Britain's coastline is often overlooked in favour of sunny Mediterranean shores, but the UK boasts many sandy stretches that can rival those abroad. From tranquil Welsh coves to Cornwall's dramatic shores, a beach holiday offers diverse seaside experiences, even if sunshine is not guaranteed. Whether you prefer quiet contemplation with a flask of tea overlooking dunes or the lively buzz of Brighton Pier with fish and chips, the UK has a beach for every taste. Here are some of the best, along with nearby accommodation suggestions for 2026.
1. Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales
While not everyone wants a half-mile hike from Stackpole to reach their relaxation destination, you will not be disappointed after making the effort to get to this idyllic stretch of Welsh coastline. Picnics are welcome, but there is also a cafe and other amenities nearby for between swimming and sunbathing.
Where to stay
A 15-minute drive inland sits the town of Pembroke, where you will find the Old Kings Arms Hotel & Bar, a traditional Welsh coaching inn that has welcomed travellers since the 16th century. Double and twin rooms include a fridge and smart TVs, while economical single rooms are great for a short stay on a budget. From £100.
2. Whitby Beach, North Yorkshire
Less than a mile from the centre of one of the UK's most famous seaside towns, Whitby Beach offers everything you would want from a stereotypical UK beach. White sand and blue sea mix with a backdrop of green hills, multicoloured beach huts, and requisite fish and chip and ice cream shops for a stellar Northern seaside getaway.
Where to stay
Set within a magnificent townhouse on Whitby's West Cliff, several rooms at La Rosa offer dramatic views across Whitby Harbour. Different rooms have different themes, ranging from the interior of an old caravan to the view of Whitby Abbey, which inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula. From £125.
3. North Shore Beach, Llandudno, Wales
With a pier, long stretches of sand, and a town that is more accessible than many Pembrokeshire rivals due to a well-served train station and proximity to cities like Manchester and Liverpool, this northern Welsh beach provides everything for a family or friends' getaway in the largest seaside resort in the country. While the weather can be unreliable, the beach and town are a sight to behold when the sun shines.
Where to stay
The Quay Hotel & Spa is a 10-minute drive or train ride from North Shore and provides a comfortable escape from the town in nearby Deganwy, situated right on the harbour with sea views. From £129.
4. Luskentyre Sands, Scotland
Luskentyre is another beach that looks like it belongs far from the UK's shores, with emerald waters and white sands reminiscent of the Caribbean or Spain's Atlantic coast. It is one of the largest beaches on the Isle of Harris, with miles of empty sands and grassy dunes providing serene swimming opportunities and chances for long walks, hikes, and bike rides.
Where to stay
A 20-minute drive away (or a lengthy hike) from the beach is the picturesque village of Tarbet, where you will find shops including Harris Tweed and Knitwear. Stay at the highly rated Hotel Hebrides, offering 21 individually designed en-suite bedrooms and four suites. From £290.
5. Tankerton Beach, Kent
A similar close-to-town offering in England, Tankerton Beach sits just 20 minutes from Whitstable and could be a good option for those living around the capital who fancy a day or three out on the coast. This long pebble beach is geologically different from many others on the list but still a knockout.
Where to stay
The Marine Hotel offers amazing sea or town views in classically decorated English-style rooms. The location right on Whitstable's promenade provides an excellent base for strolling the town or simply staring at the view from the hotel restaurant. From £152.
6. Porthmeor Beach, St. Ives, Cornwall
A major part of Porthmeor's attraction is its proximity to St. Ives. The magnificent town has lost none of its charm despite increased tourism, while the beach itself offers excellent cafes and restaurants and activity hires for surfing and paddle boarding. It is also probably the only beach where you can step off and almost directly into a Tate gallery.
Where to stay
The St Ives Harbour Hotel is located around 15 minutes away and overlooks Porthminster Beach, another of St Ives' headliners. Stay at this dog-friendly hotel for the best of both beaches via an excellent walk along the town's seafront, with spacious rooms and an intelligent layout. From £179.
7. Brighton Beach, East Sussex
Perhaps the quintessential UK seaside resort, Brighton provides all the charm and activity of the towns on this list but in urban size. The beaches are a mix of sand and pebble, found next to marinas, historic buildings of Kemp Town, or the famous Palace Pier. The real attraction is the city itself, where a day on the beach can be the precursor to dinner at excellent restaurants, a blow-out night out, or winding down after shopping in the Lanes.
Where to stay
Brighton has a range of hotel offerings befitting any city, but Hotel du Vin stands out for its proximity to the seafront and city centre as well as its stylish rooms and bistro. The front of the hotel may look Shakespearean, but the interiors are modern with a maritime twist. From £420.
8. Portstewart Strand, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland
The only beach on this list that still welcomes cars onto its sands, the two-mile stretch is characterised by numerous dunes and picnicking families. More isolated than other entries, this is the perfect place for day-tripping families.
Where to stay
Situated right next to the beach is Port 56, a boutique bed and breakfast that caters for couples, groups, and families with its range of king- and queen-size beds to bunks in some rooms, all with en-suites complete with a powerful rain shower. From £87.
9. Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall
Despite being located in arguably the most blessed county in the UK for beaches, Porthcurno manages to stand out. While the soft sand and clear water are akin to other local beaches, the combination of dramatic high cliffs for wind protection and a quiet, scenic location puts this beach at the top of an enviable list.
Where to stay
While there are plenty of campsites and cottages right next to the beach, those who prefer a hotel may have to look a little further. Just past Land's End, a 12-minute drive away, you will find the Old Success Inn at Sennen Cove, a historic pub overlooking another beautiful stretch of Cornwall's coastline. From £96.
10. Loch Morlich Beach, Glenmore, Scotland
The shores of Loch Morlich look like they have been plucked straight from the Yukon and placed in the Cairngorms. Situated on a lake rather than the coastline, this beach has rugged surroundings of mountains, including Ben Macdui, as well as a verdant pine forest. The lake setting means you can enjoy freshwater rather than sea salt, and the beach is well equipped for water sports, walking, and camping.
Where to stay
While camping is a viable option, opt for slightly more comfortable accommodation at the Pine Marten Bar Glenmore Pods. These glamping pods offer indoor comfort just 200 metres from the shores of Loch Morlich, with an on-site bar serving food and drinks with an extensive breakfast, lunch, and evening menu. From £80.
11. Woolacombe Beach, North Devon
Located between the towns of Croyde and Ilfracombe, this two-mile stretch of sand is popular with surfers, kite surfers, kayakers, and families alike. Woolacombe stands out among a plethora of excellent Devon beaches due to its large, untouched areas and the variety of potential activities on offer.
Where to stay
With spectacular sea views, a steamy spa, and its own cinema, the Woolacombe Bay Hotel has everything needed to enjoy a stay, whatever the weather. Every room is styled differently, but the decor will likely be the last thing on your mind here. From £200.
12. Weymouth Beach, Dorset
While crowds usually flock to the nearby beaches of Bournemouth, Weymouth has all the charm without the cramped beach towels. All the elements for a classic UK beach getaway are included: beach huts, ice cream parlours, and a constant fear of seagulls stealing salty fish and chips.
Where to stay
Beach-front townhouse No.98 is a small boutique hotel overlooking Weymouth Bay. Just two minutes from the train station, the hotel is a good base for anyone wishing to sample Weymouth's golden swathes. From £152.
13. Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland
Often topping lists of the best seaside towns, Bamburgh and its pristine beach with 2.5km of sand have impressed visitors for years. Backed by the formidable Bamburgh Castle, which has stood guard on the Northumberland coast for over 1,400 years, it competes with the spectacular natural scenery along the beach and views out to sea of Holy Island and Farne Island. In Bamburgh village, you will find a parade of cafes, pubs, and restaurants championing local seafood.
Where to stay
In the village centre is The Sunningdale, offering 20 rooms designed with comfort in mind; the majority have views looking out towards the Farne Islands or the castle. From £178.
14. Pentle Bay, Tresco, Isles of Scilly
The Isles of Scilly archipelago off the Cornish coast is known for mild temperatures all year round, rarely falling below freezing and seldom experiencing extreme weather. The islands feature some of the most stunning coastlines across Britain, including Pentle Bay on Tresco, where pale turquoise waters ebb and flow on a long, uninterrupted stretch of sand. While there is no booming seaside town, this makes the beach an ideal spot for a romantic walk or quiet retreat.
Where to stay
Accommodation is limited on the islands, so it is advised to book well ahead. If staying on Tresco is a must, one of the 16 rooms at the award-winning The New Inn would not go amiss. The hotel provides super king or twin beds, a walk-in rain shower, and a resident's lounge with a log burner. Contact hotel for prices.
15. Camber Sands, East Sussex
Home to the only sand dune system in East Sussex, Camber has over two miles of golden beach beloved by families, horse riders, and watersports enthusiasts. Staying near Camber Sands means days of kitesurfing, kayaking, and jet skiing in the summer months, all within a safe environment marked by flagged zones under the watchful eye of lifeguards. The beach operates a wristband system to reunite lost children, allowing families to spend beach days with extra security. After a day of paddling or playing on the dunes, visitors are permitted to light up a barbecue in certain areas (gas-powered only, raised off the sands). The nearby medieval town of Rye makes for a fun day out, and the seafront village of Camber has plenty of pubs, cafes, and shops.
Where to stay
There are plenty of holiday parks near the beach suited for families. For something more luxe, The Gallivant offers 20 individually decorated rooms with super king beds and roll-top baths. From £286.
16. Filey Beach, North Yorkshire
Stretched along five miles of golden sand, Filey Beach has a good reputation among locals and visitors for being a clean, family-friendly location known as one of the safest in the country due to its RNLI-qualified lifeguard service. Marking the start and end of the Cleveland Way Walk, the beach is popular with hikers and sailors, with a well-established sailing club hosting regattas and taster days. Beachgoers can make use of a paddling pool on the seafront open in summer, while a short walk into Filey town produces parks, gardens, and a traditional seaside promenade with cafes and shops.
Where to stay
Stay a stone's throw from Filey Beach at the Filey Grange Guesthouse, one of many guesthouses in the resort. A stay here comes with a complimentary breakfast before heading out for the day. From £130.
This story was first published in 2025 and has been revised and updated.
