK officially boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Be it a sandy beach near London or a pebble strown getaway further north that you're looking for, let us be your guide to THE nine best beaches in the UK.

Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland

If a beautiful beach isn't enough, this glorious stretch of golden sands also comes complete with the backdrop of Bamburgh castle. Clear waters and rugged coastlines make for a great afternoon stroll no matter the season, and if you tire of the beach, there's always the castle to climb and explore.

Top Tip: Head out with a picnic on clear days and catch a glimpse of Lindisfarne and the Farne Islands. Perfect for a family day out or romantic treat for two.

Formby Beach, Lancashire

Perhaps the Queen of sandy beaches, Formby is home to endless dunes and coastal pinewoods. It's a dog walker's heaven with endless trails and surrounding woodlands to explore. An area filled with heritage, grab the kids and search for prehistoric footprints to properly explore this historic area.

Top Tip: Naturally, this beauty has to be National Trust protected and it's also home to the endangered red squirrel. Get wandering and see just how many you can spot.

Rhossili Beach, Wales

Home to a four mile stretch of golden sands, this area is undoubedtly a spot that nature created to go sunbathing. Lined with endless fields of beautiful blooms at the right time of the year, it's as if Mother Nature made this area with the Instagram generation in mind. Located at the western tip of the peninsula means it's also a popular destination for surfers and paragliders alike.

Top Tip: It's quite a tricky walk down the cliff path to access the best bits, so keep your flip flops packed until you hit its glorious sands. A great UK beach holiday!

Porthcurno Beach, Near Land's End

Absolute proof that you don't need to take an airplane to find blue majestic waters, you simply have to hit this gem. Described as one of the UK's most beautiful bays, and rightly so, a day out here will have you feeling like you're in a different country. A popular day out for the entire family, it's easey peasey to access its beautiful shores for a sunbathe, picnic or kick about upon its fine white sands. Equally an amazing spot to simply step back and soak up the beauty of its amazing cliffs. One of the best beaches in England by far!

Top Tip: Make the most of your trip and visit at a low tide so that you can walk to other sandy beaches in the bay. A word of caution for the faint hearted however, this also includes a nudist section.

Porthmeor Beach, St Ives, Cornwall

No best of British beaches can be complete without a St Ives mention. This almost otherworldly destination is considered as the best of the South West with a sandy shoreline that's often lined with hordes of sunbathers in peak season. It's also a go to destination for surfers and swimmers alike due to its edgy waters. Get ready to ride those perfect waves!

Top Tip: When you fancy shaking off some sand, the centre of St Ives is just a stone's throw away and filled with trendy cafes and art galleries.

Perranporth Beach, Perranporth, Cornwall

Cornwall is famously filled with beautiful beaches, and this one is always worth a visit. If snorkeling is your thing, then get ready to explore its waters, including perfectly placed rockpools to see what sealife you can discover. A great spot to simply relax with the kids in tow as you sit back and take five as they explore the pools.

Top Tip: In peak season, make a pitstop at the beach's award winning snack shop, The Watering Hole for a quick refuel.

Hengistbury Head Beach, Bournemouth, Dorset

If pebbles are your thing this relatively unspoilt stretch of coastline is for you. Clay and Ironstone cliffs are the backdrop to varying wildlife's habitats, and often the pull factor that entices visitors down in their droves. If that's not enough, its rows of coloured huts will have you feeling like you're part of a postcard.

Top Tip: Keep your phones handy, there's almost too much to share on Instagram at this UK beach.

Chapel Port Beach, Cornwall

If you're sick of battling it out with the masses for a spot on the beach, you'll be happy to learn that hidden beaches are now a thing. One that's growing ever so slightly in popularity is Cornwall's Chapel Port. Despite being a little more on the radar than in recent years, it's still an extremely peaceful spot to enjoy some much needed me time, with most still opting to frequent the nearby St Ives' instead.

Top Tip: Complement your beach break with a local specialty cone - ice cream topped with clotted cream and caramelised hazelnuts. If you can't indulge on holidays, when can you?

Holkham Beach, Norfolk

One of Norfolk's most famous beaches, Holkham has won an army of awards over the years for its glorious sands and waters. An almost endless feeling beach, it's perfect to hit with the family for a really good walk. Let your dogs run free and marvel at the area's beautiful forming lagoon at high tide.

Top Tip: It's one of the largest nature reserves in the country, so get ready to spot some serious wildlife.

We hope that you’ve enjoyed discovering our pick of the best UK beaches. Now, here comes the difficult part… Which one do you visit next?