It’s hard to avoid the allure of the best beaches in the UK on a sunny day. From a serene getaway to a spot to enjoy the weekend with your families, there is a lot up for grabs on the UK beaches. This summer, the UK beaches with vast expanses remain the favourites of domestic and international tourists.
The footfall on the beaches of late has been quite impressive. “Domestic tourism in Britain is more focused on the coast than tourism from overseas visitors. In July to September 2023, 17% of overnight trips taken by British residents within Great Britain were to the coast.” (Source)
Like others, can you hear the call of the sandy beaches and pristine water to make this summer more happening? Let’s pack your bags and hit the beaches!
Best Beaches In UK 2024
From the outstanding natural beauty to the serenity you have been craving, the UK beaches will never cease to impress you.
Here, I have curated the beaches that will offer you a holistic experience with a taste of the local culture and culinary specials.
1. South Bay, Scarborough
Did you know that South Bay, Scarborough, is one of the original spas in the world? Centuries ago, people visited this place and took a bath in the water, which was believed to have some major healing properties.
The beach is beautiful, and the 11th-century remains of the Scarborough Castle separate it from the North Bay.
How To Reach South Bay, Scarborough?
You can easily reach South Bay, Scarborough, by taking a train route. Drop at Scarborough and walk a little through the town to reach the South Bay.
2. Blackpool Sands, Devon
You don’t need to visit the Amalfi Coast when you have the Blackpool Sands. Here, driving through the pine forests is a one-of-a-kind experience. Further, formed of smooth pebbles, it offers the cleanest water. It even holds an excellent rating for its water quality.
You can even take a trip in the pontoons off the shore to beat the heat this summer. Are you someone into gastronomic delights? How about gorging on some brilliant pies, pastries, and cakes with locally served coffee?
How To Reach Blackpool Sands, Devon?
To reach Blackpool Sands, you must take a train to the Totnes train station. From there, you can board the 164 bus and get down to Salcombe. A bus to Dartmouth from there will take you to the Blackpool Sands stop.
3. Sennen Cove, Cornwall
Sennen Cove is so beautiful that you will start believing in mermaids and all the fantasy stories you have heard about the sea. The seawater here, with a deep blue colour, is the home to frolicking dolphins.
You will enjoy the quaint charm of a fisherman’s village once you are in Sennen Cove. Also, it is an absolute favourite among surfers.
How To Reach Sennen Cove, Cornwall?
You can easily reach Sennen Cove from Penzance. Take the A30 in the Penzance outskirts, stop a little before Lands End, and take a turn to the right to reach SennenCove.
4. Pentle Bay, Scilly Isles
If you are planning a tropical escape this summer, Pentle Bay is the place to be. It is one of the few UK beaches to have beautiful white sand.
On Pentle Bay, you can enjoy a bath, curate sea shells, or just relax in the sand. You can even take part in water sports. Are you interested in wildlife, history, and archaeology? Pentle Bay will keep you intrigued.
How To Reach Pentle Bay?
You can reach Pentle Bay only by sea, and some parts of the beach are still not accessible. You have to take a scheduled boat ride to enjoy the beauty of Pentle Bay and the sea there.
5. Holkham Beach, Norfolk
If your beach trip is made of the dreams of vast sandy expanses, Holkham Beach is the place you must visit. The basin is shaped like a crescent, and it becomes the most beautiful lagoon, with water filling it up during the high tides.
You will also love the pine woods, marram grass, wildflowers, and sand dunes on Holkham Beach. The best part is that despite being a place with scenic beauty, it is not adulterated.
How To Reach Holkham Beach, Norfolk?
You can reach Holkham Beach via Lady Anne’s Drive. You need to get off a little from the A149 main coastal road.
6. Durdle Door, Jurassic Coast, Dorset
Durdle Door, the limestone arch between Man O’War Cove and St Oswald’s Bay, will surely impress you with its quaint charm. You will find this beautiful limestone arch on the Jurassic Coast.
Durdle Door is a less crowded place as not many feel the urge to make a pain-stricken journey by climbing down hundreds of steps on the cliff.
However, the beauty here is something you can see the best cinematographers to capture. There is no wonder that it has been the location of Far From the Madding Crowd. Wilde was another movie that was filmed in this location.
So, it’s time to cherish the crystal blue water of Durdle Door and connect to nature.
How To Reach Durdle Door?
You can take a car to reach Durdle Door or Jurassic Coast via Winfrith Newburg (when travelling from the west) or Holmebride (when travelling from the east). Are you travelling from Weymouth? You can take the X55 bus.
7. Pedn Vounder Beach, Cornwall
Are you seeking seclusion and privacy? Are you on a solo trip or want to spend the most intimate moments with your partner? Plan a visit to the Pedn Vounder Beach in Cornwall.
It has clear water, and when the tides are high, it cuts the connection to its nearby beaches. So, for sure, it is one of the quietest beaches in the entire UK.
The Treryn Dinas Cliffs, looking over the Atlantic Ocean, further make the beach the best place to spend your vacation.
How To Reach Pedn Vounder Beach?
Take a boat from any of the neighbouring beaches, or you can even take a 15-minute walk from the Treen village.
Which Beach In The UK Has The Clearest Water?
Blackpool Sands in Devon and Sennen Cove in Cornwall are two beaches in the UK with the clearest water. These spaces truly offer paddling visibility.
According to the “Pollution risk forecasts” for Blackpool Sands by the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs, there has been no reported incident of pollution during the assessment in the “Bathing Water Season” this year.
The Sennen Cove also holds an excellent rating for bathing water quality, as updated on Swimfo.
Cornwall has many other beaches with excellent ratings for bathing water quality, as assessed by the UK Environment Agency. Trevone Bay deserves a special mention among these Cornwall beaches.
Are There Sandy UK Beaches?
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Yes, the UK has many sandy beaches. Most of these beaches come with golden sandy beaches, making them postcard-worthy. Bournemouth Beach in Dorset is one of the sandiest beaches in the UK, impressing visitors with a mesmerising stretch of golden sand glittering in the Sun.
However, the beaches with white sand are less common in the UK. Kynance Cove and Porthcurno Beach are two of the must-visit destinations if you love white sand.
Final words: The UK Beaches Are Important For The Country
The expansive beaches in the UK are not just the best getaways for their scenic beauty, activities offered, and the promises of serenity in many cases. You can also experience the local culture and gorge on some authentic British cuisines during your visit to these beaches.
However, these beaches are also important for the overall tourism of the UK. There is no wonder that the UK Parliament has come up with “Fiscal support for hospitality and tourism” in the coastal areas.
Patricia Yates, the CEO of VisitBritain, also states,
“We also want more destinations across Britain to feel tourism’s economic benefits. Our global GREAT Britain campaigns are showcasing our vibrant cities, contemporary culture and beautiful coast and countryside, inspiring visitors to discover more of Britain, stay longer and to come now.” (Source)
The government and other concerned authorities are leaving no stone unturned to make your visit to the UK beaches a memorable one. That will surely be a cherry on the top if you are particular about amenities and luxury, along with indulging in the scenic beauty of the beaches.
So, are you planning a trip to the beaches in the UK this season? Don’t forget to share your experience with us!
