UK

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Whilst the United Kingdom is not well known for its fantastic weather its convoluted coastline is home to more beaches than any other country in Europe. There is real variety here too, with every type of beach imaginable. White sand beaches with turquoise waters, geological curiosities and picture postcard fishing coves can all be found around the British coast, often within a few miles of each other.

Many of Britain's best beaches are in well established holiday destinations such as Cornwall or Dorset and there is no doubt some of the finest beaches in the UK are to be found here. However, there are some lesser known gems in more far flung locations from the very north of Scotland right down to the Scilly Isles, off the south west of England. Many of these beaches are surprisingly wild and unspoilt for a country as compact as Britain.

It is true that the UK cannot compete with the guaranteed sunshine the rest of the world enjoys but if you love beaches then there is plenty on offer.

Kynance Cove // Cornwall

It is a surprise not to see Kynance Cove in Cornwall on more best beach lists. It isn't exactly a secret and can be summed up in one word - stunning! Situated just along the coast from Lizard Point (the most southerly point in Britain) this beach has been painted and photographed countless times over the past couple of hundred years. With near... read more »
anyka / 123RF
Luskentyre // Scotland

Despite being located on the Isle of Harris in the north of Scotland, Luskentyre beach could almost be Caribbean in appearance. The vast expanse of silvery white sand and the crystal clear aquamarine / turquoise sea all combine to create what is often cited as the best beach in the British Isles. In the distance are the mountains of North Harris... read more »
Durdle Door // Dorset

Durdle Door is the name of the limestone rock arch at the eastern end of this sand and shingle cove. Located on Dorset's World Heritage Jurassic Coast this is just one of several geological curiosities within a stone's throw of each other. The beach sits at the base of high, white limestone cliffs and is only accessible from neighbouring Lulworth... read more »
Chris Leather
Sennen Beach // Cornwall

Situated just around the corner from Land's End is one of Cornwall's finest stretches of sand, Sennen cove. The beach itself isn't really a cove at all, it is a wide open expanse of golden sand backing onto sand dunes and craggy hillsides. At one end of the beach is the little village of Sennen with its quaint harbour. Heading in the opposite... read more »
Porthcurno Cove // Cornwall

Porthcurno is one of the most westerly beaches in mainland Britain, just a few miles around the coast from Land's End. This cove is stunning in so many respects; the near white sand which is made from ground up sea shells, the clear turquoise water and the rugged granite cliffs that form a natural amphitheatre. The cove is not only a natural gem... read more »
Woolacombe Beach // Devon

Woolacombe beach in North Devon was recently voted the best beach in the UK by TripAdvisor users. Whilst I can think of at least twenty beaches I prefer to Woolacombe, there is no denying it is a good beach, especially for families.

The beach at Woolacombe is a vast stretch of flat golden sand backed by a warren of sand dunes.At the northern... read more »
Holkham Beach // Norfolk

Holkham beach is widely regarded as the finest beach in Norfolk, and by some the UK. In fact a recent survey amongst travel editors and writers put Holkham beach right at the top of the list. Whilst I don't agree with this result, it is still a very fine beach.

The beach at Holkham is a great expanse of fine golden white sand which stretches... read more »
Shell Bay, Studland // Dorset

Shell Bay is at the very end of the beautiful, unspoilt stretch of golden sand that forms Studland beach. Despite being on the edge of the busy Poole harbour and opposite the super exclusive developments at Sanbanks, Shell Bay retains a feel of the wilderness. This is partly due to being owned by the National Trust with the extensive sand dunes... read more »
Porthmeor Beach // Cornwall

St Ives is one of Cornwall's most popular holiday resorts. Jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, the town is home to five wonderful sandy beaches of which Porthmeor is one. Porthmeor has it all, from golden sand and azures waters to the internationally renowned Tate Gallery which overlooks the beach. Just minutes along cobbled streets from the town... read more »
Anthony Brindley
Rhossili Bay // Wales

Rhossili Bay is allegedly the finest beach in Britain and one of the best in the world. Whilst I am not going to disagree that this is indeed a stunning beach I think there is an awful lot of competition and it has quite a lot to live up to. So, just what makes Rhossili beach so great? Well, three miles of golden sand in the unspoilt setting of... read more »