The places, most named first
From the 7 guides that rank for "best beaches in united kingdom"
Named by 2 of 71. Porthmeor BeachA white sand cove in St Ives with clean bathing water, surf schools and the Tate gallery nearby.Faces west, so it suits sunset watching, and dolphins are sometimes seen.
Named by 2 of 72. Botany BayChalk stacks and white cliffs views; rock pools appear at low tide, good for fossil hunters and families.Quieter than nearby bays, according to one writer, and part of Broadstairs.
Named by 2 of 73. Bournemouth BeachMiles of golden sand below the town's cliffs, among the most popular beaches in peak summer.Stays clean and well managed despite the crowds, with family attractions at Pier Approach.
4. Durdle DoorNational Geographic named it one of 14 best beaches in the world.Reached by walking down more than 140 steps; the coastal path to Lulworth Cove takes about an hour and a half.
5. PorthcurnoTurquoise-green water, seals, and the open-air Minack theatre above the beach.The road down can gridlock in summer, so go early for parking.
6. Whiterocks BeachOn the north coast of Northern Ireland, with white sand, surfable water and views of Dunluce castle.Free parking in the dunes at the east end, and toilets and a kiosk at both ends.
7. West Wittering BeachWide sandy shore backed by dunes, used by swimmers, paddleboarders and windsurfers in summer.Has views across Chichester Harbour toward the South Downs.
8. Tynemouth LongsandsA mile-long sandy bay with good surfing and consistently high water quality.Plenty of surf schools and board hire make it a place to learn to surf.
9. Sea Palling BeachOffshore reefs make the water calmer than neighbouring beaches, so it suits families.The beach is still sand-covered at high tide and rarely too crowded.
10. Felixstowe South BeachA four-mile stretch of sand and shingle with excellent water quality; the south side is sandier.Has an Edwardian pier, cafes and shops along the promenade.
11. Whitley BayA beach just north of Newcastle, overlooked by St Mary's Lighthouse.Traditional seaside promenade with arcades and fish and chips on the beach.
12. Studland BaySits opposite Bournemouth, with the nearby seaside town of Swanage.Further along the coast is Lulworth Cove.
13. Holkham BeachA vast sandy beach by Wells-next-the-Sea in Norfolk.Wells-next-the-Sea has become a popular stop for Norfolk holidays.
14. Bamburgh BeachSits below Bamburgh Castle, on a coastline described as among the country's best.You can walk from Seahouses to Bamburgh and see the Farne Islands seals from the coast.
15. Ogmore-by-SeaBeaches in South Wales are described as far less busy than southern England's.The nearby Gower Peninsula has vast sandy beaches below cliffs.
16. Nairn BeachNear Inverness, with white sand, clear blue water and dolphin spotting.
17. Kennack SandsNamed with Combesgate Beach as one of the best spots for clear water in Cornwall and Devon.
18. BernerayIts beach was once mistaken for a Thai national park photo, according to the article.
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When to go
Travel guides most often name May to September as the best time to visit United Kingdom.
Questions people ask
- What is the clearest beach in the UK?
- Cornwall and Devon offer some of the clearest water, such as Kennack Sands and Combesgate Beach; some Scottish beaches also have crystal-clear water.
- Are beaches in the UK good?
- Yes. Coverage ranges from sandy Cornwall coves to Scottish beaches, and 63 sites earned a Blue Flag in 2026.
- Which beach in the UK is considered the nicest?
- Durdle Door in Dorset was named one of National Geographic's 14 best beaches in the world.
