The 39 best beaches in the UK (updated for 2025)

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 it’s at least a half-hour’s walk from the car park to the shoreline, meaning you see nothing but nature and sea. Oh, and maybe the odd film crew: Holkham has deservedly starred in many a movie (Shakespeare in Love, for one). 

Insider tip: For a romantic golden hour picnic on the sand, pick up some chilled wine, beer or pre-mixed cocktails from the Adnams store before heading to the beach. 

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. 

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Best for: Pretending you’re in a Famous Five novel.

There’s no denying Kynance Cove is iconic. With fine white sand, bright turquoise waters and dramatic rock formations sticking out of the sea, on a good day it would be easy to mistake this beach for somewhere far more exciting, like Thailand. Growing up in Cornwall, my family would often make the long drive followed by the intrepid walk down to the sand to spend the day exploring the many rock pools and mysterious caves of Kynance, which lore has it were used by smugglers back in the day. 

Insider tip: In summer, the National Trust car park is often full before 11am – get there early to be sure of bagging a spot.

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

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Best for: Windswept walks with a coffee in hand. 

The small coastal town of St Andrews is best known for two things: its ancient Scottish university and star-studded golf course. But look further and you’ll be surprised by some seriously cinematic beaches. West Sands is the largest on offer: a wild two-mile stretch of golden sand just a short stroll from the town’s cobbled streets, framed by dunes and popular with dog walkers and runners. Fittingly, it famously featured in Chariots of Fire – though if you want to recreate the iconic scene, we’d probably recommend wrapping up warm. The North Sea takes no prisoners. 

Insider tip: Want more sand for your buck? The town is home to another two magnificent beaches, all within walking distance. Head to Castle Sands for rugged rocks under majestic ruins or East Sands for a picture-perfect view of the town.

Get there: Closest train station is Leuchars, a 14 minute drive or short bus journey away. 

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. 

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Best for: Beachfront beer stops and a big ol’ day out. 

Brighton beach can hardly compete with the dramatic shores of Cornwall or the sandy bays of Wales, but obvious beauty isn’t everything, guys. What Brighton beach lacks in classic coastal scenery it makes up for in unmatched atmosphere, and despite its party-party, slightly tacky reputation, it remains my firm favourite. Grab some late lunch at Halisco on Preston Street (to avoid the sea-view premium), before heading down to the seafront and copping a spot on the beach to sit and catch some rays (ideally between the West Pier and the Peace Statue). At sunset, settle in at Fortune of War for a beachfront pint (and possibly even a DJ set). 

Insider tip: The spot between Brighton Palace Pier and the West Pier gets ridiculously chocker-block when the sun comes out, but head east in the direction of the marina or even (whisper it) into Hove, and you’ll find much more space and much less litter.

Get there: Brighton Station is only a 15 minute walk to the seafront (you can see the sea as soon as you step outside)

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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.

Insider tip: A day of watersports is gonna build up an appetite. So, throw on a cosy jumper, find a disposable or reusable grill and grab a pack of sausages – Watergate Bay is considered one of the best BBQ spots in the country. 

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

Best for: Old school seaside charm

With more than 80 miles of coastline to explore, Dorset is no stranger to a gorgeous beach. And while it might not quite be the most aesthetic of the bunch, Weymouth Beach is a place with some serious buzz: boasting a lively promenade, a historic harbour and those all-important golden sands. This beach feels romantically like the ‘good old days’, so go ahead and grab yourself an ice cream, roll up your trousers and paddle in the shallows – before drying off and enjoying a pint in one of the nearby pubs. 

Insider tip: For a dose of culture, head to Weymouth Pavillion: a theatre and cinema overlooking the waters.

Get there: Weymouth train station is a three minute stroll away. 

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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 in Scotland, 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.

Insider tip: 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.  

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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. 

Insider tip: 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.

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

Best for: Sand that seems to stretch on forever.

Camber Sands is perhaps Britain’s most famous beach – namechecked in hit pop songs, featured in several movies, and absolutely packed out on sunny weekends. But despite its popularity, its vast size – almost three miles long and more than a mile wide when the tide’s out – means there’s usually somewhere to lay your towel, if not park your car (but really, the only quiet time is mid-week or off-season). With its backdrop of tufty dunes, sand stretching as far as the eye can see, and a scattering of dog-walkers (note the restricted zones from May to September) and horseback riders, it’s a hugely atmospheric bit of seaside – and perfect for combining with a day trip to the cobbled streets and medieval pubs of Rye.

Insider tip: If you are looking to escape the hordes, the western end, towards Dungeness, tends to be a bit quieter – just follow the windsurfers.

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

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