The UK’s 15 most beautiful beaches revealed from Caribbean-like sands to seals right on the shore
WITH between 1,000 and 1,500 beaches in the UK, knowing which ones are a ‘must- see’ can be a hard feat.
Fortunately, the best beaches in the UK have just been revealed in perfect time for your next beach trip.
The list compiled by Condé Nast Traveller ranks the beaches from reader ratings.
Here’s the full rundown of the 15 best beaches in the UK:
15. Whitby Beach, North Yorkshire, England
Scoring 73 out of 100, the Blue Flag Whitby Beach in North Yorkshire features a long stretch of golden sand as well as lots of rock pools to explore.
The famous Whitby Abbey also overlooks the beach from the cliffs that surround the sand.
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The spot is particularly loved for paddling thanks to its shallow waters and that it has lifeguards in the summer season.
There are parking and toilets close to the beach.
14. Rhossili Bay, Gower Peninsula, Wales
Over in Wales, scoring a slightly higher 74.73, the three-mile- long Rhossili Bay beach often sits on Wales’ top 10 beaches list.
It has even previously been described as the ‘supermodel of British Beaches’ by The Independent.
The beach is ideal for having a picnic or heading into the water for a surf.
You can also visit Worms Head, where you may see seals basking in the water below.
13. Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides
Scoring 75.56, Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris in Scotland came in at 13th place.
Luskentyre Beach features rolling dunes, turquoise waters and miles of white shell sand.
What makes the spot even more special is that it is often visited by free-roaming white Highland ponies.
There is a small car park not too far from the beach.
12. Bournemouth Beach, Dorset, England
Bournemouth Beach managed to score slightly higher, securing 75.83 out of 100.
The beach is a great family-friendly spot as it is known as one of the safest beaches in the UK, with lifeguards based at the beach between April and September.
Between April and the end of October there is also a land train that runs along the promenade.
For a small charge, you can hop on it between Bournemouth Pier and either Boscombe Pier or Branksome Chine.
11. Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Just missing out on the top 10 is Barafundle Bay in Wales, scoring 76.67.
This golden beach is backed by dunes covered with long grass and pine trees.
According to Visit Pembrokeshire, it is even often compared to a Caribbean beach.
It is worth noting though that the beach has no facilities and is a half- mile walk over cliffs from the closest car park.
10. Woolacombe Beach, North Devon, England
Taking 10th place with a score of 78.48 is Woolacombe Beach in North Devon.
Often ranked among the best beaches in the UK, Woolacombe Beach stretches for three miles and is known for its golden sand and great surfing conditions.
It is great for a family day out as well, with large car parks close to the beach, public toilets, shops and restaurants.
Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding, who has visited the beach several times, said: “Woolacombe Beach is so big you will always find a spot in the sun to relax but make sure to go for a swim too as the water has shallow entry making it ideal for paddling with the little ones.”
9. Durdle Door Beach, Dorset, England
Scoring 80, Durdle Door Beach – home to the famous landmark – came in at ninth.
The beach sits on the Jurassic Coast which is made of natural limestone.
Along the shingle beach you will find limestone caves too, though you cannot enter them.
It is also worth noting that there is a steep 15-to-20-minute walk from the car park to the beach including more than 140 steps.
8. Porthmeor Beach, St Ives, Cornwall, England
Porthmeor Beach is next up, scoring 82 overall.
The pale yellow, soft- sand beach is backed by the picturesque buildings.
The beach is ideal for surfing as well as a swim when the wind is calmer – and there are several rock pools ideal for the little ones wanting to investigate.
For a nice walk, the beach sits on the South West Coast Path, so there’s plenty to see.
7. Porthcurno Beach, West Cornwall, England
Another Cornish beach – Porthcurno Beach – came in seventh place with a score of 83.11.
Boasting soft white sand, the beach is ideal for families with little kids as there is a stream down one side of the beach ideal for splashing and paddling in.
Thanks to a towering headland around the beach, it is quite sheltered from the wind too.
From the beach, you can also head off on a walk to other coves or even to Treryn Dinas – a headland home to a fort dating back to the Iron Age.
6. Newborough Beach, Anglesey, Wales
Just missing out on the top five with a score of 83.33 is Newborough Beach in Wales.
This golden beach stretches for 3.5 miles and is backed by Newborough Forest.
The beach is also known for its connections to Llanddwyn Island – a tidal island with a striking lighthouse.
You can walk to the island at low tide and see views across the sea.
5. West Wittering Beach, West Sussex, England
Coming in fifth place is West Wittering Beach in West Sussex with a score of 85.
The Blue Flag beach has views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight.
When at the beach, there are multiple watersports activities to try out including windsurfing, kitesurfing and stand-up paddleboarding.
Or go on a walk across East Head, which is a National Trust-owned sand dune next to the beach known for its wildlife.
4. Tenby South Beach, Pembrokeshire, Wales
In fourth place is Tenby South Beach in Wales, with a score of 88.67.
The family-friendly beach stretches between Penally and Castle Beach with views of Caldey and St Margaret’s Islands.
The beach is also popular with gentler watersports, thanks to calm waters.
There is also a car park and a cafe at the beach.
3. Perranporth Beach, St Agnes, Cornwall, England
Scoring 93.33, Perranporth Beach in Cornwall came in third place.
This Cornish gem is loved for both swimming and surfing, as well as snorkelling.
And it is accessible, making it great for visiting with little ones.
When the tide heads out, you can walk to Ligger Point which is around two miles.
2.Camusdarach Beach, West Highlands, Scotland
Coming in second place and just missing out on the top spot is Camusdarach beach in Scotland with a score of 95.13.
Camusdarach Beach boasts white shell sand and also has crystal- clear turquoise waters.
From the beach you are also able to see the islands of Rum, Eigg, Muck, and Skye.
From the car park, it is only a three-to-five minute walk to the beach.
1. Llanddwyn Beach, Anglesey, Wales
The 3.5-mile beach that then came out on top as the best in the country is Llanddwyn Beach in Wales, scoring 96.67.
With views over Eryri National Park, Llanddwyn Beach has large sand dunes and soft sand.
At the western end of the beach is a tidal peninsula with Twr Mawr lighthouse, old pilots’ cottages and the ruins of a 16th- century church.
At low tide you can cross to the island and explore the buildings.
Though if you want to spend your time on the beach, there is still plenty to see and do with the spot being a prime location for windsurfing and kitesurfing.