UK's Premier Beaches: A Travel Team's Selection for Summer Escapes
As the sun begins to brighten forecasts across the UK after a winter of persistent rainfall, beach outings are set to become a popular choice for enjoying the upcoming bank holidays. While jackets may still be necessary, the allure of sandy shores and coastal adventures is undeniable. To inspire your sunny day plans, our travel team has curated a list of their favourite beaches across the UK, offering everything from serene sandy stretches to pebbly coves and dune-backed landscapes. Whether you seek a tranquil towel spot, a scenic coastal hike, fresh seafood delights, or invigorating wave splashes, these destinations promise memorable experiences.
1. Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland
The pristine Bamburgh Beach spans one and a half miles, dominated by the historic Bamburgh Castle, which has overlooked the coast for over 1,400 years. Walks here are enriched by views of Holy Island and the Farne Islands. Bamburgh's stone-front streets host cafes, seafood restaurants, and gift shops, with walking routes like the trail to Seahouses. Notably, the local parish council collaborates with Beach Access North East to offer free all-terrain wheelchair loans for beach access.
2. Lyme Regis, Dorset
Known as the Pearl of Dorset, Lyme Regis features a golden sand arc amid colourful beach huts and fresh seafood stalls. Beyond sandcastles, visitors can stroll the picturesque harbour, spot the famous Cobb from The French Lieutenant's Woman, and hunt fossils on a Unesco World Heritage coastline with 185 million years of history.
3. Lusty Glaze, Cornwall
This privately owned honey-hued cove in Newquay is a local favourite, offering rollers suitable for beginners and pros, with a surf school in summer. Flanked by cliffs and pastel beach huts, it features a bar and restaurant hosting Sundowner music sessions. The sunsets here are particularly spectacular.
4. Luskentyre, Isle of Harris, Northwest Scotland
For solitude and raw natural beauty, Luskentyre on the Isle of Harris delivers turquoise waters and ice-white sand sculpted by the west wind. The remote location offers a serene escape with the roar of the Atlantic Ocean.
5. Colwell Bay, Isle of Wight
Located between Totland and Yarmouth, Colwell Bay boasts sandy shores with beach huts and rental options like wetsuits and deck chairs. Dining options range from traditional scampi and chips at Captain's Cabin to upscale fare at The Hut, with stunning Solent sunsets.
6. Cuckmere Haven, East Sussex
At the mouth of the River Cuckmere, this pebble beach is overshadowed by the white chalk cliffs of Seven Sisters, creating milky blue seas. Access involves a 30-minute walk from Seven Sisters Country Park or a steep path from Coastguard Cottages, with tide checks advised due to limited facilities.
7. Whitesands Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Pembrokeshire's rugged coastline features Whitesands Bay, a popular crescent bay with golden sands, dramatic cliffs, and wildlife like seals and puffins. It offers a cafe, car park, and lifeguards in summer, while winter brings wild, expansive scenery ideal for walks and surfing.
8. Mousehole Harbour Beach, Cornwall
When the tide recedes in Mousehole harbour, two sandy beaches emerge, perfect for sunbathing and rock pool exploration. The village's pretty streets and top-tier seafood at the Crab Shack add to its charm, with calm waters protected by harbour walls.
9. Jackson's Bay, Barry Island
This golden cove in Barry Island resembles the Costa del Sol, offering a quiet stretch for families and dogs. Features include a wood-burning sauna in winter, a snack hut, and gentle waters, making it a prime spot for sandcastles and relaxation.
10. Ballycastle, County Antrim
Ballycastle Beach provides broad sands with views to the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland. The misty cliffs and ferry connections to Campbeltown add to its appeal, offering a scenic coastal experience.
11. Saunton Sands, Devon
Famous as the backdrop for Robbie Williams' Angels video, Saunton Sands is backed by the Unesco Biosphere reserve, Braunton Burrows. This three-mile stretch is popular for surfing and family outings, with sand dune hikes and year-round dog access, though no lifeguard service is available.
