You don’t have to go abroad to discover the pleasure and beauty of a fine sandy beach! Check out our countdown of the 25 best sandy beaches in the UK to find the perfect spot to enjoy the summer sun without hopping on a plane.
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The map below shows the locations of the 25 best sandy beaches in the UK and nearby Mountain Warehouse stores.
Key:
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Sandy beaches in the UK: █
Mountain Warehouse stores: █
The locations of the stores and beaches may not be accurate; this map should only be used as a reference.
25. Pelistry Bay: Isles of Scilly
Located on the remote Isles of Scilly off the coast of Cornwall, Pelistry Bay is often deserted, especially outside of the high season. Offering beautiful golden sands in a secluded spot, Pelistry Bay is the perfect beach for relaxation.
24. Portstewart Strand: Northern Ireland
Portstewart Strand is one of Northern Ireland’s top tourist attractions, and for good reason. The 2-mile beach has won a blue flag award for the quality of its bathing waters, and the sand dunes are a great place for a long walk. The beach is owned by the National Trust and is located between Portstewart and the mouth of the River Bann.
23. Compton Bay: Isle of Wight
Compton Bay is a 2-mile stretch of sand on the Isle of Wight. This beach is a favorite among surfers and allows you to see fossilized dinosaur footprints in the rocks, something that kids will love!
22. Holkham Beach: Norfolk
Holkham Beach is a vast sandy beach in Norfolk. Its 4 miles of sand are so expansive that even in high season, it is unlikely to be crowded. Surrounded by woods and sand dunes, this beach is perfect for walkers and those seeking a peaceful escape.
21. Runswick Bay: Yorkshire
This sandy beach is set against the picturesque backdrop of Runswick Bay. The beach is dog-friendly and car-free in the village, giving it a very calm and relaxed feel. Runswick Bay is a great spot for fossil hunting, and seals can be seen from the shore.
20. Watergate Bay: Cornwall
Watergate Bay is located a 15-minute drive from Newquay. The beach is backed by cliffs that are ideal for walking and is popular with water sports enthusiasts due to its favorable surfing conditions. Kids will enjoy playing in the rock pools, and with no seasonal restrictions, your dog can come along too!
Watergate Bay
19. Druridge Bay: Northumberland
Druridge Bay is a 7-mile sandy beach that stretches from the towns of Amble to Cresswell. The beach offers ideal conditions for surfing and sand for walking, set against a backdrop of sand dunes and woodlands.
18. Tynemouth Longsands: Tyne and Wear
Tynemouth Longsands beach stretches for a mile along the Tyne and Wear coast. The beach is a popular destination for surfers and was once used as a training ground by Newcastle United Football Club. This beach has received a blue flag for its water quality and facilities. There is a seasonal restriction for dogs, but exercise areas are available.
17. Stone Bay: Kent
Located in the town of Broadstairs, Stone Bay is a small beach surrounded by white cliffs that has received a blue flag award for the quality of its facilities. Interestingly, the beach disappears during high tide, so it is advisable to check tide forecasts before heading out. Dogs are banned during the summer months.
16. Formby Beach: Lancashire
Formby is a National Trust beach backed by sand dunes that has been designated a site of special scientific interest. On clear days, there are views of the Blackpool Tower and the Cumbrian mountains, and when the tide is out, you can see ancient animal and human footprints.
15. Studland Bay: Dorset
Studland Bay is a 4-mile stretch of sand owned by the National Trust. The beach is backed by sand dunes and heathland that contain a variety of wildlife, including 6 species of reptiles in Britain. The length of the beach makes it ideal for walks, although dogs must be kept on a lead during the summer season.
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14. Beadnell Beach: Northumberland
Beadnell Beach is the only west-facing beach on the east coast of the UK, making it a great spot for watching the sunset. The horseshoe-shaped beach is backed by sand dunes and has the added bonus of free parking. The beach is popular for windsurfing and sailing, but there are no lifeguards on duty.
13. Luskentyre Sands: Harris Islands, Scotland
Luskentyre Sands looks like it belongs in the Caribbean rather than Scotland, with its white sands and beautiful green waters. Although British weather may not match the Caribbean, its remote location on the Harris Islands in the far north of Scotland means you are unlikely to encounter crowds.
12. Weymouth Beach: Dorset
Weymouth Beach, located 3 miles long, gives the impression of a traditional British seaside town. With classic attractions like Punch & Judy and donkey rides, as well as modern amusement arcades and free summer fireworks, Weymouth is a great place to enjoy a sunny day.
Weymouth Beach
11. Whitby Beach: Yorkshire
Whitby has two beaches: the larger 2-mile West Cliff beach and Tate Hill beach. They are perfect for children with donkey rides, a children’s paddling pool, and a lifeguard on duty during the summer season. Dogs are not allowed on West Cliff Beach but are permitted on the smaller Tate Hill beach, which, with its sheltered bay, is perfect for swimming.
10. West Wittering: Sussex
This sandy beach has been awarded a blue flag for its quality and is patrolled by lifeguards in the summer, making it ideal for children. With long stretches of sand, it is perfect for walks and is popular with windsurfers. Parking can be very expensive, and the area is known to be very busy in high season, so it’s best to arrive early!
9. Sandwood Bay: Scottish Highlands
Sandwood Bay is the most remote beach on this list. You will need your walking shoes to get there as there is no road access, and it is a 4-mile hike to the nearest parking in the hamlet of Blairmore. However, those who brave the walk will be rewarded with one of the most unspoiled and beautiful sandy beaches in the UK.
8. Saunton Sands: Devon
Saunton Sands is a large 3-mile beach in North Devon. The beach is so vast that it is sometimes used as a runway for military transport planes. The beach is a favorite with dogs, and its size allows them to roam freely outside a small strip where they must be on a lead.
7. Bamburgh Beach: Northumberland
Bamburgh Beach is a wild sandy beach with the backdrop of the imposing Bamburgh Castle. The beach is perfect for dog walkers, and although the water temperature remains cool year-round, it is popular with surfers.
Bamburgh Castle
6. St Brelade’s Beach: Jersey
St Brelade’s Bay in Jersey is south-facing and sheltered from the wind in most directions, making it a great spot for sunbathers. The beach is popular with surfers, and there is a lifeguard on duty during the summer months, making it ideal for families. St Brelade’s Beach is one of the most popular in Jersey, so although there is parking, it is limited and fills up quickly.
5. Botany Bay: Kent
Botany Bay is a secluded beach backed by striking white cliffs. This beach is great for families, although there is a dog ban in the summer between 10 am and 6 pm. When the tide is out, surfers can walk to Joss Bay, one of the best surfing beaches in Kent.
4. Rhossili Bay: Wales
This three-mile stretch of sand is a fantastic retreat on the Welsh coast. Surrounded by sand dunes, the Atlantic swells make it an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts, especially surfers. The lower Rhossili area surrounding the bay is a great place for a long walk.
3. Woolacombe Beach: Devon
Woolacombe Beach is three miles of golden sands popular with surfers and sunbathers. One of the quieter beaches on this list, rather than entertainment and shops, Woolacombe Beach is backed by sand dunes.
2. Porthminster Beach: Cornwall
Porthminster in Cornwall is a sheltered beach with calm waters, making it ideal for families. The beach has a blue flag and is located next to St Ives train station, where taking a train can help you avoid busy parking during the summer months.
1. Bournemouth Beach: Dorset
Bournemouth Beach
Boasting a 7-mile stretch of golden sand, a pier with entertainment, and its own microclimate with some of the warmest seas in the UK, Bournemouth is a great place to enjoy the summer sun.
Now that you know the best sandy beaches in the UK, grab your swimsuits, pack a picnic, and head to a beach near you today!
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