Brits planning a staycation may want to head to one UK island where the beaches are so spectacular you could easily think you’re actually in the Caribbean
The UK is full of breathtaking beaches, but there’s one staycation spot where the white sands and turquoise waters rival the shores of holiday hotspots like the Maldives or Caribbean islands.
The Isle of Harris in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides has beaches so spectacular, they regularly feature on round-ups of the world’s best beaches, and it’s not difficult to see why. The most famous, Luskentyre beach, boasts a remote location so it’s unspoiled, with a handful of tourists wandering along the shores.
It’s a popular birdwatching spot thanks to the variety of species that nest near its picture-perfect sandy dunes, green landscapes and eye-catching rocky cliffs. The white sands and crystal-clear waters could easily be mistaken for those from an exotic tropical destination, although visitors have warned that the cold waters can be a stark reminder that you’re very much still in Scotland. (Pack a wetsuit if you are tempted to take a dip).
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On Tripadvisor, visitors who made the trek continue to be floored by how picturesque of a setting the beach is. One happy holidaymaker wrote: “10 out 5! This beach is Outstanding!!! I’ve never seen anything quite like it before. The views on the drive up to the car park are other-worldly. Beautiful turquoise water, soft golden sand that stretches for miles, grass covered dunes. There’s a public toilet at the car park with a donation box, so that’s helpful! The wind blew warm when we were there in early May, and it was so much warmer than the other end of the island we visited later the same day. As we were walking out we even got to see 2 highland cows sitting on the bluff overlooking the beach, chewing their cud.”
Another added: “Luskentyre beach is the most stunning beach I have ever visited, which is saying something, as I am in my seventieth year. When I first saw it my breath was literally taken away. It has beautiful sand and is never crowded. The sea is crystal clear and there are views across to Taransay.”
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It’s not the only awe-inspiring bit of coast on the island. Head over to Seilebost, a tiny village with a campsite that offers up some ridiculously gorgeous views of Luskentyre as well as boasting its own beautiful golden sandy shores. “As with all the beaches on Harris the views are magnificent,” wrote one intrepid explorer. “Ample car parking beside the Old School and a short walk across the dunes to the beach. Long curved beach which had a calm lagoon area at low tide. Strangely the sand on this beach was much softer than all the others but still excellent for a long walk.”
Top tip: head over in the evenings in late spring and summer when the primroses flower for something extra Instagram-worthy!
If you want to visit the Isle of Harris, you can do so by either ferry or air. According to Visit Scotland, there are daily car ferries from Ullapool on the mainland to Stornoway, the main town of Lewis and Harris. Meanwhile the port of Tarbert on Harris is linked to Uig on the Isle of Skye, which also has daily ferries between the two.
If you want to fly, the island does have an airport which is served by Loganair, with flights from the likes of Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness, and Benbecula.
You can also find more information about the Isle of Harris on visitouterhebrides.co.uk.