40 best beaches in the UK for a memorable coastal escape

The United Kingdom has more than 11,000 miles of coastline, ranging from broad Atlantic surf beaches and sheltered sandy bays to tidal islands, chalk cliffs, dunes and remote northern shores.

The best British beaches are not defined by warm weather alone. Some are ideal for swimming and family days, while others are better experienced through coastal walks, surfing, wildlife watching or simply seeing how the landscape changes with the tide. Facilities, access and sea conditions can vary considerably, even between neighbouring beaches.

This guide brings together 40 of the best beaches in the UK. It is not a strict ranking of every stretch of coast. Instead, it focuses on beaches that stand out for their scenery, character, activities and overall visitor experience across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Best beaches to visit in England

1. Surf at Fistral Beach

Website

Operating hours:

• Beach accessible throughout the year
• Seasonal lifeguard cover commonly operates in designated areas
• Surf schools, cafés and parking are available nearby

Price: Free, with charges for parking and activities

Fistral is one of Britain’s best-known surfing beaches and the place most closely associated with Newquay’s surf culture.

The broad west-facing bay receives consistent Atlantic swell and hosts major surfing competitions, but it is not only for experienced surfers. Lessons, equipment hire and beachside facilities make it approachable for beginners, while the headlands create excellent viewpoints for spectators.

The beach can become extremely busy in summer, particularly when good weather coincides with a major event.

Pro tip:

Check the surf and lifeguard conditions before entering the water, and book lessons in advance during peak periods.

2. Walk across Porthcurno Beach

Website

Operating hours:

• Beach accessible throughout the year
• Facilities and lifeguard arrangements vary seasonally
• Access involves a walk from the village and car park

Price: Free, with parking charges

Porthcurno sits beneath granite cliffs in one of Cornwall’s most dramatic coastal settings.

Its pale sand and clear turquoise water can look almost subtropical on a calm summer day. The beach is also close to the Minack Theatre and the PK Porthcurno communications museum, making it possible to combine coast, culture and local history in one visit.

Strong currents and rapidly changing conditions mean the water should never be judged by appearance alone.

Pro tip:

Visit early, combine the beach with the Minack Theatre and avoid attempting the cliff paths in poor weather.

3. Spend the day at Woolacombe Beach

Website

Operating hours:

• Beach accessible throughout the year
• Seasonal lifeguard cover applies to selected zones
• Town facilities, parking and equipment hire are available

Price: Free, with parking charges

Woolacombe stretches for several miles along the North Devon coast between Baggy Point and Morte Point.

Its scale gives families, walkers and surfers more room than many smaller resort beaches. The central section has easy access to cafés and shops, while the quieter ends feel increasingly open and natural.

The Atlantic exposure creates excellent surf but also requires attention to flags, currents and designated swimming areas.

Pro tip:

Walk away from the central access points for more space, but note where the lifeguarded zones begin and end.

4. See Durdle Door and Man O’War Beach

Website

Operating hours:

• Coastal access is generally available throughout the year
• Access involves steep paths and steps
• Parking and local services operate separately

Price: Free coastal access, with parking charges

Durdle Door is one of the most recognisable natural landmarks on the Jurassic Coast.

The limestone arch rises beside a shingle beach, while the neighbouring Man O’War Cove offers a more enclosed setting. The view from the cliffs is exceptional, but the steep descent, loose surfaces and exposed coastline make this a less straightforward beach day than the photographs suggest.

There are no full resort facilities at beach level, and the climb back to the car park is demanding.

Pro tip:

Wear proper footwear, carry water and arrive early before the main paths and viewpoints become crowded.

5. Relax on Bournemouth Beach

Website

Operating hours:

• Beach accessible throughout the year
• Seasonal lifeguard cover and visitor services apply
• Multiple access points, toilets, cafés and parking are available

Price: Free, with charges for parking and selected facilities

Bournemouth offers one of England’s most complete traditional seaside experiences.

Its long sandy shoreline is divided into several distinct sections, ranging from the busy central pier area to quieter stretches towards Southbourne and Alum Chine. The promenade, cliff lifts, gardens and town-centre facilities make it particularly convenient for visitors who want an accessible beach without travelling into a rural area.

The central section becomes crowded during hot weather and school holidays.

Pro tip:

Use one of the quieter eastern or western sections if the area around Bournemouth Pier feels too busy.

6. Walk Holkham Beach

Website

Operating hours:

• Beach and nature reserve accessible throughout the year
• Tides can cover channels and alter walking routes
• Parking is available near Lady Anne’s Drive

Price: Free beach access, with parking charges

Holkham is a vast landscape of sand, salt marsh, pine woodland and open sky on the north Norfolk coast.

At low tide, the sea can appear remarkably distant, creating an immense sense of space. The beach forms part of an important nature reserve and is particularly rewarding for walking, birdwatching and photography rather than conventional resort entertainment.

Tidal channels and long distances can make the landscape deceptive.

Pro tip:

Check the tide, remember the route back through the dunes and allow more walking time than the map appears to require.

7. See Bamburgh Beach and Castle

Website

Operating hours:

• Beach accessible throughout the year
• Facilities are concentrated in Bamburgh village
• Conditions can be cold and exposed outside summer

Price: Free, with parking charges

Bamburgh Beach combines a broad sandy shoreline with one of the most impressive castle views in Britain.

Bamburgh Castle rises directly above the dunes, while the Farne Islands and Northumberland coast extend into the distance. The beach is excellent for long walks and photography, with enough space to feel peaceful even when the village is busy.

The North Sea can remain cold and conditions change quickly.

Pro tip:

Walk north along the beach before turning back for the strongest view of the castle above the dunes.

8. Explore Whitby Beach

Website

Operating hours:

• Beach accessible throughout the year
• Seasonal lifeguard cover may operate on selected sections
• Town, pier and cliff access use separate routes

Price: Free, with parking charges

Whitby’s beaches sit beneath a historic harbour town shaped by fishing, shipbuilding, tourism and literary connections.

West Cliff Beach provides the main stretch of sand and traditional seaside facilities, while the harbour, piers and views towards Whitby Abbey add much more than a standard beach visit. At low tide, the coastline opens into long walking routes towards neighbouring bays.

Tides can cut off sections beneath the cliffs.

Pro tip:

Combine a morning beach walk with the harbour and Abbey steps, checking tide times before walking far from town.

9. Walk Formby Beach and dunes

Website

Operating hours:

• Coast and woodland accessible throughout the year
• Parking capacity can be limited during busy periods
• Dune paths may be steep, sandy and uneven

Price: Free access, with parking charges for some visitors

Formby brings together a broad beach, high dunes, pine woodland and one of England’s best-known red squirrel habitats.

The changing shoreline is shaped by erosion and shifting sand, creating a coastal landscape that feels far removed from nearby Liverpool. It is particularly suitable for walking and nature-focused visits, although the route from the car park through the dunes can be demanding.

The coast is dynamic, and paths may change or close after storms.

Pro tip:

Allow time for both the woodland and beach rather than walking directly to the sea and leaving.

10. Visit West Wittering Beach

Website

Operating hours:

• Beach accessible throughout the year
• Parking frequently requires advance booking
• Seasonal safety zones apply to swimmers and water sports

Price: Free beach access, with parking charges

West Wittering is a broad sandy beach near the entrance to Chichester Harbour.

Its shallow water, extensive sand at low tide and open views make it popular with families, walkers and water-sports users. The surrounding dunes and saltmarsh add ecological interest, while the managed parking and facilities make the beach easier to use than many rural alternatives.

Demand can exceed parking capacity on warm days.

Pro tip:

Reserve parking before setting out and check the tide if shallow paddling or a long sand walk is part of the plan.

11. Walk the sands at Camber

Website

Operating hours:

• Beach accessible throughout the year
• Seasonal lifeguard and safety arrangements may apply
• Car parks and access points can become congested

Price: Free, with parking charges

Camber Sands is unusual on the East Sussex coast for its extensive sand dunes and broad beach.

The landscape feels more open and natural than the nearby shingle shoreline, making it popular for family visits, photography, walking and kite sports. At low tide the beach becomes exceptionally wide, but the distance to the water and changing channels require attention.

Large crowds, wind and tidal conditions can transform the experience quickly.

Pro tip:

Arrive early, use marked access routes through the dunes and avoid relying on mobile reception for all practical information.

12. Explore Studland Bay

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Operating hours:

• Beach and nature reserve accessible throughout the year
• Facilities vary between the bay’s separate beach areas
• Ferry queues and car parks become busy in summer

Price: Free access, with parking charges

Studland Bay contains several miles of sandy shoreline backed by dunes, heathland and woodland.

Shell Bay, Knoll Beach, Middle Beach and South Beach each offer a different atmosphere, from open family beaches to smaller coves with views towards Old Harry Rocks. The surrounding reserve is important for wildlife and makes the area rewarding beyond a conventional day beside the sea.

One designated section has a long-established naturist area, which is clearly signed.

Pro tip:

Choose the specific section of the bay before travelling, as facilities and atmosphere differ considerably.

13. Photograph Botany Bay

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Operating hours:

• Beach access depends on tides and local conditions
• No large resort facilities are available directly on the sand
• Cliff and road access can be restricted

Price: Free

Botany Bay is known for its chalk cliffs, sea stacks and small sandy shoreline near Broadstairs.

The beach is most striking at lower tide, when more sand and rock formations are exposed. It is a scenic stop for walking and photography, but its compact size and limited parking make it less suitable for large crowds than nearby resort beaches.

Cliff falls are a genuine hazard along this part of the Kent coast.

Pro tip:

Check the tide and keep well away from the base and edge of the cliffs, even in calm weather.

14. Experience Brighton Beach

Website

Operating hours:

• Seafront accessible throughout the year
• Attractions and lifeguard arrangements vary seasonally
• Rail access is often easier than city-centre parking

Price: Free, with charges for attractions and facilities

Brighton Beach is less about untouched scenery and more about the energy of one of Britain’s best-known coastal cities.

The shingle shore, Palace Pier, historic seafront architecture, independent businesses and busy promenade create a distinctive urban beach experience. Swimming is possible in suitable conditions, but the steeply shelving shore and powerful waves require care.

The beach is at its best when treated as part of a wider day in the city.

Pro tip:

Travel by train where practical and explore beyond the pier towards Hove or Kemptown for a different atmosphere.

15. Visit Wells-next-the-Sea Beach

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Operating hours:

• Beach accessible throughout the year
• A long tidal channel separates the harbour from the open beach
• Parking and seasonal transport operate near the pinewoods

Price: Free beach access, with parking charges

Wells-next-the-Sea is known for its colourful beach huts, pine woodland and wide north Norfolk sands.

The beach lies some distance from the town centre, creating a clear separation between the working harbour and the open coast. Its combination of woodland walks, sand and distinctive huts makes it especially appealing to families and photographers.

The tidal harbour channel has strong currents and is not a safe alternative to the designated beach.

Pro tip:

Use the main beach access and never attempt to swim or cross the harbour channel.

16. Discover Kynance Cove

Website

Operating hours:

• Coastal access available throughout the year
• Beach area changes substantially with the tide
• The route from the car park includes steep and uneven paths

Price: Free access, with parking charges

Kynance Cove is one of Cornwall’s most visually distinctive coastal locations.

Dark serpentine rock, small islands and pale sand create a complex cove that changes dramatically between high and low tide. The South West Coast Path provides superb views from above, while the lower beach rewards visitors who time their arrival carefully.

Access can be difficult for anyone with limited mobility, and parts of the beach disappear at high tide.

Pro tip:

Visit around lower tide and view the cove from the coast path before descending.

17. Walk Perranporth Beach

Website

Operating hours:

• Beach accessible throughout the year
• Seasonal lifeguard cover commonly applies
• Town facilities and multiple access points are available

Price: Free, with parking charges

Perranporth offers a long sandy beach backed by dunes and a lively north Cornwall town.

It is large enough for long walks even during busy periods and is popular with surfers, families and dog walkers. The beach’s direct connection with the town provides easy access to food, equipment hire and accommodation without losing the sense of an open Atlantic shoreline.

Tides can significantly reduce the available sand.

Pro tip:

Check the dog restrictions and tide before travelling, as both can affect which part of the beach is most suitable.

18. Explore Saunton Sands

Website

Operating hours:

• Beach accessible throughout the year
• Seasonal lifeguard cover may operate in marked areas
• Parking, food and surf facilities are available near the main entrance

Price: Free beach access, with parking charges

Saunton Sands stretches for miles beside the Braunton Burrows dune system in North Devon.

Its long, gently curving shoreline is popular with surfers, families and walkers, while the enormous dune reserve behind it creates one of England’s most important coastal landscapes. The scale of the beach allows visitors to find quieter areas away from the main entrance.

Distances are deceptive, particularly when walking towards the far end of the bay.

Pro tip:

Explore a manageable section of the dunes and beach rather than attempting the entire shoreline in one visit.

Best beaches to visit in Scotland

19. See the white sands of Luskentyre

Website

Operating hours:

• Beach accessible throughout the year
• Facilities are limited and weather conditions change quickly
• Road access includes narrow and single-track sections

Price: Free

Luskentyre is one of the most celebrated beaches in Scotland, with pale sand, clear water and views towards the Harris hills.

The colours shift constantly with the tide, cloud and sunlight, creating a landscape that can appear almost unreal. Despite its fame, the beach remains largely undeveloped and should be approached as a wild coastal environment rather than a managed resort.

The water is cold and the weather can change within minutes.

Pro tip:

Allow several hours, check the tide and avoid treating the beach as a brief roadside photograph.

20. Look across Seilebost Beach

Website

Operating hours:

• Beach accessible throughout the year
• Parking and roadside stopping space are limited
• Tides strongly affect the appearance and walking routes

Price: Free

Seilebost provides one of the finest elevated coastal views in the Outer Hebrides.

The beach faces across shifting turquoise channels towards Luskentyre, with sandbanks and shallow water creating a different pattern at every tide. Access to the shore is less obvious than at some neighbouring beaches, but the viewpoints alone justify the stop.

Careless roadside parking can obstruct residents and traffic.

Pro tip:

Use designated parking and take time to follow a proper access path instead of stopping on narrow verges.

21. Visit Calgary Bay

Website

Operating hours:

• Beach accessible throughout the year
• Facilities are limited and seasonal
• The approach involves narrow island roads

Price: Free

Calgary Bay is a sheltered crescent of pale sand on the north-west coast of Mull.

Low grassy dunes, clear water and wooded hills give it a softer landscape than many exposed Hebridean beaches. It is suitable for a relaxed stop, picnic or coastal walk, while nearby art trails and community facilities add interest beyond the shore.

Its popularity means the small access area can feel pressured in high season.

Pro tip:

Stay locally or arrive outside the middle of the day, and park only in designated areas.

22. Hike to Sandwood Bay

Website

Operating hours:

• Beach accessible throughout the year
• Reaching the beach requires a long walk from the nearest road
• There are no visitor facilities on the beach

Price: Free

Sandwood Bay is one of mainland Britain’s wildest and most remote beaches.

A long moorland path leads to a mile of sand backed by dunes, a freshwater loch and the distinctive sea stack of Am Buachaille. The absence of road access is central to the experience and protects the sense of isolation.

Visitors must be prepared for exposure, boggy ground and rapidly changing Highland weather.

Pro tip:

Carry proper clothing, food, water and navigation, and leave enough daylight for the return walk.

23. Swim carefully at Achmelvich Bay

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Operating hours:

• Beach accessible throughout the year
• Facilities and nearby accommodation are seasonal
• Road access is narrow and parking is limited

Price: Free

Achmelvich is a compact white-sand bay on the north-west Highland coast.

Its sheltered shape and clear water make it one of the most inviting beaches along the North Coast 500, while rocky headlands provide short walks and viewpoints. The small scale that gives the bay its charm also means it can become congested quickly.

The sea remains cold and conditions should be assessed carefully before swimming.

Pro tip:

Visit early or outside peak touring months, and never block the single-track road or passing places.

24. Walk West Sands at St Andrews

Website

Operating hours:

• Beach accessible throughout the year
• Facilities are available near the town end
• Wind and tides can create exposed conditions

Price: Free, with some parking charges

West Sands extends for almost two miles beside St Andrews and its famous golf links.

The broad beach is ideal for walking, running and open views across the Fife coast. Its association with the opening scenes of Chariots of Fire adds cultural interest, while the historic town, cathedral and university make it easy to build a full day around the coast.

The beach feels very exposed during strong easterly winds.

Pro tip:

Walk from the town end and combine the shore with the cathedral ruins and historic centre.

25. Enjoy Nairn Central Beach

Website

Operating hours:

• Beach accessible throughout the year
• Seasonal facilities are available near the promenade
• Wildlife sightings depend on tide and conditions

Price: Free

Nairn’s central beach offers a long sandy shoreline beside a traditional Highland seaside town.

The Moray Firth is known for marine wildlife, and dolphins are sometimes visible offshore, although sightings are never guaranteed. The promenade, harbour and nearby cafés make this one of Scotland’s more accessible beaches for a relaxed family day.

Water temperatures remain low even in summer.

Pro tip:

Bring binoculars for wildlife watching and continue east beyond the central promenade for a quieter walk.

26. Explore Balnakeil Beach

Website

Operating hours:

• Beach accessible throughout the year
• Facilities are limited
• Weather and road conditions can affect access

Price: Free

Balnakeil is a wide crescent of pale sand near Durness on Scotland’s far north coast.

The beach is backed by dunes and overlooked by the ruins of Balnakeil Church, giving the area a strong sense of history and isolation. Its open northern setting produces dramatic light and weather, particularly outside the summer season.

This is a wild beach with few managed facilities.

Pro tip:

Combine the beach with the churchyard and nearby craft village, while leaving flexibility for changing weather.

27. Discover Sanna Bay

Website

Operating hours:

• Beach accessible throughout the year
• The route involves long stretches of narrow road
• There are no major facilities at the beach

Price: Free

Sanna Bay lies near the western end of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula and feels exceptionally remote.

A series of white-sand coves looks towards the Small Isles, with dunes, rocky outcrops and clear water creating a varied coastal landscape. Reaching it requires commitment, but the journey is part of what keeps the beach quiet.

Mobile reception and services can be limited across the peninsula.

Pro tip:

Treat Sanna as part of a longer Ardnamurchan stay rather than a rushed detour from the main road network.

28. Walk Lossiemouth East Beach

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Operating hours:

• Beach accessible throughout the year
• Access is via the pedestrian bridge from town
• Facilities are concentrated around Lossiemouth

Price: Free

Lossiemouth East Beach combines a long sandy shoreline with dunes and the mouth of the River Lossie.

A pedestrian bridge connects the town directly to the beach, making the broad coast easy to reach without losing its open feel. The Moray Firth setting is excellent for walking and wildlife watching, while Lossiemouth provides cafés, harbour views and practical facilities.

Wind can make conditions feel much colder than the temperature suggests.

Pro tip:

Cross the bridge early and walk east along the dunes before returning to explore the harbour.

Best beaches to visit in Wales

29. Walk Rhossili Bay

Website

Operating hours:

• Beach and coast path accessible throughout the year
• Beach access involves a steep descent
• Tides affect access towards Worm’s Head and the wider bay

Price: Free access, with parking charges

Rhossili Bay is one of Wales’s most spectacular coastal landscapes.

Three miles of sand curve beneath high cliffs at the western end of the Gower Peninsula, with views towards Worm’s Head and the remains of the Helvetia shipwreck sometimes visible at low tide. The clifftop route is rewarding even for visitors who do not descend to the beach.

The climb back from the sand is steep and exposed.

Pro tip:

Check the tide before approaching Worm’s Head and save enough energy for the climb back to the village.

30. Hike to Barafundle Bay

Website

Operating hours:

• Beach accessible throughout the year
• No road reaches the beach directly
• Access requires a coastal walk from Stackpole Quay or nearby paths

Price: Free access, with parking charges

Barafundle Bay is a sheltered sandy beach enclosed by dunes and wooded cliffs on the Pembrokeshire coast.

Its lack of direct road access helps preserve a secluded atmosphere, although its reputation means the beach is no longer a secret. The walk from Stackpole Quay adds to the experience and provides excellent coastal views before the bay appears below.

There are no full facilities on the beach itself.

Pro tip:

Carry everything you need, take all litter away and arrive early during school holidays.

31. Spend a day on Tenby South Beach

Website

Operating hours:

• Beach accessible throughout the year
• Seasonal visitor services and safety arrangements apply
• The town provides extensive facilities within walking distance

Price: Free, with parking charges

Tenby South Beach offers a long sweep of sand beneath one of Wales’s most attractive harbour towns.

Views extend towards Caldey Island, while the old town, harbour, medieval walls and neighbouring beaches make Tenby one of the UK’s strongest all-round coastal destinations. South Beach generally provides more space than the smaller town beaches during busy periods.

The walk from some town car parks can be longer than expected.

Pro tip:

Park once and explore Tenby on foot, combining South Beach with the harbour and old town.

32. Surf at Whitesands Bay

Website

Operating hours:

• Beach accessible throughout the year
• Seasonal lifeguard cover may operate
• Parking and café facilities vary by season

Price: Free beach access, with parking charges

Whitesands is a broad west-facing beach near St Davids and one of Pembrokeshire’s best-known surf locations.

The sand lies beneath Carn Llidi, creating a dramatic backdrop and access to excellent coastal walking. Waves can suit surfers of different abilities depending on conditions, while the wide shore also works well for families during calmer weather.

Rip currents and Atlantic swell require close attention to safety guidance.

Pro tip:

Use a local surf school for a first lesson and walk partway up Carn Llidi for a wider view of the coast.

33. Explore Newborough and Llanddwyn

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Operating hours:

• Forest and beach accessible throughout the year
• Vehicle access and parking arrangements can change
• The tidal island should only be approached with awareness of conditions

Price: Free access, with parking charges

Newborough combines an extensive sandy beach, forest trails, dunes and views towards the mountains of Eryri.

At the far end lies Ynys Llanddwyn, a tidal island associated with the Welsh patron saint of lovers. Its lighthouse, ruins and paths make this much more than a conventional beach visit, particularly in clear weather when the mountain backdrop is at its strongest.

High tides and poor weather can affect safe access around the island.

Pro tip:

Check the tide and allow enough time to walk from the main parking area to Llanddwyn and back.

34. See Harlech Beach and dunes

Website

Operating hours:

• Beach accessible throughout the year
• Access involves paths through a large dune system
• Facilities are available near selected entrances

Price: Free

Harlech Beach is a broad stretch of sand backed by one of the most important dune systems in Wales.

The coast feels spacious and undeveloped, while Harlech Castle rises above the surrounding landscape inland. The beach is ideal for walking and provides a quieter contrast to some of North Wales’s more heavily developed resorts.

The distance between the dunes, water and town can be greater than expected.

Pro tip:

Combine the beach with Harlech Castle, but allow separate time for each rather than rushing between them.

35. Walk Three Cliffs Bay

Website

Operating hours:

• Beach accessible throughout the year
• Access requires walking over uneven paths
• Tides can isolate areas and cover river crossings

Price: Free

Three Cliffs Bay is one of the Gower Peninsula’s most distinctive beaches.

A winding river, saltmarsh, dunes and three limestone peaks create a landscape that feels more complex than a simple sandy bay. The ruins of Pennard Castle overlook the valley, adding a historical feature to an already exceptional coastal walk.

Tidal movement can alter safe routes across the beach and river.

Pro tip:

Approach as a walking destination, check the tide and do not rely on crossing the river at the same point later.

36. Visit Aberdaron Beach

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Operating hours:

• Beach accessible throughout the year
• Village facilities are nearby
• Sea and weather conditions are exposed to the open coast

Price: Free

Aberdaron Beach lies beside a small village near the western tip of the Llŷn Peninsula.

The sandy bay, whitewashed buildings and historic church create a strong sense of place, while coastal paths lead towards headlands with views across to Bardsey Island. It is more intimate than the great open beaches elsewhere in Wales.

Road journeys across the peninsula are slow, particularly in summer.

Pro tip:

Stay long enough to explore the village and take a short section of the coast path rather than visiting only the sand.

Best beaches to visit in Northern Ireland

37. Drive onto Portstewart Strand

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Operating hours:

• Beach accessible throughout the year
• Vehicle access is controlled and may be restricted
• Seasonal safety arrangements and facilities apply

Price: Free on foot, with vehicle and parking charges

Portstewart Strand is a two-mile sandy beach backed by dunes on Northern Ireland’s north coast.

The unusual ability to drive onto designated parts of the beach makes it accessible, while the dune system and River Bann estuary add natural interest. It is popular with families, walkers and surfers and has also appeared in major film and television productions.

Vehicle access should not distract from the environmental sensitivity of the dunes.

Pro tip:

Walk beyond the busiest vehicle area and follow all restrictions protecting the dune system.

38. Surf beneath the cliffs at Whiterocks

Website

Operating hours:

• Beach accessible throughout the year
• Seasonal lifeguard cover may apply
• Water-sports conditions vary substantially

Price: Free

Whiterocks is a sandy beach framed by striking limestone cliffs near Portrush.

Sea arches, stacks and pale rock formations create a dramatic backdrop, while consistent waves make the beach popular with surfers and bodyboarders. The shoreline also links naturally with the wider Causeway Coast and views towards Dunluce Castle.

Cliffs, swell and currents all require caution.

Pro tip:

Use designated access points and keep clear of unstable cliff faces, particularly after heavy rain or storms.

39. Relax at Tyrella Beach

Website

Operating hours:

• Beach accessible throughout the year
• Seasonal facilities and safety arrangements apply
• The dune conservation area has protected habitats

Price: Free, with possible seasonal parking charges

Tyrella is a broad sandy beach within Dundrum Bay, backed by an extensive dune conservation area.

Its relatively sheltered setting makes it popular for family visits, walking and water activities, while views towards the Mourne Mountains strengthen the sense of place. The beach generally feels less commercial than major resort locations.

Visitors should avoid damaging the mature dunes and protected vegetation.

Pro tip:

Use marked paths through the dunes and bring everything needed when visiting outside the main summer season.

40. Walk Murlough Beach and nature reserve

Website

Operating hours:

• Nature reserve and beach accessible throughout the year
• Access is through protected dunes and boardwalks
• Facilities are limited away from the main entrance

Price: Free access, with parking charges

Murlough combines a long sandy beach with one of Northern Ireland’s most important dune landscapes.

The reserve lies beneath the Mourne Mountains and supports a wide range of plants, butterflies and birdlife. Boardwalks lead through the dunes towards the shore, making the transition from heath and grassland to open beach a central part of the visit.

This is a nature reserve first and should be treated with more care than a conventional resort beach.

Pro tip:

Follow the marked routes, keep dogs under appropriate control and allow time for the reserve as well as the shoreline.

How to plan a beach trip around the UK

A British beach trip should be planned around tides, weather and access rather than sunshine alone. A beach that is broad and sandy in the morning may be almost completely covered a few hours later, while a calm-looking sea can still contain powerful currents.

Check official tide information and local safety guidance before setting out. Swim between lifeguard flags where seasonal cover is available, and never assume that a popular beach is automatically safe. Cliffs, soft sand, mud, tidal islands and offshore winds create different risks around the coastline.

A car is useful for remote beaches in Cornwall, Pembrokeshire, the Scottish Highlands and Northern Ireland, but many celebrated beaches have limited parking. Arriving early, using local buses or staying within walking distance can significantly improve the experience. Never park in passing places, gateways or narrow village roads.

Facilities vary enormously. Urban beaches such as Bournemouth, Brighton and Tenby place cafés, toilets and shops nearby, while Sandwood Bay, Sanna and Barafundle require visitors to carry what they need and take everything away afterwards.

Water temperatures around the UK remain low for much of the year. Wetsuits, warm clothing and a change of dry clothes can matter even during summer. Anyone planning to surf, paddleboard, kayak or swim beyond a sheltered area should use appropriate equipment and understand the local conditions.

The strongest coastal trips combine the beach with the landscape and community around it. Walk a section of coast path, visit the harbour, support a local café, explore the dunes or learn why the shoreline looks the way it does. Britain’s beaches are not simply places to lie in the sun. They are living landscapes shaped by tides, weather, wildlife and human history.

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Things to Do

20 best food festivals in the UK

Discover 20 of the best food festivals in the UK, from major city showcases and chef demonstrations to regional celebrations of seafood, cider, cheese and local produce.

Updated 23 June 2026