BELIEVE it or not, some of Britain’s beaches are best enjoyed in the winter.
Beautiful coastal paths make for the best crisp winter walks – and the waters might not be as cold as you’d think.
Plus, with less tourists at this time of year, you’ll often have these beaches to yourself!
Whether you’re the type to brave an ocean dip, or are looking for a new stretch of sand to walk the dogs – here’s our top 5 beaches to visit this winter.
Camber Sands, East Sussex
Best for: Wide golden sands, sea swims
This five-mile stretch of sand has continuously been named one of the best beaches to visit in winter.
The East Sussex beach is known for its hilly dunes which overlook miles of soft golden sands.
And with its mild temperatures, it makes for one of the best beaches to take a winter sea dip.
Camber Sands averages temperatures of 9.5°C in winter, and its waters can even reach highs of 11.5°C.
Beaches in the South East of England tend to have the highest amount of sunlight hours.
And Clacton is no exception – seeing two to three times the typical daily amount of winter sunshine hours in the UK.
Most read in Best of British
The iconic beach is even popular in films and amongst celebs.
Camber Sands famously stars in the 1958 film Dunkirk, and even featured as the Sahara Desert in 1967 in a Carry On film.
Plus, celebs such as Lisa Faulkner, as well as Tom and Giovanna Fletcher have been spotted here.
Camber Sands is just two hours’ drive from London, making for a great day trip from the UK capital.
Brancaster, Norfolk
Best for: Wildlife, quiet coastal walks
Brancaster in Norfolk is a fantastic place to spend a winter’s day.
Brancaster Estate is a National Trust destination, home to a meadow come-Roman fort and a picturesque harbour.
Down the road in Brancaster Staithe you’ll find the Mussel Pod – a food truck serving up fresh local mussels.
And if you keep walking along the shore, you’ll make your way along the Norfolk Coast Path through towns and villages like Thornham, Holkham and Burnham-Overy-Staithe.
Plus, the North Norfolk coast is the excellent for wildlife spotting.
Nearby Titchwell Marsh is popular with twitchers, and spotting common seals is a regular occurrence.
Seal trips by boat can even be taken at nearby Hunstanton or Cley.
With Norfolk’s clear and starry skies, the Northern lights can even be seen over the beach.
And temperatures here aren’t too bad either – averaging about
9°C throughout the winter.
Kynance Cove, Cornwall
Best for: Dramatic scenery, warmest temperatures
Kynance Cove tops the list as the warmest beach in the UK in research undertaken by Parkdean Resorts – and it’s also one of the most beautiful.
Winter temperatures average at around 11°C, and water temperatures can even reach 13°C.
It even made last year’s list of the 50 Best Beaches in the world, chosen by 1,000+ travel influencers and experts.
It sits on Cornwall‘s Lizard Peninsula, one of the most rugged and dramatic-looking coastlines in the UK.
In the height of summer under the blazing sun, this beach looks almost tropical.
But in the winter, it transforms into a peaceful coastal escape – perfect for breezy clifftop walks, and soaking up sea views without the summer crowds.
When the tide is low, you can wander between sea caves and rocky islands.
And when the tide turns high, you can watch over the bay as it transforms into a swirl of wild foaming waves.
And after a windswept walk, nothing beats warming up with a hot drink at the Kynance Cove Cafe – perched above the bay with unbelievable views.
Clacton-on-Sea, Essex
Best for: Traditional seaside town, family days out
Essex‘s Clacton-on-Sea is a popular seaside resort that makes the perfect family trip this winter.
The Victorian pier, promenade and painted beach huts give this beach a traditionally British feel.
Clacton-on-Sea has winter sunlight hours above the national annual average, so you can make the most of a long day at the beach.
Plus in December, the pier hosts seasonal events that are perfect for kids, such as a magical Santa’s Grotto experience.
You’ll also find bowling and a family-friendly restaurant inside the Pavilion.
Plus there’s no better feeling than heading for a winter walk along the shores, before popping into a cosy seafront cafe for a warming hot chocolate.
And it’s good news for swimmers – the sea here is often noted as the fastest to warm up in the Spring.
It’s even recorded the highest temperature waters of any beach in England and Wales, at a toasty 18.2°C.
Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Best for: Crystal waters and softest sands
Nestled in the Pembrokeshire coastline, Barafundle Bay is a Welsh jewel that is well worth the walk to get to.
This bay was once awarded the Best Beach in Britain – and it’s easy to see why.
The isolated location has a rugged shoreline, soft, flat sands and some of the UK’s best sunsets.
With cliffs shielding the bay from cold winds, winter temperatures here can reach a comfortable 11°C.
It sits within the National Trust’s Stackpole Estate – an area rich in history with stone landmarks dating back to the Bronze Age.
Note that the nearest car park in Stackpole is half a mile’s walk away – but the views are absolutely worth it.