THE temperature is rising, with Brits looking forward to a holiday at home this year.
This also means a trip to the seaside – and we've rounded up the 50 best beaches in Britain.
It is worth noting, however, that social distancing guidelines are still in place with some beaches facing overcrowding problems in the recent days due to the hot weather.
Travelling to Wales and Scotland isn't allowed until next month either, with both countries looking at restarting the tourist industry in July.
For when it is safe again to go to the beach, we've shared our top tips for family-friendly, stylish, sporty, scenic and off-the-beaten-track coastal hotspots.
Family beaches
1. GWITHIAN, NEAR ST IVES, CORNWALL
Beach: It may not have donkey rides or an arcade but the miles of gorgeous, golden sands at Gwithian Beach offer the ultimate treat for an urban child – space, and oodles of it.
Backed by dunes, when the tide goes out miles of golden sand are revealed, ripe for building castles, digging holes and creating water tunnels. Make a sand sculpture of Godrevy Lighthouse or battle the tide with a shoreline sandcastle contest. The surf is also perfect for board beginners. Refuel at the cute Jam Pot Cafe – for warming tea and homemade cakes.
Bed: The Atlantic Coast Holiday Park is perfect for families wanting to stay right by the beach – it’s nestled right next to the dunes. There’s a range of holiday homes as well as touring and camping pitches.
2. TENBY SOUTH, PEMBROKESHIRE, WALES
Beach: Two gorgeous miles of dune-backed beach playground with soft, golden sand.
There’s plenty of space at the Tenby end for families to relax and children to play or continue eastwards for more boisterous beach activities. There are acres of beach at low tide but still plenty of room at high tide. Deckchairs, an ice cream van and lifeguards are on duty from the end of May until early September. The beach has both Seaside and Blue Flag Beach awards. Facilities include the stylish new South Beach Café and toilets at the Tenby end. The town itself is circled by imposing Tudor walls studded with arches and gatehouses.
Bed: Book a front-facing room at the Giltar Hotel on Tenby’s Esplanade for spectacular views over South Beach.
3. BLYTH BEACH, NORTHUMBERLAND
Beach: Blyth is a bustling port town with a rich history and the beach is a beautiful stretch of golden sand, home to the only beach huts in Northumberland, available for daily rental at £14. The bay is popular for surfing and kayaking, the beach often used by kitesurfers taking advantage of those northerly sea breezes. Close to the beach is a large children’s play area, a fish and chip shop and an ice cream shop.
Bed: The Swan at Choppington is a traditional inn offering good food and comfortable accommodation and has an outside children’s play area to boot.
4. CROYDE BAY, DEVON
Beach: Croyde Bay is Devon’s answer to Newquay and is perfect for families wanting to enjoy the sun and watch local surfers in action – with plenty of opportunity to get involved too!
The surf academy on the beach promises beginners a free second lesson if they don’t stand up first time round. This beautiful, small and private beach is also perfect for little ones who want to have fun in the sea and the sand and was named a Blue Flag beach last year. The surrounding sand dunes are also perfect for family walks and a game of hide and seek.
Bed: Parkdean’s Ruda holiday park has direct access to the beach as well as adventure playgrounds, kids’ clubs and a wildlife adventure trail.
5. MABLETHORPE, LINCOLNSHIRE
Beach: Miles of golden sands backed by grassy dunes are perfect for running up and down.
The beach slopes gently into the sea with no steep drops. The sand is ideal for building sandcastles and beach games. The town is rightly proud of its Seaside and Blue Flag awards for water quality and beach facilities – including a lifeguard who patrols regularly. Beach huts can be hired from just £6 per day and, when the kids need a rest from the sand, there are donkey rides and the nearby Seal and Wildlife Sanctuary for more marine fun.
Bed: Haven’s Golden Sands park is just behind the dunes to the beautiful beach and a 20-minute stroll from Mablethorpe town. After beach fun, there’s more to explore here with pools, funfair, ropes course and climbing wall.
6. BLACKPOOL BEACH
Beach: The grandaddy of all British beaches and the UK’s answer to Las Vegas needs no introduction.
There are 11 miles of sandy beaches as well as three piers, the promenade with its historic trams and of course, the Tower and Pleasure Beach. Plus there’s a host of other attractions for 24-hour frenzied fun. But the beach itself is still a draw – a donkey ride is almost a British institution and the sand is perfect for bucket-and-spade kids. Head further away from the town centre and you’ll find quieter corners such as St Annes with its promenade, gardens and boating lake. Take note – the beach has been exceptionally busy this week due to hot weather.
Bed: Right on Blackpool’s North Promenade, The Imperial Hotel is a four-star Victorian gem that has played host to every Prime Minister of the 20th Century. As well as a health club with swimming pool, the hotel has free wi-fi and three restaurants.
7. CAMBER SANDS, EAST SUSSEX
Beach: This wide, seven-mile sweep of flat, child-friendly beach is fantastic for ball games and kite-flying, when lots of space is needed.
Backed by sandy dunes ripe for exploring and hide and seek. There is also a children’s play area on the beach and several bars and cafes. The beach featured in the wartime blockbuster The Monuments Men, starring Hollywood heart-throb George Clooney. You can barbecue on the beach but must get permission in advance from Rother District Council. Take note – the beach has been exceptionally busy this week due to better weather.
Bed: Freedom Holiday Homes has five great value apartments by the beach, above two cafés (closed in the evening). With modern interiors and beach-front balconies, Sea View and Beach View.
8. MARAZION, CORNWALL
Beach: Safe and sandy.
With its view of the bay and iconic St Michael’s Mount, the beach in the historic market town of Marazion is a great place to spend a day building sandcastles, rockpooling or enjoying the sun. The waters are crystal- clear and when tides are low you can walk across the causeway into the harbour of The Mount. There’s a kids’ playground on the green behind the beach and lifeguard patrols in the summer for peace of mind.
Bed: The Godolphin Arms is on the water’s edge of Mount’s Bay overlooking St Michael’s Mount. Recently renovated, this lovely pub with rooms now oozes modern Cornwall beach chic. Walk straight off the sands into the chilled-out beach bar or head upstairs and drink in the views from the terrace.
9. BLACKPOOL SANDS, DARTMOUTH, DEVON
Beach: Blackpool Sands, set in a sheltered bay surrounded by evergreens and pines, is one of South Devon’s most beautiful natural treasures.
There’s almost a Mediterranean feel with its sweep of golden fine shingle surrounded by pines. Head into the waters for paddle boarding, kayaking, windsurfing and boogie boarding or put the bucket and spade to good use in the purpose-built sandpits. There’s even a Med-style bathing raft in July and August. The Venus Café offers stunning views of the sea and the cliffs and serves hot and cold food and drinks.
Bed: Higher Bowden Holiday Cottages is a 5 complex with cottages sleeping two to six, just one mile from the beach. Facilities here include an indoor swimming pool, tennis court and play room.
Sporty beaches
10. HAYLE BEACH, CORNWALL
Beach: Loved by artists for its light and by watersport types for its reliable winds, Hayle heaves with paddle boarders and surfers in the peak season.
It is not exclusively active, though – there are miles of golden sand set back from gently sloping cliffs so there is plenty of space for families. It has direct access to the South West Coastal Path, too, if you want to set out on another adventure. Other activities include kite surfing and kite buggies or just sitting back to enjoy the view with a cold beer.
11. LLANGENNITH, GOWER
Beach: Way back in 1956, the Gower Peninsula was the first place in the British Isles to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
That may be far from the minds of those who flock here to feel the power of its surf but there is no denying its physical charms. Llangennith, near Rhossili, is a magnet for surfers and now coasteerers, and there are miles of sandy beachfront backing on to towering, jagged cliffs, the most spectacular of which – the Worm’s Head – is connected to the mainland only at low tide.
Bed: Stay at the National Trust’s Station Officer’s House, built in 1928, for fabulous views over the Worm’s Head.
12. REST BAY, PORTHCAWL
Beach: Wild and windswept, Rest Bay is anything but relaxing.
Its reliable surf makes it popular with wind surfers and kite surfers but the swells are not so big as to put off first-timers. There is a surf school here which rents out kit from £10 – ideal for dipping a toe into the water. Kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding is popular, too. Off the water, there is a links golf course and at nearby Coney Beach an amusement park with roller coasters and old-fashioned fairground rides.
13. LONGSANDS, TYNEMOUTH
Beach: It is hard to believe this gorgeous sweep of sand is less than ten miles from busy Newcastle.
Its soft dunes are popular with families but it has a reputation as a surf destination and has staged national championships. It has even seen a bit of football action – Newcastle United players have the odd training session on the beach and touch rugby is popular too. Tynemouth itself is a lovely step back in time, with good B&Bs and quirky, independent shops. There is even a music festival every July.
Bed: Number 61, a Georgian townhouse, combines a coffee shop and tea room with a guesthouse.
14. BEADNELL BEACH, NORTHUMBERLAND
Beach: Beadnell is one of the sportiest beaches in Northumberland, which takes some doing.
Surfing, dune sledging, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing, scuba diving – or just sand castle building – are all popular. Local outfit Boards And Bikes has all the gear – mostly for watersports and lessons but you can hire a mountain bike from it too.
Bed: B&B at the Hog’s Head Inn in nearby Alnwick – it gets its name from the castle nearby, which was used as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films.
15. CEFN SIDAN, CARMARTHENSHIRE
Beach: Test your adrenalin on the longest stretch of beach in Wales. Cefn Sidan has eight unbroken miles of sand – perfect for a spot of land yachting.
Not just a poor relation to sailing, this quirky alternative uses nothing but wind power to propel a wheeled cart at great speed along the flats. Neighbouring Pembrey Country Park adds lots more on-land activities – cycling, horse riding, even a toboggan run and dry ski slope.
Bed: A pitch at Pembrey Country Park Caravan Club is from £30 per night, or try Stradey Park Hotel — it has spectacular panoramic views over Llanelli, Carmarthen Bay and the Gower Peninsula.
16. POLZEATH BEACH, CORNWALL
Beach: Quieter than Newquay but equally challenging for surfers, Polzeath can keep everyone happy – tire yourself out on the coastal path on the cliffs above, hire a surfboard, fish on the River Camel or get a round in at St Enodoc golf course. You can reward yourself later at one of the fancy restaurants just down the road in Rock. Surfing is the main draw, though – low to mid tide offers the best conditions.
Bed: Parkdean’s St Minver holiday park is near to marked wildlife trails and has an indoor pool and kids’ club on site.
17. NEWGALE, PEMBROKESHIRE
Beach: This enormous beach on Pembrokeshire’s west coast is almost two miles long, with sand backed by a huge pebble bank formed after a big storm in 1859.
It’s a haven for surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers, with a surf shop offering tuition and board hire. It’s beginner- friendly too – the surf isn’t too high and there are lifeguards on duty from June until the end of September. There’s a good selection of B&Bs, guest houses and self-catering accommodation nearby, plus the Duke of Edinburgh pub – cosy in winter and with a busy garden come summer.
Bed: B&B at Bower Farm. It’s a friendly, family-owned working farm, a short drive south from the beach at Little Haven, with lovely panoramic sea views.
18. COWES, ISLE OF WIGHT
Beach: For some, Cowes is all about one week in August (although this has been cancelled this year).
And to be fair, the regatta is pretty spectacular. It is the longest-running sailing race in the world and sees 8,000 competitors and 100,000 spectators descend on the island for a full week of racing and, back on land, drinking. If you do not sail already, Cowes is a brilliant place to learn. Check out courses with the UK Sailing Academy, which can cater for anyone, from beginners to experts.
Scenic beaches
19. KYNANCE COVE, CORNWALL
Beach: Just north of the more famous Lizard Point, Kynance’s serpentine rock formations have attracted tourists since Victorian times – poet Alfred Tennyson was one of its famous fans.
It is now acknowledged as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. After you’ve marvelled at the rocks polished bright green and red by the sea, take a break at the Kynance Café. Now run by the National Trust, it has been running since 1927.
Bed: Parkdean’s Mullion Holiday Park is just a few miles away.
20. BAMBURGH BEACH, NORTHUMBERLAND
Beach: This enormous sandy beach is dominated by Bamburgh Castle which has overlooked the beach in one form or another around 420AD.
Bamburgh Sandy Hills, the beach’s dunes, form a Site of Special Scientific Interest meaning there’s little chance of them being turned into a golf course in the next few hundred years – in fact the whole of Bamburgh is in the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Bed: The Tankerville Arms Hotel, in nearby Ellingham, is a good old-fashioned cosy country inn.
21. WHITESANDS BAY, PEMBROKESHIRE
Beach: Wide, sandy and Welsh but Whitesands is one of those beaches that, when photographed, could be in the tropics.
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path hugs the bay and the beach is a highlight of the walk. North-east of the bay is Carn Llidl, a rocky outcrop surrounded by megalithic burial chambers and stone hut circles. When the tide is out you can see the remains of an ancient, submerged forest.
Bed: Set in the heart of the cathedral city of St Davids but with its own walled garden and private parking, the renovated Grove Hotel is offering B&B from £95 per room per night. Choose from great-value bar meals or fine dining.
22. EMBO BEACH, DORNOCH, SCOTLAND
Beach: Embo Beach in the Highlands has a broad stretch of white sands backed by towering sand dunes with a network of paths between them. It’s not that easy to find access to the beach so make sure you ask a local – it is not to be missed. Embo beach has fantastic views of the Dornoch Firth and sits between the village of Embo and the mouth of the River Fleet.
Bed: Parkdean’s Grannie’s Heilan Hame Holiday Park has direct access to Embo beach.
23. MURLOUGH BEACH, COUNTY DOWN, N. IRELAND
Beach: Murlough became Ireland’s first nature reserve in 1967 when the National Trust took over its management.
The reserve is a 697-acre sand dune network fronted by a wide flat sandy beach caught between Dundrum Bay and the Mourne Mountains. The combination of beach, dunes and mountains make it perfect for walking, exploring and bird watching. You can also try blowkarting and horse riding there.
Bed: The Potter’s Cottage is a quaint, single-storey stone home in a working farmyard near the Lough shore..
24. STUDLAND BEACH, DORSET
Beach: Studland has a four-mile stretch of golden beach that overlooks the Old Harry rocks and looks out to the Isle of Wight.
The gently shelving waters make it ideal for watersports and if you’re adventurous in other ways, try out the naturist section – it’s Britain’s most popular nudists’ beach. It is surrounded by sand dunes and woodland so it’s perfect for exploring.
Bed: Seaview is a former tennis pavilion on the edge of Studland village. Its veranda, with seating area, has superb views over Studland Beach.
25. COMPTON BEACH, ISLE OF WIGHT
Beach: Compton Beach is in a bay dominated by a white chalk cliff to the north and soft red and orange cretaceous rocks to the east.
It is popular with wave and kite surfers because of the consistent waves and the gentle gradient as beach meets sea. There is a rocky reef break and a tamer sandbar break giving surfers a choice of difficulty. When the tide is out, you can see fossilised dinosaur footprints. At high tide, the beach is almost completely covered.
Bed: Close by the beach are the Compton Farm cottages, a pair of 19th Century semi-detached former farm workers’ cottages.
26. HOLYWELL BAY, CORNWALL
Beach: Six miles west of lively Newquay, Holywell Bay is popular with Cornwall’s surf crowd.
At low tide, the beach is a mile long, but the surrounding dunes mean there is always plenty of room if you want to get away from the crowds. When the tide’s out there are hundreds of rock pools for the kids to explore. There is disabled access from the car park. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on the lead.
Bed: Parkdean’s Holywell Bay holiday park is a ten-minute stroll from the beach.
27. WHITEROCKS BEACH, COUNTY ANTRIM, NORTHERN IRELAND
Beach: White Rocks is named after the limestone cliffs that dominate the beach.
Over many thousands of years the sea has shaped them into Middle Earth-style arrangement of caves and arches. The wishing Arch, Elephant Rock and Lion’s Paw are all landmark headlands off the beach. The beach is great for surfers and body boarders.
Bed: Stay at the four-star Adelphi Portrush. There’s a spa and a great bistro. Double rooms are from £105 including breakfast.
28. SANDWOOD BAY, SUTHERLAND, SCOTLAND
Beach: Sandwood Bay has a mile of golden sands and dunes backed with rocky cliffs.
Am Buachaille, a 200ft seastack dominates the sea view and the beach is just five miles from Cape Wrath – the UK’s most north-westerly point. There is no road access to the beach so be prepared for a four-mile trek along an easily negotiable moorland path.
Bed: Stay at The Rhiconich Hotel in nearby Lairg, right by the beautiful Loch Inchard. .
Stylish beaches
29. ALDEBURGH, SUFFOLK
Beach: One of Britain’s prettiest working beaches. Nothing beats an early-morning stroll to see the fishermen hauling in their catch.
Bed: The four-star Brudenell Hotel is just a short walk along the seafront with a great seafood menu.
30. ROCK, CORNWALL
Beach: Lovely sweep of sand on the River Camel, great for windsurfing and sailing. There are good restaurants in town.
Bed: B&B in a garden-view double room at the chic St Enodoc Hotel with Guy Owen at the helm.
31. VENTNOR, ISLE OF WIGHT
Beach: For seaside holidays like they used to be, try Ventnor. Grand Victorian hotels, friendly guesthouses, lots of green space and a quieter pace of life.
Bed: The Royal has been welcoming guests since 1832.
32. BRIGHTON AND HOVE, EAST SUSSEX
Beach: Brighton, near right, has indie shops, theatres and a royal pavilion. Or head west to Hove for a quieter beach, the lovely Hove Lawns and the lagoon, ideal for sailing, windsurfing and wakeboarding. See lagoon.co.uk for lessons. Take note – the beach has been exceptionally busy this week due to better weather.
Bed: Drakes is a classic seafront Regency townhouse.
33. MARGATE, KENT
Beach: Margate has reinvented itself as a smart weekend getaway. The Turner Contemporary art gallery kick-started the trend, which continued with a spruce-up of the beachfront and old town. Take note – the beach has been exceptionally busy this week due to better weather.
Bed: B&B at Margate’s Crescent Victoria Hotel.
34 & 35. VIKING and BOTANY BAYS, BROADSTAIRS, KENT
Beach: Nowhere can beat the seven bays of Broadstairs. Viking Bay is a sandy crescent with safe bathing and traditional seaside pursuits. Ice-cream? Cup of tea? Visit the kiosk for a friendly welcome. For a quieter time, visit Botany Bay, two miles to the north. Take note – the beach has been exceptionally busy this week due to better weather.
36. WHITSTABLE, KENT
Beach: Whitstable’s fortunes were founded on fishing, especially oysters, and the town celebrates its Oyster Festival from July 26 to August 1, although this has been cancelled this year. Take note – the beach has been exceptionally busy this week due to better weather
Bed: B&B at Shepherd Neame’s Marine Hotel.
37. CROMER, NORFOLK
Beach: With two Blue Flag beaches, Cromer suits sporty types as well as foodies, who flock here for crab. There is a traditional pier with theatre.
Bed: Two nights’ B&B at the three-star Virginia Court Hotel.
38. THE ENGLISH RIVIERA, DEVON
Beach: Torquay, Babbacombe, Paignton and Brixham, on Devon’s south coast, all have top sandy beaches.
39. LOW NEWTON, NORTHUMBERLAND
Beach: This sweetly curving beach backed by fishermen’s cottages is picture-postcard pretty. Relax with a real ale brewed in The Ship Inn’s microbrewery.
Bed: Stay at the five-star inn The Joiner’s Arms.
40. NEWBIGGIN- BY-THE-SEA, NORTHUMBERLAND
Beach: Walk the promenade and see “Couple”, a sculpture by Sean Henry, that stands in the SEA.
Bed: Coble Cottage is a four-star gold-rated cottage by the beach.
Off the beaten track beaches
41. STAFFIN, ISLE OF SKYE
Beach: Normally fairly deserted, like most beaches in the north of Scotland, Staffin is sandy and has rockpools for kids to enjoy.
But there’s more to explore as this is the ONLY beach in the UK where you can see DINOSAUR footprints. They were discovered in 2002 and can be seen near the slipway at low tide. The beach is set below the stunning Trotternish Ridge in the north east of Skye. Swimming in the sea is safe, and on a warm day it’s not too bracing.
Bed: Just seven minutes’ drive is the Flodigarry House Hotel. Dating to 1895, it has a cosy country-house hotel feel, with modern comforts and a great restaurant. You can row out in the hotel’s boat and set pots to catch langoustines for dinner. Rooms are from £130 a night in the summer months, including a full Scottish breakfast.
42. POLKERRIS, CORNWALL
Beach: Sheltered harbour beach Polkerris is a Cornish secret.
With golden sand, on the south coast between St Austell and Fowey, it is great for families and watersports. There’s also a shop, café and great pub, The Rashleigh Inn. Polkerris faces south west, so expect fab sunsets.
Bed: Stay at The Trenython Manor, a stroll from Polkerris Beach. Set on a 24-acre woodland estate with rooms, lodges and great facilities.
43. BECKFOOT, CUMBRIA
Beach: Beckfoot is in the Solway Coast designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
It has a vast sandy beach and is great for fishing, sailing, windsurfing, kite surfing and swimming, as well as sandcastles and rock-pooling. There is loads of bird life, glorious sunsets and spectacular views across the Solway Firth.
Bed: Stay at Isabel’s Cottage just over the road. It sleeps four with two bedrooms, a sitting room with inglenook fireplace, kitchen, bathroom and wet room.
44. SWANLAKE BAY, PEMBROKE
Beach: Swanlake Bay on Pembrokeshire’s south coast can only be reached on foot from the Coastal Path.
Backed by low cliffs, when the tide is out it reveals golden sands and rock pools but at high tide the beach is shingle. Even in the height of summer you could be one of only a handful of visitors but check when it’s high tide to make sure you have plenty of time to explore before the water comes in.
Bed: Stay at the Swanlake Bay Guesthouse, five minutes’ walk away.
45. MWNT, CEREDIGION
Beach: Mwnt Beach is a sheltered sandy cove, owned by the National Trust.
A path circles Foel y Mwnt, a conical hill that overlooks the beach, the top of which is perfect for spotting dolphins, seals and porpoises and for viewing the Ceredigion coast. Steep steps down to the beach make it unsuitable for buggies or wheelchairs.
Bed: Stay at nearby Ffynnon Fendigaid, in eight acres of its own land and dating back to 1740.
46. DUNWICH HEATH, SUFFOLK
Beach: It is surrounded by heathland packed with Dartford warblers, nightjars, woodlarks and adders. The beach is mainly shingle and never crowded.
Bed: Stay in the National Trust’s Woodlark (sleeps four), Stonechat (sleeps two) or Nightjar (sleeps two) cottages next to the sea.
47. WHITE PARK BAY, ANTRIM
Beach: White Park Bay is a gem on the North Antrim coast. Its seclusion allows quiet relaxation. It is backed by ancient dunes that provide habitats for birds, animals and plant life.
Bed: Portbradden, a semi-detached cottage, is nearby with views across the beach and dunes. It sleeps six.
48. BROWNSEA ISLAND, DORSET
Beach: Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour has views across to the Purbeck Hills. Nestled in woodland and heathland habitats, the beaches are perfect for walking or relaxing with a picnic at low tide. The isle is accessible by half-hourly ferry from Poole Quay.
Bed: Converted cottage Custom House is on the island, overlooking the lagoon and sea.
49. PORTH OER (WHISTLING SANDS) NORTH WALES
Beach: This sandy beauty is owned by The National Trust and known as Whistling Sands because of the squeak the sand makes as you walk on it. Totally unspoilt, it is on the rugged north Lleyn Peninsula, ringed by the scenic coastal footpath, and a great spot for watching out for seals, porpoises and even the occasional dolphin.
Bed: Stay at one of three cottages on a working farm a short walk through fields to the beach, rented by Wales Holidays. Two are modern bungalows, each sleeping up to eight and with a five-star grading from VisitWales. The third is the original farmhouse, Morfa Trwyn Glas, which sleeps five and has a four-star grading – and glorious sea views. Nicely furnished, with a homely farmhouse kitchen/diner and original character.
50. RUMBLING KERN, NORTHUMBERLAND
Beach: A tiny gem in a cove near Howick Hall – home of Earl Grey, the man AND the tea. There are cliffs BETWEEN the beach and sea, making this spot extremely secluded.
Bed: The Old Rectory at Howick is a five-star gold luxury B&B just 400 yards from the sea.
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