Britain has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. So if you are looking to visit the beach with your family for a picnic or some fun in the sun, you have plenty of UK beaches to choose from! In this blog post you will find the 20 most beautiful beaches of the United Kingdom!
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Watergate Bay Newquay
Located on the North Cornwall coast, Watergate Bat is a two mile long beach of golden coloured sand and low tides. Further up, the waves get a big larger providing the perfect playground for surfing and kitesurfing. The limpid waters have the highest standard of bathing water in the UK, making this beach perfectly safe for swimmers. The rock pools formed amidst this azure splendour is a haven for families as well, creating a safe environment for kids to splash around in. You can find several restaurants and cafes around as well as the famous Extreme Academy for surf, kite surf, paddle board, waveski or handplane.
Where to stay at Watergate Bay Newquay
($) Lovely self catering holiday apartment
Porthcurno Beach South Cornwall
Some might say this award winning beach is one of the country’s most beautiful beaches. It is located in the far west side of Cornwall, comprising of supple white sand, turquoise waters and tall, green cliffs enveloping it from both sides. Apart from its picturesque setting, the beach is also famous for the internationally famed Minack Theatre, built in the 1920’s by theatrical visionary Rowena Wade. This stunning beauty is also equipped with a stream which flows down one side, which is great for kids to paddle in. the beach is popular with families and is dog friendly except between 1 July and 31 August (10am – 6pm).
Where to stay at Porthcurno Beach South Cornwall
($) Quaint little cottage near the beach and cliffs
Pentle Bay Isles of Scilly
Walk through tall grass to find yourself in front of an almost tropical setting. For a moment you’ll forget you’re in England, only to be brought back when dipping into the colder than average water. The sand is white and the sea all shades of blues and turquoise. The temperature is warmer than many places in England, which is good news for swimmers and loungers alike. Water sports and collecting sea shells is common place around here, as it is to go hunting for figureheads salvaged from wrecked ships on the shores of Tresco.
Where to stay at Pentle Bay Isles of Scilly
($) Lovely home above the beautiful Porthmellon Beach
Saunton Sands North Devon
Where to stay at Saunton Sands North Devon
($)‘Stylish’ apartment with sea, surf and sunsets
Lulworth Cove Dorset
These may be some of the most striking beaches in England, with the Durdle Door, a natural limestone arch, being one of the most famous landmarks in Dorset. The beach is made up of pebbles and shingles, and access is through a long footpath, about half a mile long and a steep path downhill. A number of caves carved out by the sea can be seen at the base of the chalk cliffs, but are unsafe to explore. The sea is safe to bathe in, except for a few steep places, caution is advisable. You can walk the coast or hike up on the cliffs.
Where to stay at Lulworth Cove Dorset
($) Shepherds Hut in Purbeck Woodland with breakfast
Blackpool Sands
This crescent shaped beach is made up of coarse, almost shingle like, golden coloured sand with a backdrop of pine trees and country side. The beach, while safe for bathing, is known to become steep very fast. The entire surrounding is however well equipped for beach goers. You can find everything from toilet facilities, showers and local cafes. Activities such as kayaking/canoeing, diving & snorkelling are also common here. You can find a lifeguard on duty from July to September and the beach is dog friendly only for part of the year.
Where to stay at Blackpool Sands
($) Dog friendly chalet Dartmouth with free parking
Chesil Beach Dorset
The name is derived from the Old English word for “gravel” or “shingle” so it’s safe to say that building sandcastles may have to be put on hold here. The 18 mile long beach is a site to behold, and is one of three major shingle structures in England. It is ocean on one side and shallow lagoon on the other. The view from the top is unlike any other in the world. Chesil beach is too rugged for swimming, due to the strong currents. It is most famed for the wildlife found around and its original structure.
Where to stay at Chesil Beach – Dorset
($) Sea Breeze Glamping, unique, cosy accomodation!
Kynance Cove Cornwall
Almost magical, with its soft white sand and surrounded by striking rock formations, this little cove can almost only be found in low tide, as it almost vanishes in high tide. As the waves recede, they magically uncover a network of coves and caves to be explored. Located in the eastern side of Mount’s Bay in Cornwall, it is one of the most scenic beaches in England, and not surprisingly, also gets crowded very early in the summer. The environment makes it perfect for snorkelling and picnics by the beach.
Where to stay at Kynance Cove Cornwall
Formby Beach Merseyside
A place where beach meets woodland and sand dudes, it is one of Merseyside’s beach gems. Due to erosion, the tides also often expose prehistoric mud layers creating fascinating walks to immerse yourself in, trying to find some prehistoric animal’s footprints. The sand dunes are high and offer spectacular view of the Irish sea and they’re also moving at an incredible rate of four metres a year. The beach becomes swimmable during high tide, even though with no lifeguard present, caution is advised. The red squirrel forests are famed here.
Where to stay at Formby Beach Merseyside
($) Beautiful Canal Side Cottage
Holkham Beach Norfolk
Famous for being part of ‘Shakespeare in Love’, this enormous sandy beach is almost surreal, with its green backdrop. It maybe one of the best looking beaches in England. It is completely dog friendly and part of the Holkham National Nature Reserve, home to many rare flora and fauna. During very high tide, the semi-circular basin behind the shoreline fills up, creating a magnificent shallow lagoon.
Where to stay at Holkham Beach Norfolk
($) Showman’s Wagon in Cottage Garden
Woolacombe Beach Devon
This is a golden sandy beach which stretches for three miles, found in North Devon. It lies at the mouth of the valley, aka “combe” in the parish of Mortehoe. It is one of the most famous and scenic beaches in England, the massive sandy beach and inviting blue waters attracting large crowds in the summer. It is also popular for many water sports such as kayaking/canoeing, jet-skiing as well as surfing, wind surfing, and sailing. Being close to the village of Woolacombe, it is well-served and resourceful for eateries and facilities.
Where to stay at Woolacombe Beach Devon
($) Buck’s Cross Chalet Bucklands Bideford Bay Holiday
Treyarnon Bay Cornwall
Pass through the sand dunes to be led to a beautiful, secluded bay, sheltered from the south and north by Trethias Island, with natural pools and enclosed by low cliffs. The low waters and soft sand make it inviting to families and children have the opportunity of exploring sand and rock pools around. It is rated as one of the best beaches in the Padstow area and comprises of toilet facilities and a small shop that rents beach kits. It is dog friendly all year around so you don’t have to worry about leaving your pooch behind.
Where to stay at Treyarnon Bay Cornwall
($) Hawk’s Nest- secluded, stand alone holiday let
Marloes Sands Wales
This remote beach is located in Pembrokeshire, Wales, near the village of Marloes. The beautiful golden coloured sandy beach and light-coloured waters are surrounded by unusually orangy sandstone cliffs, and the rock formations have divided the beach into little bays, creating even more secluded beaches. It is famous for the views of the neighbouring islands, fossils, rock pools and immense sandy space. Watch out for the tide times here, as high tides can cause the beach to disappear altogether. The beach is pretty secluded, cafes and eateries can be found at the village.
Where to stay at Marloes Sands Wales
($) Self-contained 1st floor flat.
Rhossili beach Wales
Crystal blue waters, 3 miles of sandy beach, backed by enormous green, historic valleys. It all lays at the western end of the beautiful Gower peninsula. You’ll get 360 degrees of views here. The surrounding cliffs offers a great number of walks, and the waters offers all kinds of surfing, kite, wind and even hang gliders shooting down from above. The area is also famous for the old wooden shipwreck, the Helvetica, which can be seen through the sand. The beach is dog friendly all year around, with miles to be walked while taking in the views. It is located within an area designated as the first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the United Kingdom.
Where to stay at Rhossili beach Wales
($) An 18th Century one bed roomed converted chapel
Beadnell Beach Northumberland
This horseshoe shaped bay, just south of the village of Beadnell, is backed by grassy sand dunes and fields, with the shape of the bay creating a natural harbour. The large caravan park behind the beach and the multitude of holiday accommodations around make this village a popular holiday destination. While its loved by swimmers, it also accommodates surfing, sailing, windsurfing, kite surfing, snorkelling and scuba diving. Being part of the North Northumberland Heritage Coast means the area makes for great walks with endless views. Dogs are allowed all year around, but must be kept close by during nesting season.
Where to stay at Beadnell Beach Northumberland
($$) No 1 West House, Bamburgh
($$$) Castle View Cottage
Summerleaze Cornwall
This horseshoe shaped bay, just south of the village of Beadnell, is backed by grassy sand dunes and fields, with the shape of the bay creating a natural harbour. The large caravan park behind the beach and the multitude of holiday accommodations around make this village a popular holiday destination. While its loved by swimmers, it also accommodates surfing, sailing, windsurfing, kite surfing, snorkelling and scuba diving. Being part of the North Northumberland Heritage Coast means the area makes for great walks with endless views. Dogs are allowed all year around, but must be kept close by during nesting season.
Where to stay at Summerleaze Cornwall
($) Family owned, rural retreat, stunning views for 4
Camber Sands Sussex
This beach ones acted as a desert location, due to its extensive, golden beach, it is very much Arabian looking. The shore is about 5 miles long, with shallow waters inviting people to splash in. Camber Sands is famous for being one of the most pristine, long dune systems on the South Coast, the only one found in East Sussex. It is also one of the few sandy beaches around, making it ideal for laying around in, and famous for kite surfing, whether you are a beginner or an expert, but also a great place to learn.
Where to stay at Camber Sands Sussex
($) Charming self-contained flat in historic house
Studland Bay
The 4 miles of golden sandy beaches offer shallow, gentle waters to bathe in and great views of the iconic Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight. The beach is backed by sand dunes, high grasslands and woodlands, brimming with wild life. It is also important as the only known site for breeding of the long-snouted seahorse in the UK. This bay also includes one of the most popular naturist beach in Britain and the surrounding environment makes for great explorations and sighting of deer and birdlife, as well as a myriad of wildflowers.
Where to stay at Studland Bay
($) The Annex at Braidley Cottage
Cromer Beach Norfolk
Cromer beach is a famous Blue flag beach, with a great Victorian Pier, creating a stunning romantic setting but also famed for crabbing. The unique view makes it a great typical English seaside location, with breathtaking sunset views. It is a great family destination, with a promenade to be enjoyed where children can ride their scooters. You can find natural rock pools during low tide, it is safe for swimmers and plenty of cafes around.
Where to stay at Cromer Beach Norfolk
($$) Two Cutty Sark – East Runton. Sleeps 4
($$$) Valonia Cottage
Botany Bay Kent
Botany Bay Kent is located in Broadstairs, Kent and is the northernmost of seven bays in Broadstairs. The massive, bright white chalk cliffs create an otherworldly environment and make for great pictures against the shimmering waters. The sandy beaches are famous amongst tourists and the stunning views allow for guests to enjoy long walks, exploring rock pools and finding fossils at low tide. It is safe for swimmers, with seasonal lifeguards present and toilets available and plenty of cafes around to be enjoyed.
Where to stay at Botany Bay Kent
($) Spacious, eco-conscious flat with courtyard
($$$) Stylish Rooftop Apartment with Unrivaled Panoramic Sea Views
Lieze Neven is a globetrotting travel writer and expat currently based in Nepal. With a passion for exploration, she has lived in Dubai, the UK, and Belgium, alongside her international teacher husband. Her parents live in France and she tries to visit Paris at least once a year. Together, they travel the world looking for the best hotels, experiences and food locations have to offer!
This list is spot on! British beaches are truly underrated gems