Updated Aug 2021
Having spent a lifetime of staycations in the UK, interspersed with sporadic international travel, I have come to realise that the UK beaches, when the weather is with you, are some of the most spectacular our planet has to offer.
Maybe it’s because the sun is not guaranteed that a) the beaches have not been over-developed and pre-populated with loungers, and b) you really, really appreciate it when the skies decide to gift you a sunny day, lending your day at the beach a touch of magic. The National Trust gets a shout out too for owning large tracts of it , and providing strategically placed cups of tea and loos.
I have not seen them all, but on my domestic travels so far I have discovered white and gold cliffs, seals, unexpectedly Caribbean-hued waters and miles and miles of golden sands, accessorized by crumbling castles and coastal paths. Come and have a look at this collection mainly from the South and West of the kingdom, but with a few further flung beauties.
Best beaches in UK: And the winners are...
White Rocks Beach, Northern Ireland
Whiterocks beach has just won my heart. It is a beach that truly has something for everyone.
How do I get there? Park (for free – unbelievable) in the huge sand dunes at the wild East end of the beach. The car park is totally hidden from view on the beach – magic. Parking at the town end of the beach runs to 30p an hour so a high roller £1.50 will be required for the whole day. Madness but genius.
What does the East end look like?
- The powdery sand has been ground from its namesake craggy white cliffs that back the East end of the beach and run away to the horizon.
- Grass-topped chalky columns and arches pepper the sand (like cress heads you may have grown as a child).
- Here you will find a titanic white dune for general running down and crystal blue surfable waters.
- To top it all, the beach is overlooked by the skeleton of Dunluce castle which clings to the edge of the coast next door.
- Follow the convex curve of white sand, feeling a bit like you are on a desert island, for a mile and a half to reach the town end of beach.
What if I need a coffee or the loo? The East end may be wilderness wild, but still comes with a pastel decked ice cream kiosk and loo so all beach necessities covered.
At the West end you get the full monte of town facilities. A Victorian house has been built practically in the sea, amongst palm trees and beach cafes. There is a timeless 1970’s feel to the kiddie paddling pool and play area you will find here.
So –West End town café beaches and East End wild swimmers all catered for. All you need now is the sun to come out so you can marvel at its full emerald (Isle) and ivory glory.
Beach score
Parking: 10/10 – Free at car park near Dunluce; 30p/hour in town. Loads of spaces in both right next to beach.
Sand: 10/10 – white as snow
Water: 10/10 – crystal and surfable.
Dunes or cliffs: Both10/10 – Massive dune and you could run straight down it into the sea
Facilities: 10/10 Loos and coffee at both ends. Loads of cafes in town
Bonus feature: 10/10 Castle views
Best beaches in UK no. 1 White Rock photos
Where is Whiterocks? North coast of N Ireland
Porthcurno, Cornwall
Porthcurno, at the the tip of Cornwall’s toe, has got to be one of my all time favourite UK beach, gaining top marks in all categories – the water, the rocks, the seals and, the icing on the beach-cake, the open air theatre.
Stone flanking: The beach is flanked by enormous Thai style yellow boulders on one side and a stairway, carved into the rocks, leading to the open-air cliff-top Minack theatre on the other. (Be warned – do not use these steps, the path is deadly.)
Wildlife: A seal has followed me from one end of the beach to the other, so extra marks for that. Luckier people see basking sharks.
Water: The water is a shade of turquoise green, which growing up by the North Sea, I did not know you could get in England.
Beach tip: Since Poldark, the road down to the beach can get gridlocked in the summer. Head down early for a car parking space. Combine you day trip with a matinee show (bring all weather gear and a cushion).
Beach score
Parking: 6/10 – Car park is a shortish walk to the beach. There are steps down to the sand.
Sand: 9/10 – Golden and slightly fat grained
Water: 10/10 – neon and crystal. A bit steep for surfing.
Dunes of cliffs: Cliffs 10/10 – huge clambering boulders.
Facilities: 5/10 Loos (and sometimes icecream van) in car park
Bonus feature: 10/10 Proximity to cliff top Minack theatre (also a tiny telegraph museum).
Best beaches in UK no. 2 Porthcurno photos
View of Porthcurno from the Minack Theatre
Where is Porthcurno? Cornwall
Porthmeor, Cornwall
Porthmeor gets a top billing in these categories:
Location, Location, Location: It backs on to the cobbled streets of St Ives, with it’s chocolate box fisherman’s cottages, cutesy shops and pasty potential. This is one of St Ives‘ many beaches, which leave it looking like an inverted daisy.
Cafe life: West beach café hugs the base of the cliffs at one end of the beach, piping out music from yesteryear, providing indoor blankets for the rain and al fresco benches for the shine. Top location for an all season beach breakfast with a sea view.
Beach life: More cafes and bars sit right on the edge of the sand. Surfing lessons are available (go for a wetsuit and gloves).
Headlands walks: Being a bit of a show off, it has these at both ends. There is a 10 minute but hugely scenic circular mini-walk around the lighthouse outcrop. Seal- strewn boulders erupt through the waves. For a longer coastal walk along these sparkly-as-sapphire waters, head to the West End on the the coastal path to the fabulously named, Zennor.
Beach tip: Book literally months ahead to secure a table at the elevaned and glass fronted Porthmeor Beach Cafe for amazing sunsets (we didn’t but wish we had).
Where to stay? Stay in one of these higgledy-piggldy cottages, or a swanky ocean-view apartment, or even the ancient and pirate-y Sloop Inn on the harbour.
Beach score
Parking: 5/10 – There are car parks at each end of the beach but don’t drive into town if you can help it. Park and Ride at Lelant Saltings
Sand: 10/10 – pale gold and soft.
Water: 10/10 – Caribbean crystal and surfable.
Dunes or cliffs: 8/10 – Sea rocks and rocky headland very pretty at the extremities.
Facilities: 10/10 Everything is there for you on the sand – cafes, loos and surf lessons. A whole high street awaits, pleasingly hidden from view but behind the cafes.
Bonus feature: 10/10 – the gorgeous St Ives its doorstep.
Best beaches in UK no. 3 Porthmeor photos
Where is Porthmeor? Cornwall
Durdledoor, Dorset
Marks go to number 4, Durdledoor, for its rocks, water and name.
Double beach: Drop down either side of this shard of coast for a golden sand experience but head right for the beach-bells and whistles.
Rock offerings: Going above and beyond for effort, Durdledoor boasts 2 fabulous rock features – towering white cliffs and an impressive natural arch from which the brave can dive bomb into the sea (not from the top mind).
Crystal waters: Crystal clear and Mediterranean of hue.
Name: Great Harry Potter-y sounding name too.
Beach score
Parking: 5/10 – There is a carpark at the top of the cliff. Bit of a steep walk down
Sand: 10/10 – Perfectly pale
Water: 10/10 – Calm and turquoise.
Dunes of cliffs: 10/10 – White vertiginous cliffs
Facilities: 6/10 – Cafe and loos at the cliff top car park.
Bonus feature: 10/10 Arch and white cliffs. 2 beaches for the price of one.
Best beaches in UK no. 4 Durdledoor photos
Where is Durdledoor? Dorset
West Bay, Dorset
Vertiginous orange cliffs: A celebrity entrant, featuring in Broadchurch, West Bay plays host to crazily steep and bright orange cliffs. They have been known to collapse and land on people – so beware.
Access is by walking past what looks from the side to be a petrified wedge of cheese.
Beach score
Parking: 7/10 – There is a carpark right next to the beach.
Sand: 7/10 – quite coarse but pretty – looks like mini sea glass
Water: 8/10 – Clear with a few small waves.
Dunes or cliffs: 10/10 – Spectacular cliffs. There is a bonus huge sand bank you can climb over before you get to the cliffs.
Facilities: 7/10 – Cafe and loos next to the beach.
Bonus feature: 10/10 – Orange cliffs to die for and celebrity status.
Best beaches in UK no. 5 West Bay photos
Where is West Bay? Dorset
Kynance Cove, Cornwall
This beach has also been described as Thailand in Cornwall, with its aquamarine water and dramatic beach rocks.
Edgy access: You access the sand by way of a pretty steep and edgy coastal path. There is always a slight fear of a child just disappearing off the side when the wind’s up.
Caves: Explore rocky caverns as the tide goes out and stand on sea boulders as it comes in around you.
Beach bays: There are many different sections to this beach, hiding behind corners. Handy rocky ledges are ideal backrests for towel draping.
Beach tip: The beach is only accessible at low tide. Plan ahead.
Beach score
Parking: 5/10 – There is a carpark at the top of the cliff. Steep walk down a coastal path.
Sand: 8/10 – Good yellow sand – brighter when the sun shines
Water: 10/10 – Thai style turquoise. Some good waves but a bit rocky for surfing.
Dunes or cliffs: 10/10 Dramatic dark cliff backdrop and playing in the sea
Facilities: 6/10 – Nice cafe and loos half way up the cliff.
Bonus feature: 10/10 Unbelievable views looking down from the path.
Best beaches in UK no. 6 Kynance Cove photos
Where is Kynance Cove? Cornwall
Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire
Its remote location and stone arch entrance way make Barafundle a winner for Wales. With its clear sparking waters, it’s like Welsh Greek Island.
Remote: Accessed via a 20 minute coastal cliff path walk, the crowds are kept away while you float the afternoon away. The more adventurous arrive be canoe from the launch point by the car park at Stackpole Bay.
Grand entrance: Like walking through the ruins of an ancient city, duck under the stone arch and follow the tumble-down wall and stone stairway to the golden sands below.
Cream tea cafe: Don’t miss the fab national trust cafe for pre/post-beach cream teas, also by the car park.
Beach tip: Calm seas make for good for boating. Bring an electric pump for your dingy. With new batteries – we didn’t.
Where to stay? Hire one of the old farmhouse style National Trust cottages next to Stackpole Quay for a spot of seaside luxury.
Beach score
Parking: 5/10 – There is a carpark at Stackpole Quay. Long walk along up and down coastal path and steps.
Sand: 9/10 – Good yellow sand
Water: 10/10 – Grecian blue and calm. Dingys not surfboards.
Dunes: 5/10 – Some low rolling dunes behind the beach.
Facilities: 3/10 None on beach but National Trust Cafe and loos at the car park.
Bonus feature: 10/10 – Stone archway entrance will take your breath away.
Best beaches in UK no. 7 Barafundle Bay photos
Where is Barafundle Bay? Pembrokeshire
Perranporth, Cornwall
What makes Perranporth a cut above the rest beach destination?
Sand and dunes: Perranporth’s USP is its vast swathes of empty white sand and associated huge run-down-me dunes. When the tide is out you can literally walk for miles along its pale length.
Wildlife: Snakes sun themselves on the headland path you have to take to the campsite when the tide catches you out.
Cafe on the sand: Drop in at the Watering Hole, the only cafe I have found in this country which is right in the middle of the sand, with tropical raffia umbrellas and everything (and windscreens for the other kind of weather we get).
Where to stay? Book a cliff top caravan at Perran Sands Holiday Park, right on the beach.
Beach score
Parking: 9/10 – There is a carpark in Perranporth town which will give you access to the sea arches and cafe. More miles of golden sand can be accessed further down the beach at the caravan park cafe (steep descent).
Sand: 9/10 – Miles of soft golden sand
Water: 10/10 – Clear and gently shelving with waves. Perfect for surfing, loads of rockpools for kids.
Dunes: 10/10 – Miles of enormous dunes.
Facilities: 10/10 – Loos and cafes at the town end of beach. Caravan park facilities accessible further down. Beach cafe on sand!
Bonus feature: 9/10 – Vast expanse of sand and sea (and did I mention the beach cafe?)
Best beaches in UK no. 8 Perranporth photos
Where is Perranporth? Cornwall
Croyde, Devon
Dunes: Wander over a mass of sand dunes, big enough to get lost in. Hide and seek is a bad idea.
Thatched pubs: A tree lined walk from the seafront takes you to the thatched Thatch in the surfy-vibed Croyde village. A drink here is practically mandatory.
Beach activities: Do some surfing and check out the headland walk at Baggy Point (if it’s not too windy).
Stay on the beach: Hire a lodge just behind the beach, which you can run to in your wetsuit when on the edge of hypothermia after an early season body boarding session.
Beach score
Parking: 5/10 – There is a National Trust car park at Baggy Point a short stroll away. The car park in town is a fairly long walk.
Sand: 9/10 – Long stretch of soft golden sand
Water: 9/10 – Clear with surfable waves.
Dunes or cliffs: 10/10 Large sand dune system behind beach.
Facilities: 7/10 -Loos, surf shop and cafes at beach entrance.
Bonus feature: 8/10 – Am amazing headland walk to Baggy Point and Putsborough
Best beaches in UK no. 9 Croyde photos
Where is Croyde? Devon
Sennen Cove, Cornwall
Nautical colours: My own personal winner of the UK’s whitest sand/bluest sea award. It looks like the living embodiment of a nautical jumper.
Stormy waters: If you think the waves are frothing here, check out the pictures of the towering storm wave over the headland in all the cafes.
Like Australia without the killer sharks.
For more amazing family friendly beaches in Cornwall check out local expert, Sylvie’s advice in Kids to Cornwall.
Beach score
Parking: 9/10 – There is car parking in the town at the end of the beach
Sand: 10/10 – The whitest of whites.
Water: 10/10 – Gorgeous dark marine blue. Surfable
Dunes or cliffs: 5/10 – Low lying dunes behind beach.
Facilities: 7/10 – Loos and cafes at the town end of beach.
Bonus feature: 9/10 – White whipped seahorses and huge stormy waves.
Best beaches in UK no. 10 Sennen photos
Where is Sennen? Cornwall
Comedy best beaches UK winner - Bigbury on Sea
Sea tractor: This South Coast beach comes with a lumbering aquatic sea tractor which will transport you to Burgh Island where a 700 year old pub and Art Deco hotel await. Alternatively, at low (ish) tide you can wade over to the island, which bring its own comedy value. (You can even row around the island in a dingy, if feeling particularly gung ho.)
Google how the sea tractor gets on in winter – it’s a white knuckle/water ride.
It is famous enough to get its own mini-me recreation at Legoland.
Unusual beach activity winner - Charmouth
Dinosaur bones: The ability to hire chemistry goggles and a hammer from a beach porta-cabin and the prospect of uncovering your own dinosaur bones (or at least an ammonite or 2) give Charmouth the edge on the Jurassic coast.
Go after a storm, of failing that, as the tide goes out, for the best fossil pickings.
Rock shop: Check out the fossil shop at the end of the beach and marvel at the incredible skeletons found by the luckiest hunters.
Best Beaches UK Runners up
Bamburgh, Northumberland – wild, windswept, sand-duned and overlooked by a magnificent castle
Blackpool Sands, Devon – wooden-decked beach cafe, emerald waters and green fringed crescent beach
Brighton Beach – pier and party beach
Castle Beach, Tenby – one of Tenby’s golden sandy beaches, with a Napoleonic Fort perched on a tiny Island joined to the mainland when the tide is out
Harlech, Snowdonia – golden sands backed by castle and mountain range
Hayle, Cornwall – 5 miles of empty white sand and body-boarding water
Rhossili, The Gower- huge Welsh tracts of unspoiled beach
Saunton Sands, Devon – Croyde’s big brother with a very cute row of rainbow beach huts
Tintagel, Cornwall – King Arthur’s home with beach waterfall and dramatic cliff top castle ruins
Watergate bay, Cornwall – vast rock-pooled sands
Booby prize
Least attractive UK beach award goes to Severn Beach in the Bristol Channel.
Wooden spoon for this one. The walk from the train station passes depressingly grey prefab style housing to mud flats where dying seagulls flap oily wings in the rubbish strewn stretch of “beach” leading to the thick brown gloop of estuarine “sea”.
Also, give Kidwelly a miss unless you enjoy killer quick sand/mud.
Best beaches UK summary
These are the most magnificent beaches I have found so far in the UK, some of them literally only in the last year. I know there are many more waiting to be discovered, especially as I am limited by driving distance from Bristol.
I’ve yet to see 3 sisters in Wales or Hollywell in Cornwall and foolishly ran out of time to see Castlerock Beach, Portstewart, NI.
Where else have I missed and where should I go next (obviously all of Scotland for a start)?
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Great list! I love the beaches in Cornwall. My personal favourite is Rhossili in South Wales, long white sand beach surrounded by gorgeous cliffs and good surfing
Thanks! I love Rhossili too although I’ve not been for ages. I need to go back to Wales soon. I’ve not seen the Three Cliffs beach yet, but I’ve heard good things.
Great list! I did not know the UK had to beautiful beaches.
We really want to visit Cornwall, we were meant to last summer but we went to Brittany instead!
We’ll make sure to visit soon.
You seem to have forgotten some beautiful beaches in Wales and Scotland I dont know Ireland as I’ve not been there yet and the title did say best beaches in the UK as so often the English tend to forget that the UK is made up of 4 countries
You are so right – I meant to title this, that I have discovered so far! We have generally bee limited by driving distance from Bristol. I haven’t forgotten about the rest I just need to get out more. Please let me know your top recommendations for my next trip!
It would appear that you overlooked Jersey, Guernsey and the west coast of Scotland! I can think of many better beaches so broaden your horizons people.
I look forward to visiting these! As I say these are my favourites I have been able to discover so far from Bristol – I add to this list every time I manage another mini-break and welcome suggestions for future exploration 😀
Good list. Putsborough would always be in my top ten.
I love the pictures and the tips that you gave! Definitely gonna visit one of them this year 😀
I love Cornwall and it’s only right that so many of your list is from there. It’s a beautiful place. But great to see some other amazing beaches. I don’t think people always associate beaches and the UK but some of them are just amazing. Great list of places I can’t wait to see when I get back to the UK
Some great beaches in the UK. Have added them to my list of places to visit in the UK.
Great list of the beaches of UK. Will have to visit some during our next trip to UK.
Wow! The UK really does have some beautiful beaches. I definitely need to visit a lot of these beautiful spots when I eventually get back to the UK. Great article! 🙂
Wow, didn’t know there were so many good beaches in the UK! I’ve only been to Durdle Door, but would love to visit West Bay one day! Thanks for the inspo! 🙂
I’ve only been to a few beaches in England and they were all in the north, so quite windy in the winter! I’d love to check out some of these on your list.
I agree with Barafundle Bay – it’s beautiful! Some of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen are in Pembrokeshire.
Agree with so many of these and you’ve given me a few more to add to my list too! Kynance is one of my favourites! Love the booby prize addition haha!