The best beaches in the UK

The UK’s coastline has beaches for days. We’re talking far-off white sands straight out of the Caribbean, classic seaside spots with deckchairs and colourful beach huts, and cliff-backed coves that plunge into every shade of blue you can imagine.

Wild ones and well-known ones, family favourites and hidden secrets – whatever you’re looking for, wherever you’re looking for it, you’ll find a brilliant British beach to suit.

We’ve scoured these fair shores in search of the ultimate British beach experience. From North Yorkshire to Norfolk, the Scottish Highlands to the southern coast, we’ve rounded up 20 of the best beaches in the UK.

Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire

Caught in a time warp, the quaint fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay is the perfect place to escape modern life. Sheltered from the rest of the world by steep, craggy cliffs, the beach itself delivers a slice of Yorkshire’s coastline at its most beautiful all year round.

It’s one of the best beaches for families too, with hundreds of rockpools dotting the sand when the tide’s out. And when you’re done scrambling through the rocks looking for critters, retire to the pub for some legendary North Yorkshire scampi.

Where to stay near Robin Hood’s Bay

With panoramic views over the bay and a rave-worthy restaurant serving up everything from decadent dinners to afternoon tea, the four-star Victoria Hotel is hard to beat.

Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland

Natives of Northumberland will tell you (or perhaps they won’t – they might want to keep you away) that this stretch of coastline is the best in the UK.

Perhaps the most popular spot is Bamburgh, a diamond of a beach watched over by a brooding castle. Perfect for a spot of sunbathing (when the weather’s right), this beach is also ideal for surfers, windsurfers and walkers.

The historic village of Bamburgh, with its quaint pubs and cafes, is worth stopping in while you’re here.

Where to stay near Bamburgh Beach

Nestled in Bamburgh town just a ten-minute walk from the beach, you’ll find another Victoria Hotel. This one offers country pub-style cosiness with all the modern facilities you’d expect from a three-star hotel.

Durdle Door, Dorset

Probably one of Britain’s most recognisable beaches thanks to its iconic limestone arch, Durdle Door has more than a hint of the Algarve about it.

Surrounded by miles and miles of glorious countryside, this picturesque cove has become the poster child for the Jurassic Coast. Due to a natural offshore reef, the bay is protected from tidal swells making it one of the best beaches in the UK for swimming, snorkelling and diving.

From here, you can also head over to nearby Lulworth Cove and Man O’ War beach for more of Dorset's best beaches – there must be something in the water round these parts.

Where to stay near Durdle Door

Country chic meets coastal bliss at the Limestone Hotel. You’ll find it tucked into the hills of West Lulworth, either a 40-minute coastal walk or five-minute drive from Durdle Door.

Sandwood Bay, Scotland

An isolated spot in northern Scotland, only the most dedicated beach bums reap the remote rewards of Sandwood Bay. The beach lies at the end of a bleak moorland track that runs for 6.5km (4 miles) from the nearby hamlet of Blairmore.

Sandwood Bay’s remoteness might just be its finest quality: on any given day you could have the entire 2km (1.5-mile) beach to yourself. Some call it the best beach in the UK. One look, and it’s hard to disagree.

Where to stay near Sandwood Bay

Around 13km (8 miles) south of Sandwood Bay, the Rhiconich Hotel is a welcoming base to return to after days out exploring the Scottish Highlands. There are ten comfy rooms and a cosy lounge with a fireplace.

Holkham, Norfolk

This is a real no-frills beach, one truly worthy of the tag 'unspoiled'. Wild, vast and beautiful, you’ll find Holkham tucked into the North Norfolk coastline, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that includes much of this blissfully underrated stretch of Britain’s long shoreline. It’s big and sandy, and when the tide is out, the wet sand is ideal for sandcastle building.

As it makes up a part of the Norfolk Coast Path, it’s also tremendously popular with walkers. Another thing to note: Holkham is just as nature intended it to be, so there are no facilities here.

Where to stay near Holkham

Twenty classical bedrooms are spread across two historical buildings at The Victoria and overlook lovely, manicured gardens. Sat between the beach and Holksham Hall, you’re perfectly located to explore the area's best bits.

Porthcurno, Cornwall

Would you travel to the ends of the earth for the most beautiful beach in the UK (or the end of Britain, at least)? You may well have to for the pristine sands of Porthcurno in Cornwall.

One of Cornwall's best beaches, Porthcurno is famed for its Caribbean-clear waters, fine golden sand and the craggy surrounding cliffs that shelter the bay perfectly from the elements.

But it’s not all about good looks. Porthcurno has something that no other beach in Britain can boast: its own open-air theatre. The Minack, carved into the rock and perched on a clifftop, overlooks the beach and the crashing waves of the Atlantic. How’s that for drama?

Where to stay near Porthcurno

Just 6.4km (4 miles) across the headland from Porthcurno, The Old Success Inn is a charmingly renovated 17th-century fishing inn with contemporary rooms and buckets of coastal character.

Huisinis, Outer Hebrides

A little further afield is the remote beach of Huisinis on the west coast of Harris in the Outer Hebrides. Get the weather right here and, with the clear blue waters and golden sands, you could be forgiven for thinking you’re in the Med – all that’s missing are the palm trees.

Along with many beaches in this part of Scotland, the appeal of Huisinis lies partly in what you won’t find here. No fish and chip shops, no gaudy amusement arcades and no entertainment, apart from what nature provides – eagles, deer, cormorants and sometimes even seals, dolphins and whales are among the attractions.

A ferry operates from the mainland to, and between, the islands of the Outer Hebrides.

Where to stay near Huisinis

Head ten minutes down the coast to Amhuinnsuidhe Castle, a five-star hotel you won't forget anytime soon. You can either go all out and book exclusive use (the castle sleeps up to 18 in 12 luxury rooms), or there are three beautiful self-catering cottages available.

Downhill Strand, Northern Ireland

One of the most scenic coastal stretches in Northern Ireland, it’s a wonder that Downhill Strand isn't better known beyond the borders of the Emerald Isle. Instantly recognisable from the Mussenden Temple, a clifftop monument that overlooks the bay, this beach is one of the longest in the country.

Wild and windswept, the beach is popular for watersports, such as windsurfing and surfing, and it’s a great spot for birdwatching. For the best chance of spotting some birdlife, take a stroll along the imposing cliffs that back the beach – just remember to bring your binoculars!

Where to stay near Downhill Strand

The Inn on the Coast is exactly as its name suggests – a cosy and welcoming three-star hotel overlooking the sea in the little village of Portstewart.

Marloes Sands, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Pembrokeshire’s Barafundle Bay might hog the spotlight – and we're inclined to let it. Because while visitors crowd its busy shores, you’ll be exploring the craggy cliffs and secluded bays of the alluring Marloes Sands in South Wales.

After scrambling over washed-up rocks at the beach’s entrance, a sweeping expanse of golden sand dotted with dramatic stony outcrops rewards you for the effort.

When the tide is out, the shallow waters are perfect for paddling, while the wide sandy beach is ideal for games. Even in high summer there’s plenty of space available.

Of course, anyone who’s ever been to this beautiful part of the world knows that stunning, out-of-the-way beaches are the norm – the best one is all a matter of opinion.

Where to stay near Marloes Sands

Stay at Tŷ Milford Waterfront in Milford Haven and you’ll be in a great position to explore the South Wales coastline. The rooms are comfy, the food at the brasserie delicious and its harbour views unparalleled.

Brighton, England

This fun-time south coast city is one of the originals. Today, it’s just as much a piece of London by the sea as it is a beach resort, with many treating it as a stylish but more laidback escape from the big city.

You can explore the pier and shingle beach, swim in the Channel or head into town for a whirl around the quirky and decadent Royal Pavilion, built as a seaside home for George, Prince of Wales.

The Lanes area is packed with cute boutiques, cool bars and great places to eat out, and the alternative vibe that pervades the town means there’s always something cultural going on in pubs and theatres.

Where to stay in Brighton

Smack bang in the middle of Brighton Marina, stay at Malmaison and you’re literally a stone's throw from the beach. This four-star hotel has got style aplenty, plus a fabulous outdoor terrace.

Blackpool, Lancashire

Blackpool is the place to go for a classic UK seaside break. There’s ice-cream, candy floss, kiss-me-quick hats and rock candy to get stuck into.

There are also world-class theme park rides at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, a long sandy beach, three piers and wall-to-wall entertainment such as the immense Comedy Carpet – a concrete artwork incorporating jokes and music hall catchphrases – at the foot of Blackpool Tower.

Add in seafront trams, a superb zoo, fortune tellers and the Illuminations light show in early autumn, and you’ve got a strong contender for the UK’s best family beach.

Where to stay in Blackpool

You’re spoilt for choice for hotel stays in Blackpool, but the Boulevard perfectly combines proximity to the beach with modern, luxury rooms – there are over 120, from suites to family options.

Bournemouth, Dorset

With 11km (7 miles) of sand, two classic piers, a magnificent cliff backdrop, Blue Flag status and a nod in Tripadvisor’s Best Beaches in Europe round-up, we can see why Bournemouth is a perpetual crowd-pleaser.

Its prime spot, sheltered beneath impressive cliffs in Dorset, also means that the bay has its own micro-climate. In fact, Bournemouth is one of the warmest beaches in the UK in terms of sea temperatures – who needs the Med?

Where to stay in Bournemouth

There’s plenty of reasons why holidaymakers love The Cumberland Hotel – there’s a huge outdoor pool, its Ventana Grand Café has two AA rosettes, there are over 100 art-deco style rooms, and it's right on the seafront, too.

Blackpool Sands, Devon

A wonderfully underdeveloped beach, Blackpool Sands is nowhere near its iconic namesake. Instead, you’ll find this Blue Flag beauty on Devon’s south coast, tucked away in a pretty cove and backed by plenty of greenery.

Safe and clean, it’s one of the best beaches in the UK for families, with a beachside café and loads of watersports on the go, including stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. The beach sits on the South West Coast Path and can be reached easily on foot as part of a long hike along the Devon coastline.

Where to stay near Blackpool Sands

A quick three-minute drive will bring you to the Stoke Lodge Hotel, perched above the village of Stoke Fleming. With an on-site restaurant, pool and outdoor games, it's a firm favourite for families.

Luskentyre Beach, Scotland

Luskentyre Beach’s white sand and super clear water is pure Bahamas. Sadly, the weather in northern Scotland rarely is.

That said, during the summer months, it’s hard to argue against the beaches of the Isle of Harris – they are among the best sandy beaches in the UK and really do look as if they’ve sailed here from the Caribbean.

On top of Luskentyre, you’ll find jaw-droppers Seilebost, Borve and Scarista. If you’ve made it up this far, be sure to take a sea safari in search of an orca pod.

Where to stay near Luskentyre Beach

Traditional hospitality and a relaxed atmosphere are promised at the Harris Hotel. This family-run property is nestled in Tarbert, the island’s main town and port.

Rhossili Bay, Wales

Regularly ranked as one of the best beaches in the UK, Rhossili Bay on Wales’ Gower Peninsula is a 5km (3 miles) stretch of dreamy golden sand. Whether you’re into surfing, sunbathing or sandcastle building, Rhossili ticks all the boxes – and then some.

Backed by rugged cliffs, there are a number of walking routes around the beach with spectacular views out over the sea. Take the dramatic hike up to the Old Coastguard Lookout, walking clifftops above the beach for views out over Worm’s Head. Run by the National Trust, there’s a car park and a shop close to the beach.

Where to stay near Rhossili Bay

You know you’re in for a charming stay at the King Arthur Hotel, which scored a mention in The Times’ ‘Top cosy pub in the UK’ round-up. The 18th-century country hotel has 18 ensuite rooms and four cottage apartments to choose from.

West Wittering, West Sussex

Long, flat and sandy, West Wittering in West Sussex is one of the south coast’s most popular beaches. Another good one for families, the water is clean and safe, with lots of watersports action on offer, too.

The multi-coloured wooden beach huts backing the sand give West Wittering a proper retro feel, while the dunes and long grass ensure there’s plenty of wildlife nearby. In fact, it’s a great place for birdwatching, with egrets, herons and other waders regular visitors to the beach. Nearby Pagham Harbour is another top spot for keen birders.

Where to stay in West Wittering

Breakfast at The Beach House is sure to set you up well for long days on the beach. This sweet B&B has bright and airy rooms and is just a 15-minute walk from the coast.

Pentle Bay, Tresco

No, you haven’t landed in the Indian Ocean. Yes, the beaches of the Scilly Isles really do look this good – and Pentle Bay is one of the best.

A wild, unspoiled arch of white sand backed by gentle dunes, you’ll find Pentle on Tresco island, the second largest of the Scillies. Despite its natural beauty, the beach has somehow managed to remain uncrowded and undeveloped.

Sitting off the far tip of Cornwall, this little cluster of islands feels like another country entirely. To get there, take the Scillonian III ferry from Penzance Harbour to St Mary’s, the archipelago’s main island. From here, it’s just a short boat transfer to Tresco.

Where to stay near Pentle Bay

The New Inn is a local favourite on Tresco. The hotel’s 16 traditional rooms have a home-from-home feel and its well-loved pub serves up wholesome dishes with a modern twist.

Compton Beach, Isle of Wight

This 3.2km (2 miles) stretch of golden sand, located on the Isle of Wight’s west coast, is wonderfully untouched. Besides the odd ice-cream van, all you’ll find here is sand, sea and not much else.

The bay is surrounded by tall, dramatic cliffs, sheltering it from the worst of the weather. As a result, it’s incredibly popular with families seeking safer seas.

Given its proximity to the Jurassic Coast, the beach is also a great spot for fossil hunting – at low tide, you might even see the odd dinosaur footprint or two!

Where to stay near Compton Beach

Just around the headland and minutes from the famous Needles chalk cliffs is The Highdown Inn. Rooms are simple but clean and comfortable – ideal for a restful night’s sleep after skipping about on Compton.

Studland Bay, Dorset

A vast stretch of gold sand surrounded by wild heathland and rolling sand dunes, Studland Bay is British seaside at its most pared back and natural. Go hunting for wildlife on the Studland Beach sand dunes trail, a circular walk leading through the dunes behind the beach. Keep an eye out for birdlife, such as the Dartford warbler, and one of the six native British reptiles that live here.

From the highest dunes, you’ll be able to see out over the Dorset coast and the towering chalk cliffs of the Studland Peninsula.

Where to stay near Studland Bay

The Knoll House Hotel hits the nail on the head for great beachfront accommodation at an affordable price. It’s fantastically family friendly too, with a pool, play park and games room.

Porthminster, Cornwall

St Ives stunner Porthminster Beach is frequently named one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK – and it’s not difficult to see why.

A safe, sheltered spot, just a few metres from boho St Ives town, the beach is famous for its pale, powdery sand and shimmering aquamarine water. Make your beach day extra special, with a bite at Porthminster Beach Café, an acclaimed seafood restaurant right on the beach.

It does tend to get quite busy here in the summer, but if you don’t mind sharing it’s still well worth a visit.

Where to stay near Porthminster

There’s no need to haul heavy beach bags around when you stay at Pedn Olva – this lovely three-star hotel literally sits right above the beach. Sea-view rooms don’t get much better than this.

White Park Bay, Northern Ireland

Looking for the best sandy beach in the UK? White Park Bay in Northern Ireland might just be it. Almost 5km (3 miles) of soft white sand curves between two headlands, backed by long-established grassy dunes.

Protected by the National Trust, this beautiful stretch of coast is wonderfully undeveloped, making it a haven for peaceful beach strolls and wildlife spotting. Speaking of, you won’t have to look hard to spot the local herd of friendly cows, grazingly freely on the dunes.

Where to stay near White Park Bay

On the outskirts of Bushmills village, the Bayview Hotel is a relaxing bolthole overlooking the coast. Luxury touches help make your stay as comfortable as possible – think extra big beds, fluffy robes and top-notch toiletries.

Formby Beach, Merseyside

Formby Beach’s miles of stunning sand and rolling dunes give White Park Bay a run for its money. It’s also a National Trust nature reserve, but this time, it's red squirrels you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled for.

On the sand, there’s plenty of space to set up a beach camp and kids can swim safely under the watchful eye of the lifeguards.

If you need to stretch your legs, Formby Beach lies smack bang in the middle of the Sefton Coastal Path. Go north towards Southport, or south towards Crosby.

Where to stay in Formby

You don’t have to be a golf or spa lover to enjoy a stay at Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa, but with an 18-hole championship course and luxurious wellbeing treatments on offer, you’ll likely leave a fan. Rooms range from classic doubles to suites overlooking the lush grounds.

Sandsend Beach, North Yorkshire

Spanning the edge of the North York Moors National Park and with views as far as Whitby Abbey, Sandsend deserves a shout out as one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK.

It’s hugely popular with walkers, stretching for 4.8km (3 miles) along the coast to eventually join Whitby Beach. At low tide, little ones can hunt for crabs in the rockpools or search for colourful shells in the sandy shingle. This is also prime fossil hunting territory, so keep your eyes peeled for any hidden treasures.

If you haven’t brought a picnic, Fish Cottage – located in the village behind – serves some of Yorkshire’s tastiest fish and chips.

Where to stay near Sandsend Beach

You get the best of both countryside and coast at Dunsley Hall. This four-star country house hotel sits in four acres of lawns with views of Sandsend Beach on the horizon. Don’t miss a night cap in the oak-panelled Club Bar.