Written by Seaside Jewellery, Cornwall
The UK boasts a stunning array of beaches, including beautiful sandy beaches and areas of outstanding natural beauty, each with its unique charm and characteristics. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly destination, a secluded spot for peace and tranquility, or the best beach for your furry friend, this guide will help you find the best beach in the UK.
From the golden sands of Cornwall to the dramatic coastlines of North Yorkshire, we’ve got you covered.
Top Beaches in the UK
Best Beach for Families: Bournemouth Beach, Dorset
Best Beach in Cornwall: Porthcurno Beach
Best Beach in Devon: Woolacombe Beach
Best Beach in North Yorkshire: Robin Hood's Bay
Best Beach for Dogs: Holkham Beach, Norfolk
Best Secluded Beach: Sandwood Bay, Scotland
Best Beach for Rock Pools: Kimmeridge Bay, Dorset
Best Beach for Water Sports: Fistral Beach, Cornwall
Best Sandy Beach: Camber Sands, East Sussex
Best Beach with Sand Dunes: Studland Bay, Dorset
Best Beach for Families: Bournemouth Beach, Dorset
How to Get There: Easily accessible with several National Trust car parks nearby, providing convenient parking options within walking distance to the beach.
Features: Wide sandy beach, colourful beach huts, and a promenade with shops and restaurants.
Why Go: Bournemouth Beach offers a perfect family beach holiday with its golden sand, shallow waters, and numerous amenities. The beach is also close to attractions like the Bournemouth Pier and Oceanarium.
Best Beach in Cornwall: Porthcurno Beach
How to Get There: Located near the Minack Theatre, with parking available at the Porthcurno car park. A coastal path near Porthcurno Beach provides easy access to explore the scenic coastal areas.
Features: Turquoise sea, golden sands, and dramatic cliffs.
Why Go: Porthcurno Beach is renowned for its stunning scenery and clear waters. The coast path runs nearby, offering spectacular sea views.
Best Beach in Devon: Woolacombe Beach
How to Get There: Multiple car parks are available within a short walking distance to the beach.
Features: Three miles of golden sand, sand dunes, excellent surf conditions.
Why Go: Woolacombe Beach is perfect for a variety of beach activities, from surfing to beachcombing, making it one of the best beaches in the United Kingdom. For those seeking a quieter spot, Combesgate Beach is just a ten-minute walk away, offering tranquility and beautiful views.
Best Beach in North Yorkshire: Robin Hood's Bay
How to Get There: Access via a steep walk from the village, with parking available in the village car park.
Features: A sandy and pebble beach, rock pools, and a picturesque fishing village.
Why Go: Robin Hood’s Bay offers a charming mix of natural beauty and historic interest. The beach is ideal for fossil hunting and exploring rock pools at low tide. The North Sea enhances the seaside experience with its stunning views and fresh local produce.
Best Beach for Dogs: Holkham Beach, Norfolk
How to Get There: Parking available at Lady Anne's Drive.
Features: Wide sandy beach, sand dunes, and pine woods.
Why Go: Holkham Beach is dog-friendly year-round, offering plenty of space for dogs to run and play. The beach's vastness and natural beauty make it a favorite among dog owners.
Best Secluded Beach: Sandwood Bay, Scotland
How to Get There: A 4-mile walk from the nearest car park at Blairmore.
Features: Golden sands, rugged cliffs, and a freshwater loch.
Why Go: Sandwood Bay is often cited as the best hidden beach in the UK. Its remote location ensures peace and solitude, making it perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.
Best Beach for Rock Pools: Kimmeridge Bay, Dorset
How to Get There: Park at the Kimmeridge Bay car park, a short walk from the beach.
Features: Shingle beach, extensive rock pools, and fossils.
Why Go: Kimmeridge Bay is a haven for rock pool enthusiasts and fossil hunters. The beach is part of the Jurassic Coast, offering fascinating geological features.
Best Beach for Water Sports: Fistral Beach, Cornwall
How to Get There: Located in Newquay, with ample parking nearby.
Features: Wide sandy beach, consistent surf, and numerous surf schools.
Why Go: Fistral Beach is the UK's premier surfing destination, attracting surfers from all over the world. The beach is also great for other water sports like paddleboarding and bodyboarding.
Best Sandy Beach: Camber Sands, East Sussex
How to Get There: Easily accessible with several car parks near the beach.
Features: Miles of golden sand and expansive dunes.
Why Go: Camber Sands is renowned for its vast sandy beach, making it ideal for sunbathing, beach sports, and family outings. The dunes provide a scenic backdrop and are perfect for exploring.
Best Beach with Sand Dunes: Studland Bay, Dorset
How to Get There: Park at the National Trust car park at Knoll Beach or take the Studland chain ferry from Sandbanks to the Shell Bay car park.
Features: Wide sandy beach, extensive sand dunes, and views of Old Harry Rocks.
Why Go: Studland Bay offers a beautiful sandy beach with a unique dune system. It's perfect for nature walks, bird watching, and enjoying the stunning coastal scenery. Shell Bay, located at the northern end of Studland Bay, is equally beautiful and provides a serene environment with expansive dunes and golden sand.
Golden Sand, Rock Pools and Beach Activities
Whether you’re planning a family beach getaway, a secluded escape, or an adventure with your dog, the UK’s beautiful beaches offer something for everyone.
From the golden sands of Cornwall and Devon to the dramatic coastlines of North Yorkshire and Scotland, these beaches are among the best in the UK. Explore these stunning destinations and discover the beauty and diversity of the UK beaches.
FAQs: Best Beach in the UK
What makes a beach the best beach?
A beach is considered the best based on various factors, including natural beauty, amenities, safety, and suitability for different activities such as family outings, dog walking, or water sports. Features like golden sands, clear waters, and unique landscapes also contribute to a beach's appeal.
Can I find secret beaches along the South West Coast Path?
Yes, the SW Coast Path offers access to numerous secluded beaches. This coastal trail stretches for 630 miles and passes through some of the most beautiful and remote areas in the UK. Beaches like Porthcurno in Cornwall and Traeth Llyfn in Pembrokeshire are just a couple of examples of the hidden gems you can find along this path.
What are the best secluded beaches in Britain?
For a truly secluded beach experience, Sandwood Bay in Scotland is an excellent choice. Its remote location and stunning natural beauty make it one of the best secluded beaches in Britain. Other options include Lantic Bay in Cornwall and Traeth Llyfn in Pembrokeshire.
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