{"id":40836,"date":"2025-07-03T13:35:55","date_gmt":"2025-07-03T12:35:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/?p=40836"},"modified":"2026-02-05T13:18:50","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T12:18:50","slug":"britains-top-20-beaches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/short-breaks\/beach-breaks\/britains-top-20-beaches\/","title":{"rendered":"Britain has voted: These are The Nation\u2019s Top 20 Beaches!"},"content":{"rendered":"

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!).<\/h2>\n

But what is Britain\u2019s 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\u2026<\/h4>\n

From Bridlington to Bournemouth, we\u2019re counting down Britain\u2019s top 20 beaches, as voted by you! \ud83c\udfd6\ufe0f<\/h4>\n
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20. Skegness Beach<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Skegness<\/p>\n

Looking for classic British seaside vibes? Skeggy\u2019s got them in spades (pun intended!). With golden sands, donkey rides, and fish and chips galore, it\u2019s 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\u2019s Pleasure Beach \u2013 it\u2019s all just a short walk from our new Skegness Seafont Hotel<\/span><\/a>!<\/h4>\n

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19. Bridlington Beach<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"BridlingtonBridlington Beach might just be Yorkshire\u2019s 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\u2019s real old-school charm here, with colourful beach huts, a working harbour, and traditional funfairs. Hop on a boat tour to see Flamborough Head\u2019s dramatic cliffs, or wander the old town’s cute cafes and vintage shops.<\/h4>\n

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18. Great Yarmouth Beach<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"GreatMaking up part of Norfolk\u2019s 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 \u2013 there\u2019s street parking (for a fee), public loos, disabled access, and water that\u2019s rated \u2018excellent\u2019 for a paddle or swim. Plus, you\u2019re only ever just a few steps away from the high street if you run low on seaside supplies!<\/h4>\n

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17. Holkham Beach<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"HolkhamFor those who prefer a wilder seaside escape, Holkham Beach is bursting with life and space. Endless horizons, wild horse rides, seal and birdspotting \u2013 this unspoilt beach offers the very best of Norfolk and is part of a protected landscape. It\u2019s gloriously non-commercial, so you won\u2019t 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\u2019s coastline.<\/h4>\n

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16. Filey Beach<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"FileyFive 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\u2019s something here for everyone \u2013 whether you\u2019re after donkey rides, rockpool fishing, clifftop walks, or peaceful sunbathing. Filey\u2019s accompanying promenade is lined with beautiful Edwardian buildings, and there\u2019s lots to do when you don\u2019t feel like getting sandy \u2013 like shady gardens, playgrounds, and crazy golf!<\/h4>\n

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15. Camber Sands<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"CamberLove a sandy beach? You\u2019ll adore Camber Sands. It\u2019s the only sand dune system in East Sussex, stretching nearly three miles from Rye\u2019s River Rother all the way past the Kent border. It\u2019s a natural playground too \u2013 you\u2019ll see kitesurfers and windsurfers swoop across the waves on a blustery day. And for those who prefer wildlife over a \u2018wild life\u2019, more than half of the dunes fall under a Site of Special Scientific Interest. A brand-new \u00a32.6 million visitor centre is due to open this summer too, with updated loos, a lovely cafe, and an information kiosk.<\/h4>\n

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14. Woolacombe Beach<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"WoolacombeThe 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\u2019s 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\u2019s a lifeguard on patrol from Easter to October, making it a family favourite!<\/h4>\n

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13. Perranporth Beach<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"PerranporthPerranporth Beach is a three-mile-long stretch of sand \u2013 and a real playground for everyone. Its Atlantic swells attract seasoned surfers, while rockpools and caves delight explorers both young and old. There\u2019s even something for history buffs here, too, as the beach is steeped in legend! It\u2019s said to be the place where St. Piran (Cornwall\u2019s patron saint) washed ashore after miraculously floating across the sea. Add brilliant beach bars, cafes, and plenty of parking into the mix, and it\u2019s easy to see why Perranporth is one of Britain’s best beaches.<\/h4>\n

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12. Tenby North Beach<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"TenbyLike 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\u2019s so beautiful that it was even named \u2018one of the most photogenic beaches\u2019 in the world, rivalling its more famous counterparts in Bondi and Bali! And it doesn\u2019t just excel in looks \u2013 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.<\/h4>\n

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11. Newquay Beach<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"NewquayStretching around a dramatic headland, Newquay\u2019s main beach is the heart and soul of the UK\u2019s surf capital. Backed by dramatic cliffs and an iconic harbour, you won\u2019t find a better balance of buzz and natural beauty \u2013 and it\u2019s just a 15-minute walk from our Newquay Seafront hotel<\/span><\/a>! Grab your surfboard, a bucket and spade, or a good book \u2013 and whenever you fancy a refreshment, grab an ice cream! This beach\u2019s central location means you\u2019re only ever just a stone\u2019s throw away from boutiques, pasty shops, and lively bars.<\/h4>\n

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10. Blackpool Sands Beach<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"BlackpoolTucked into a sheltered bay just south of Dartmouth, Blackpool Sands is like a little slice of the Mediterranean on England\u2019s 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\u2019s perfect for family fun \u2013 there\u2019s 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\u2019ll never run out of essential beach supplies. Plus, it’s no-dog rule in summer helps to keep things clean and calm.<\/h4>\n

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9. Whitby Beach<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"WhitbyColourful beach huts, rugged cliffs, and an iconic abbey loom above paddlers and rockpool explorers at Whitby Beach. This is a seaside destination for everyone \u2013 from families splashing in gentle waves to the keen surfers who ride them. Winner of the coveted Blue Flag award, Whitby\u2019s 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.<\/h4>\n

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8. Weymouth Beach<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"WeymouthWith donkey rides, Punch and Judy shows, and a historic harbour, Weymouth Beach is the epitome of a nostalgic British seaside escape. It\u2019s one of Britain\u2019s 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 \u2013 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!<\/h4>\n

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7. St. Ives<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"St.Sparkling azure waters, calm waves, and picturesque cliffs \u2013 St. Ives feels more like the Amalfi Coast than England! Its sheltered location serves up two stunning beaches, Harbour and Porthminster \u2013 both Blue Flag award-winners thanks to their cleanliness and water quality. Porthminster\u2019s 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\u2019s no wonder St. Ives attracts visitors from all over the country!<\/h4>\n

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6. Llandudno West Shore Beach<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"LlandudnoLlandudno 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\u2019s one of the most beautiful spots in North Wales \u2013 and that\u2019s saying something! You can marvel at breathtaking views of Conwy Bay and Estuary, and even see the Snowdonia mountains on a clear day. It\u2019s even better at low tide, when you\u2019ll enjoy a much wider stretch of sand to play beach games, explore rockpools, or just sit and watch the boats go by.<\/h4>\n

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5. Blackpool Beach<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"BlackpoolFor a fun-filled British seaside escape for the whole family, Blackpool\u2019s Central Beach never disappoints. This huge sweep of golden sand sits beneath the iconic Blackpool Tower and between three historic piers. It\u2019s a blue Flag Winner, so you know the water\u2019s clean and safe. And when you\u2019re done playing in the sea, there\u2019s 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\u2019s throw away too, blending nostalgia with non-stop energy on some of the country\u2019s favourite rides. Stay in one of our Blackpool hotels and be right in the heart of the action!<\/h4>\n

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4. Scarborough<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"ScarboroughScarborough is one of the prettiest towns in Britain, and its beaches are no exception. Just a short walk from our Scarborough hotel, you\u2019ll find colourful beach huts, donkey rides, and a mixture of soft and hard tidal sand \u2013 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\u2019ve got everything you need for a feel-good beach day!<\/h4>\n

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3. Brighton Beach<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"BrightonBrighton is one of the UK\u2019s most popular beaches and is always busy, whatever the season. But don\u2019t let the crowds put you off \u2013 they\u2019re part of the appeal! Swap sand for pebbles and flock to Brighton\u2019s 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\u2019 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.<\/h4>\n

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2. Bamburgh Beach<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"BamburghWild beauty, a dash of drama, and the breathtaking backdrop of Bamburgh Castle \u2013 it\u2019s all at your tiptoes when you visit Bamburgh Beach. Tucked away so far North you\u2019re almost in Scotland, this remote beach feels totally majestic and almost untouched. It\u2019s the ultimate escape for windswept walks, peaceful paddling and wildlife spotting with your toes in the sea. You won\u2019t find any arcades or ice cream vans here, and that\u2019s 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!<\/h4>\n

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1. Bournemouth Beach<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"BournemouthTopping the list of Britain\u2019s 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\u2019re sunbathing, paddleboarding, or strolling the pier. Beach cafes and deckchairs line the beloved coastline, so there\u2019s never a shortage of places to grab an ice cream and take in the endless sea views. And if you\u2019re more a thrill-seeker than a chill-seeker, there\u2019s 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<\/span><\/a> for easy access to Britain\u2019s official best beach.<\/h4>\n

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And that\u2019s not all you voted for\u2026<\/h4>\n

Our massive survey also asked questions like what you like to do at the beach and how much
\nyou typically spend on a beach holiday. Here\u2019s what you said:<\/h4>\n

How do you prefer to spend your time at the beach?<\/h3>\n

Beach walks: 62.4%
\nSunbathing: 24.8%
\nSwimming in the sea: 19.9%
\nFish and chips in a deckchair: 19.3%
\nWith an ice cream: 17%
\nRockpooling: 9.3%
\nBuilding sandcastles: 3.9%
\nSurfing\/paddleboarding: 2.9%<\/h4>\n

What makes the perfect beach?<\/h3>\n

Clean sand and water: 36%
\nBeautiful views and scenery: 33.1%
\nGood facilities (toilets, showers, cafes): 18.9%
\nGood food and drink nearby: 14.6%
\nPeace and quiet: 14%
\nLots of space to spread out: 13.3%
\nEasy to get to: 8.8%
\nSafe for kids: 8.8%
\nFree or cheap parking: 8.7%
\nDog friendly: 8.1%
\nWildlife or nature spotting: 6.2%
\nGreat for swimming: 5.7%
\nActivities like surfing or paddleboarding: 1.6%<\/h4>\n

What\u2019s your biggest beach day turn-off?<\/h3>\n

Litter: 44.2%
\nNo toilets: 40.3%
\nExpensive parking: 32.5%
\nCrowds: 30.9%
\nNo dogs allowed: 6.2%
\nNo food options: 6.0%
\nSand getting everywhere (shoes, clothes, bags..) 4.3%
\nCold water: 2.3%<\/h4>\n

What time of year do you usually visit the seaside?<\/h3>\n

Summer: 47.1%
\nAll year round: 33%
\nSpring: 12.4%
\nAutumn: 6.7%
\nWinter: 0.8%<\/h4>\n

What do you typically spend on a UK beach break?<\/h3>\n

\u00a3200-\u00a3399: 28.4%
\n\u00a3100-199: 24.9%
\nUnder \u00a3100: 17.5%
\n\u00a3400-599: 12.1%
\n\u00a3600+: 7.1%<\/h4>\n

How far will you travel for the perfect beach?<\/h3>\n

1-2 hours: 30.2%
\n3+ hours: 23.3%
\n30-60 mins: 20.5%
\n2-3 hours: 19.3%
\nLess than 30 mins: 6.8%<\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"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\u2019s 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 […]","protected":false},"author":116,"featured_media":40857,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1381,1361],"tags":[855],"class_list":["post-40836","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-beach-breaks","category-things-to-do","tag-summer"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40836","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/116"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40836"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40836\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40857"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40836"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40836"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40836"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}