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These Are The Best Beaches In The UK
From Cornwall to Scotland, here are 12 of our favourite British beaches
By | 4 months ago
Who needs St Tropez? There are an abundance of beautiful beaches to visit right on our doorstep, whether it’s a daycation or staycation that you’re looking for. So, ditch the far-flung travel and read on for our pick of the best beaches in the UK to visit this summer.
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The Best Beaches In The UK
Chapman’s Pool, Dorset
Swanage, Dorset BH19 3LL
Once the site of a lifeboat station, this quiet beach is off-the-beaten path, located to the west of Worth Matravers on the Isle of Purbeck. A remote spot, there aren’t any facilities and it can only be reached by a rather steep descent – but the beauty of Chapman’s Pool more than makes up for it. It’s horseshoe-shaped so the waves are calm, and backed by a tall cliff-face, giving it a secluded feel. Perfect for desert island vibes.
Studland Bay, Dorset
Studland, Dorset BH19 3AH
The famous Old Harry Rocks make Studland Bay a place to behold. This National Trust beach was a popular summer residence of the aristocratic Banks family, who owned Corfe Castle. Be sure to stop by The Pig on the Beach for a botanical cocktail or two.
Image: Studland Bay Flickr 2008
Porthcurno, Cornwall
Porthcurno, Cornwall TR19 6JX
Beaches in the UK don’t come much better than Cornwall‘s – but many are perilously overcrowded. Try Porthcurno, which sits below the majestic Minack Theatre, a stone theatre carved into the rock face and built by an old aristocratic lady. It overlooks the turquoise water – a rarity in the UK.
Discover more of Cornwall’s gorgeous beaches here
Image: Porthcurno Flickr Nic Trott 2014
Three Cliffs Bay, Wales
Gower, Swansea SA3 2HB
Getting to Three Cliffs Bay can be tricky, but the views are worth it – and it’s very quiet. Keep your eyes open for the rare peregrine falcon too.
Image: Three Cliffs Bay Flickr Vinay Nair 2014
Pentle Bay, Tresco, The Isles of Scilly
Hugh Town, Tresco, Isles of Scilly
The clear, bright blue waters of Tresco are pretty special. For quiet, untouched beaches, this place is unbeatable. On a fine day, you really could believe you’re on a Pacific island.
Image: Tresco Flickr Nosha 2012
Durdle Door, Dorset
Wareham BH20 5PU
Found along the Jurassic Coast on the Lulworth estate, Durdle Door is a natural limestone arch and lovely sand beach. As impressive as it looks.
Image: Durdle Door Flickr Kosala Bandara
Nairn Beach, Scotland
Nairn IV12 4EA
The home of the Moray Firth dolphins, Nairn’s lovely stretch of sandy beach and dunes is made that much more interesting with the wildlife. Seals, dolphins and flying fish abound in this little pocket of Scotland. It’s not far from Inverness either.
Image: Nairn beach Flickr Iain Cameron 2014
Botany Bay, Kent
Marine Drive, Cliftonville, Broadstairs CT10 3LG
Who doesn’t love white cliffs? Botany Bay has some rather impressive ones at the end of its sandy beach.
Image: Botany Bay Flickr Michael Camilleri 2012
Putsborough, North Devon
Vention Lane, Croyde, Braunton EX33 1LB
With two and a half miles of golden sands, Putsborough is a glorious spot of coast – quieter and arguably more beautiful than the ever-busy Woolacombe Sands (at the other end of the bay).
Image: Putsborough Flickr becks 2012
West Wittering, Chichester
West Wittering, Chichester PO20 8GH
Ever-popular for its coloured beach huts and quirky charm, West Wittering is beautiful whatever the weather. Perfect for walking the dogs and enjoying an ice cream.
Image: West Wittering Flickr Aurelien Guichard 2014
Croyde Bay, North Devon
Croyde, Braunton EX33 1NU
Well-known as a surfer’s hangout, the beach is as relaxed as the cool, laid-back Devon town it lies beneath.
Image: Croyde Flickr Emma 2013
Sandbanks, Dorset
Banks Road, Poole BH13 7QQ
A long stretch of golden sand with gently lapping waves and a European Blue Flag Award. What more could we ask for?
Image: Nick Fewings
