Nothing says summer quite like a trip to the beach 🏖️
There are hundreds of beautiful beaches in Britain, including some lesser-known hidden gems waiting to be discovered. We’ve put together a list of the 10 best beaches in the UK to inspire your next summer staycation.
1. Woolacombe Beach
North Devon
Dreaming of a perfect beach day? Look no further than Woolacombe Beach on the North Devon coast. This sun-kissed paradise boasts miles of golden sand, just waiting for you to build sandcastles, have a picnic or perfect your tan. The rolling Atlantic waves are perfect for splashing around and if you’re feeling adventurous, they’re ideal for trying out some water sports like surfing or bodyboarding.
After all that fun in the sun, head to the charming village of Woolacombe, where you can grab a bite to eat at a local pub or restaurant and soak in the delightful seaside atmosphere. With its stunning scenery and friendly charm, Woolacombe Beach is the perfect spot for a relaxing and unforgettable day by the sea.
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2. Bournemouth Beach
Dorset
Renowned for being one of the best beaches in the UK, there are plenty of family-friendly things to do at Bournemouth Beach. The town itself is bursting with that heritage seaside resort feel. Grab an ice cream and feel the sand between your toes on the central beach, or head out into town and discover Bournemouth’s history for yourself at one of the many museums and gardens.
The land train can take you to explore one of the 4 other beaches that span 7 miles from Poole to Christchurch. Of course, you don’t have to keep both feet on the ground to see the best Bournemouth views. On Bournemouth Pier, you’ll find PierZip, where you can truly feel the sea breeze in your hair as you whizz your way down to the shore in an epic adrenaline-fuelled zip-wire flight.
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3. Weymouth Beach
Dorset
Weymouth Beach offers all the staples of a great summer day out. Walk along the promenade and admire the views of the iconic Jurassic Coastline with some local fish and chips, or gather the family on the sand for a traditional Punch and Judy show.
After a day on the beach, the town’s vibrant traditional harbour is well worth checking out. Treat yourself to a gift or two at one of the harbour’s quirky shops, browse the antique emporium, or try some award-winning fare at one of the harbour’s alfresco restaurants. The harbour is also host to a whole variety of events and festivals. The Dorset Seafood Festival takes place every September with a whole host of local eateries tempting tourists with their delicious food.
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4. Blackpool Beach
Lancashire
Blackpool has been a staycation favourite for centuries, with holidaymakers flocking to its northwest shore to take full advantage of its lively atmosphere, trademark ‘Blackpool rock’ sweet treats and gorgeous sandy beach.
However, its most popular attraction by far is the Blackpool Illuminations running from late August to early January across 6 miles along the promenade. In the daylight hours, there’s so much to see and do in this buzzy resort town, from the many attractions and amusements along the promenade to the breathtaking views across Blackpool and beyond from the top of the iconic Blackpool Tower itself. For the thrill-seekers, the Pleasure Beach near the South Pier has fantastic fun for all ages and has been running for over 125 years.
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5. Brighton Beach
East Sussex
Brighton beach is another firm favourite when it comes to a traditional seaside getaway. Packed with character, great attractions and fantastic scenery, Brighton is a great place to spend a summery day, whether it’s with family or friends. The Lanes are the ultimate shopping destination with upmarket restaurants and traditional pubs, as well as independent jewellers and antique shops throughout the narrow, twisting alleyways. While at the Sea Life Centre, you can explore spectacular sea creatures.
To really take advantage of the best sights Brighton has to offer, head up the British Airways i360 – an extraordinary observation tower for a panoramic view across Brighton and Hove. Or head over to the Royal Pavilion, where you can learn more about the history of Brighton. When you’ve finished exploring, wander back to the picturesque pebbly beach beneath the iconic Palace Pier and skim a stone or two, or perch on a deckchair and soak up the summer sun while watching the world go by.
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6. Whitby Bay
North Yorkshire
Famous for its delicious fish and chips and a spooky connection to Dracula, Whitby has all the charming traditional characteristics of a gothic seaport town surrounded by the rugged natural beauty of the North York Moors National Park. The picturesque harbour can be seen in its full glory from atop the 199 Steps.
Whitby has many beautiful family-friendly beaches to relax and explore. From the rock pool discoveries and surfing opportunities at Runswick Bay to the donkey rides and fabulous scenery of West Cliff Beach, there’s some summer fun to be had by everyone! Overlooking the town and coastline are the ruins of the famous Whitby Abbey, which has inspired some of England’s most famous writers and poets, including Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula.
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7. Watergate Bay
Cornwall
Situated in the popular Cornish town of Newquay, Watergate Bay has everything needed for a stunning summer’s day. As well as 2 miles of golden sand to enjoy, the bay is also a fantastic spot for watersports. The beach attracts kite surfers and surfers alike and is home to the Extreme Academy Surf School, where beginners can learn new and exciting water activities.
After an energetic day at the beach, there are plenty of top-rated restaurants where you can enjoy the area’s fresh and delicious cuisine. Many of the restaurants at Watergate Bay offer incredible sea views to go with their fresh inviting local food. Whether it’s a taste of locally sourced fish at The Beach Hut or a homemade pizza at Wax, there’s enough variety for everyone.
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8. Embleton Bay
Northumberland
For an understated beach getaway, the choice has to be Embleton Bay on the Northumberland coast. Like many beaches in Northumberland, Embleton is very quiet, especially in the evenings. In fact, it’s the ideal place for a lovely romantic evening stroll on the sand, as you’ll most likely have the whole beach to yourself.
Feel closer to nature here, thanks to its seclusion, with the windswept sand dunes dotted along the seafront and the sight of Oystercatchers probing the cracks of the volcanic rocks. Another thing that you’ll notice at Embleton Bay is the 14th-century ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle inviting you in from across the water. Take a closer look at the ruins by walking along the grassy path behind the rocks of the shoreline.
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9. Holkham Beach
Norfolk
Take a wander down the inviting wooden steps to discover one of the most unspoilt natural beaches in Britain – Holkham Beach. The four-mile stretch of sand is part of the Holkham Nature Reserve, boasting a vast array of unique plants and wildlife. At low tide, the sea falls back to reveal the vast open sandscape that’s perfect for a full day of sand sculpting and family picnics. The wide open space also makes it a great place to walk the dog, or even a horse!
In the first week of July, you’ll be able to spot the Royal Cavalry taking their horses for a run and a swim every morning. The fun doesn’t end when the tide rolls in, among the pine forests and sand dunes, there’s a well-trodden part of the Norfolk Coastal Path that’s perfect for exploring the rest of the nature reserve whilst still having the sounds and smells of the sea nearby.
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10. Castle Beach
Pembrokeshire
Tenby, a seaside town in southwest Wales, is home to many beautiful beaches, but none are as well-regarded as Castle Beach. Voted Sunday Times’ Beach of the Year in 2019, Castle Beach is a perfect summer destination for the whole family with plenty of sand to play in, spectacular views out to Caldey Island and all the traditional beach grub.
The town of Tenby has a cosy coastal feel with restaurants, pubs and indie shops dotted around the narrow paved streets. Once you’ve taken in the sights and sounds of the town, head over to the colourful harbourside where you can hop aboard one of the boats and sail off to Caldey Island, an island oasis where you can relax and watch the seabirds fly by or have a peek into the ornate Cathedral.
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