While the UK may not be the first destination that comes to mind for luxury beach holidays, it is actually home to numerous stunning, exclusive coastal retreats. These locations offer sandy shores, 5-star accommodations and enough Michelin-recommended restaurants to satisfy any palate.
This guide will highlight some of the best beachside getaways that perfectly blend privacy, entertainment and natural beauty.
Salcombe, Devon
A popular seaside town in the sought after South Hams area of Devon, Salcombe boasts hidden coves, golden sands and an array of high-end amenities. Renowned as a hub for sailing and yachting, visitors can charter luxury boats and enjoy private sailing excursions all along the South Devon coast. With the Thurlestone Golf Club offering a prestigious course and a high street full of boutique shops and artisan stores like Helly Hansen and Chattels, making Salcombe ideal for golf enthusiasts and shoppers alike. The town is also known for its Michelin-quality dining, offering refined culinary experiences with restaurants like The Seahorse and The Oyster Shack.
Salcombe North Sands beach, located around 15 minutes from the town centre, is a scenic sand strip that provides the perfect backdrop for a picnic in the sun or a day of water sports in the turquoise estuary. Other nearby beaches include the South Sands, accessed by a short ferry ride across the estuary, as well as the beaches of East Portlemouth that boast stunning views of Salcombe.
Offering secluded estates, waterfront houses and high-end hotels like the Salcombe Harbour Hotel & Spa, Salcombe is a charming yet exclusive seaside destination.
Sandbanks, Dorset
With a reputation as one of the UK’s most exclusive beachfront retreats, the small Sandbanks peninsula combines lavish accommodations with stunning sea views. Boasting Poole Harbour, one of Europe’s largest natural harbours, as well as the ideal conditions for yacht charters and motorboat rentals, Sandbanks is a haven for sailing and water sports enthusiasts. The local Parkstone Golf Club, as well as private spa services and high-end art galleries, ensure that there are plenty of activities to choose from and the area’s indulgent, fine dining establishments like the Sea Breeze Café and Harbour Heights cater to even the most refined tastes.
The area’s most popular beaches are Outlet Beach and Sandbanks Beach, favoured for their clear waters that are perfect for swimming and surfing. For a more family-friendly option, Dunes Beach is sheltered from the wind by the surrounding sand dunes, creating a calmer environment for children.
Sandbanks boasts some of the most expensive real estate in Britain, dotted with private villas, waterfront estates and exclusive apartment complexes. For those seeking a more temporary retreat, luxury hotels like Haven Hotel and The Sandbanks Hotel offer high-end accommodation with panoramic ocean views.
St Ives, Cornwall
Located on the Cornish coast, St Ives has managed to become a popular tourist hotspot without losing any of its natural charm. With a vibrant artistic heritage that began with the dawn of rail travel in 1870, St Ives has long been favoured for its world-class art scene, boasting spots like Tate St Ives and The Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. Unique coasteering expeditions are available from both Porthmeor Beach and Porthminster Beach, an experience that includes cave exploration and cliff diving and caters to both beginners and intermediates. To round out your stay, the area has a thriving fine dining scene with Michelin-recommended restaurants like The Ugly Butterfly serving locally sourced seafood and innovative cuisine.
St Ives is surrounded by stunning beaches, offering private coves like Cabris Bay Beach, a hidden gem, as well as secluded sunset walks along the sandy shoreline of Gwithian Beach. For an even quieter visit to the sea, the mermaid pools of St Ives, such as the one between Porthmeor and Porthgwidden, are large, sheltered rock pools that are ideal for a swim away from the crowds.
There is a wide variety of high-end hotels and luxury rentals in the area, including the Carbis Bay Hotel and Estate which hosted world leaders during the G7 Summit.
Anglesey, Wales
The Isle of Anglesey, located off the coast of North Wales, is a treasure trove of rural tranquillity and rugged, unspoiled coastline. Another hub for water sports like power boating and sailing, Anglesey has an interesting history with links to the prominent royal dynasty that eventually gave rise to the House of Tudor. Helicopter tours are also available, with private aerial trips showcasing stunning stretches of the Welsh coast and Bull Bay Golf Club offer visitors a scenic and challenging play in one of Wales’ most exclusive clubs. Anglesey has an emerging gourmet food scene, with restaurants like Sosban & The Old Butchers and The Marram Grass providing excellent food and private dining experiences
The island boasts a staggering variety of beaches dotted along its coastline; one such beach is Red Wharf Bay, a quiet location renowned for its postcard perfect sunsets and seaside dining options. Another of Anglesey’s popular beaches is Rhosneigr Beach, one of the island’s best spots for surfing and other water sports.
Alongside coastal estates and luxury cottages, Anglesey is home to an array of high-end hotels. These include Chateau Rhianfa, a five-star retreat that offers opulent suites and breathtaking views of the Menai Strait, and Tre-Ysgawen Hall and Spa, a secluded country house hotel with a high-quality wellness spa.
North Berwick, Scotland
Just a 30-minute train journey from Edinburgh, North Berwick is a beautiful seaside town that offers visitors striking views out to the Firth of Forth and Bass Rock, which is home to the world’s largest northern gannet colony. Seabirds are a common sight in this town, particularly at the 5-star Scottish Seabird Centre which holds an interactive Discovery Experience alongside numerous guided walks, celebrating the local wildlife while educating visitors. The town also boasts an exceptional mix of high-end seafood restaurants and fine dining establishments like The Lawn and The Bonnie Badger, a Michelin-recommended gastropub.
The beaches of North Berwick are pristine and often uncrowded, with some of the most beautiful spots including Yellowcraig Beach, Tyninghame Beach which offers a great view of Bass Rock, and Seacliff Beach, where you can see Tantallon Castle perched on the cliffs above.
Accommodation in North Berwick is diverse, including a number of exclusive rental properties alongside acclaimed hotels like the 5-star The Marine Hotel and Spa, and Greywalls Hotel, which is an Edwardian country home located just a short drive from the town.
The British coastline offers an unexpected number of beautiful beachside locations, each boasting world-class hospitality and an elite leisure experience. From the total exclusivity of Sandbanks, nicknamed the Billionaire’s Playground, to the artistic heritage of St Ives, these destinations prove that finding the perfect seaside escape does not always require leaving the UK.
