As the late May bank holiday weekend approaches, many Britons are planning outdoor family time. Thousands are expected to flock to beaches across the country, but new data from the family connection and safety app Life360 has identified the busiest hotspots to avoid. Littlehaven Beach in South Shields tops the list.
1. Littlehaven Beach, South Shields
Located at the mouth of the River Tyne, Littlehaven Beach is near Sandhaven Beach and a funfair. It offers an open stretch of sand and clear coastal views, with a promenade running alongside. However, its water quality is rated 'poor' by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), meaning swimming is not recommended. The beach was newly classified as swimming water only in 2024, so its low rating is unsurprising. Local councillor Ernest Gibson said: 'Littlehaven's rating is as we expected, and we continue to work with our partners, monitoring the water and identifying measures to drive improvement. However, we know this is not going to happen overnight and anticipate it will take several years for the water quality to reach the standard we'd like.'
2. Wardie Bay Beach, Edinburgh
Wardie Bay Beach, beside Granton Harbour in Edinburgh, is a small spot with a sandy shore and grassy banks behind, offering sea views. Wildlife enthusiasts often enjoy watching coastal birds. The beach is popular with wild swimmers and is relatively accessible, but there are no lifeguards. Water quality was rated 'good' in 2025 by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).
3. Fisherrow Sands, East Lothian
Fisherrow Sands is near the mouth of the River Esk and Fisherrow Harbour, featuring a sand and shingle shore with grassy areas and views over the Firth of Forth. It is a short walk from Musselburgh, a historic coastal town with a bustling high street. Its water quality was rated 'poor' in both 2025 and 2024.
4. Eastney Beach, Portsmouth
Eastney Beach is located between Southsea Castle and Fort Cumberland in Portsmouth. This pebbled stretch is popular with locals and visitors for water sports and swimming. The eastern end is a space where nudists frequent, though it is not officially recognised as a naturist beach.
5. Southend-on-Sea, Essex
Southend-on-Sea boasts seven miles of sandy beaches, attracting over seven million day visitors annually. Popular beaches include Thorpe Bay, Chalkwell Beach, and Shoeburyness Beach. Southend Pier stretches 1.3 miles from the shore and dates back to 1830.
6. Alum Chine, Bournemouth
Alum Chine is a sand and shingle spot in Bournemouth, attracting young families with its spacious playground and colourful beach huts for rent. It is a Blue Flag award-winning beach, so it is expected to be busy over the bank holiday.
7. East Winner, Hampshire
East Winner is a shifting sand and gravel bank off the coast of Hayling Island. When the tide is right, it becomes accessible to walk on, but visitors must keep an eye on the tide as it can rise or submerge in less than an hour.
8. Fisherman's Walk, Southbourne
Fisherman's Walk Beach is a long sandy stretch with Blue Flag status. Many access it via the Fisherman's Walk nature trail, which connects the clifftop to the beach. It is popular with families and has four fixed electric BBQs free to use.
9. South Beach, Northumberland
South Beach in Blyth is a long sandy spot backed by dunes designated as a Special Nature Conservation area. Surfers frequent the beach, and there is a surf school and other water sport activities. A nearby pier and bustling town centre with shops, pubs, and restaurants add to its appeal.
10. Brighton, East Sussex
Brighton rounds off the top ten with its pebble shores drawing millions annually. Water sports, beachside bars, and restaurants offer plenty to do. The city itself is bustling day and night, packed with independent shops and eateries.
