Best Beaches to Visit in the UK – Beautiful & Glorious

Beaches are beautiful! The gloriously clear water, the sand and the breathtaking view, everything makes beaches a must-visit whenever you are travelling to another country. 

Besides having a rich and fairly royal history, the UK is also blessed with beautiful sandy beaches that offer everything from a peaceful day to a day filled with lots of activities and fun.

Here, we have discussed some of the best beaches in the UK and a must-visit whenever you are travelling to the country.

Holkham Beach

Photo: RORY FULLER/TRAVEL + LEISURE

If you’re looking for a stunning beach to visit, look no further than Holkham beach in Norfolk, England. The beach is located just outside of the town of Holt and is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.

The beach is also home to a number of attractions, including the Holt Sea Life Centre, which offers visitors a variety of exhibits, including a tropical aquarium. There are also a number of shops and restaurants located on the beach, making it a great place to spend a day.

Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland

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Bamburgh Beach Northumberland is a stunning stretch of sand that stretches for over six miles along the Northumberland coastline. The beach is well known for its crystal clear water and stunning views and is perfect for a relaxing day out. 

There are plenty of amenities available including restaurants, cafes, bars and shops, making it the perfect place to spend a day in the sun.

Whitepark Bay

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Whitepark Bay is a stunning beach located in Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, boasting beautiful white sand and crystal-clear waters. 

The bay is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and rolling hills, making it a picturesque spot for a day trip or a longer stay. Whitepark Bay is a great place to relax, enjoy the scenery, and take in the breathtaking views of the Irish countryside.

Kynance Cove

Photo: RORY FULLER/TRAVEL + LEISURE

Kynance Cove is a stunningly beautiful beach located in Cornwall, England. It is known for its white sand, crystal clear waters, and dramatic cliffs that surround the cove.

The beach is a popular spot for tourists, who come to take in the breathtaking views, explore the nearby caves, and take a dip in the refreshing waters. 

The beach is also home to a variety of wildlife, including seabirds, seals, and dolphins. With its stunning scenery, Kynance Cove is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Cornwall.

Scarista Beach

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People from all over the world flock to Scarista Beach in the Scottish Hebrides to witness the majestic porpoises that call this stunning location their home. 

However, it is important to note that Scarista Beach is incredibly remote, making it difficult to access. Nevertheless, the effort is worth it as the beach is a sight to behold and the porpoises are a delight to watch.

Compton Beach

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Compton Bay on the Isle of Wight in England is a stunning beach destination during the summer months, but it also holds a special geological wonder. 

When the tide goes out, visitors can make their way to Hanover Point on the east side of the main car park and find massive three-toed casts of Iguanodon at the base of pretty cliffs.

This makes it a real-life answer to Jurassic Park. It’s an easy trek and a great opportunity to experience a piece of prehistory.

Whitby Sands

Photo: RORY FULLER/TRAVEL + LEISURE

Whitby Sands in North Yorkshire, England is a charming and mystical destination. It is known for its wild and windy atmosphere, especially during the summer months. It is also the famous gothic setting of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”. Visitors to Whitby Sands can enjoy a delicious battered cod from Magpie Café, followed by a classic Mr. Whippy ice cream cone.

Oxwich Bay Beach

Photo: RORY FULLER/TRAVEL + LEISURE

Oxwich Bay Beach in Wales is a stunning spot along the Gower coast. Featuring windswept dunes, salt marshes, and fairy-tale woodlands, the two-mile seashore is surrounded by rolling hills that provide protection from the elements. 

The shallow waters make it an ideal place to swim in the warmer months, making it a must-visit destination for beach-goers.

Pentle Bay

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Pentle Bay, located on the Tresco isle of the Isles of Scilly, is a hidden gem that requires some extra effort to reach. 

Those who make the trek will be rewarded with crystal clear waters, white sand, and a tranquil atmosphere that is unlike any other beach on the English Riviera. The only drawback is the chilly waters, so adventurers should be ready for a cold swim!

Llanddwyn, Anglesey, Wales

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Llanddwyn, Anglesey, Wales is a stunning beach with a regal atmosphere that is unlike any other in the U.K. It is known as the “beach of romance” due to its interesting history. Legend has it that Princess Dwynwen ran away here after a love affair went wrong and she eventually became the patron saint of lovers in Wales. 

In addition to its romantic history, the Newborough Warren National Nature Reserve is also located here, offering visitors the opportunity to catch a glimpse of England’s elusive red squirrels. 

It is no wonder why Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton chose to call this place home for three years after their wedding.

Porthcurno Beach

Photo: RORY FULLER/TRAVEL + LEISURE

Porthcurno Beach in Cornwall, England is a stunning beach with soft white sand, and turquoise waters, and a great place to spot dolphins and sharks. 

It is popular with locals and celebrities and is a great place to take a barefoot walk. Climb the cliffs and you’ll find the famous open-air Minack Theatre, making it a great place to explore and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Durdle Door

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Durdle Door is a stunning beach located on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, England. It is renowned for its magnificent arch, which has earned it the nickname of the Durdle Door. 

This incredible spot is a popular destination for visitors to the South West Coast Path, and many people pair a visit to Durdle Door with a stroll to the nearby Lulworth Cove. 

With its breathtaking beauty, it’s easy to see why Durdle Door has been a popular destination for over a century and continues to be a social media sensation.

All of these beaches are beautiful and once you visit them, we are sure you would want to visit them again. Besides, beaches also offer a much-needed break from routine life and help you rejuvenate.

Which of the beaches have you visited? Let us know in the comments.