The UK may have seen a damp start to the summer, but temperatures are set to rocket, so there will be plenty of opportunity to spend time in the glorious sunshine this summer.
Despite popular opinion, the UK is home to some spectacular stretches of sand, perfect for topping up that tan. Take a look at what we consider to be Britain’s top ten beaches.
South of England
Bournemouth Beach
Regularly named the best beach in Britain and one of the top five in Europe, Bournemouth’s beach has everything. Stretching seven miles beneath a dramatic cliff line, this beach provides some of the most stunning views in the UK. On a clear day it’s even possible to see as far as the Isle of Wight!
Although undoubtedly more popular during the summer months, many people flock to this beach all year-round, to enjoy surfing, coastline walks and strolls along the pier.
Porthcurno, Penzance
Found in the far west corner of Cornwall, this idyllic beach is slightly more isolated and therefore a little tricky to find. However, its unspoilt white sand, picturesque turquoise waters and unique rock formations are worth the lengthy drive.
Be aware that the beach’s remote nature means you’ll need to come prepared, so pack a picnic, plenty of water and a bucket-load of sun cream!
Margate, Kent
You can’t get more quintessentially British than Margate Beach. Think fish and chips on the beach, more ice cream vans than you can shake a stick at and a plethora of arcade games.
With its sweeping bay, white-washed cliffs and easy rail connections, Margate Beach has become a popular haunt for Londoners and is perfect for a day trip or weekend away.
North of England
Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland
Plenty of beaches can offer large open bays with majestic waves that crash over miles of sandy shoreline, so what makes Bamburgh Beach stand out above the rest?
Well, Bamburgh’s unique feature is its 12th century castle which stands proudly behind the beach. The beach itself has a good mixture of firm sand – perfect for sandcastle building! – as well as a section of large rocky terrain, ideal for a spot of rock pooling.
Formby, Lancashire
Hemmed in by strikingly tall sand dunes on one side, and the Irish Sea on the other, Formby Beach is perfect for anyone searching for a secluded spot. As well as soaking up the sun, there’s also plenty to explore here. The soft rock along the coastline is often eroded by the tides to reveal prehistoric footprints from both humans and animals.
If you’re feeling brave enough, you can even scale the largest sand dune for incredible views over to the mountains of Cumbria.
Wales
Rhossilli Bay, Rhossilli
Another beach often named among Europe’s finest is Rhossilli Bay. Its three miles of golden sand and remote location give you the feeling of being in a completely different country.
The beach is accessed via steps that wind through stunning sand dunes to a beautiful open bay at the bottom. For any surfing enthusiasts, Rhossilli Bay is a must-visit – you may even end up riding along with the dolphins that regularly play in the shallows here!
At low tide, take a walk over to the small tidal island, the Worms Head, or explore the remains of old, aged shipwrecks.
Three Cliffs Bay, Swansea
Due to its worldwide fame, Rhossilli Bay always draws a huge crowd. For a quieter, and by no means inferior, alternative, head thirty minutes around the corner to Three Cliffs Bay.
As the name suggests, the key feature here is the beach’s three limestone cliffs which jut out into the rolling sea. If this wasn’t enough to convince you to visit, there’s also a natural stream that cuts through the middle of the bay, adding further intrigue to the area’s rugged natural beauty.
Scotland
Aberdeen Beach, Aberdeen
It’s rare to come across an urban beach without a buzz of arcade machines in the background and the smell of over-priced fish and chips in the air. However, this three-kilometre stretch of beach manages to retain its natural beauty while still having an air of city charm.
Expect to see bottlenose dolphins here in the summer, while you can also spend time exploring the beautiful, historic, former fishing villages and dramatic granite outcrops, which are ideal for a spot of rock climbing.
Coldingham Bay, Eyemouth
If you’re after a more active day at the beach, head to Coldingham Bay. With plenty of rock pooling, surfing and coastal walks to be completed, this beach will entertain even the most active among us.
The amenities here are also surprisingly good: shower rooms, toilets and picnic facilities can all be found in sufficient numbers. For this reason, it does get busy during the summer, so arrive early to guarantee a good spot!
Sandwood Bay, Northwest Sutherland
Sandwood Bay, located in the most northwestern point of Scotland, has been recognised as one of the most beautiful but remote beaches in Britain.
Reachable only by a four-mile hike, you need to come well prepared if you want to catch a glimpse of the rugged pink sand and jagged cliffs.
Better still, there’s a freshwater lake just behind the dunes, full of catchable brown trout, should you want to go for the full survival experience.
