UK Beaches:
Our Top 10 Picks for Summer

You are guaranteed fun at UK beaches no matter the weather – however, it is always that bit nicer when the weather is like it is currently! A balmy 30 degrees Celsius is definitely what we like to see in late June!

You need to make sure that you make the most out of these hot summer days by getting sand between your toes, cool sea water rushing around your ankles and the sound of gulls singing in the distance.

To help these dreams become a reality, we have put together our list of the top 10 UK beaches, with a mix of sand, shingle, and pebble, as well as north, south, east, and west! UK beaches have so much to offer and are beautiful places to relax and take in the wonders of nature!

1. Holkham Beach, Norfolk

Credit: Phil Hearing, UnSplash

A vast expanse of wild grasses, Holkham Beach is set against pine woods and its sand dunes are surrounded by wildflowers. One of the more unique UK beaches on this list, Holkham is a protected nature reserve and thus is perfectly unspoiled. It features 4 miles of glorious golden coastline and has a spectacular shallow lagoon –  a stunning sight at sunset!

Take a look here for more information about Holkham Beach, Norfolk.

 

2. Woolacombe Beach, Devon

Credit: Peter Ford, UnSplash

One for the surfers and sea swimmers! 

Woolacombe Beach in Devon is an award-winning beach and is widely considered to be one of the best beaches in the UK! There is so much the Woolacombe has to offer – it will suit all tastes and visitors of all ages! It is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, water-sport lovers, hikers, dog-walkers, and even foodies!

Woolacombe boasts a wide sandy beach with expansive views past rugged cliff faces and is definitely worth a visit!

Take a look here for more information about Woolacombe Beach, Devon.

3. St Bees, Cumbria

Credit: Dil, UnSplash

Calm, clean, and offering a mile of magnificent sandy and pebbled shores, St Bees is a fantastic haven to explore all the best parts of a British coastline! Visitors can make sandcastles on the sand, explore rock pools, search for crabs and try to spot elusive puffins!

St Bees is considered one of the best beaches on the western coast of the UK, and the beach was named a Seaside Award Beach in 2005 in recognition of its cleanliness. 

Take a look here for more information about St. Bees, Cumbria

4. South Bay, Scarborough, Yorkshire

Credit: Neil Fedorowycz, UnSplash

A favourite beach for young families, Scarborough has fantastic child-friendly facilities, a wide variety of activities across the pier, and gives its guests a nostalgic seaside atmosphere. There are classic amusements dotted along the waterfront, ice cream vans set up for that perfect summer scoop, and casual eateries including, of course, fish and chips!

Take a look here for more information about Scarborough, Yorkshire.

5. Pentle Bay, Scilly Isles

Credit: Annie Spratt, UnSplash

Often described as the English Seychelles, Pentle Beach is one of our quieter UK beaches and so is perfect for a romantic stroll or for some solo contemplation. 

Pentle Bay is situated on the second largest island in the Scilly Isles, Tresco, and its shore is shaped like the crescent moon. It is a beautiful place to visit if you are over the bustling crowds and in-your-face entertainment.

Take a look here for more information about Pentle Bay, Scilly Isles.

6. Three Cliffs Bay, Wales

Credit: Josh Beech, UnSplash

Offering its visitors a wilder experience than your traditional beach, Three Cliffs Bay in Wales boasts a stunning shoreline of salt marshes, limestone cliff faces, and sand dunes. 

A fantastic spot for a mid-hike picnic, the panoramic views from the tops of the three limestone cliffs offer a fantastic photographic opportunity for those who are never without their camera!

Take a look here for more information about Three Cliffs Bay, Wales.

7. Uig Sands, Isle of Lewis, Scotland

Credit: Sara Meier, UnSplash

Heading way up north for this one, Uig Sands is remote with dramatic hills, wild and rugged cliffs, and kissed with pristine golden swathes of sand. 

Uig is historically famous for being the site of discovery where the Lewis Chessmen, 12th-century Viking chess pieces were found. These fragments of history are now on display in Edinburgh’s National Museum of Scotland and the British Museum in London.

Take a look here for more information about Uig Sands, Isle of Lewis.

8. Whitstable Beach, Kent

Credit: Eric Kane, UnSplash

One of our UK beaches with the prettiest surroundings, Whitstable is a stunning seaside town in Kent and features a beautiful beach, quaint old town, and fresh seafood. 

Many people take a day trip here from London to bask in the sun, sea, and shoreline and to escape the occasional claustrophobic nature of a capital city! If you plan a trip to London, see if you can work in a visit toe Whitstable – it isn’t far away!

Take a look here for more information about Whitstable Beach, Kent.

9. Durdle Door, Jurassic Coast, Dorset

Credit: Jamie Street, UnSplash

Durdle Door is one of the most famous stone arches in the world and is one of the most photographed places in Dorset. The arch was created when the sea pierced through Portland limestone around 10,000 years ago and it has been a view to remember ever since. 

There is so much to do around Durdle Door and up the Jurassic Coast as a whole, including camping, rock-pooling, coasteering, hiking, nature walks, and photography…there is something for everyone to enjoy whilst marveling at the stunning views!

Take a look here for more information about Durdle Door, Dorset.

10. Whitepark Bay, Antrim, Northern Ireland

Credit: Dimitry Anikin, UnSplash

The last on our list of top UK beaches is Whitepark Bay which has been under the care of the National Trust since 1938 and is one of the most natural coastlines in Northern Ireland. 

Featuring ancient dunes and grasslands filled with a wide variety of animal species and rare plants. It is the ideal beach for wildlife lovers of all kinds, so be sure to bring your camera and watch your step!

Take a look here for more information about Whitepark Bay, Northern Ireland.

We hope this list has provided you with a wide variety of choices of UK beaches to visit this summer!

Remember we are always on hand to offer any advice, to provide information, or to answer any queries you might have for when you stay at one of our properties. Just get in touch below, and we will respond to your request as soon as possible!

Wishing you lots of fun in the sand, sea and sun!

Team Boutique Lux