The three highest-rated beaches in the UK can all be found in Scotland, offering breathtaking views and incredible scenery
The UK is home to some incredible beaches, whether they are formed by rugged shingles or soft white sand.
While the summer months are behind us, September is the perfect time to explore crowd-free coastlines, soaking up the natural beauty unencumbered. Thanks to the review site Tripadvisor, you won’t have to look far to find the very best beaches that the UK has to offer.
Based on their latest study, Luskentyre Beach, Scotland, is the highest-rated beach in the UK. Located on the west coast of South Harris in the Outer Hebrides, this stunning beach boasts miles of white sand and clear blue water.
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Taking first place in the study with 93.79% of reviews (1,072 out of 1,143) rating it five stars, the beach boasts white sands and blue-green waters. Luskentyre Beach was named one of the UK’s best beaches in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards.
As an almost perfect ‘dupe’ for Grace Bay Beach in Turks and Caicos, thanks to its expansive stretches of light sand, and crystal-clear, turquoise waters, it is also famous to many as being the filming location for the shortlived BBC reality show ‘Castaways’.
Visitors to Luskentyre have been leaving rave reviews on Tripadvisor, with one writing: “This beach is stunning – miles of white sand to walk & a beautiful sunset to enjoy. We found it such a restful, peaceful, still place to visit.”
Another said: “An extraordinarily beautiful beach of brilliant white, shell sand, stretching across a huge, sheltered bay. Despite its being early April, we decided to have a very brief swim in the gloriously clear water. Unforgettable.”
And a third person wrote: “You’ve never seen water such a turquoise colour and multiple shades of turquoise. Beautiful white sands in front and mountains behind and beside. Outstanding scenery and is breathtakingly beautiful.
In second place, Scarista Beach, also in Harris, Scotland, ranked second with 90.50% of reviews (200 out of 221) rating it five stars.
Less than six miles from Luskentyre Beach, it is rated as the best place to visit on the Isle of Harris. This white sandy beach speckled with seashells lies on the southwestern coast of the island and looks out across The Atlantic.
One five-star reviewer on Tripadvisor described the beach as being “Heavenly” adding “Breathtakingly Beautiful. The colours of the sea are absolutely gorgeous and the beaches are untouched. I loved the different aqua marines, blues then whites as the surf came in. You can look for mikes and not see a sole on the beautiful silky soft and golden sand. Loved this place
Coming in close in third place, Camusdarach Beach in Morar, Scotland, achieved 88.54% five-star reviews (309 out of 349).
Described as an arc of white, glistening sand and clear water, it can be found south of the estuary of River Morar, with views of the Isle of Skye. This beach was also featured in the film Local Hero and is a popular filming location to visit.
One five-star review on Tripadvisor described the beach as being “So good for the soul.” They continued “Quiet, peaceful, beautiful. One of the most beautiful places on earth. And everyone you meet knows it too. Beautiful clear waters, big skys, and bite sandy beaches, fresh sea air. Reinvigorates the senses and the soul.”
The next highest-ranking British beach according to Tripadvisor can be found in Wales. Marloes Sands Beach in Pembrokeshire, Wales received 88.51% of reviews (231 out of 261) rating it five stars.
With its dramatic coastal scenery and vast golden sands, the pretty coastline is surrounded by wildlife and ancient history. Located southwest of the village of Marloes the beach looks out onto Skokholm Island.
Sandwood Bay in Sutherland, Scotland, came fifth with 88.10% of reviews (185 out of 210) rating it five stars. It is a natural bay with a remote, picturesque beach on the far northwest coast of mainland Scotland. Visitors will find a mile of golden sands and dunes, with rocky cliffs and a giant sea stack to complete the stunning vistas.
Other beaches in the top ten include Embleton Bay, Ross Back Sands Beach, and St Aidan Beach in Northumberland, Rhossili Bay in Gower, and Steve’s Beach on the Isle of Wight.