Who wants to bother with long flights and expensive airfares, when some of the best beaches for a seaside break can be found right here at home?
As international travel becomes more costly and sustainability is a growing concern, many are rediscovering some wonderful British coastal destinations that can easily compete with those found aboard. From the remote natural beauty of the Isle of Harris to a surfer’s paradise just four hours from London, the UK has so much to offer beach lovers of all ages.
On a sunny day, many of the UK’s sandy coves and secluded inlets could be anywhere in the world.
READ MORE: The unspoilt UK beach with golden sand and waters so blue ‘you could be in Minorca’
So before you book a flight, check out these 12 sumptuous seaside spots that are as exquisitely alluring as anywhere in France, Spain, Italy or beyond.
1. Durdle Door, Dorset
The crown jewel of the Dorset coastline, Durdle Door boasts a famous limestone arch and turquoise blue seas that could rival any Mediterranean vista.
This stunning natural landmark is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, making it one of Dorset’s most photographed and iconic spots. Designated as England’s first natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001, the Jurassic Coast holds international geological significance, placing it in the esteemed company of natural wonders like America’s Grand Canyon and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
2. Broadstairs, Kent
The traditional Kent seaside resort has been likened to Italy’s Amalfi Coast due to its picturesque scenery and charming seaside atmosphere.
This “hidden gem” is renowned for its stunning beaches, quaint harbour, and vibrant local culture. Visitors can delight in the sight of fishing boats bobbing on turquoise waters, relax on beautiful beaches, or explore a variety of eateries, all while experiencing the quintessentially British seaside town.
3. Blackpool Sands, Devon
Nestled on the scenic coast of South Devon near Dartmouth, Blackpool Sands is widely regarded as one of the best beaches in the region, reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast.
Known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning backdrop of lush pine trees, this Blue Flag-awarded beach is celebrated for its cleanliness and environmental efforts. The sapphire waters lap onto the white sand and stony shores of the sheltered bay, making it an ideal location for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing on the sand.
4. Barafundle Bay, Wales
Gaze out towards the sea from Barafundle Bay and you’ll feel like you could be on a secluded Spanish Island, with its turquoise waters, pristine sands and rugged beauty.
On the Pembrokeshire coastline, this isolated spot is less crowded than some of the other nearby tourist traps, making it the perfect choice for beach lovers looking for a quiet day by the sea. Just a short distance from Stackpole Quay in Pembrokeshire, the beautiful beach is part of the Stackpole Estate, managed by The National Trust.
5. Kynance Cove, Cornwall
The Cornish beach on the Lizard Peninsula is surrounded by breathtaking turquoise seas. Repeatedly voted as one of the most popular beaches in the UK and even the world, the incredible views could easily be in the South of France or Italy.
Revered as a Cornish gem the serpentine rocks and white sand serpentine rocks add an ethereal beauty, making it one of the most photographed, filmed and painted beaches in the UK. Low tide reveals a series of coves and interconnected caves, with splendid Victorian names such as the Ladies Bathing Pool and the Drawing Room.
6. Rhossili Bay Beach, Gower, Wales
Rhossili Bay is located at the western end of the popular holiday destination of the Gower Peninsula.
The beach regularly features in Wales’ Best Beach top 10 and has been voted number one several times. Pretty as a picture, the sandy bay could easily be mistaken for any found in France or Spain. Each day, the beach is covered by the incoming tide, leaving it renewed, unspoilt, clean, and perfect for families.
7. Weymouth Beach, Dorset
Having previously claimed the top spot in The Times’ list of the UK’s 50 best beaches, the golden sands and pristine waters make Weymouth a popular spot for bathers.
Every year, visitors flock to this seaside town, located at the heart of the wild Jurassic Coast, to take in the magnificent seafront that could give the French Riviera a run for its money.
8. Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland
The seaside town with super soft sandy beaches has previously been awarded the UK’s favourite seaside destination by Which?
The two-mile stretch of white sand sweeps across the coastline, providing plenty of space for beach lovers to lounge. As the white horses lap against the shore, this beach could easily be anywhere along the coastline of Northern France.
9. Holkham Beach, Norfolk
Offering more than two miles of sea and sand, visiting this beautiful beach is like taking a trip back in time.
The unspoilt natural landscape is its biggest lure, with grassy banks leading to pine woods that frame the sandy beaches. Just far enough away from civilization to feel wonderfully remote, Holkham is like a Spanish idyll on a sunny day.
10. Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Harris
Luskentyre Beach on the Isle Of Harris is regularly named as one of the world’s best, and on a sunny day it is giving off major Indian Ocean vibes.
Boasting miles and miles of white sand and stunning green-blue water, this beautiful beach can easily rival any holiday destination, pretty much anywhere in the world.
11. Portmeirion, North Wales
Home to a unique Italianate village, Portmeirion is known for its eclectic filming history, popular pottery and exquisite design by the famous architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis.
It is also home to an attractive sandy beach that is overlooked by the stunning pastel buildings of the village. Well worth a visit at any time of the year, you can’t help but feel that you are somewhere in Italy and not in North Wales.
12. Fistral Beach, Cornwall
The legendary Cornish beach draws huge waves thanks to a nearby reef, which attracts surfers from all over the world.
Famous as being a beach for water sports enthusiasts, it could be easy to forget the fact that it is also incredibly beautiful. The long stretches of golden sand and undulated blue sea give it a truly Mediterranean feel.
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