Best 10 Beautiful Beaches In United Kingdom

Irene
Contributing Writer
Published
| 5 min read
beautiful beaches in the uk

There is nothing better than spending your vacation exploring all the streets of the United Kingdom. From discovering new places to exploring the numerous attractions to tasting their unique cuisine, there is so much to do in the UK. Enjoying a day at the beach should be at the top of the list. Both tourists and locals love spending their time on the beach thanks to the several activities that one can participate in including surfing, swimming and building sandcastles. If you are planning for a visit any time soon check out the best and most beautiful beaches in United Kingdom

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1. Saunton Sands

Saunton D-Day preparations have been taking place on the beach today, ready for this weekend! Who's coming down?

Posted by Saunton Beach, Devon on Friday, 14 June 2019

Located on the North Devon coast only five minutes’ drive from Braunton, Saunton Sands is a beach well known for its longboard surfing opportunities. Tourist travel from all over the corners of the globe just to experience the 3 miles (4.8 kilometres) of golden sand which are backed by one of the most unique dune systems in the United Kingdom. The beauty of the beach does not stop at the sand dunes. Saunton Sands is also bounded to the south by a combination of estuaries of the river Taw and Torridge. Saunton is also a pet-friendly beach making it the perfect destination to enjoy your holiday with your entire family.

Saunton Sands

Website: Saunton Sands

Price: Free

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2. West Wittering Beach

Posted by West Wittering Beach on Friday, 22 July 2016

Featuring amazing views of Chichester Harbour, this sandy beach has grown to be one of the most preferred destinations. The West Wittering Beach area is internationally recognized for its surfing opportunities, for its wildlife, birds and unique beauty. The beach also boasts an extensive area of well-mown grass located close to the beach perfect for picnics and parking. While you are here, please make sure you follow instructions given by the trained and dedicated staff whose main job is to protect this environment, and also to give the visitors a warm welcome.

West Wittering Beach

Address: Pound Rd, West Wittering, Chichester PO20 8AJ, United Kingdom

Website: West Wittering Beach

Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)

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3. Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Harris

Drive to Luskentyre beach... almost there!
Source: Photo by user Jenni Douglas used under CC BY 2.0

Located in a small town at the end of a minor single-track road in the north side of Traigh Luskentyre, Luskentyre Beach is arguably one of the largest and most spectacular beaches of all the Harris beaches. This amazing award-winning beach stretches more than 3 miles (4.8 kilometres) long and it boasts birdlife such as long-tailed ducks, oystercatchers, eiders, red-breasted mergansers, and red-throated divers. Any frequent visitor to Luskentyre beach will tell you that the beach looks different every time you visit. One day you will see huge waves while on the other the sea will be a calm aquamarine blue. It does not matter what weather you find at Luskentyre Beach, what is guaranteed is that the white golden sands which are set against the background of the Harris mountains will amaze you. Perfect spot for a photo session.

Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Harri

Address: Harris, Isle of Harris HS3 3HL, United Kingdom

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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4. Botany Bay, Kent

Botany-bay-kent-east
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Le Deluge used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Whenever you are in the United Kingdom, you cannot miss out on the opportunity of exploring this hidden gem located at the Isle of Thanet. This award-winning beach offers more than 200 meters (656.2 feet) of golden sand and it also features stunning cliffs and rock pools. Close to the beach, visitors are also treated with an abundance of attractions such as Bleak House, the Dickens House Museum and the Crampton Tower Museum. In addition to the amazing attractions, guests will always find something to do in Broadstairs, from the week-long festivals to Broadstairs Food Festival which is normally hosted in October.

Botany Bay, Kent

Address: Marine Dr, Broadstairs CT10 3LG, United Kingdom

Opening hours: 8am - 11pm (daily)

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5. Compton Beach, Newport

Beach volleyball courts at Huntington Beach (23291850261)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Tracie Hall used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Compton Beach is the perfect destination for families looking for a place to enjoy sparkling waters, soft sands, and amazing activates such as dinosaur footprint hunting. From surfing in the summers to taking a wild winter hike along the beach, Compton Bay’s fossil-rich cliffs and the coastal views will provide a wonderful backdrop and an amazing geological history that stretches back millions of years. Compton Bay is also home to a great number of butterflies including the Island’s own Glanville fritillary. It is also a pet-friendly area, so bring your dog along and watch them chase the butterflies.

Compton Beach, Newport

Address: Newport PO30 4HB, United Kingdom

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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6. Blackpool Sands, Dartmouth

Blackpool Sands, Devon - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user BarnabyKirsen used under CC BY 3.0

Situated in an unspoilt bay amongst evergreens and pines only 3 miles (4.8 kilometres) west of Dartmouth, Blackpool Sands is a beautiful beach preferred by many travellers as a holiday destination. There is so much to do at Blackpool Sand especially during the summer when you will find a bathing raft, sandpits, paddleboards and kayaks for hire, and a restaurant serving a wide range of both hot and cold food. At Blackpool Sands, there is something for everyone. Please note that pets are not permitted on the beach but ample car parking is provided. The beach also has a café that remains open every day.

Blackpool Sands, Dartmouth

Address: Blackpool, Dartmouth TQ6 0RG, United Kingdom

Website: Blackpool Sands, Dartmouth

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7. Walberswick Beach, Southwold

28.10.17 1 Southwold and Walberswick 154
Source: Photo by user Donald Judge used under CC BY 2.0

Walberswick is a delightful coastal village. It is a destination highly regarded by travellers who look forward to experiencing Walberswick’s culture, its unspoilt dunes, the beach and its charm in general. The beach at Walberswick is located only 5 minutes’ walk from the village and a 10-minute walk in the opposite direction takes you to Walberswick Nature Reserve. Walberswick’s beach might be less beautified than the Pier Beach at Southwold but it is closer to the town and is backed by dunes. The water is nice and shallow making it the perfect destination for young families. Also, unlike most beaches in Southwold, Walberswick’s beach is pet-friendly all year round.

Walberswick Beach, Southwold

Address: Southwold IP18 6ND, United Kingdom

Website: Walberswick Beach, Southwold

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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8. Studland Beach

Studland Beach (2595)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Nilfanion used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Rated as the fourth-best beach in the UK by “Which?”, Studland Beach is a 4-mile (6.4 kilometres) beach owned and managed by the National Trust. The beach features hiking trails through the sand dunes and woodlands where you will be able to explore several wildlife species such as deer, birds, and insects as a wealth of wildflowers. Besides exploring the wildlife, guests at Studland has a wide variety of sports to enjoy including slacklining, beach volleyball, kayaking, snorkelling, paddle boarding and sailing or powerboat trips. Studland Beach is pet-friendly but restrictions are applied during summers. A parking space is also provided by the National Trust.

Studland Beach

Address: Beach Rd, Studland, Swanage BH19 3AX, United Kingdom

Website: Studland Beach

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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9. Portstewart Strand

Portstewart Strand
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user The Boy that time... used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Make most of your holiday and get down on the beach at Portstewart Strand. Even though surfing and swimming are the most popular activities at Portstewart Strand, visitors also get to enjoy stunning views and historic sites such as the White Rocks outside Portrush, the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. The best thing about the Portstewart Strand is that its features can be enjoyed in all weathers. Prepare a picnic lunch, park the car onto the sand and enjoy the day watching your kids playing games or building sandcastles as you relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Portstewart Strand

Address: 118 Strand Road, Portstewart BT55 7PG, Northern Ireland

Website: Portstewart Strand

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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10. Rhossili Bay Beach

Rhossili beach
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user [Unknown] used under CC BY-SA 2.5

Rhossili Bay has a famous beach featuring 3 miles (4.8 kilometres) of sandy shore and Worms Head, a popular tourist attraction in Gower. Those who are into watersport and surfing can benefit from the Atlantic swell while those who love building sandcastle will benefit from the fine golden sand. In addition to the activities that you can participate in while you are here, you will love the incomparable views which can be enjoyed from any of the many hiking routes; you may even see some seals or dolphins playing. Please note that Rhossili Bay can only be accessed through the step from the village but unfortunately there is no access by wheelchair.

Rhossili Bay Beach

Address: Rhossili, Swansea SA3 1PR, United Kingdom

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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Come, relax and enjoy your vacation in the United Kingdom

If you are looking forward to creating an unforgettable vacation in the United Kingdom, then you will be glad to know that there is an abundance of beaches where you can enjoy watersports, castle building or just the views. Check them out above and enjoy your stay.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Irene Mwikali is a graduate student in Kenya who has a passion for travelling and exploring the world. Currently, her love for travel has taken her to several destinations including South Africa,...Read more

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