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Best beaches in the UK: The 30 most beautiful staycation beaches
Fancy a day by the coast?
If you're planning a beach holiday for summer 2023 but don't fancy flying long-haul, it would be easy to assume you're going to have trouble finding somewhere. But actually, that couldn't be further from the truth. Some of the best beaches are right here in the UK, from Weymouth to Bournemouth via Hengistbury Head, meaning you'd be hard pushed not to find a beach holiday nearby that ticks your boxes.
So where can you enjoy unspoiled stretches of beach without getting on a plane? In truth, all over Great Britain! And it's not just the sandy white beaches they can offer you, either - there's giant waves for surfing, beautiful backdrops for 'gramming, and of course, delicious ice-creams for eating (probably). Some of these places are so tropical in aesthetic, that you might find you'll never feel the need to board a plane to satisfy your sandy satisfactions ever again!
Equally, if you fancy a moody, gothic stroll down the shoreline, there's plenty of options for that as well! (After all, it's still the UK.)
While you're on the hunt for the best British beaches, why not make a whole UK holiday of it by adding a cute cottage, campsite or even outdoor swimming pool into the mix?
What with current travel restrictions proving unpredictable, there's never been a better time to grab your mask, jump in the car and drive to the coast. Why not try Devon? Or check out the best beaches in Wales? Whatever you're after, we've got you covered.
Best beaches in UK - Aldeburgh, Suffolk
It might have a pebble beach, but what this chocolate box town lacks in sand it makes up for in picturesque seaside style - think pastel-coloured 19th-Century holiday villas, fisherman’s huts selling catch of the day and delicious seafood which you can eat right by the water’s edge, art galleries and its landmark Scallop sculpture. A perfect day out.
Best beaches in UK - Braunton Burrows, Devon
More than three miles of golden sand and towering sand dunes set in 1000 hectares of a UNESCO biosphere reserve = AMAZING. Rolling and sliding down the burrows is enormous fun whether you’re five or 50, just be sure to pack a picnic as you’re not going to stumbling across a Maccy D’s any time soon.
Best beaches in UK - Formby Beach, Lancashire
One of the most dramatic beaches in the UK has National Trust coastal trails which take you along giant sand dunes, through pinewood forests where you might glimpse of red squirrels and onto the beach to discover prehistoric footprints.
Best beaches in UK - Frinton, Essex
Miles of flat sand ideal for sunbathing, running, games or just building a really big sandcastle. If the sea’s calm it’s a lovely spot for a swim too, and don’t get us started on the cute pastel-coloured beach huts (some are for hire), which line the promenade - track down the ones recently renovated on BBC’s Interior Design Masters.
Best beaches in UK - Scarborough, Yorkshire
Two wide, sandy bays divided by a rocky promontory topped with 11th-Century ruins of Scarborough Castle make this a scenic seaside escape. You can take a boat trip along the coast from the harbour, have a go surfing and don’t miss a stroll along the promenade for ice creams and award-winning fish and chips at Papas.
Best beaches in UK - Castle Beach, Tenby
Backed by low cliffs, what makes Castle Beach so special is the fact it disappears at high tide! At low tide, it's gorgeous - just 150m wide, the cove is picturesque, thanks to the ancient ruins of Tenby Castle above it.
Best beaches in UK - Tolsta Beach, Isle Of Lewis
Often regarded as the best beach on the Isle Of Lewis, Scotland, Tolsta has a lot to shout about. Its white sandy shores are a haven for surfer, thanks to the impressive swell, and the long stretches of sand dune offer scenic walks.
Best beaches in UK - Hengistbury Head, Bournemouth, Dorset
Hengistbury Head is a headland (hence the name!) protruding into the English Channel between Bournemouth and Mudeford in the English countryside of Dorset. Look at that sunset!
Best beaches in UK - Brighton beach, Brighton
Thanks to its length and breadth, the pebbled beach in Brighton is absolutely magnificent. Activities available range from everything from canoeing to kite boarding and windsurfing, but if you don't fancy getting wet? Head to the pier for fish and chips or penny games.
Best beaches in UK - West Beach, Berneray
West Beach runs the entire length of Berneray, an isle in the North Uist, Outer Hebrides. It's comprised of three miles of white sand, and is completely unspoiled - perfect for walking along or having a picnic nearby.
Best beaches in UK - Broad Haven South, Pembrokeshire
Not only is there a good rock for jumping off at high tide (and small caves for exploring at low tide), but Broad Haven South also has an incredible south-facing location - meaning you get the best sunsets.
Best beaches in UK - Perranporth Beach, Cornwall
This sprawling beach is long and flat, and backed by beautiful sand dunes. Plus their are rock pools for playing, and surfing and paddle boarding if you're feeling sporty.
Best beaches in UK - Bournemouth Beach, Dorset
Wander from Bournemouth town centre towards the coast and it'll be hard to miss the sweeping golden sands, backed by the cutest beach houses.
Best beaches in UK - Rhossili Bay, Wales
Rhossili Bay in the Gower was voted the best beach in the UK in 2010, and unsurprisingly has made the list regularly ever since. It's three miles long, and welcomes dogs, hikers, families and surfers.
Best beaches in UK - Woolacombe Beach, Devon
Woolacombe Beach is renowned for being family friendly, and providing a lifeguard service, toilets, first aid and food and beach goods outlets.
Best beaches in UK - Porthminster Beach, St Ives, Cornwall
Framed by a glittering bay, Porthminster Beach has glorious views across to Godrevy Lighthouse, inspiration for Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse.
Best beaches in UK - Luskentyre, Isle of Harris, Scotland
Situated on the west coast of Harris, in the Outer Hebrides, Luskentyre beach has the most incredible turquoise coast line set against rugged headland.
Best beaches in UK - St Brelade's Bay Beach, Jersey
St Brelade's Bay Beach on the island of Jersey is renowned for its elegant green-railinged boardwalk and famous restaurant, Oyster Box.
Best beaches in UK - Fistral Beach, Newquay, Cornwall
Fistral Beach in Fistral Bay on the north coast of Cornwall is the perfect location for surfing, walking, and enjoying the sunshine (if it ever comes..!)
Best beaches in UK - Weymouth Beach, Dorset
The gentle curving arc of sand in Weymouth Bay is a popular destination for swimming and sunbathing, overlooked by a magnificent Georgian seafronted row of buildings.
Dusty Baxter-Wright is an award-winning journalist and the Entertainment and Lifestyle Director at Cosmopolitan, having previously worked at Sugarscape. She was named one of PPA’s 30 Under 30 for her work covering pop culture, careers, interiors and travel, and oversees the site’s Entertainment and Lifestyle strategy across print, digital and video. As a journalist for the best part of a decade, she has interviewed everyone from Louis Theroux and Channing Tatum to Margot Robbie and Ncuti Gatwa, while she has also spoken on Times Radio and BBC Radio. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram here.
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