10 Best Beaches in the UK

Discover a sense of wonder at Bournemouth Beach, a 7-mile stretch of award-winning golden sands in Dorset. Soak up the sun, take a refreshing dip in the sea with some of the warmest waters in the UK or take a stroll to enjoy the lively atmosphere on Bournemouth Pier.

At the far end of the pier awaits Rock Reef, a year-round family activity centre with arcade games, a zipline and a rock-climbing wall. The pier is a hub for entertainment with live music shows, captivating theatre performances and movie nights under the stars. For nature enthusiasts, hike along the Bournemouth Coast Path eastward toward Boscombe where quaint cafes enhance Bournemouth’s coastal charm or hike west for magnificent views of the English coastline.

Find your escape to the wide, expansive shores of Woolacombe Beach in Devon for sun-soaked adventures. This Blue Flag beach is top-rated for its exceptional water quality and safety. For adventurers who enjoy water activities, the waves of this UK beach are ideal for paddling and surfing.

At low tide, explore nature’s hidden wonders among the rocky tidepools. Look for colourful sea anemones and other tiny marine creatures and explore the intriguing shape of rock formations on the beach. Keep watch for seals, dolphins and shorebirds. For a bird’s eye view of the coastline, explore the verdant green hills, lush coastal vegetation and stunning views over the beach and coastline.

Escape to a rugged coastal paradise on Fistral Beach in Cornwall. A short walk from the popular town of Newquay, this beach is a top destination for beachgoers and surfers. Soak up the English sun or walk along the seashore to beachcomb for sandy treasures. Surfers consider the north end (North Fistral) a top spot in Cornwall for hanging 10.

Other popular activities include visiting Trenance Gardens, a botanic oasis. Stop at the Garden Cafe Newquay. Formerly known as Trenance Cottages, this former tearoom’s history dates to the 1800s. Watching the sunset is a favourite activity at this beach. Pick your favourite spot for memorable moments with friends and family on this dramatic, windswept beach.

Uncover a breath-taking coastal gem known for its remarkable scenery and pristine natural surroundings. This beach in Wales beckons nature enthusiasts with the allure of its golden sands and the timeless beauty of the Rhossili Down, Hillend, and beach walk. This lowland heath is home to intriguing archaeological sites and flora and fauna, including seabirds, dolphins and butterflies.

Enjoy the hiking trail with dramatic coastal views. Trail highlights include the site of a Bronze Age cairn, built around 4,000 years ago, Sweynes Howes, the remains of Stone Age burial chambers, and views of Rhossili Bay below. A must-see site for photographers is the iconic Worm's Head promontory. You can access the picturesque scenery of this rocky island at low tide.

Explore Whitby Beach in Yorkshire, on the north-eastern coast of England. This charming coastal town is a bustling fishing port with a cheerful atmosphere. Spend a sunny day sunbathing and swimming or wander along Whitby’s cobblestone streets where you will find a delightful mix of quaint shops and intriguing historical sites.

Stroll past 18th-century fishermen's cottages and take the iconic walk up 199 steps to the church of St. Mary, known for its connection to Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Whitby was the home port for several of Captain James Cook’s voyages. Delve into history and the life of this famous British explorer and navigator at the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, located in the 17th-century house where Cook once lived.

Grab your camera and head to the unspoiled coastline of Holkam Beach. At low tide, experience the vast expanse of this golden beach and immerse your senses in Norfolk’s coastal beauty – the taste of salty air, soft golden sands underfoot and the view of an endless blue horizon. Embrace the natural wonders of this beach on a horseback ride and immerse yourself in the natural harmony of the wind, beach and tides.

If you prefer a more casual pace, take a walk to explore the shoreline. Each year from around the start of April to the end of August, the Holkham National Nature Reserve comes alive as the breeding season begins for shorebirds such as ground-nesting Terns, Oystercatchers and Ringed Plovers.

Indulge in a coastal escape on Brighton Beach in East Sussex, where every day feels like a beach day. Developed as a fashionable seaside resort in the Georgian era, Brighton is home to one of the most famous beaches in the UK.

This pebbly stretch of beach is an exhilarating and eclectic atmosphere buzzing with the colourful mosaic of life, best explored on foot along the 4-mile promenade – or from a distance by sailboat, kayak or paddleboat. The beach’s focal point is its Victorian-era pier and traditional fairground with a mix of family-friendly amusements, restaurants and shops brimming with happy beachgoers. For a quieter experience, take a brisk dip in the water or check out the beach’s eastern end.

Discover a photographer’s paradise on the scenic Irish coast at Murlough Nature Reserve. Ireland’s first nature reserve, this haven of natural beauty and biodiversity in County Down offers a range of activities for visitors of all ages. Immerse yourself in the natural elements that created this fragile 6,000-year-old dune system.

Take a stroll, beachcomb and admire the palette of colours that paint the scenery of this coastal gem. Hues of brown, yellow and green vegetation blanket the windswept sand dunes, a stunning contrast to the blue-green waters of the Irish Sea. Explore the reserve's trails to observe diverse habitats of birds, butterflies, rabbits and other species. The Murlough Boardwalk Trail provides easy access to the dunes and beach.

Discover the beauty of Luskentyre Sands, a stunning Scottish beach nestled on the west coast of South Harris in the Outer Hebrides. This remote beach is renowned for its vast panorama of natural beauty

Explore the mosaic of white sands, turquoise waters and rugged hillsides blanketed with colourful wildflowers as you beachcomb and observe shorebirds scurrying along the incoming tide. Hiking enthusiasts can find an escape to nature in North Harris Hills with breath-taking views of neighbouring islands. As you explore, you’ll have opportunities to spot wildlife, from seals and otters to dozens of species of birds. Nearby villages offer opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture with warm hospitality, traditional Scottish music and delicious cuisine.

Unwind in a coastal paradise in Compton Bay, on England’s Isle of Wight. Compton Bay offers an enchanting escape into the natural beauty of the Isle of Wight's coastline. In the distance, witness the dazzling sight of white chalk cliffs above the bay. Surrounded by nature, you’ll be able to spot the county flower, a pink pyramidal orchid that attracts butterflies, just one of the species that thrive within the beach’s diverse ecosystem.

This wide, sandy beach is a haven for beachgoers who visit to spend memorable days soaking up the sun, swimming and hunting for prehistoric fossils at low tide. Don’t miss the opportunity to see dinosaur footprints that are visible when the tide is low.