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Have you made it to the beach yet? With all the scorching weather Britain has had lately, the seaside seems like the only logical place to go. If you’ve yet to get to the coast this summer, worry not, the hot temperatures are going to be sticking around for some time. This small island is blessed with hundreds of immaculate beaches to choose from but there are 40 that Time Out’s writers and editors think are worth visiting above all others.
In our guide to the UK’s best beaches, we crowned Traeth Llanddwyn in Anglesey number one and Cuckmere Haven in Sussex number two. Third prize went to Blackpool Sands.
The name is slightly misleading. Blackpool Sands is not in Blackpool and it’s not sandy – it’s in south Devon and is made up of fine shingle. There is a small entry fee to access this bay, but we promise that it’s totally worth it.
Sheltered by pine tree and evergreens, the sweeping Blackpool Sands is one of the most ‘spotlessly clean’ beaches in all of Devon (no dogs allowed, sorry) and has clear azure water that wouldn’t look out of place on the Amalfi Coast. It’s also one of the most happening beaches in the area.
Not only is there a banging breakfast available from Blackpool Sands Cafe, Lounge and Restaurant (we’re talking waffles, cinnamon roles and stacked breakfast baps), but every Saturday morning there are live music sessions to go with it. At the end of July, the beach will take that up a notch and host Tunes on the Sands, a family-friendly festival with DJs, live bands, a silent disco and wellbeing areas.
There’s also a new sauna hut on the shingle offering an opportunity to warm up after an invigorating dip in the sea. And there’s a collection of paddle boards, kayaks and wetsuits available to hire, too. What more could you possibly want from a beach?
🏖️ Explore all 40 of the best beaches in the UK here.
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