As an island nation, Britain has no shortage of beautiful and striking beaches, perfect for walking, swimming, fishing, and surfing. Nothing is more ubiquitous in the cultural imagination than the white cliffs of Dover, the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, and the sweeping golden sands of Norfolk.
All the way back in 6500 BC, Britain became an island. In 600 BC, Phoenician trade routes to and from England connected the nation to its neighbours. Later, following the example of the Romans, Brits in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries took to the beaches for their holidays, enjoying leisure time on well-serviced piers and pleasure beaches, and taking in the brisk coastal air to improve health. Now, there is still nothing more that the British enjoy than a holiday by the sea. Whether you’re after rugged, secluded natural gems, or well-appointed seaside towns, the beaches listed here are perfect for all your seaside needs, whether you are a keen surfer or someone who prefers to lie back on a towel with a good book.
1. Rhossili Bay, Wales
With spectacular sweeping green hills and rugged rocks leading down to a perfect crescent of golden beach, Rhossili Bay is the ideal spot for a romantic sunset picnic. Dubbed the “supermodel” of UK beaches, this untouched slice of Wales is an absolute must-visit for nature lovers, dog walkers, and keen hikers. Those intrepid enough to swim should be careful to avoid the wreckage of the Norwegian ship Helvetia, wrecked on the beach in 1887.
2. Woolacombe Beach, Devon
Replete with golden sand and dinky wooden beach huts, this beach boasts excellent surfing conditions as well as plenty of space for those less adventurous to settle down and enjoy the sun and the views. Tucked away on the North Devon coast, the beach is patrolled by lifeguards, making it a safe spot for families and surfers alike. The beach offers easy access to parking and nearby shops and cafés.
3. Bournemouth Beach, Dorset
The beaches in Bournemouth, a resort town in the south of England, are famous for their dazzling white cliffs, golden sand, and gorgeous ocean views. They also benefit from easy access to Bournemouth, plenty of accommodation and many bars and restaurants. These are the perfect swimming beaches, as the water is some of the warmest in the United Kingdom. There are also a number of information offices dotted along the seven miles of beach front to help you get the most out of your visit to this lovely part of the country.
4. St. Ives, Cornwall
Attached to the picturesque town of St. Ives, this beach is a popular holiday destination for Brits and international visitors alike. The town’s quaint white washed buildings line the beachfront, and the village itself is packed with museums and artists’ studios. For those there to enjoy the sun and the sand it isn’t a long walk with an ice cream from the town itself to golden sands and beautiful clear waters.
5. Camber Sands, East Sussex
This well-serviced beach benefits from a lifeguard service, parking, and a beach shop. It is also sprawling and beautiful, with an extensive dune network and beach extending as far as the eye can see. Many of the beaches around it are pebbled, Camber Sands is one of the few sandy swimming beaches in the area and it is not to be missed.
6. Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire
Secluded by dunes and pine trees, this hidden gem is a must-see. Walk along the coastal path and enjoy views of crystal clear water in this small and sheltered bay. This is an isolated beach so come prepared with everything you might need for the day. Sadly the area is not ideal for wheelchairs or pushchairs but for keen walkers a visit to Barafundle Bay is the perfect day out.
7. Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Harris
Located in the Outer Hebrides, this beautiful beach beggars belief with its dazzling blue waters, mountainous backdrop, and low-hanging clouds. Luskentyre is as lovely on a sunny day as it is in the rain and is a peaceful place to walk, swim (weather permitting), and admire nature. This is an isolated location so plan your visit accordingly, however, this also means the beach is rarely busy despite its incredible beauty.
8. Perranporth Beach, Cornwall
Not far from the St Agnes Heritage Coastline, this lovely beach is family friendly and a haven for surfers. The beach is accessible from Perranporth township, a seaside resort on the north coast of Cornwall. For those exploring beyond the beach, the town has a rich history, with its name coming from the Cornish for The Cove of Saint Perran, whose seventh century Oratory was buried under sand dunes for many hundreds of years.
9. Tenby South Beach, Pembrokeshire
Perfect for families, this beach features lovely golden sands and colourful homes dotted along its rocky edges. Easily accessible from the village of Tenby, the beach marries dramatic views with practicality for those travelling with small children. This is a low tide beach so there is always plenty of room for the whole family, and even the dog.
10. Holkham Beach, Norfolk
This beautiful beach makes up part of the Holkham National Nature Reserve and is made up of grazing marshes, saltmarsh, and wide, open, sandy beaches. You’ll often find locals riding their horses along this lovely beach and on a hot sunny day you’ll find shelter under the pines that line the coastline. Be sure to check the Holkham National Nature Reserve website for guidance on how to keep this treasured stretch of coast in the best condition before your visit.
Britain is blessed with many miles of unspoilt coastline and with plenty of coastal resort towns with amenities to support the whole family. Whether you’re after rugged, isolated beauty or the convenience of a coastal village, this list serves as a guide for many happy beach holidays to come.
