Best Beaches in the UK to Visit in 2024

The United Kingdom is famed for royal heritage, gorgeous castles, dynamic townships, and vast countryside. But this European destination is a cluster of islands surrounded by the English Channel on the south, the North Sea on the East and the North Atlantic Ocean on the West. The result is that the countries in the United Kingdom are blessed with sprawling dramatic shorelines and beaches. For anyone with a UK visit visa, getting the taste of its regal heritage and the city and countryside vibes is an absolute must-do, but don’t ignore the sandy shores to spend some time basking in the sun at sublime UK beaches. The destination seems undermined when it comes to its beaches but it offers some of the most picturesque shores in Western European countries. Here are some of the finest UK beaches to check out on a UK trip.

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Seven Sisters, England

These breathtaking cliffs and beaches are probably familiar to you from popular English movies. One of the most photogenic spots in the UK is definitely the Seven Sisters coastline in Sussex, England. They are bordered by a series of stunning chalky white eroding cliffsides and powdered sandy beaches that taper into gentle waters. Although Seven Sister has stunning beach coastlines, it is better recognised for its serene wilderness than as a beach getaway. The stark contrast of colours with the calm surroundings is a pleasing picture. The seven sister cliffs, which extend from River Cuckmere to Eastbourne, are so named because of the beautiful seven crests that erosion has sculpted over time. There are many hiking trails nearby, and the waters are often calm throughout the year, making kayaking and paddle boarding enjoyable. Birdwatchers will love this place for its wonderful variety of bird species. The area is a fantastic location for stargazing at night.

Holkham Beach, Norfolk, England

With good reason, this Norfolk seaside gem indeed is frequently named among the best sandy spots in the United Kingdom—it truly feels like a world apart from civilization. Huge and exposed to the wind, it has grassy nature reserve behind it with great walking trails that are sure to clear your mind. The pinewoods are also an excellent place to observe wildlife and flora, including colorful birds and gorgeous orchids.

Whitby Sands, North Yorkshire, England

The charming, mysterious, and occasionally melancholic Whitby Sands, a gem in northern England, is also a must-see. Come summertime, it is busy, windy, and wild, but that is all part of the charm. Though most come here for the battered cod from Magpie Café and Mr. Whippy (soft-serve ice cream with chocolate stick in the cone), it was the gothic backdrop for Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.”

Barafundle Bay Beach, Wales

Located in Pembrokeshire, Wales, Barafundle Bay Beach is a stunning location where you can enjoy sublime moments with the sea breeze and refreshing scenery. The beach is rather remote and only approachable on foot, offering a sense of the Caribbean vibes without the crowds. If you walk down the Coast way from Stackpole or Broad Haven South, you will be greeted with a sense of tranquility and a stunning vista of rocky high cliffs, pristine sandy beaches, and the vast blue oceans. Since there are no facilities due to the area’s remoteness, you will need to pack everything you need for your beach vacation. This is one of the most isolated, uncrowded UK beaches where you can relax and unwind while surrounded by natural beauty.

Three Cliffs Bay, Wales

This beach is the perfect place to practice your gallop if you enjoy riding horses. The craggy Three Cliffs Bay, widely considered as one amid Britain’s most beautiful beaches, will undoubtedly make you fall head over heels for the Welsh coast. Better yet, because of the dunes—which are well worth that strenuous hike—it is peaceful all year round.

Kynance Cove, Cornwall

This boasts a unique landscape of islets, sand dunes, and sea stacks, making it a leading contender for finest UK beach and a highly photographed spot on Cornish coast. It is especially lovely in the spring when bluebells covers the nearby nature reserve and cheery yellow blooms start to sprout. However, the Lizard peninsula is a well-liked location for swimming and tanning in the summer, when lots of people come here to take advantage of the stunning blue waters.

Fistral Beach, England

This beach, which is located on Cornwall’s north coast, is sure to get a spell-binding reaction from tourists. The expansive shoreline of Fistral Beach with its golden sand and crystal-clear waters is perfect for a day out in the sun and sea for locals and tourists alike. Surfing is Fistral Beach’s main draw. It receives enormous and consistent Atlantic swells as a result of its west-facing location, creating massive waves that are ideal for surfing. The beach hosts many other festivals and events in addition to significant international surfing competitions. On the beach, you can arrange surf lessons or rent equipment to show off your surfing talents. At the peak of the surfing season, thousands of surfers compete in major UK surf tournaments such as Famous Night Surf and National Surf Championships. If surfing isn’t your thing, simply soak up the sun and cool yourself in the gorgeous waters.

Pelistry Bay, Isles of Scilly

Like most beaches that make up the archipelago, Pelistry Bay is located on St Mary’s, a part of the Scilly Isles, and it features white sands, stunning greenery, and clear waters. It is a very secluded location, so if you visit at the most opportune time, you should be capable to find a complete abandoned beach to yourself, with an amiable café only a small stroll away.

Porthcurno, Cornwall, England

This beach has won plentiful accolades. Nestled in Cornwall’s westernmost region, this UK beach is an admired summer destination for its renowned fine white sand as well as turquoise water. The lofty cliffs on either end give shelter for the beach, making it a relaxed place for spending the day lounging in sun.

Scarista Beach, Scotland

Scotland’s breathtaking natural scenery is a must-see for anyone with a UK visit visa. One of the best beaches in the UK and a well-liked destination in Scotland is Scarista Beach, which is situated on the Isle of Harris and has a view of the Atlantic Ocean. You cannot help but be mesmerised by the hues of the nearby green hills, turquoise water, and white sand beaches. A simple stroll or a plunge in the cold waters will refresh you and make you want to linger here for a while. Ceapabhal’s peak offers numerous vantage points for postcard-perfect views. In Scarista Village, you have modest food and lodging options, as well as a secluded, solitary vibe that feels off the grid and cut off from everything .

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Durdle Door Beach, England

The Durdle Boor Beach is one of the country’s most photographed beaches, located on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site in Dorset, England. More than sun, sand, and sea await you at this beach. The beach is encircled by a rocky cliff that tapers and juts into the water. Over time, waves crashing over the cliffs created a naturally occurring hollow arc of hard limestone. The beach features picturesque walk routes and viewpoints, making it one of the top places in the UK to take some Instagram-worthy photos.

Cullen Beach, Moray, Scotland

Charming Cullen Beach is tucked away behind “Three Kings Rocs” and appears to be straight out of a movie. One of the best beaches in the UK for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages, this one is situated next to the Cullen Golf Course and offers easy access to multitude of coastal walks. Cullen Beach also offers breathtaking views of Cullen Bay, where tourists can see Moray dolphins and the distinctive rock formations that give the beach its special charm. Ice cream vendors open shop on the edges of beaches during the summer, making them the ideal place to treat yourself to something sweet after rock pooling or surfing. Resting within easy reach of Cullen Harbour are the village’s eateries and sights. This beach makes for an idyllic day out and is a great addition to this list of best beaches.

Saundersfoot Beach, Pembrokeshire

It is hardly surprising that this Pembrokeshire beach, which won the 2021 Blue Flag Beach Award, is included in the UK’s top beaches! You could easily spend a day beachcombing or tanning here because of the wide, sandy shores that, even at high tide, still provide lots of space to relax. The beach is ideal for people who love water sports because of its shallow water, so you can take pleasure in canoeing & windsurfing along this gorgeous stretch of coast. The World Rowing Coastal Championships and other wonderful events are held at the busy harbor that the beach backs onto.

Rhossili Beach, Wales

Rhossili Beach in Wales is a serene stretch of sandy shores flanked by turquoise waters on one side and dramatic green hills on the other. It is ranked among the world’s quaintest, cleanest beaches. This beach is known as one of the best dog-friendly beaches in the UK, and it also draws surfers from all over Wales due to its massive swells, which make the waves worth surfing on.

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Achmelvich Beach, Scotland

Achmelvich Beach, located in Northwest Scotland, is a hidden beach paradise that enchants you with its brilliant blue waters and bright sandy shores. The water and surrounding vistas are ideal for a sun-kissed, barefoot beach escape. Fishing, windsurfing, waterskiing, and kayaking are all activities that one would enjoy. The surrounding areas have wonderful nature trails for a relaxing nature walk. There are many more beaches in the UK where you can bury your feet in warm sand or dip your toes in the water. But when it comes to peaceful charms and breathtaking scenery, these five UK beaches are a head turner. Add one to your trip to the UK and take in the idyllic scenery as well.

Best Beaches in the UK – The Britain Beach Guide