Best Beaches in the UK

Many British residents choose to travel abroad for their beach holidays. Some of them choose to stay on one of the luxury beach villas in the Maldives. But there are actually plenty of spectacular beaches much closer to home. The United Kingdom is entirely surrounded by oceans, offer plenty of coastal destinations to choose from. if you are having a hard time deciding which of the many UK beaches to visit, let this guide help you make the decision. Here are some of the best beaches in the UK:

Barafundle Bay, Wales: This is one of the more isolated beaches on the list, but it is consistently ranked as the top beach in Wales, and competes as one of the top beaches in the entire United Kingdom. The isolation is more than made up for with a clear, sandy shoreline and stunning blue waters. You will have to reach the beach by walking along a cliffside path, and then descending on a trail to the water. There are no lifeguards or ice cream trucks on the beach, and it can be a quite intimate setting during the week or during the spring or autumn months when there are fewer crowds. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a day spent in this incredible scenic destination.

Sennen Cove, West Cornwall: This English coastal location has long been a popular family holiday spot. It also has a reputation for being one of the best surfing options in the United Kingdom, thanks in large part to a north facing shoreline. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced surfer, this is place to visit to hang ten in a beautiful area. There are places to rent surfing gear, or you can even sign up for classes held on the beach. It is located in between other major beaches in Cornwall, so there are plenty of amenities and conveniences that holiday goers can benefit from. If surfing isn’t your cup of tea, there are also plenty of places to take a hike on some of the coastal paths in the area, and on a clear day you can even catch sight of the nearby Scilly Isles. For a great meal, stop in at the beachside restaurant, appropriately titled, “The Beach” that is often recommended as the best in all of Cornwall.

Studland, Dorset: This English coastal area is one of the most traditional and attractive beaches in the nation. Perhaps no other location brings to mind seaside holidays and English family trips more than the Dorset coast. The population is surprisingly low, with only a few hundred year round residents and all the remainder visitors from around England, and indeed around the entire world. Sandstone cliffs frame the bay, offering a fascinating contrast to behold. Many of the hotels are decades old, and have a rich history. Families are common to the area, and nearly all restaurants and inns cater to them, with plenty of fun activities to ne enjoyed by the younger generation of and on the beach. For the ultimate English seaside experience, complete with traditional inns and authentic meals, Studland is the ideal destination.

Calgary Bay, Scotland: On the island of Mull, in Scotland, lies the incredible Calgary Bay. It is surrounded by wooded areas and some rolling hills, providing gorgeous contrast to the crashing of the blue waves and pristine white sand. To one side of the bay you can find the Calgary Castle, which is nearly 200 years old. There are no restaurants or vendors on the quiet beach, and due to the cold weather for much of the year it is often empty. Enjoy a stroll along the shore or try your luck fishing for sea trout and mackerel, which the locals love to catch there.

Beone Strand, Northern Ireland: While few people think of beaches when Northern Ireland comes to mind, this beach in the county of Londonderry is actually considered to be one of the best in the entire United Kingdom. The length of the sandy shore is well over 7 miles, making it easy to find a secluded spot all to yourself when you visit. Take a dip in the water or just relax on the sandy shores. Plenty of groups meet for walks, jogs and beach sports in the mornings and evenings in the summer months. There are plenty of fun recreational activities, including a nearby golf course, jet ski rentals and plentiful tennis courts, including a Padel Tennis Court. There are many nearby hotels and campsites, making it a great place to stay for a few days on holiday. A wildlife reserve sits to one side of the beach, offering locals and visitors a place to explore, hike and study the flora and fauna.

Although there are thousands of miles of coastline surrounding the United Kingdom, these 5 beaches are among the best destinations. Some are great for family vacations in the summer, other invite intimate strolls along coastal paths. Your only problem will be deciding which of these incredible beach locations to visit first!