Britain might not be known for having the best weather in the world, but when the sun does make an impromptu appearance, what better thing to do than head to the beach and bask in the heat? Whether you are looking for some silky sand dunes, that perfect Instagram sunset shot, a fun family day out or just wanting to ride the waves in superb surfer style - then we have Britain’s Best Beaches waiting here just for you.
Believe it or not the picture above was taken by one of our very own subscribers @brandonhughes97 - great shot and thanks for sharing!
Kynance Cove, Cornwall
This beautiful beach features as one of the most photographed spots in Cornwall! This is perfect for those in search of amazing views and looking to take some incredible shots of the cove’s white sand, contrasting against the dark yet colourful rocks. Not for the faint-hearted though, this beach is only accessible via a steep 15 minute walk from the cliff top, across some difficult and slippery rocks. When the tide is low, the surrounding rocks and caves can be explored before taking a scenic walk along the coast to visit Britain’s most Southerly mainland point - Lizard’s Point. Finish the day with a trip to the beaches fantastic eco-friendly cafe, Kynance Cove Cafe - the first property of National Trust to be fitted with solar roof tiles, generating enough energy to support the facilities and heat enough water for 45,550 cups of tea a year!
Ettrick Bay, Bute
Ettrick Bay is a hidden gem that is well worth a visit. Already popular with locals, this bay provides a mile long golden sandy beach combined with stunning clear waters, that are perfect for paddling in. Situated on the Western side of Isle of Bute, the beach is followed by rolling fields and pleasant hills, providing fantastic views towards the Cowal Peninsula and the Isle of Arran. Further along the valley, visitors can find the Ettrick Bay Stone Circle, or venture to the South of the bay and avid bird watchers can make the most of the Bird Hide - great for spotting inquisitive seabirds.
A trip here would not be the same without a visit to the Ettrick Bay Tearoom, overlooking the beach and providing outstanding homemade cakes and treats - tried and tested by us! Why not choose to stay the night by ‘Glamping by The Bay’, and bedding down beneath the stars and capturing one of the most picturesque sunsets we have witnessed!
Camber Sands, Rye
If you are looking to visit the only sand dunes in East Sussex, then Camber is the place to be. Many beaches in the county are known for their pebbles and shingles, but this is where Camber sands differs - the light, golden sand stretches for over 3 miles! The dunes provide great conditions for windsurfing and kite-surfing, however with that being said, those looking for a relaxing day in the sun should definitely pack a wind-break! Visitors looking to make the most of this fantastic beach should combine their trip with a few nights stay at a luxury beach cottage. ‘Beside the Sea Holidays’ provide a stylish collection of two, three and four bedroom cottages, nestled between the beautiful sandy beach and significant grassland, designed as a traditional fisherman’s village.
Weymouth Beach, Dorset
Those wanting to entertain their children for the day, look no further! Weymouth provides endless activities and things to do for young ones all in one location. The beach is sheltered, with a gradual sloping seabed making it ideal for those looking to paddle in the water or visit some of the many famous attractions. The large beach is often host to festivals and sporting events due to the large area of soft sand, however on a usual summer day, you will find the well known Punch and Judy show, Donkey’s readily available for riding, many children’s rides and pedalo’s, plus Sea Life Weymouth, which has recently launched it’s new experience - ‘Night and Day’ - enough to keep the whole family entertained!
Lulworth Cove, Dorset
Lulworth Cove is famous for its unique geology and landforms, and many people visit to see the famous Lulworth Crumple and Stair Hole. The beautiful white pebble beach provides fantastic panoramic views and provides bathers with crystal clear blue waters - making this one of Britain’s most popular and more recently one of the busiest beaches. Located on a stretch of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area provides lots to do including rock-pooling during low-tides, water-sports, walking and coasteering. Visitors wishing to extend their stay, have the opportunity to hire a fantastic cottage on the world renowned privately-owned Historic Lulworth Estate - arguably the most luxurious accommodation in Dorset.
Croyde Bay, Devon
Located on the North Devon Coast, you can find the beautiful Croyde Bay beach, backed with sand dunes and providing one of Britain’s best surfing spots. Popular with both bodyboarders and experienced surfers, the wind into the bay brings great waves, and the RNLI Lifeguard service throughout the season makes for some safe surfing fun! Those looking for a little less adventure can take a stroll around the village, and head for a walk to Baggy Point, overlooking Croyde Bay and most certainly a ‘North devon Must See Spot’ as the views are absolutely incredible! Why not complete the trip and bed down at the Ocean Pitch Campsite - offering idyllic camping and deluxe Glamping with outstanding views and within touching distance of the beach. What more could you need?!
Chesil Beach, Dorset
Chesil Beach is very different to those mentioned above. The 18 mile long stretch of land comprises a shingle barrier beach stretching all the way from West Bay to Portland. You won’t find the classic Beach Huts, deckchairs or childrens games - instead, forming part of the Jurassic Coast world Heritage Site, this beach is renowned for being part of Britain's Best Views, ranking an outstanding 3rd place. Behind the beach a large saline lake, Fleet Lagoon, can be found. This is one of the only remaining brackish lagoons in the world that has been left untouched, and adds to the beauty of this incredible area. Although the beach is peaceful and quiet, there is plenty to do in the surrounding areas, especially the local village of Abbotsbury. The Abbotsbury Children’s Farm has animals for children to meet and feed, the Abbotsbury Swannery is the only place in the world where you are able to walk through the heart of a colony of nesting Mute Swans and the Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens with rare plants, notable magnolia and camellia blooms - a day out for the whole family.
Dunnet Bay, Scotland
This 2 mile long bay is a great spot for everyone to enjoy! The opportunities are endless - from sunbathing, swimming, paddleboarding and other beach activities, this area is perfect for surfers, especially when the wind is up. There is a fantastic Surf School that offers lessons, equipment hire and even multi-day retreats - North Coast Water Sports. Just around the corner, is Thurso East, an area not for the faint hearted! More experienced surfers travel from far to experience the ‘hidden gem’ that lies just a stone’s throw from the town centre, and is most definitely on a surfers bucket list!
Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland
Looking for a stunning backdrop? You won't be disappointed! On one side of Bamburgh Beach is one of Britain's most iconic castles, and on the other is the infamous Farne Islands. This large beach provides a dramatic shoreline, enticing families and surfers from afar. With plenty of room for families to enjoy the sand, kite-surfers to enjoy the wind and surfers to catch a wave, this beach is perfect for all. The beach is animal friendly and is regularly frequented by dog-walkers and horse riders alike, all making the most of the fantastic open sands. Whilst here, why not take a trip to Bamburgh Castle, one of the country’s largest inhabited castles in the country? With the castle being continuously occupied for thousands of years, there are plenty of stories, legends, myths and even ghost stories to be told. Fun fact - it is also believed to be the site of Sir Lancelot’s fictitious castle, Joyous Garde.
Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire
This bay of wide golden sands is followed by some rolling sand dunes, with a stream running through the beach always a favourite for splashing around with the kids, and fantastic for bringing the dog - who doesn’t love a dog friendly beach! This hidden gem lacks the Blue Flag icon as it is not widely commercialised. Facilities are available, however the village is just a short walk away to ensure all needs are met. During low tides, this beach provides some great ‘private bay’ areas for visitors with low cliffs at the east end. However you must ensure that you follow the tide times, to avoid getting stranded by the incoming tide!
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