The UK boasts an impressive array of beaches, each with its unique charm and appeal. From serene sandy shores to rugged coastal vistas, these beaches attract visitors for relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty. Here are the top 20 beaches in the UK that you should consider for your next visit.
1. Bournemouth Beach
- Description: Known for its golden sands and clear waters, Bournemouth Beach is ideal for families, offering a range of activities and amenities.
- Location: Bournemouth, Dorset
- Popularity: Frequent recipient of Blue Flag awards for cleanliness and safety.
- Special Features: Features a pier with amusement arcades, beachfront cafes, and watersports facilities.
2. Woolacombe Beach
- Description: Spanning three miles, Woolacombe Beach offers stunning golden sands and is backed by picturesque dunes.
- Location: Woolacombe, Devon
- Popularity: Consistently voted as one of the best beaches in Europe.
- Special Features: A hotspot for surfing and family-friendly activities with lifeguards on duty during peak seasons.
3. St Ives Bay
- Description: Home to multiple beaches, including Carbis Bay, Porthminster, and Porthmeor, known for fine sands and a vibrant art scene.
- Location: St Ives, Cornwall
- Popularity: Celebrated for its scenic beauty and thriving artistic community.
- Special Features: Excellent for surfing and features local art galleries and cafes.
4. Rhossili Bay
- Description: Part of the Gower Peninsula, this beach offers breathtaking views and is renowned for its natural beauty.
- Location: Swansea, Wales
- Popularity: Frequently listed among the top beaches globally.
- Special Features: Known for stunning coastal walks and the iconic Worm’s Head promontory.
5. Blackpool Sands
- Description: A secluded crescent-shaped beach with clear blue waters and fine shingle.
- Location: Dartmouth, Devon
- Popularity: Ideal for families and nature enthusiasts.
- Special Features: Offers water sports equipment rentals and a cafe serving local produce.
6. Brighton Beach
- Description: A pebbly beach famous for its lively atmosphere and historic pier.
- Location: Brighton, East Sussex
- Popularity: A favorite among tourists and locals alike.
- Special Features: Includes Brighton Pier and various beachside bars and restaurants.
7. Whitby Beach
- Description: A sandy beach overlooked by the dramatic ruins of Whitby Abbey.
- Location: Whitby, North Yorkshire
- Popularity: Known for its historical significance and picturesque setting.
- Special Features: Ideal for coastal walks and fossil hunting.
8. Filey Beach
- Description: A long, sandy beach perfect for a traditional seaside experience.
- Location: Filey, North Yorkshire
- Popularity: Loved by families for its clean sand and shallow waters.
- Special Features: Features a Victorian promenade and rock pools.
9. Camber Sands
- Description: Known for its expansive dunes and golden sands, Camber Sands is a popular destination for beach lovers.
- Location: East Sussex
- Popularity: Popular with windsurfers and beachgoers.
- Special Features: Offers kite surfing and scenic walks.
10. Perranporth Beach
- Description: A wide sandy beach with numerous rock pools and caves to explore.
- Location: Perranporth, Cornwall
- Popularity: Great for families and surfers.
- Special Features: Features The Watering Hole, a beach bar right on the sand.
11. Barafundle Bay
- Description: Often compared to the Caribbean, this remote beach is a hidden gem with golden sands and turquoise waters.
- Location: Pembrokeshire, Wales
- Popularity: Known for its untouched beauty and tranquility.
- Special Features: Accessible only by a half-mile walk.
12. Formby Beach
- Description: A natural beauty spot with expansive sand dunes, pine woods, and views of the Irish Sea.
- Location: Merseyside, England
- Popularity: Popular for its scenery and wildlife.
- Special Features: Home to a red squirrel reserve and prehistoric footprints.
13. Durdle Door Beach
- Description: Famous for its iconic limestone arch, Durdle Door Beach offers stunning views and clear waters.
- Location: Dorset
- Popularity: A must-visit for photographers and nature lovers.
- Special Features: Natural arch formation, part of the Jurassic Coast.
14. Bamburgh Beach
- Description: With its backdrop of Bamburgh Castle, this beach offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty.
- Location: Northumberland
- Popularity: Favored by history enthusiasts and families.
- Special Features: Features castle views and pristine sands.
15. Studland Bay
- Description: A four-mile stretch of sandy beaches and heathland, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
- Location: Dorset
- Popularity: Known for its natural beauty and conservation efforts.
- Special Features: Includes a naturist beach and diverse wildlife.
16. West Wittering Beach
- Description: A Blue Flag beach with excellent facilities and wide sandy shores.
- Location: West Sussex
- Popularity: Popular with families and water sports enthusiasts.
- Special Features: Offers kitesurfing, windsurfing, and a nature reserve.
17. Luskentyre Beach
- Description: This remote beach on the Isle of Harris features white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
- Location: Outer Hebrides, Scotland
- Popularity: Celebrated for its unspoiled beauty.
- Special Features: Provides stunning views and a peaceful environment.
18. Scarista Beach
- Description: Another gem in the Outer Hebrides, Scarista Beach is known for its expansive sands and striking landscapes.
- Location: Isle of Harris, Scotland
- Popularity: Loved by photographers and nature enthusiasts.
- Special Features: Offers clear waters and scenic hikes.
19. Portstewart Strand
- Description: A two-mile-long beach with golden sands, backed by impressive sand dunes.
- Location: County Londonderry, Northern Ireland
- Popularity: Known for its stunning scenery and as a filming location for “Game of Thrones.”
- Special Features: Excellent for sandcastle building, beach games, and walking.
20. Whiterocks Beach
- Description: A spectacular beach with white limestone cliffs, popular among water sports enthusiasts.
- Location: Portrush, Northern Ireland
- Popularity: Famous for its scenic beauty and surfing conditions.
- Special Features: Offers surf schools, bodyboarding, and stunning coastal walks.
Conclusion
The UK’s beaches are as diverse as they are beautiful, offering something for everyone. From the serene and picturesque shores of Luskentyre Beach to the vibrant atmosphere of Brighton Beach, these coastal gems provide the perfect setting for unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re looking to surf, sunbathe, or explore, the UK’s beaches have it all.
Have you visited any of these beaches? Share your experiences and recommendations in the comments below!