Discover the Best Beaches in the United Kingdom with iBestTravel

From golden Cornish sands to rugged Scottish strands, visitors to the UK will never be short of epic coastlines to explore. Although the UK’s beaches may not bask in as much sun as their Mediterranean counterparts, they are rich in character, charm, and the occasional surprise.

Embrace the unpredictable weather, take in breathtaking views, and indulge in traditional fish and chips. Here are 11 of the best beaches across the United Kingdom that will inspire your next seaside escape.

Kynance Cove, Cornwall

Located a mile north of Lizard Point in Cornwall, Kynance Cove, owned by the National Trust, is a breathtaking inlet adorned with craggy offshore islands rising from strikingly blue waters that resemble tropical seas.

The cliffs surrounding the cove are rich in serpentine, a red-green rock favored by Victorian trinket-makers. It’s a stunningly beautiful spot, ideal for a refreshing wild swim when the seas are calm. Be sure to stop by the lush nearby beach café for drinks and snacks.

Luskentyre, South Harris, Scotland

Luskentyre in South Harris boasts one of the largest and most picturesque beaches in Scotland, celebrated for its vast stretches of low-tide white sands and turquoise waters framed by snow-capped mountains.

Along the northern side of the bay, visitors can stroll west along the beach or traverse the grassy dunes, enjoying breathtaking vistas toward the island of Taransay. Just south of the beach lies the cozy Cake Shed – likely Scotland’s smallest café.

Shell Beach, Herm, Guernsey

Shell Beach on Herm Island features a stunning landscape that could be mistaken for the Caribbean, save for the rugged rocks that form its backdrop. Teal waters lap against the pristine, blindingly white sand, making it a popular spot for summer sea kayaking.

This beach derives its name from the millions of tiny shell fragments washed in from the Gulf Stream, offering an exceptional natural setting. Refreshments can be found at the brightly colored Shell Beach Cafe, easily identifiable by its red and orange parasols.

Gwithian and Godrevy Towans, Cornwall

These magnificent adjoining beaches merge at low tide, creating an extensive stretch of golden, flat sand. The small cove of Godrevy is located at the eastern end, featuring an island lighthouse said to have inspired Virginia Woolf’s To The Lighthouse.

To the west, Gwithian offers a long sandy arc extending to the Hayle River. The grassy cliffs, known in Cornish as towans, form a significant wildlife habitat, blooming with wildflowers during summer and providing nesting areas for seabirds. Visitors can grab a coffee from the distinctive blue Hungry Horsebox Co mobile beach café.

Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Regularly cited as one of Britain’s most beautiful beaches, Barafundle Bay in Pembrokeshire is a scenic 15-minute walk south along the coast path from Stackpole Quay, home to the excellent Boathouse Tea-room.

This location is stunning but can become crowded during summer weekends due to its fame. Arriving early is advisable, particularly to secure parking.

Portstewart Strand, Northern Ireland

The expansive 1.5-mile (2.5 km) beach of Portstewart Strand in Northern Ireland offers a pristine vista and is an essential stop for those traversing the Causeway Coast. Visitors are treated to spectacular views of Inishowen headland and Mussenden Temple, elegantly perched on the cliffs above.

This beach is a vital nature conservation site featuring marked trails, and parking is permitted directly on the firm sand, accommodating over 1000 vehicles. However, be prepared to pay for this convenience during peak season. Notably, make sure to savor the exquisite seafood offered at Harry’s Shack located on the beachfront.

Sandwood Bay, Scotland

Situated south of Cape Wrath, Sandwood Bay features one of Scotland’s most beautiful and secluded beaches, guarded at one end by the imposing rock formation Am Buachaille. Nearby stands Sandwood House, an eerie ruin rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a shipwrecked sailor from the Spanish Armada.

While there are no pubs or cafes in this remote area, it remains an ideal location for those wishing to escape civilization for a while.

Wells Beach, Norfolk, England

Surrounded by dense pine forests and rolling dunes, Wells’ sandy shores in Norfolk extend for miles to the west, showcasing colorful beach huts that cluster beside the water and provide access to wooden steps leading into the woods.

Accessible via a mile-long road, visitors can choose to walk, drive, or take a miniature train connecting the town, beach, and the Pinewoods holiday park.

Three Cliffs Bay, Gower Peninsula, Wales

Three Cliffs Bay on the Gower Peninsula is named for its pyramid-like sea cliffs, which feature a natural arch that protrudes into the water. One of the most magnificent beaches in Wales, it is particularly stunning when viewed from the picturesque ruins of 13th-century Pennard Castle. Below, the Pennard Pill stream flows into the bay, which can create dangerous currents for swimmers at high tide. The rugged headland is also a favored site for rock climbing, and the only access to the beach is on foot.

Traigh Mor, Barra, Scotland

This expansive stretch of firm golden sand, known as “Big Strand,” serves as Barra’s airport. At low tide, it spans a mile across and boasts enough room for three “runways,” making it the only airport globally where scheduled flights operate from a tidal beach.

Watching the Twin Otter aircraft land and take off is a unique experience and popular with spectators. In between flights, locals often gather to collect cockles, a seafood delicacy found along the sands.

This article was first published on Jul 17, 2020, and updated on Jun 1, 2022.