The 34 best beaches in the UK, from sandy bays to sun traps

Best for Windswept bliss on one of the most tranquil beaches on the western coast.

I might be biased because I’m born and raised Scottish, but you really can’t do much better than Camusdarach. This rugged coastline boasts one of the cleanest beaches on the western coast, with a crescent of pillow-soft white sand hugged by clear-blue waters and framed by dramatic, jagged rocks. Sure, there’s not a lot in the way of facilities, but the nearby town of Morar (an eight-minute drive) offers home comforts in the way of cafés, restaurants and hotels. Drive a little further north to Mallaig where The Jacobite steam train (as seen in the Harry Potter movies) calls by. Have a meal in the old dining cars or even stay over in the restored carriages.

Need to know Bring a picnic – there are no facilities here, save for a small car park.

Get there Closest train station is Morar, a 10-minute drive away.  

Stay here There’s no TV, no wi-fi and no phone at The Wee Lodge – and they make no apologies for it. What it does have is a cosy double bed, the sound of the birds singing and a stunning view of Loch Morar. Set on the grounds of a working farm, this secluded hideaway is the perfect place to switch off and recharge your batteries.

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Best for Feeling a million miles away from civilisation.

Easily one of the best-looking beaches in the UK, Holkham would be flooded with visitors if it were just that little bit closer to London – or, like, anywhere. It’s surrounded by a massive nature reserve of pinewoods and salt marsh, full of orchids, sea lavender and rare birds: this is the only place besides the Tower of London that I’ve ever spotted a raven. The beach itself is an enormous sandy stretch dotted with dunes, and backed all around by pine-covered ridges. Depending on where the tide is, it’s at least a half-hour’s walk from the car park to the shoreline, and you really can’t see anything along the way but nature, sea and sky. Oh, and maybe the odd film crew: Holkham has deservedly starred in many a movie (Shakespeare in Love, for one) and pop videos including All Saints’ big tune ‘Pure Shores’.

Need to know The car park and Lookout Café (with toilets) are operated by Holkham Hall. For more facilities, drive or walk up to the Hall itself, where you’ll also find a play area, café and museum, as well as a massive deer park for yet more scenic strolls.

Get there The closest train station is Sheringham, a 45-minute drive away. It’s linked by bus to Wells-next-the-Sea, whose (also very nice) beach connects with Holkham.

Stay here The perfectly polished Victoria Inn has 20 rooms with a posh contemporary-cottage feel. Live your best life and stroll through the walled rose gardens, dine in the restaurant for fresh shellfish with samphire from the Holkham coastline, or walk the few minutes to the golden sands of the beach.

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Best for Surfer dudes and Potterheads

Freshwater West is potentially the most stunning place in the world when the sun is shining. So for three days of the year, it reigns supreme. The surfer’s beach has all the waves of an Aussie spot and doesn't come with a Jaws warning.

It’s also where Dobby the house elf is laid to rest. A makeshift shrine has been erected on the sand, with socks and pebbles decorated with Harry Potter references paying tribute to the little guy. Just make sure to respect the space or risk the wrath of pilgrimaging Potterheads.

Get there The 387 and 388 bus passes by the beach, or it’s a 35 min drive from Milford Haven train station. 

Stay here The Globe House is a little hotel in the Pembrokeshire countryside where can you rent the whole place or just a room, and it’s less than a 10 minute drive from Freshwater West. 

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Best for Breathtaking rambles through the dramatic cliffs of the Gower Peninsula.

Remote but by no means overlooked, Rhossili Bay has a list of accolades longer than its sandy shore, with titles like ‘best beach in Europe’ and ‘top ten beaches in the world’ among its plaudits. One visit here and it’s easy to see why – the steep, winding walk down to the coast from Rhossili village is stunning, with panoramic views over three miles of golden sand, and on clear days, to the coastline of North Devon. The beach itself is all about the unspoilt nature, but there are facilities nearby: visit the National Trust shop and visitor centre near the village, or pop into the Bay Bistro for homemade soups and sandwiches if you’ve forgotten your packed lunch.

Need to know Dog-friendly all year round.

Get there Closest train station is Gowerton, a 37-minute drive away. 

Stay here The views from The Worm’s Head Hotel are so staggering, you’ll barely notice the dated decor. We’re not fussed about a few mad carpets when every room has a view over the cliffs of Rhossili Bay. Take advantage of the view with their restaurant’s cliff-top terrace – bagsy a table and settle in for some proper pub grub.

Best for Famous Five-style adventuring on the Lizard Peninsula.

With its white sand, clear blue waters and dramatic rock formations, it’s easy to see why Kynance Cove is one of Cornwall’s most photographed. It almost vanishes at high tide, but time it right and the retreating waves will reveal a thrilling network of coves and caves with names like the Ladies Bathing Pool and the Drawing Room. The walk down from the car park is steep and takes about ten minutes, so go carefully – reward yourself at the bottom with crab sandwiches from the much-loved Kynance Cove Café. 

Need to know Coming in summer? It gets seriously busy, and the National Trust car park is often full before 11am – get there early to be sure of bagging a spot. Dogs aren’t allowed between Easter and September. 

Get there You’ll definitely need a car for this one – it’s just under an hour’s drive from Penzance. 

Stay here Right next to the Kynance Cove Café is a cosy cottage that sleeps four. It’s decorated in soothing seaside shades, there’s a wood-burning stove and the garden has its own picnic bench – what more could you ask for?

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Best for Making more sandcastles than you can shake a spade at.

One of north Devon’s best-loved hangouts, Woolacombe is a beast of a beach with miles of uninterrupted golden sand – get into epic sandcastle-building and play hide and seek at the dunes. A favourite with surfers and families, this beautiful bay also has rock pools for kids to explore. Grab some grub from the seaside cafés, or head to nearby Ilfracombe for a more substantial bite to eat. 

Need to know There’s a lifeguard service during busy periods (check dates here).

Get there Closest train station is Barnstaple, a 30-minute drive away. 

Stay here Set in an old Edwardian building perched on the quiet end of Woolacombe Bay, the Watersmeet Hotel offers glorious views over the sea to Lundy Island. There’s a pool on-site, but guests are more likely to use the private steps to Combesgate Beach. It’s pitted with rockpools and rarely gets busy.

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Best for Channelling your inner Grace Darling on a boat trip to the Farnes.

It can get canny chilly on the northeastern coast of England, which probably explains why its long stretches of gorgeous coastline have been criminally overlooked by holiday-goers. Bamburgh’s pristine 1.5-mile-long white sand beach is one of the area’s best, and sits beneath a mighty eleventh-century castle that was recently used as a filming location for the latest Indiana Jones. The area is also ideal for boat trips to the Farne Islands just off the coast – here you can spot seals, puffins and maybe even dolphins, while the pretty medieval village and the RNLI’s Grace Darling Museum are also worth exploring.

Need to know Though the world’s first lifeboat was developed and tested at Bamburgh, there’s actually no coastguard on the beach these days.

Get there Closest station is Chathill.

Stay here Coastal Retreats have several lovely holiday cottages in the area, including the Bamburgh Coach House, an airy two-bedroom conversion a mile down the road from the village. There’s a spacious garden and the bedrooms have excellent sea views. 

Best for Braving the chill for a sheltered dip in crystal-clear waters.

Yet another award-winning beach for Wales, Barafundle Bay caught the globe’s attention when it was named among the best in the world. After walking the pretty half-mile route from Stackpole Quay, visitors will find a picture-perfect beach, where small turquoise waves lap up against a crescent of sand. The sheltered cove is the perfect swimming spot, while the Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers more routes for the keen rambler. For refreshments with an added feel-good factor, visit the tea room at the Stackpole Walled Gardens (a ten-minute drive away). This community garden and farm provides work experience and training to people with learning disabilities.

Need to know Bring everything you need and take it back with you – there are no facilities on site. And be sure to check the tide times and leave in plenty of time to avoid getting stranded.

Get there Closest train station is Lamphey, a 13-minute drive away. 

Stay here If picturesque country pubs are your vibe, book a room at The Stackpole Inn. Downstairs, the restaurant is warmed by a log fire and serves the likes of Welsh-reared steaks with locally sourced produce. Upstairs, bedrooms are modern and cosy and include an unmissable traditional Welsh breakfast. 

Best for Frolicking on a subtropical beach with barely another soul to be seen.

This next beach will take some determination to reach, but it’s so worth it. Located on the Isles of Scilly – an unspoilt archipelago off the coast of Cornwall – Pentle Bay is a secluded stretch of bright white sand lapped by glassy-blue waters. The beauty of this coastline hasn’t gone unnoticed, and the beach was named among the top four under-the-radar beaches in the world by the Wall Street Journal. Despite this, it’s still generally quiet – maybe it’s the chilly water that does the trick.

Need to know The nearest toilets are a ten-minute walk away at Abbey Gardens.

Get there It’s a 30-minute flight from Newquay to the Isles of Scilly, then roughly 20 minutes by boat from St Mary’s to Tresco, then a 25-minute walk to Pentle Bay. (Trust us, you won’t regret it.)

Stay here On the opposite side of the island, but still only a 20-minute walk away from Pentle Bay, The New Inn is a cut above your average pub, with an AA Rosette-awarded restaurant and modern, comfortable rooms, some with their own sun terrace overlooking the swimming pool. 

Best for Windswept walks with an ice-cream lunch.

Just a few minutes’ walk from the idyllic former fishing town of Whitby, Whitby Sands offers a perfect British seaside setting, with bright beach huts, a beautiful stretch of white sand and miles of the big blue. The battered cod is so good at Magpie Café there are often queues snaking down the street. And if you haven’t been to Fortune’s Kippers, have you even been to Whitby? These fish fans have been smoking scales for more than 139 years, and a bloody good job they do too. Buy a smoked kipper for the road from their shop across the bridge from Whitby beach.

Need to know Dogs are not allowed in the summer.

Get there Closest train station is Whitby. 

Stay here It’s unlikely you’ll come across anything like La Rosa elsewhere in the UK, let alone in Whitby. A former haunt of Lewis Carroll when he visited the seaside, the hotel has embraced the ‘Alice in Wonderland’ theme, adapting it for a grown-up audience with whimsical decor in each room. Breakfast is delivered to your door in a hamper and is best consumed beneath your quilt.

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Best for Rolling your trousers up and splashing through the shallows.

Camber Sands is so wide and golden you’ll be transported to other shores. In fact, this Arabian-looking beach has been used for a number of desert film locations, including Carry On Follow That Camel. The sandy shore stretches for almost five miles before it starts to turn into shingles towards the eastern end. From the western side, it’s four miles to the pretty town of Rye, where cobbled streets, proper pubs and rickety old houses make for a charming day trip.

Need to know Dogs on a lead are allowed on the beach, although there are restricted zones from May to September.

Get there Closest train station is Rye, a 12-minute drive away. 

Stay here The duneside boutique hotel The Gallivant’s restaurant sources virtually all of its ingredients from within a ten-mile radius. Residents of the 20 bedrooms can lounge by log fires, read in the book-lined snug, or prop up the bar – which is dog-friendly, by the way.

Best for A bangin’ breakfast served while you look at the best view in Devon.

The small entry fee for Blackpool Sands is worth it for a spotlessly clean coastline despite a high number of visitors, while families will appreciate the modern and well-equipped facilities. The wide pebble beach is one of the cleanest in Devon and is sheltered by pine trees and evergreens, while rocks at the far corners provide shade. Feeling brave? Visitors can hire kayaks by the hour.

Need to know The entry sadly is not free, but it does change depending on the season – call 01803 771800 for up-to-date prices. Barbecues are allowed after 5pm.

Get there Closest train station is Totnes, a 30-minute drive away. 

Stay here Views don’t get much more stunning than those at Gara Rock. The secluded hotel and restaurant is perched on the coastline just 30 minutes by car from Blackpool Sands. Inside, the artsy decor features grand open fires, cosy seating areas with sheepskins and board games. The kitchen celebrates local produce including Dartmouth kippers, vegetables from its onsite allotment and locally foraged ingredients. 

Best for Riding the salty waves on a surfboard.

You’ll find big waves at this lively bay, which makes it a magnet for surfers and thrill-seekers. The family-friendly spot is buzzing with extreme sports activities all year round; take surf lessons from Extreme Academy, or just spectate from your deckchair on the two-mile-long sandy shoreline. Events take place throughout the year. And dog owners can rejoice – there’s no seasonal ban and pooches are always welcome.

Need to know Lifeguards are on watch during peak periods (check here for dates).

Get there Closest train station is Newquay, a 10-minute drive away. 

Stay here Set slap-bang in the middle of the beach, the family-run Watergate Bay Hotel is the beating heart of the bay. The second generation of owners took over in 2004, and the 69-room hotel saw an £8 million redevelopment, transforming it into a hub of activity and relaxation. Expect luxury rooms with beach-chic decor (some featuring freestanding baths with sea views) and a jam-packed events programme. 

Best for Porpoise-spotting from the pristine shoreline.

One of the most dazzling beaches in the Hebrides, even on a cloudy day Scarista Beach is breathtaking – visit in the sunshine and you’ll struggle to pull yourself away from the sugary-soft sand and inviting water. Despite its remote location, there are some top foodie trips nearby. Pop into Scarista House, the Georgian manor set on the edge of the sand for a fancy afternoon tea, or drive ten minutes south to The Temple Café, a cute, hand-built stone-and-timber café with a counter full of tempting cakes.    

Need to know There’s no signage or parking, but that helps to keep this hidden paradise safe from the majority of tourists.

Get there One hour 25-minute bus ride from Stornoway.

Stay here For dramatic views, starry skies and cosy fires, book a stay at the Oran Na Mara. Perched to the north of Scarista beach, its curved walls make the most of the azure sea views with floor-to-ceiling windows, and winter offers a chance to see the Northern Lights from its secluded patio area.

Best for Splashing about in the beautifully clear rock pools.

The distant peaks of the Yr Eifl (Rival Mountains) form a stunning backdrop to this beach on the remote North Coast of the Llŷn Peninsula. Sheltered by low cliffs, the sandy beach is a great sun trap, has beautifully clear waters and is dotted with excellent rock pools. The historic Coch Inn is part of a small cluster of buildings at the head of the beach and does classic pub grub.

Need to know Parking is available at a nearby National Trust car park. There is no coastguard on site.

Stay here With a charming nautical theme befitting its history, the Old Boat Store is a cosy self-catered apartment offering fabulous sea views. It sleeps five across the main Captain’s Room and the bunk bed-filled Crew Room and features open-plan living space and a small gravel yard (complete with BBQ).

Best for Traversing the most beautiful corner of the South West Coast Path.

Around 10,000 years ago, water broke through a stack of rocks on the Jurassic Coast and started to create one of the most stunning formations in the UK. Now, Durdle Door is a spectacular archway that frames the crystal-clear waters beyond. The rock formation is best paired with a visit to nearby Lulworth Cove. Just a 30-minute stroll on the coastal path brings you to a sheltered white pebble beach that is almost perfectly circular, offering a haven of relaxation as you watch the boats bobbing in the emerald water.

Need to know The car park can get full at peak times – cycle or arrive early to get a space during the summer months.

Get there Closest train station is Wool, a 15-minute drive away. 

Stay here Travel light and pitch up at a wooden camping pod at the Durdle Door Holiday Park. Just 200 metres from the beach, pods feature picnic tables, heating and electricity – though you’ll need to bring your own bedding.

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Best for Fresh seafood straight off the boat. 

Fishing still dominates this shingle beach; boats, nets and buoys are spread all over the pebbles. It makes for a wholesome day out for visitors, who can find their sea legs on a mackerel fishing expedition, visit the jaunty fishmongers that sits on the slipway, or just hole up in one of the stripey deck chairs on the shore. The adjacent village is charming and picturesque, but the best lunch is found at the beachfront cafe, which serves up a nostalgic menu of sandwiches (hello, prawn Marie Rose cut into triangles), ice cream and cracking views of the jagged chalk cliffs.

Need to know Everyone loves Beer. Best to visit off-season for maximum chill.

Get there Closest train station is Axminster, a 20-minute drive away.

Stay here Glebe House is the former family home of owner Hugo, and together with his wife Olive they have transformed the rural Georgian abode with a metropolitan maximalist makeover. Expect mismatched wallpaper, modern artwork and an accomplished kitchen knocking out rustic dishes and homemade charcuterie (so don’t get too attached to the cute pigs that welcome you on the way in).

Best for Hearing the ‘singing sand’... if you’re lucky.

This glorious three-mile arc of white sand is tucked away in a quiet spot on the otherwise rocky coastline around the Giant’s Causeway. Despite the popularity of Northern Ireland’s first World Heritage Site, the secluded location of the bay means it’s never too busy even during good weather. The sand on the beach is so fine that when the conditions are right you can even hear it ‘singing’, an extremely rare phenomenon where the sand particles vibrate together and emit a strange humming sound. You can also find fossils scattered around the beach, while a Neolithic cairn can be spotted among the surrounding dunes.

Need to know The beach has dangerous rip currents and isn’t safe for swimming.

Get there Nearest train station is Coleraine, from which regular buses run to the beach.

Stay here The Fullerton Arms is a clean and cosy family-run inn right on the seafront with modern minimalist rooms available for a very decent price and a great restaurant serving local mussels cooked in several ways.

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Best for Sunny picnics on the grass overlooking the sea.

Rolling grassy slopes, a long promenade, pretty beach huts, and of course, the sea: Tankerton Beach has the perfect combo, with the added bonus of Whitstable – one of the UK’s buzziest seaside towns – just a 20-minute walk away. When you’re all splashed out on the pebble beach, head into the lively town to refuel. Feast on fresh seafood at the rustic and reputable Whitstable Oyster Company, or share a bottle and mezze at the popular seafront bar JoJo’s.

Need to know Between May 1 and September 30, it’s a dog-free zone.

Get there Closest train station is Whitstable.

Stay here With the beach literally on its doorstep, The Marine Hotel is the seaside retreat dreams are made of. Splash out on a superior sea-view room, with refined, classic decor and double doors that swing open onto a private balcony overlooking the ocean.

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Best for Pulling up a deckchair to watch the Punch and Judy show.  

The North Shore is Llandudno’s most well-equipped beach, complete with bandstand, Victorian pier and donkey rides in the summer. It’s been a popular seaside resort for centuries, and many traditions – such as the Punch and Judy show, which pops up on the promenade in fair weather – still remain. 

Need to know Climb the headland, Great Orme, for spectacular gull’s-eye views of the beach.  

Get there Closest train station is Llandudno, a 9-minute walk away.

Stay here Embrace the Victoriana vibes with a chintzy room at the Osborne House Hotel. Inside it’s all frills, antiques and chandeliers – and not a piece of driftwood in sight. Expect luxurious sea-facing rooms dripping with eclectic furnishings sourced from around the world. As the owners say, it’s not your typical seaside hotel.

Best for Beautiful barefoot walks along soft white sand by a turquoise sea.

Small but perfectly formed, this little turquoise bay is the stuff that dreams are made of. At least that’s what the ’Poldark’ location scouts thought: they used this beautiful beach on the western foot of Cornwall as the location for a dream sequence in season two. But it’s not just actors that like to hang out here: dolphins and basking sharks are sometimes spotted in the calm waters, too. The soft, white-shell sand and freshwater stream also make this a popular beach with families. On the granite cliffs above, you’ll also find the legendary Minack Theatre, quite possibly the most attractive open-air theatre in the UK.

Need to know There’s a dog ban from Easter to October 1, and lifeguards keep watch during summer months only.

Get there Closest train station is Penzance, a 25-minute drive away. 

Stay here Surrounded by ferns and foxgloves and sweeping lawns to the sea, Cove Cottage is one of the most delightful retreats in Cornwall. The tiny B&B offers romantic getaways, complete with four-poster beds and private flower-filled terraces. There’s chintz and geraniums by the bucketload and we’re totally on board.

Best for Spotting red kite birds among the coastal salt marshes.

Backed by bushy dunes and lush marshland perfect for bird-spotting, West Wittering beach is a pristine destination with ample facilities – including three blocks of toilets, drinking-water taps and shower blocks. After a bracing dip in the sea, warm up with a cuppa at the beach café or take the five-minute drive to East Wittering, where restaurants serve up a broader range of lunch and dinner – we recommend Drifters for craft beer, homely dishes and veggie options.

Need to know Dangerous currents occur at The Hinge, so don’t go splashing around there. 

Get there Closest train station is Chichester, an 18-minute drive away.

Stay here A quintessential British retreat, Millstream Hotel is set back from the bustling beach in perfectly preened gardens. Bedrooms are prim and proper, and the two-AA Rosette restaurant is a destination in itself. 

Best for Playing hide-and-seek in the grassy dunes.

In between the mouth of the River Bann and Portstewart are rolling dunes and pristine sands. And designated drivers rejoice: the two-mile stretch is one of the last places in Ireland where cars are still allowed to drive straight onto the beach. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s incredibly popular with families who want to picnic on the shores. Afterwards, pack up and pack into the 3hree Kings Coffee Company (30-minute walk) for a proper flat white, sourdough sandwiches and seriously good pancake stacks.

Need to know The National Trust facilities are open 10am-5pm.

Get there Closest train station is Castlerock, a 6-minute drive away. 

Stay here Strand House is a small, eight-bedroom hotel with luxuriously-decorated rooms and unmatched views of the Causeway Coast. 

Best for Spotting red squirrels on a wild walk from the beach to woodland.

One of the National Trust’s quickest-changing shorelines, the glorious, family-friendly Formby beach is hugged by a network of dunes that move at an alarming rate of four metres a year. The shifts are revealing prehistoric footprints: stroll along the sand to spot them and look out to the ocean for stunning views across the Irish Sea. The woodlands which shadow the beach are managed to preserve the red squirrel’s habitat – visit the National Trust’s site to download ‘squirrel walks’. While you’re here, make the 30-minute drive to Crosby beach to see Antony Gormley’s iconic public artwork ‘Another Place’.

Need to know Facilities can be found at Victoria Road, and there are pushchair-accessible paths through some of the woodlands.

Get there Closest station is Formby.

Stay here Cosy bell tents overlooking a wild meadow, complete with a crackling log burner, a basketful of logs and a proper double bed: Watkinsons Farm is more on the rustic end of the glamping scale, and that’s why we like it.

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Best for Magical walks spotting dinosaur footprints (or foot casts, more accurately) on the shore.

Beach bods will be content hanging out on the sandy shelves or surfing the waves of Compton Bay, but stretch your legs across the glorious grassy banks and you could catch a glimpse of the dinosaurs. When the tide goes out, head to the east of Compton Bay car park at Hanover Point and look for the large three-toed foot casts of Iguanodon at the base of the cliffs. From here it’s a ten-minute drive to Freshwater, where The Freshwater Coffee House serves up a good flat white. 

Need to know There are on-site toilets and a food van in the summer.

Get there One-hour bus ride from Newport. 

Stay here Adorable doesn’t begin to cover the collection of wee little homes at Tiny Homes Holidays. Each with its own cute design and name, every home is like an eco-friendly Tardis, packed full of sustainable features such as solar power, composting toilets and recycled water. Take part in equally cute workshops while you stay, such as spoon-whittling and willow-weaving.

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Best for Getting lost in fairytale medieval castles. 

As well as the usual suspects – lifeguards, sand dunes and rock pools – this beach also boasts views of the whimsical St Michael’s Mount, a tiny island accessible by a cobbled causeway at low tide. It’s topped with a twelfth-century castle, which houses (among other things) a mummified cat and a piece of Napoleon’s coat. If that doesn’t entice you to cross the cobbles don’t know what will.  

Need to know Missed the low tide? Don’t fret, jump on a ferry back (April-October; £2.50 adults, £1.50 under-18s).

Get there Closest train station is Penzance, a ten-minute drive away.

Stay here The Marazion Hotel should know a thing or two about hospitality: the building has been hosting visitors since the 1700s. The old coaching inn has had a lick of paint since and bright, seaside-y rooms await. When you’re done building sandcastles, prop up the bar at the hotel’s Cutty Sark pub and restaurant, or curl up with a good book next to the wood burner in the lounge.

Best for Getting an all-over tan.

You might spot a few beach balls at Studland Bay, the beach being one of the most popular naturist spots in the UK. And if skinny-dipping doesn’t float your boat, keep to the south, which is backed by lush heathland and a wooded area marked with walking routes to spot wild deer and birdlife. The little village of Studland – which is so ridiculously cute it inspired Noddy’s Toytown – has a number of places to eat, including the Michelin-approved Pig on the Beach, where homely British dishes are made from ingredients either grown on-site or sourced within a 25-mile radius.

Need to know Facilities are ample – there’s even public wi-fi at the Knoll Beach visitor centre.

Get there Closest train station is Corfe Castle, a 15-minute drive away. 

Stay here It’s eclectic furniture and mad wallpaper galore at Pig on the Beach – the rejuvenated country manor house which is home to the popular aforementioned restaurant and spa treatment rooms set in a wild meadow.

Best for Exploring art installations along the promenade.

Blackpool might get all the glory in these parts, but the stretch of beach around this picturesque if slightly faded Lancashire seaside town is the largest expanse of intertidal sand flats in the UK (with a whopping five miles of sandy and shingle coastline). Amble along the promenade to take in the TERN Project, an award-winning sculpture trail celebrating local wildlife, with steel gannets, cormorants and razorbills dotted along the seafront.

Need to know Dogs are not allowed on the beach during peak season from May to September. 

Get there Morecambe station is just a short walk from the beach.

Stay here A 1930s art deco masterpiece that has been lovingly restored in recent years, The Midland Hotel is right on the seafront and features rooms with sea views, a sun terrace restaurant and a gorgeous circular bar. 

Best for Forgetting city stresses on a huge stretch of perfect white sand.

Go out of season to Luskentyre and you might be lucky enough to have miles of bright-white sand all to yourself. Just a short drive north of Scarista, this is one of Harris’s biggest beaches, and visitors come here to unwind on deserted shores between the blue sky and turquoise water. 

Need to know Facilities are sparse, but you can find toilets by the car park. Dogs are welcome all year round.

Get there A 90-minute bus from Stornoway.

Stay here It’s not the most glamorous place to stay, but what the cosy B&B Shore Cottage lacks in style it makes up for with location. Seemingly perched on the edge of the world, this remote hideaway is just a ten-minute walk from Luskentyre beach and offers a homely base to explore the rest of the island.

Best for A good ol’ bucket-and-spade holiday with a line-up of rainbow-hued beach huts.

One of Bude’s best-loved beaches, Summerleaze is the embodiment of the classic British seafront. Perfect for families who want more home comforts, cute beach huts are available to hire in a range of prices – splash out on a seafront hut out of season from £35 for a week. At low tide, a paddling pool emerges, as does an expanse of golden sand for walks along the coast. And there’s no need to bring a packed lunch – the family beach has brilliant bars and restaurants within walking distance. 

Need to know Dogs should stay on a lead from 10am to 6pm.

Get there Closest train station is Okehampton, a 50-minute drive away.  

Stay here The Beach (yes, that’s the hotel’s name) balances style and charm with slick contemporary rooms and a traditional Victorian terrace overlooking Summerleaze beach. The restaurant showcases the best of Cornish produce, while the beach bar comes to life with live music on Sunday afternoons. 

Best for Reliving your childhood and parading down a pier.

Peaceful beaches and crystal-clear rock pools aside, the magnificent Victorian pier is the main attraction here. Refreshingly, it’s mostly untouched by the usual seaside tourist tat – instead, it’s home to a thriving theatre, where regular soul nights, comedy shows and original productions keep tourists and locals entertained. After the show, head to No1 Cromer for the local crab and addictive deep-fried cockle popcorn.

Need to know Time your visit with the low tide for maximum sand action.

Get there Closest train station is Cromer. 

Stay here Four miles from the sea and a short car ride from Cromer, The Gunton Arms is a handsome old pub with seriously cosy rooms. Venison from the deer park next door is cooked over a spectacular open fire in the pub’s kitchen and served with goose fat roast potatoes.

Best for Running into the sunset with your four-legged furry friend.

A favourite among families and dog owners, Saunton Sands is a vast three-and-a-half-mile stretch of the gold stuff, flanked by dunes with tufts of green and a row of colourful beach huts. There’s room enough for dogs to run amok, without treading on the toes of sunbathers, surfers and beach-loungers. There’s also a strong community feel here, with regular beach cleans and BBQ days, as well as spectacular D-Day events with military rallies and battle reenactments.   

Need to know Take care swimming here as there can be riptides by the cliffs.

Get there Closest train station is Barnstaple, a 20-minute drive away. 

Stay here For the best view over the beach, stay at Saunton Sands Hotel – a brilliant white 1930s Art Deco building, which presides over the huge sandy vista. The new spa is a good reason to book, while the supervised children’s play area with two hours of free childcare is a godsend for parents. 

Best for Enjoying the bustle of a city centre – right by the sea.

This wide sandy beach offers a quintessential seaside experience, while also being just half a mile from the conveniences of Aberdeen city centre. As you’d expect, it often feels pretty busy; cyclists and skaters frequent the promenade and water sports enthusiasts often hit the waves. You’ll find an amusement park, leisure park and retail park on the seafront, while further inland there’s the Aberdeen Maritime Museum.

Need to know There’s no lifeguard on the beach and dogs are banned between groynes five and 13.

Get there Aberdeen Station is a 15-minute walk from the seafront.

Stay here A mere 20 minutes from the city centre, Girdle Ness is a still-operating lighthouse with adjoining cottages that originally housed the lighthouse keepers. Now rented out as holiday homes by Northern Lights Apartments, they offer magnificent unobstructed views of the North Sea and ample dolphin-spotting opps.

Best for An epic walk along the seemingly endless rugged shingle.

Put away those buckets and spades – you won’t be needing them here. Chesil Beach is as rugged as it is beautiful – an 18-mile strip separated from the mainland by a shallow lagoon. It’s a breathtaking structure, and best viewed from the top of the Tout Quarry Nature Reserve and Sculpture Park on the Isle of Portland. To refuel, visit the nearby Crab House Café, where locally caught crabs come served with a hammer and a bib, and fresh oysters grown on the café’s own beds are eaten within minutes of leaving the ocean.  

Need to know A visitor’s centre with toilets and a café can be found near the bridge leading to the Fortuneswell end of the beach.

Get there Closest trains stations are Weymouth or Upwey, 20 minutes drive away. 

Stay here The Manor House is a little green oasis on the coastline with refined, classically beautiful rooms. The sixteenth-century manor house has been lovingly restored, and now features a restaurant serving modern British dishes with a focus on local produce.