10 Splendid Beaches in Britain


 

Okay, we admit it. You don’t normally think of white, sandy beaches, with glistening sunlight on the crystal-blue water when you think of England. Despite raining most of the year, the few months of (somewhat) sunny weather are enough to make tourists to this country realize just how beautiful it really is.

The grass suddenly becomes greener, the blue skies show just how tall the surrounding mountains are, and the coastline, with the cute towns, massive cliffs, and beaches begin to call your name. Britain has some magnificent beaches, scattered all throughout the country, all with varying characteristics which make them popular tourist destinations, as well as hidden favorites among the locals. 

1. Porthcurno, South Cornwall

Starting off our list, we have Porthcurno in South Cornwall. This tiny bay is magical in all senses of the word. A tiny section of sand is sandwiched between huge granite cliffs, with dolphins and sharks sometimes caught swimming in the waters.

During low tide, you can walk on foot to other beaches in the bay. In fact, you can walk to a nearby nudist beach (if that’s your thing) during low tide, while you gaze at the crystal-blue water. With most beaches being rock-beaches in Britain, this soft-sanded beach makes it popular for families, with kids being able to build sandcastles, and the parents being able to relax on the soft, white sand.

When you look up to the granite cliffs, you’ll see the Minack Theatre, probably the most popular and architecturally-beautiful open-air theatre in all of the UK. At this theatre, you can grab some snacks and drinks at the Coffee Shop. Even though you have to pay admission, the fee will grant you entrance to the lovely gardens nearby, making for a nice few-hour break from the beach. 

2. Pentle Bay, Isles of Scilly

Venturing off of the main body of Britain, we head to Pentle Bay, on the Isles of Scilly. If you’re interested in a beach without any other people to be seen, then this spot is for you. A beach with a tranquil atmosphere, you won’t find families hanging out, music playing, or any other signs of life. A real spot for relaxation, you might need it after the trek it takes to get here. You will have to fly 30 minutes from Newquay to the Isles of Scilly, then take a picturesque boat ride from St. Mary’s to Tresco, capped off with a 25 minute walk to Pentle Bay.

Even though the effort to get here may be a bit more than some other closer locations, the journey is part of the fun. Plus, the scenes at the end of the trip are more than worth it. The secluded stretch of white sand is surrounded by bright blue water.

The water is generally cold all-year-round, which is maybe why this spot stays quiet uninhabited for most of the year. Even so, the Wall Street Journal ranked this one of the top 4 under-the-radar beaches in the world, showing how this peaceful slice of heaven is worth the trip. The surroundings give somewhat of a tropical vibe, despite the fact you’re closer to Cornwall than Portugal.

Due to the geographical spot, these Isles are much warmer than traditional British weather, making it a great spot to catch some rays and lounging. Even though the water is a bit chilly, the water is safe for swimming, so you can be rest assured of the safety even when there’s no lifeguards around to keep an eye on you. If you want to stay overnight after the long journey, which we highly recommend, the New Inn will most likely be the spot for your accommodation – since it is the only hotel on the island.

With overlooking views on the bay, we can’t think of a much better place to stay. If you want some more privacy, you can rent one of the Flying Boat Cottages, luxurious and upscale houses which can house two families, with beachfront access for the kids. 

3. Blackpool Sands, Devon

Up next, we head to Devon, where you’ll find Blackpool Sands. Don’t worry, it’s not actually in Blackpool. A popular swimming and water sport spot, this beach is backed by wooded hills, and flanked by beautiful cliffs and trees.

Sorry for the families with dogs, but no dogs are allowed on this beach, due to the strict rules of cleanliness that everyone must follow. But really – this beach has won awards for being clean, so we all have to make compromises, right? Despite looking like sand from far away, this beach is actually formed by smooth pebbles, which is still quite comfortable to lay on, especially in the warm sun.

The turquoise waters enhance the aesthetics of this sheltered beach, and the calmness of the waters makes it a great spot for kayaking and paddle boarding. The lack of waves also lets the waters be very safe for children, which makes this a popular spot for non-dog owning families.

Once you get hungry for lunch, the Venus Café towards the back of the beach is a down-to-earth spot, serving up local produce and fresh seafood. Staying overnight is easy, with the Toad Hall Cottages boasting numerous properties all around Blackpool Sands, and in some further away spots that are easy to reach by car, like in Salcombe and Dartmouth.

With Dartmouth being only about 3 miles away, you can be rest assured that anything you might need for your beach holiday is super nearby, like an inner tube for the water, or extra beers for the adults.

4. Holkham, Norfolk

Number four on this summer-holiday list, we have Holkham in Norfolk. This beach isn’t like previous ones, hidden out in between cliffs, with a small sliver of beautiful sand. No, this beach is a massive 4-mile expanse. Pine woods bring up the rear of this beach, with huge sand dunes towering over top, riddled with beautiful native flowers.

The golden sands are part of the Holkham estate and nature reserve, so you can be rest assured that everyone is taking care of this beautiful slice of heaven. The only rules you have to follow is not having any fires or barbecues – don’t worry, you’ll be too busy running in and out of the bright blue water, or checking out the lagoon that fills up during high tide.

If you arrive at the beach and find a crowd, you can take a path through the pine woods to the neighboring beach at Wells. This spot is slightly more sheltered, and might have less people than the expansive Holkham. Either way, both beaches give you amazing views, golden sands, blue water, and miles and miles of sky to soak in.

Once you work up an appetite, The Beach Café on the estate serves up homemade and local food. Unlike the beach, you can bring your dog here, to run around and catch some rays, while you eat on your homemade lunch. 

 5. Luskentyre, Outer Hebrides

Next on our list, we’re moving way up north to the Outer Hebrides in Scotland, venturing to Luskentyre. The Isle of Harris is one of the most beautiful places in the world – but don’t just take my word for it.

The brooding atmosphere, amazing backdrops, and intense mountains are some of the most beautiful landscapes not only in Britain, but in arguably, the whole world. Naturally, this Isle would be home to some great beaches, with Luskentyre topping the list. The waters are not your natural bright blue as you’ll find along the other coastlines, but more of a green-ish color, giving off a completely different vibe than other British areas. If you’re one who enjoys seeing the wildlife, then look no further.

Isle of Harris is home to otters, seals, dolphins, and the occasional wild pony galloping along the dunes. The other beauty of this spot is the remote feel – you won’t find any cafes near the back of this beach. We recommend stopping on the way there and bringing a picnic, so you can sit and hopefully see some of the beautiful animals in the area.

To stay overnight, the Scarista House is a 20 minute drive to the beach. Hopefully you have a GPS to get here – this unique accommodation is almost hidden among the mountains, and overlooks a secret beach.

6. Rhossili Bay, Isle of Harris

Heading south from the Isle of Harris, we finally venture to Wales, reaching the Gower Coast, and landing at Rhossili Bay. The Gower peninsula boasts coasts and golden sand, which is everything you could ask for in a picturesque beach. Traveling to the western side, Rhossili is virtually untouched.

The beach contains white sand surrounded by limestone cliffs, setting the scene for a great day out on the water. The four-mile stretch proves to be popular among surfers, who frequently stay in the village of Llangennith, and walk down the track to catch the swell.

One unique feature of this beach is the remains of a Norwegian ship called the Helvetia, which sticks up out of the sand. If you’re a true surfer or paraglider and want to catch the waves before the crowds come in, you can camp at Hillend behind the dunes.

However, if you want a more upscale accommodation spot, The Kings Head in Llangennith is a great spot to stay, basically a traditional pub with some rooms upstairs, so you can just head up a few stairs after too many pints.

7. Uig Beach, Isle of Lewis

Another stunning Scottish Isle, the Isle of Lewis is home to rolling hills, sky-breaking mountains, lush fields, and, you guessed it, miles and miles of coastline and beaches. The Uig Beach is one of the best, with a Carribean-like atmosphere.

Sparkling turquoise waters, white sand, and rolling dunes are all surrounded by the rugged cliffs, giving a great juxtaposition between the softness of the beach and the roughness of the traditional Scottish environment.

On the south western side of the Isle, this beach is one of the biggest, preventing it from getting overcrowded on warmer summer days. The landscape here is a bit more dramatic than the rest of the Isle, combining islets and wild scenery with the flat beach, making for a popular, beautiful, and unique beach holiday.

8. West Wittering, Sussex

Back down to England, we have West Wittering in Sussex. This spot is great for spending some time along the coastal salt marshes, admiring the local wildlife and seeing the myriads of birds that frequent the area.

The open stretches of sand give you great views over the Chichester harbor, and hopefully you’ll be able to see some of the windsurfers gliding past. With dunes and marshland behind you, this beach gives you a remote feel, while remaining spotlessly-clean, and still having all the necessary facilities you might need.

With Chichester train station being just an 18 minute drive away, this beach is extremely accessible, making it a great spot for an impromptu trip, or one to take with the family. East Wittering is only five minutes from this beach, so you’ll easily be able to head into the small town to grab some lunch or enjoy craft beers (we recommend Drifters for a few pints).

If you want to stay overnight after having a few drinks, Millstream Hotel is nearby, and contains a restaurant and lovely rooms in which to relax in after a long day out on the water. 

9. Watergate Bay, North Cornwall

Traveling back towards Cornwall, we come across Watergate Bay in Newquay, North Cornwall. For those who want to relive their childhood and enjoy a traditional pier, with games, food, drinks, and views over the water, then this is the spot for you.

Instead of being a bustling touristy-pier, this beach somehow remains a destination for locals, with various options like a theatre and popular restaurants to visit after sauntering down the pier.

No1 Cromer is home to some of the best locally-caught crab in the area, and the theatre puts on original works and comedy shows for some high-quality entertainment. During the day, you can walk down the two miles of sandy beach, surrounded by beautiful caves, housing some exquisite birds and peregrine falcons.

If you want to turn this journey into a weekend to remember, we recommend staying at the Watergate Bay Hotel, which overlooks the beach and includes breakfast. 

10. Studland Bay, Dorset

Last on this supreme list of splendid beaches in Britain, we have Studland Bay in Dorset. This lovely spot is one of the most popular nudist beaches in the UK – if that’s what you’re looking for. You’re on holiday, right? This beautiful stretch of beach is comprised of four miles of white sand, surrounded by dunes.

The northern section is somewhat remote, and lets you feel comfortable while enjoying the naturist surroundings. If you fancy taking a walk during your beach day, you can head to the southern part and head to the wooded area that is supplied with various walking routes to view the local animals.

After you’ve enjoyed enough sunbathing, head into the charming village of Studland, and try some food at Pig on the beach. All of the dishes here are made from local ingredients within 25 miles from the restaurant – and you can even enjoy spa treatment rooms after your dinner. What more could you ask for?

Don’t forget to pack the sunscreen, cause you’re about to catch some rays

So, that wraps it up. We’ve mentioned our top 10 splendid beaches in Britain – but we have to let you know that this was no easy feat. Britain is a dark horse, and might not garner as many holiday tourists as Portugal and Spain, but the amount of beautiful, remote, and atmospheric beaches scattered around Britain is almost too many to count. From family-oriented spots to hidden-away coves, the bright-blue waters, dramatic cliffs, and cute towns that make up the British coastline are some of the best in the world. 

Planning a trip to Paris ? Get ready !


These are Amazon’s best-selling travel products that you may need for coming to Paris.

Bookstore

  1. The best travel book : Rick Steves – Paris 2023 – Learn more here
  2. Fodor’s Paris 2024 – Learn more here

Travel Gear

  1. Venture Pal Lightweight Backpack – Learn more here
  2. Samsonite Winfield 2 28″ Luggage – Learn more here
  3. Swig Savvy’s Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle – Learn more here

Check Amazon’s best-seller list for the most popular travel accessories. We sometimes read this list just to find out what new travel products people are buying.