An island nation in Europe, the United Kingdom is composed of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Each nation here has its own allure and significance. England is known as the home of Shakespeare and the Beatles, Scotland for its castles, Wales for its Celtic culture, and Northern Ireland for the famous Titanic Belfast. There’s a lot of amazing attractions, picturesque villages, towns, and cities to explore here that will make you want to travel the length and breadth of the country. In case it is beaches you’re looking for in this part of the world, then you are in the right place. Check out our list for the best beach holidays in the United Kingdom, for your guide.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) host status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to beach. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 08, 2024.
1. St Ives (from USD 347)
If you’re a beach person and an art enthusiast, you’ll surely love the town of St Yves in Cornwall. It is a place known for its surf beaches and local arts. For surfers or people who want to learn how to surf you must visit Porthmeor, a surfer’s paradise, because of its amazing waves. In case you want to see some unique artwork, you have to head down to the Tate St Ives Gallery, and marvel at the rotating exhibits by British artists. As for the accommodation, you will never regret booking a room at the Carbis Bay and Spa Hotel. It is nestled in a tropical garden with amazing sea views and features bright and airy rooms as well as an award-winning restaurant.
Carbis Bay and Spa Hotel
Address: Carbis Bay
136.24 km (84.7 mi) from Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
2. Marazion (from USD 229)
A town and a parish, Marazion is a great all-year destination with its amazing beaches, scenic views, interesting sights, and activities. It is famous for being the home of the iconic St Michael’s Mount. But aside from the religious site, there’s more to this place. You can hang out at its Cornish pubs, swim at its two stunning beaches, or get to know the friendly locals. If you’re still in need of a place to stay during your holiday, then you have to book a room at Godolphin Arms. It offers upscale accommodation, a good view of the St. Michael’s Mount, an on-site restaurant that uses local produce, and many more amenities.
The Godolphin Hotel
Address: West End
138.7 km (86.2 mi) from Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
3. Salcombe (from USD 230)
Reasonable pricing with complimentary amenities like gin and tonic, but additional charges for certain services.
Excellent spa and pool facilities, complimentary gin and tonic, but some maintenance issues observed.
Superb location overlooking the estuary with easy access to the town and beautiful coastline, but parking can be challenging.
Magnificent dining experiences with first-class service, but some guests found the food to be expensive and underwhelming at times.
If you’re going to Salcombe for the beach, you won’t ever regret it. Salcombe is a beautiful coastal town that features beaches with clear turquoise waters and golden sands. The town is also famous for its scenic coastal views and countryside vibe. For families, you can have the best time at the South Sands and North Sands beaches, where you can swim without worries. As for accommodation, they have the Salcombe Harbour Hotel. It is a waterfront hotel that features a world-class spa that features five treatment rooms. The rooms here are also equally superb and so comfortable that you will instantly fall asleep the moment your head touches the bed.
Harbour Hotel & Spa Salcombe
Address: Cliff Road
25.17 km (15.7 mi) from Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
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4. Benderloch (from USD 498)
A lovely village in Argyll and Bute in Scotland, Benderloch is one great holiday destination no matter the time of the year. One of the most famous attractions here is the Barcaldine Castle, which is an early 17th-century historic tower house that has a beautiful view of Glencoe’s snowcapped mountains. Other points of interest include Ardchattan Priory Garden and the Scottish Sea Life & Marine Sanctuary. One of the best accommodation this village can offer you is the Isle of Eriska Hotel Spa & Golf. The hotel offers luxury rooms, an on-site restaurant, and a world-class spa.
Isle of Eriska Hotel Spa & Island
Address: Isle of Eriska
689.64 km (428.6 mi) from Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
5. Saint Mawes (from USD 391)
Luxury pricing with exceptional value for the stunning location and top-notch service.
Beautifully decorated rooms, beach towels, and sun hats available for guests, but some variation in room quality and storage space.
Stunning views over the bay, seaside resort with plenty of activities, and a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
Exceptional fine dining with freshly prepared and delicious breakfast, but limited menu choices and repetitive options for longer stays.
A charming village that was once a fishing port, Saint Mawes is famous for being the setting of a television show named Poldark. But aside from that, this village has beaches that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, boating, and the like. Also, you’ll find here many galleries, lovely shops, recreation grounds, and more. One of the most visited attractions here is the St. Mawes Castle, an English castle built in the 16th century. If you’re looking for an accommodation with sea views, then you have to book Idle Rocks Hotel. It is features modern rooms that are individually decorated and has standard features such as a flat-screen television, vintage radio, Cornish tea, and coffee-making facilities.
The Idle Rocks
Address: Harbourside
105.99 km (65.9 mi) from Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
6. Rye (from USD 302)
A medieval town in the United Kingdom, Rye is a charming place to visit. It will make you feel like you’re living during the time of Shakespeare. It is like a town straight from a fairytale, with streets and places like Watchbell Lane, Wish Street, and Mermaid Street. You’ll be asking yourself, are you in one? One of the must-visit attractions here is the Rye Castle Museum, where you’ll learn about the town’s nine centuries of history. If you’re looking for accommodation, the best hotel we can recommend is the Gallivant Hotel. It features elegant and comfortable rooms that feature luxury toiletries and offers complimentary homemade biscuits.
The Gallivant
Address: New Lydd Road
313.0 km (194.5 mi) from Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
7. Torquay (from USD 246)
A seaside resort town in England, Torquay is famous for its beaches like Babbacombe and cliffside Oddicombe, making it a perfect holiday destination for the whole family. But aside from the beach, you should also visit Torquay Harbor for its numerous dining options, quirky shops, cute cafes, and more. Another interesting attraction is the Torre Abbey, a monastery which features art galleries and a beautiful garden. As for the accommodation, you should get a room at the Cary Arms. It is a hotel that offers modern rooms, sea views, and barbecue facilities. Free wi-fi is also available connecting you with family and friends, wherever they may be.
Cary Arms & Spa
Address: Beach Road
7.7 km (4.8 mi) from Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
8. Mawgan Porth (from USD 484)
Located in North Cornwall, Mawgan Porth is a peaceful and small settlement in between Newquay and Padstow. It features a quiet sandy beach that sits at the foot of the cliffs. It is a popular destination for families who are looking to have more time to bond and to avoid the crowds. The beach here has the best sunset views and features powdery white sands, rock pools, and caves, waiting to be explored. One of the best accommodations you can book here is The Scarlet Hotel. It features comfortable rooms, an in-house restaurant, a spa, and a spectacular view of the sea.
The Scarlet Hotel
Address: Tredragon Road, Mawgan Porth
102.67 km (63.8 mi) from Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
9. New Romney (from USD 164)
Located in Kent, New Romney was once a seaport and now is more than a mile away from the seafront. Though it changed a lot, the old appeal of the place still lingers, which you can see in its quaint streets which features many small and charming shops. And when you walk around the village, you’ll find many beautiful murals on its wall that depict the ordinary life of the people who live there. As for accommodation, why not book Romney Bay House Hotel? It is a seafront hotel that offers individually styled rooms, an on-site restaurant, a bar, and free wi-fi throughout the property.
Romney Bay House Hotel
Address: Coast Road, Littlestone,New Romney, Kent
326.66 km (203.0 mi) from Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
10. Brighton & Hove (from USD 209)
A beach holiday in England tends to be cold, but with Brighton & Hove’s bohemian demeanor it will turn your vacation into something cool. With its many beaches, numerous nightspots, unique boutique hotels, and more, you’ll surely won’t run out of things to do while you’re here. As proof of its being a great party destination, there is the Royal Pavillion. It is a 19th-century party palace commissioned by the Prince Regent to showcase the Brighton’s inclination to the outlandish. In case you’re looking for a place to stay, you should book a room at the Artist Residence Brighton. It is a unique hotel that features 25 individually decorated room that contains one-of-a-kind original artworks.
Artist Residence Brighton
Address: 33 Regency Square
246.02 km (152.9 mi) from Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
Hello UK
The United Kingdom has a charm of its own that makes it a must-visit destination not only for its historical sites and castles but also for its many resort towns. In case you need help and guidance in choosing the top vacation spots in the country, check out our list of the best beach holidays in the United Kingdom.
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