Believe it or not, the UK is home to almost 1300 beaches. That’s a lot of beach for an island as small as ours! And there’s no such thing as a beach is a beach is a beach on the British Isles, either. Our landscapes are so varied and our terrain so different around the coast, that no two beaches are alike. In the UK, you’re never more than 70 miles from the coast, making a day trip to the seaside a budget friendly option for almost all of us. We’ve put together a definitive top 10 of the best beaches in the UK. How many will you get to this summer?
How we found the best beaches in the UK
We know what you’re thinking. With so many beaches to pick from, and all with their own charms, how could we pick the best? How can you choose between a sand beach and shingle? Surely they’re each beautiful in their own way. Well, we got scientific. Spreadsheets were involved. We cross-referenced all 1275 of the beaches that make up our coastline with the lists of beaches that have achieved awards commending their quality. In particular, we looked at Blue Flag awards, Green Coast awards, Quality Coast awards, and the Marine Conservation Society’s recommendations. Then on top of that, we looked at which beaches have won a TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice award to reach with our top 10. And here they are:
10. Scarborough North Bay
In at number 10 on our list of the best beaches in the UK is Scarborough’s North Bay. Scarborough is a quintessential British seaside resort, having been a draw for tourists since the 17th century. While the South Bay beach is now lined with arcades and other entertainment, the North Bay retains much of its original charm. The sandy beach and five-star waters are backed by the Victorian promenade, hills and cliffs and offers views of the ruins of the 11th century castle – well worth a visit on its own. Rocky outcrops at the north end of the beach are home to rockpool areas teeming with wildlife at low tide, but the outcrops can become cut off at high tide so do bear this in mind if you’re planning a trip.
North Bay has been awarded both Blue Flag and Quality Coast Awards, and comes recommended by the Marine Conservation Society.
9. Whitley Bay
Some way up the coast from Scarborough, in at number 9 is Tyne & Wear’s Whitley Bay. Famous for its golden sand and 5-star water, Whitley Bay stretches for two miles from St. Mary’s Island to Cullercoats. The unspoilt nature is popular with walkers, either on the sand, or on the adjacent promenade overlooking the beach. Every summer, a sandcastle competition is held on the beach, drawing attention from locals and tourists alike, and is a fantastic fun family day out.
Like Scarborough’s North Bay, Whitley has earned three awards: Blue Flag, Quality Coast, and Marine Conservation Society.
8. King Edward’s Bay (Tynemouth)
A couple of miles south of Whitley Bay is King Edward’s Bay, in at number 8 on our list of the UK’s best beaches. This small, sheltered beach is overlooked by the cliffs and grassy banks that home the historic Tynemouth Priory and Castle. The enclosed nature of the sandy bay makes it ideal for families, although it’s worth bearing in mind that dogs are not permitted on the beach during the summer months from May to September.
King Edward’s Bay has also achieved a trio of awards, holding Blue Flag, Quality Coast and Marine Conservation Society awards.
7. Sheerness Beach
Sheerness Beach on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent and number 7 on our list, has been a Blue Flag beach since 2016. While shingly Sheerness is a bathing beach, there are designated beaches for watersports and other activities close by. Sheerness is an excellent spot for boat watching as cargo vessels sail frequently up and down the shipping lanes. It’s also a fantastic beach for rockpooling. At low tide, crabs, shrimps and all sorts of other sea creatures can be found in the rockpools that are exposed. At high tide, the sea comes all the way up to the wall and completely submerges the beach, so it’s worth checking the times of the tides before visiting to make sure you can enjoy the beach.
Sheerness Beach is Marine Conservation Society recommended and holds a Quality Coast award as well as its Blue Flag.
6. Thorpe Bay
In at number 6, Thorpe Bay in Southend-on-Sea holds is a hub for beachside activities. The Southend Marine Activites Centre is on the beach, where visitors can try their hand at kayaking, wind surfing and sailing. There are also plenty of activities for the landlubbers among us, with tennis courts, a bowling club and a children’s paddling pool all within close reach of the beach.
Thorpe Bay is particularly famous for its beach huts on stilts. Many are privately owned, but there are a few available for hire. This Essex beach is also an easy train journey from London; direct trains run to Southend-on-Sea from both Liverpool Street station and Fenchurch Street, and take around an hour.
Thorpe Bay is another triple award winner, having been awarded Blue Flag, Quality Coast and Marine Conservation Society recommendation status.
5. Oddicombe Beach
Oddicombe Beach may not be top of our list, but it certainly has the best name! Located in Babbacombe (another great name for a place!) near Torquay, Oddicombe Beach is a fantastic beach for visitors of all ages. The sheltered sandy beach is backed by the curious red Breccia cliffs. The nature of the cove that houses Oddicombe Beach means it’s a little on the small (but perfectly formed) side and can become crowded in the summer. But, it’s a great area for safe swimming and has all sorts of facilities available from deckchairs to watersports equipment to beach huts.
Oddicombe Beach is also a Blue Flag, Quality Coast and Marine Conservation Society award winning beach.
4. Achmelvich Bay
With its white sands and crystal clear turquoise waters, you’d be forgiven for mistaking Achmelvich Bay near Stornoway, and number 4 on our list of the best beaches in the UK, for somewhere more exotic and Caribbean. The long stretch of stunning white sand is divided up into sections by granite outcrops. This means there are a lot of walks and climbs to enjoy nearby when the weather isn’t quite fit for a day on the beach. Achmelvich is a busy beach with a nearby caravan and campsite during the summer months, and is a popular spot with watersports enthusiasts. Those who enjoy fishing stand a good chances of catching cod, haddock, whiting, pollack and mackerel, among others.
Achmelvich Bay is the first of the beaches we’ve featured to hold a Green Coast award, which recognises beaches that work to protect their local environments and water quality. Achmelvich Bay is also a Blue Flag beach, and comes recommended by the Marine Conservation Society.
3. Elie Woodhaven (Ruby Bay)
In at number three, Elie Woodhaven is, we think, a better alternative to the main Elie resort beach. This beautiful, sheltered sandy beach is a haven for birds and wildlife. Sit back on the sand dunes and watch birds swoop for fish in the water, or explore the rockpools and see what you can find! There’s also some great walking to be had in the surrounding countryside, however if you’re thinking of bringing a four-legged companion, it’s important to bear in mind that dogs aren’t allowed on the beach between May and September. This is in line with the Harbour Byelaws that apply in Scotland.
Elie Woodhaven holds a Blue Flag, a Green Coast Award and is Marine Conservation Society recommended.
2. Rhossili Bay
Rhossili beach, number 2 on our list, is a corker. It’s been voted Wales’ best beach 2018 (it’s near Swansea, in case you were wondering), came 3rd in the TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards 2018, and has been in the top 10 since 2012! The three miles of sandy beach are fantastic for watersports, in particular surfers looking to benefit from the Atlantic swell. The views are breathtaking, and you can visit one of the area’s most famous landmarks, Worms Head, from the beach. If you do go out to Worms Head, though, make sure you report to the Coastwatch Centre as the island is joined to the mainland by a rocky causeway and is only exposed in the couple of hours around low tide. Better to be safe than stranded!
As well as its best beach in Wales and TripAdvisor accolades, Rhossili Bay also holds Green Coast and Marine Conservation Society awards.
1. Barafundle Bay
Maybe we take it back. Barafundle Bay is an extremely well-named beach, and it’s number 1 on our list of the UK’s best beaches. This small bay on the Pembroke coast was once a hidden treasure, but thanks to its numerous awards and features in Country Life, it’s now one of Wales’ best known beaches. Not many beaches in the UK can really, truly call themselves pristine, but Barafundle is one of the few. The beach is managed by the National Trust, which hopefully means it will remain unspoilt for a good time to come!
If you visit, you’ll find a broad stretch of golden sand and crystal clear, calm blue sea. The pine covered limestone headlands to either side of the beach add to the secluded feel. Be prepared for a good walk to get to the beach, though. The beach is only accessible on foot and the closest car park is over half a mile away in Stackpole village. Is it worth the walk, though? You bet!
Barafundle Bay is a multiple award winner. It holds a Green Coast Award, comes Marine Society Recommended and came first in the TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards 2018.
Not a seaside type? Check out our pick of unusual London museums you can visit on a trip to the capital!
