The UK isn t the first place most travelers think of for beaches but its coastline hides genuinely stunning stretches of sand from turquoise Cornish coves to dramatic Scottish shores backed by cliffs and castles Here are the best beaches in the UK to visit in 2026
%20(1).webp)
Rhossili Bay Wales
Regularly ranked among the best beaches in Europe Rhossili Bay on the Gower Peninsula stretches for three miles of golden sand backed by dramatic cliffs with the wreck of the Helvetia ship visible at low tide
Woolacombe Devon
This wide sandy beach in North Devon consistently ranks among the UK s best for surfing and family visits alike backed by rolling dunes and a relaxed seaside village atmosphere
Camber Sands East Sussex
The only sand dune system in East Sussex Camber Sands offers miles of open beach within easy reach of London making it one of the most popular day trip beaches in southeast England
St Ives Beaches Cornwall
St Ives is home to several distinct beaches within walking distance of each other including the sheltered Porthminster Beach and the more rugged Porthmeor popular with surfers and backed by the town s famous art galleries
Durdle Door Dorset
Part of the Jurassic Coast this beach sits beneath a dramatic natural limestone arch that has become one of the most photographed coastal landmarks in England
Luskentyre Beach Isle of Harris Scotland
With Caribbean like turquoise water and white sand set against a backdrop of Scottish Highland mountains Luskentyre is one of the most surreal and least crowded beaches in the entire UK
Bamburgh Beach Northumberland
This vast uncrowded stretch of sand in northeast England sits directly beneath the dramatic silhouette of Bamburgh Castle making it one of the most striking beach settings in the country
Tenby Beaches Wales
The colorful harbor town of Tenby is flanked by several sandy beaches including Castle Beach and North Beach both offering calm waters and easy access to the town s pastel painted seafront
Tips for Visiting UK Beaches
- Check tide times before visiting several UK beaches including Rhossili Bay change dramatically between high and low tide
- Pack layers regardless of season coastal weather in the UK can shift quickly even in summer
- Visit early or midweek to avoid crowds at the most popular spots like Woolacombe and Durdle Door during summer school holidays
- Bring proper footwear for beaches like Durdle Door which require a walk down steep cliffside paths
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
From dramatic Jurassic Coast landmarks to Caribbean like Scottish shores the UK s beaches offer far more variety than most visitors expect. Whether you're chasing dramatic scenery or a quiet family day out these coastlines prove the UK has genuinely beautiful beaches worth building a trip around
Looking for more UK inspiration? Check out our guides to Best Things to Do in London and Hidden Gems in the UK Click here for more