Dreaming of sun-soaked shores and the soothing sound of waves? The UK boasts an array of stunning beaches, each offering unique experiences for every kind of beachgoer. Here’s a sneak peek into some of the top coastal destinations and nearby holiday parks to make your seaside escape unforgettable:
- Woolacombe Beach, Devon: Famed for its three-mile stretch of golden sands, Woolacombe is a haven for surfers and families alike. Stay at a nearby holiday park to enjoy easy access to the beach and its vibrant local scene.
- Weymouth Beach, Dorset: With its fine sand and gentle waters, Weymouth offers traditional seaside charm. Opt for accommodations at a local holiday park to be close to the bustling promenade and historic harbour.
- Rhossili Bay, Swansea: This breathtaking bay boasts dramatic cliffs and expansive sands, perfect for scenic walks and kite flying. Choose a nearby holiday park to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Gower Peninsula.
- Porthminster Beach, St Ives, Cornwall: Known for its pristine sands and clear blue waters, Porthminster is ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Stay at a local holiday park to explore the artistic charm of St Ives.
- Fistral Beach, Newquay, Cornwall: A surfer’s paradise, Fistral offers consistent waves and a lively atmosphere. Book a nearby holiday park to be at the heart of Newquay’s vibrant surf scene.
Quick Beach Tips:
- Tide Times: Always check local tide schedules to ensure safe and enjoyable beach visits.
- Sun Protection: Even on cloudy days, UV levels can be high. Pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
- Local Amenities: Research nearby facilities such as restrooms, cafes, and lifeguard services to plan your day effectively.
Pairing these stunning beaches with comfortable stays at nearby holiday parks ensures a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Pack your beach gear and get ready to explore the best of Britain’s coastal treasures!
Woolacombe Beach in Devon has been named the UK’s best beach, and reached fourth place in the poll of beaches across Europe.
Picture credit: Woolacombe Beach, Hugh O’Connor
Dorset’s Weymouth Beach scored second place in the UK poll and eighth in the Europe-wide review, while Rhossili Bay on the Swansea coast, St. Brelade’s Bay Beach in Jersey and Porthminster Beach in St Ives, Cornwall, complete the top five.
The coastlines of Cornwall and Dorset are the best of British beach destinations – each has three beaches in the UK’s top 10.
Woolacombe is a worthy winner; with three miles of soft golden sands and inviting waters it is one of the most popular family beaches in Britain.
Weymouth Beach has super-fine sand, a beautiful bay, sweet little harbour and stunning scenery.
Rhossili Bay, which was last year’s top-rated UK beach, is a favourite of surfers and can only be accessed by a steep cliff path, which keeps it feeling remote.
Picture credit: Rhossili Bay, City and County of Swansea
Britain’s beaches were ranked above entries from Turkey, Cyprus and Portugal, showing that Brits don’t need to travel far for a wonderful beach-side holiday.
Here is TripAdvisor’s list of the top 25 UK beaches:
- Woolacombe Beach, Devon
- Weymouth Beach, Dorset
- Rhossili Bay, Swansea
- St. Brelade’s Bay Beach, Jersey
- Porthminster Beach, St Ives, Cornwall
- Perranporth Beach, Cornwall
- Fistral Beach, Newquay, Cornwall
- Luskentyre, Isle of Harris, Scotland
- Hengistbury Head, Bournemouth, Dorset
- Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset
- Filey Beach, North Yorkshire
- Gorleston Beach, Gorleston-on-Sea, Norfolk
- Nairn Beach, Nairn, Scottish Highlands
- Barafundle Beach, Stackpole, Pembrokeshire
- Llangennith Beach, Gower Peninsula, south Wales
- Hunstanton Beach, Hunstanton, Norfolk
- Saunton Sands Beach, Braunton, Devon
- Mwnt Beach, Cardigan, west Wales
- Durness Beach, Durness, Scottish Highlands
- Calgary Bay, Isle of Mull
- Bigbury-on-Sea Beach, Devon
- Godrevy Head, Hayle, Cornwall
- Shell Beach, Herm, Channel Islands
- Camusdarach Beach, Arisaig, Scottish Highlands
- Kiloran Beach, Isle of Colonsay