The United Kingdom, the world’s regal island nation, is nothing without its beaches, all glorious in their briny brilliance. Bounded by the Atlantic Ocean, North Sea, and Irish Sea, the country’s tempestuous waters are embraced by heavenly shingled shores.
With cliffs and rocky hillocks dotting the country’s seaside, velvety shores are a treasured rarity. Soft sands are indeed the gold dust of the UK’s coasts. Read on to uncover the best sandy beaches in the UK.
Durdle Door Beach, West Lulworth, England
As England’s first ever natural World Heritage Site, Durdle Door Beach is shrouded in celebrity as well as scientific mystique. After all, its staggering beauty arose from an incredible natural phenomenon.
Perched on the Jurassic Coast, the beach is defined by a grand rocky arch that formed over 10,000 years ago when powerful waves eroded and pierced through the Portland limestone. Thus, the name of the beach is derived from the old English word ‘thirl,’ which means “to drill.”
Today, Durdle Door Beach is a majestic archway framing turquoise waters, flanked by cushiony white pebble sandbeds and shingled pathways, shaded by gargantuan chalk cliffs. The sea has formed several caves over the millennia, enhancing the seaside’s enchanting wonder.
The beach is part of the Lulworth Estate, which has been privately owned by the Weld family for 400 years. Fortunately, it is open to the public.
Holkham Beach, Norfolk, England
Untethered to the clutches of modernity, Holkham Beach is Norfolk’s hidden treasure.
The beach is part of the Holkham National Nature Reserve, which is England’s largest nature reserve. The 9,600-acre landscape encompasses a variety of environs, from marshes to woodlands and sand dunes. As such, Holkham Beach is filled with nature’s wonders, such as wintering birds and beautiful pinewoods. The region is ideal for breeding little terns, ringed plovers, and oystercatchers.
The beach is a utopian escape, with low tides and chirpy wilderness. Birdwatchers, dog walkers, and horse riders frequent this beach, making it a haven for animal lovers.
Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire, Wales
A wanderlust’s dream, Freshwater West is a wide sand beach fringed by rocks, cliffs, sand dunes, and a promenade.
The beach is an epitome of rugged beauty – with a backdrop of rocky cliffs, the southern part of the shore sprouts a massive outcrop of rocks famously known as Little Furznip. There’s also a thatched seaweed drying hut, as well as an Iron Age burial chamber known as “Devil's Quoit.” This region was used by smugglers back in the day.
Noted for its turbulent waves, Freshwater West is Wales’ mecca for adrenaline junkies and surfers.
Scarista Beach, Isle of Harris, Scotland
Occupying the west coast of the Scottish Hebridean island of Harris, Scarista Beach presents the thunderous beauty of the Atlantic Ocean.
With the picturesque backdrop of Harris Hills, the beach is an excellent hiking spot. One can trek up the Ceapabhal, a rocky hill whose summit offers splendid views of the moody waters. The beach is also bordered by the Isle of Harris golf course, a nine-hole parkland where players may gaze at the azure waters while practising their brisk swings.
The stormy waters have made Scarista Beach a popular water sports hub. Surfers in particular are in for a treat, as the beach’s commanding waves guarantee a welcoming challenge.
Portstewart Strand, Derry, Northern Ireland
Occupying the northern Atlantic coast of Londonderry, Portstewart Strand is a two-mile stretch, marrying sapphire waters with golden sand.
Shaded by daunting cliffs, Portstewart Strand’s shores present remarkable views of Inishowen Headland (Northern Ireland’s highest point) and the Mussenden Temple (an 18th-century library built for a fanatical bishop) that's perched on the cliffs above. Besides sand dunes, the beach is peppered with pansies, enrapturing hundreds of butterflies.
Glimmering with unspoiled radiance, Portstewart Strand is ideal for a leisurely stroll, an fun play session with your dog, or even a laidback picnic.
Rhossili Bay, Gower, Wales
Rhossili Bay has been proclaimed one of the best beaches worth visiting, according to the Big 7 Travel list of the planet's 50 must-see beaches. It has been showered with many accolades – The Independent called it “the supermodel of British beaches,” and The Times touted it as “the UK's No. 1 dog-friendly beach.” Many publications have referred to Rhossili Bay as one of the best beaches in the world.
During the low tides, the ruins of Helvetia, a ship wrecked in 1887, are visible in all their sordid gore. Sprawling a milieu that was largely influenced by the Stone Age, this Gower shore abounds with historical marvels such as Neolithic burial chambers, Iron Age forts, and Bronze Age jewellery. Another notable historic site is the Vile, a mediaeval open-field farming strip housing wildlife.
Dog walkers and surfers throng Rhossili Bay for its unrelenting Atlantic swells. Blossoming with twittering creatures, bird watchers thoroughly enjoy this beach.
Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Harris, Scotland
Ombre turquoise waters and sparkling white sands characterise Luskentyre Beach, which occupies the west coast of South Harris in the Outer Hebrides.
Flanked by Beinn Dhubh, a soaring group of hills that is one of Harris’ highest points, Luskentyre Beach is an amazing locale to explore your hiking prowess. The summit offers panoramic views of the unending aquamarine expanse, exemplifying Scotland’s unattainable raw beauty.
The beach is packed to capacity with water sport avenues such as kayaking, paddleboarding, kitesurfing, and windsurfing. Owing to the region’s tumultuous waters, the abundance of sporting opportunities at Luskentyre is a happy fortuity.
Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall, England
Enveloped by lusty granite cliffs, deep blue waters lap crystal white sands, flaunting the startling beauty Cornwall is renowned for.
Porthcurno’s unique hues can be attributed to the seashells that have been pulverised into smithereens over the centuries. The majestic cliffs that overlook the sea are indeed awe-inspiring. A section of these cliffs is shaped like an alcove, creating a natural lagoon great for paddling.
The beach also hosts a legendary artistic venture known as the Minack Theatre, which is a cliff-top, open-air performing arts venue. Fashioned like a Greek amphitheatre, Minack was built in the early 20th century. People can enjoy marvellous performances against the backdrop of Porthcurno Bay’s aquamarine waters and cushiony sands.
Pentle Bay, Tresco, Isles of Scilly
Pentle Bay has aptly been described as a “paradise in Britain” by The Independent. It resides 28 miles off the Cornish coast, skirting a family-owned island called Tresco.
A sequestered coastal haven, a petite crescent of white sand forays into teal waters, overlooked by shallow dunes. The beach truly feels like a whole new world with its pin-drop quietude, only broken by the sound of waves. After all, the spoils of Pentle Bay are restricted to a privileged few, who can take a private flight or cruise to the island.
Kayaking, fishing, sailing, and rock pooling are some of the adventures visitors can embark on at Pentle Bay. For a truly pampering gateway, one can opt for a beachfront fine dining experience. There’s no better place than Pentle Bay to hit the pause button in style.
The United Kingdom, defined by its wintry embrace, is full of surprising coastal gems. The cliff-sheltered azure waters bathing sand stretches are a sight to behold. With summer upon us, don’t miss the chance to frolic on the country’s sun-kissed sandy beaches.
