When the sun shines here in Britain, our beaches are as good as any in the world (with added home comforts like fish and chips!).
But what is Britain’s best beach? We launched a massive survey to find out. With over 70,000 responses covering more than 250 beaches nationwide, we can finally settle the debate once and for all…
From Bridlington to Bournemouth, we’re counting down Britain’s top 20 beaches, as voted by you! 🏖️
20. Skegness Beach
Looking for classic British seaside vibes? Skeggy’s got them in spades (pun intended!). With golden sands, donkey rides, and fish and chips galore, it’s no wonder families have flocked here for generations. The wide beach is ideal for sandcastle-building, or just parking up with a 99 and soaking up the North Sea views. Stroll along the pier, try your luck in the arcades, or seek some thrills at nearby Botton’s Pleasure Beach – it’s all just a short walk from our new Skegness Seafont Hotel!
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19. Bridlington Beach
Bridlington Beach might just be Yorkshire’s best-kept coastal secret! Great for swimming and family-friendly, Bridlington Beach has been recognised for its cleanliness, visitor facilities and water quality by Keep Britain Tidy. There’s real old-school charm here, with colourful beach huts, a working harbour, and traditional funfairs. Hop on a boat tour to see Flamborough Head’s dramatic cliffs, or wander the old town’s cute cafes and vintage shops.
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18. Great Yarmouth Beach
Making up part of Norfolk’s famous Golden Mile, Great Yarmouth Beach has something to suit every taste. Seek thrills at nearby Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach (with free entry!), or grab an ice cream and soak up the sun in the long stretch of golden sand. Facilities are great, too – there’s street parking (for a fee), public loos, disabled access, and water that’s rated ‘excellent’ for a paddle or swim. Plus, you’re only ever just a few steps away from the high street if you run low on seaside supplies!
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17. Holkham Beach
For those who prefer a wilder seaside escape, Holkham Beach is bursting with life and space. Endless horizons, wild horse rides, seal and birdspotting – this unspoilt beach offers the very best of Norfolk and is part of a protected landscape. It’s gloriously non-commercial, so you won’t find any beach huts, arcades or deckchairs here, although there is a lookout cafe and loos to refresh yourself! And with boardwalks, wheelchair-friendly ramps and a new accessible path, everyone can enjoy the bracing beauty of Holkham’s coastline.
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16. Filey Beach
Five whole miles of golden sand sprawl between the dramatic cliffs of Filey Brigg and the wildlife-rich headland at Bempton. The enormous stretch of coastline that is Filey Beach means there’s something here for everyone – whether you’re after donkey rides, rockpool fishing, clifftop walks, or peaceful sunbathing. Filey’s accompanying promenade is lined with beautiful Edwardian buildings, and there’s lots to do when you don’t feel like getting sandy – like shady gardens, playgrounds, and crazy golf!
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15. Camber Sands
Love a sandy beach? You’ll adore Camber Sands. It’s the only sand dune system in East Sussex, stretching nearly three miles from Rye’s River Rother all the way past the Kent border. It’s a natural playground too – you’ll see kitesurfers and windsurfers swoop across the waves on a blustery day. And for those who prefer wildlife over a ‘wild life’, more than half of the dunes fall under a Site of Special Scientific Interest. A brand-new £2.6 million visitor centre is due to open this summer too, with updated loos, a lovely cafe, and an information kiosk.
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14. Woolacombe Beach
The south-west coast is famed for its beaches, and Woolacombe Beach is a model example of everything the region offers. Three miles of golden, gently sloping sands are backed by dunes and dramatic headlands. It’s a picture-perfect beach that frequently wins awards thanks to its clean water, top-notch facilities and natural beauty. All levels of surfers, from beginners to pros, love this beach for its length, shallowness, and variety of waves. Plus, there’s a lifeguard on patrol from Easter to October, making it a family favourite!
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13. Perranporth Beach
Perranporth Beach is a three-mile-long stretch of sand – and a real playground for everyone. Its Atlantic swells attract seasoned surfers, while rockpools and caves delight explorers both young and old. There’s even something for history buffs here, too, as the beach is steeped in legend! It’s said to be the place where St. Piran (Cornwall’s patron saint) washed ashore after miraculously floating across the sea. Add brilliant beach bars, cafes, and plenty of parking into the mix, and it’s easy to see why Perranporth is one of Britain’s best beaches.
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12. Tenby North Beach
Like a seaside postcard come to life, Tenby North Beach is framed by rugged cliffs on one side and a pastel-hued town and harbour on the other. It’s so beautiful that it was even named ‘one of the most photogenic beaches’ in the world, rivalling its more famous counterparts in Bondi and Bali! And it doesn’t just excel in looks – it proudly flies a Blue Flag thanks to its excellent water quality, safety measures and beach management. All this means Tenby North beach is ideal for families, couples, and Instagrammers alike.
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11. Newquay Beach
Stretching around a dramatic headland, Newquay’s main beach is the heart and soul of the UK’s surf capital. Backed by dramatic cliffs and an iconic harbour, you won’t find a better balance of buzz and natural beauty – and it’s just a 15-minute walk from our Newquay Seafront hotel! Grab your surfboard, a bucket and spade, or a good book – and whenever you fancy a refreshment, grab an ice cream! This beach’s central location means you’re only ever just a stone’s throw away from boutiques, pasty shops, and lively bars.
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10. Blackpool Sands Beach
Tucked into a sheltered bay just south of Dartmouth, Blackpool Sands is like a little slice of the Mediterranean on England’s south-west coast. This crescent of golden shingle has earned a Blue Flag this year for its outstanding water quality, safety measures and facilities. It’s perfect for family fun – there’s a moored bathing raft, paddleboard and kayak hire, and even a seaside sauna for year-round enjoyment! And with a handy cafe on-site and well-stocked beach shop, you’ll never run out of essential beach supplies. Plus, it’s no-dog rule in summer helps to keep things clean and calm.
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9. Whitby Beach
Colourful beach huts, rugged cliffs, and an iconic abbey loom above paddlers and rockpool explorers at Whitby Beach. This is a seaside destination for everyone – from families splashing in gentle waves to the keen surfers who ride them. Winner of the coveted Blue Flag award, Whitby’s crystal clear water, pristine sands, and seasonal RNLI lifeguards make it one of the cleanest and safest beaches in the country! Climb the 199 steps to the top of the cliff and soak up the view, or grab award-winning fish and chips on the picture-perfect promenade.
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8. Weymouth Beach
With donkey rides, Punch and Judy shows, and a historic harbour, Weymouth Beach is the epitome of a nostalgic British seaside escape. It’s one of Britain’s most popular beaches, and its wide arc of golden sand manages to feel both vibrant and peaceful at the same time. A proud Blue Flag and Seaside Award winner, Weymouth Beach makes a great family day out – and there really is something for everyone. Explore quirky shops, grab a treat from one of many ice cream stands, or get active with volleyball nets, pedalo hires and annual beach motocross events!
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7. St. Ives
Sparkling azure waters, calm waves, and picturesque cliffs – St. Ives feels more like the Amalfi Coast than England! Its sheltered location serves up two stunning beaches, Harbour and Porthminster – both Blue Flag award-winners thanks to their cleanliness and water quality. Porthminster’s protected crescent makes it particularly popular among those seeking serene waters and safe swimming. And the town itself is like something out of a postcard, with cobbled streets and quaint promenades you can explore, pasties in hand. It’s no wonder St. Ives attracts visitors from all over the country!
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6. Llandudno West Shore Beach
Llandudno West Shore Beach lies on the quieter side of this lively Welsh town, offering visitors a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the pier and arcade. Framed by undulating sand dunes and the Great Orme headland, it’s one of the most beautiful spots in North Wales – and that’s saying something! You can marvel at breathtaking views of Conwy Bay and Estuary, and even see the Snowdonia mountains on a clear day. It’s even better at low tide, when you’ll enjoy a much wider stretch of sand to play beach games, explore rockpools, or just sit and watch the boats go by.
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5. Blackpool Beach
For a fun-filled British seaside escape for the whole family, Blackpool’s Central Beach never disappoints. This huge sweep of golden sand sits beneath the iconic Blackpool Tower and between three historic piers. It’s a blue Flag Winner, so you know the water’s clean and safe. And when you’re done playing in the sea, there’s plenty of fun to find elsewhere! Think arcades, donkeys, tower rides, and the legendary illuminations that light up the promenade from summer to winter. Blackpool Pleasure Beach is just a stone’s throw away too, blending nostalgia with non-stop energy on some of the country’s favourite rides. Stay in one of our Blackpool hotels and be right in the heart of the action!
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4. Scarborough
Scarborough is one of the prettiest towns in Britain, and its beaches are no exception. Just a short walk from our Scarborough hotel, you’ll find colourful beach huts, donkey rides, and a mixture of soft and hard tidal sand – perfect for sandcastles and beach games! Scarborough Beach and the attached South Bay are fantastic for a lively trip, with amusements, boat trips, and family-friendly buzz. The beach has also won a Blue Flag award thanks to its outstanding water quality and environmental standards. Add a historic castle, a cliffside tram, and a warm Yorkshire welcome into the mix, and you’ve got everything you need for a feel-good beach day!
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3. Brighton Beach
Brighton is one of the UK’s most popular beaches and is always busy, whatever the season. But don’t let the crowds put you off – they’re part of the appeal! Swap sand for pebbles and flock to Brighton’s 4-mile-long beach and Blue Flag award-winning waters. On the beachfront, just a short walk away from our Brighton Seafront hotel, you can explore artists’ studios, vintage shops, and beach bars galore. The place comes alive as the sun sets, too, with live music, street performers, and that unmistakable Brighton energy.
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2. Bamburgh Beach
Wild beauty, a dash of drama, and the breathtaking backdrop of Bamburgh Castle – it’s all at your tiptoes when you visit Bamburgh Beach. Tucked away so far North you’re almost in Scotland, this remote beach feels totally majestic and almost untouched. It’s the ultimate escape for windswept walks, peaceful paddling and wildlife spotting with your toes in the sea. You won’t find any arcades or ice cream vans here, and that’s why people love it. Just clean air, rolling dunes and views across to the Farne Islands. Pack a picnic and let the sea air and natural beauty wash over you!
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1. Bournemouth Beach
Topping the list of Britain’s best beaches is Southern superstar, Bournemouth Beach. Seven miles of golden sand and some of the warmest sea temperatures in Britain promise a great day out for everyone, whether you’re sunbathing, paddleboarding, or strolling the pier. Beach cafes and deckchairs line the beloved coastline, so there’s never a shortage of places to grab an ice cream and take in the endless sea views. And if you’re more a thrill-seeker than a chill-seeker, there’s even a zipline that whisks you from the top of the pier all the way down to the beach! Stay in one of our Bournemouth hotels for easy access to Britain’s official best beach.
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