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There are some overlooked UK seaside destinations that offer a serene escape with golden sand beaches and dramatic scenery that are set to rival those in Cornwall

A travel expert has outlined some underrated UK seaside escapes that are a far cry from the crowds in Cornwall.

Cornwall is one of the most popular UK seaside destinations, with its sprawling golden-sand beaches, surfing waves, culinary scene, and charming towns like St Ives and Falmouth. Every year, it’s thought to welcome around 4million overnight visitors and a whopping 14million day trippers.

Its busiest time is notoriously during the school holidays and summer months, as thousands of Brits flock down to the coast to soak up the rays on the picturesque coastline. According to ONS figures, a staggering 710,860 short-time holiday let nights were recorded in August alone.

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Not only can a break to the Cornish coast become overrun by tourists, but it can also come with a hefty price tag for the privilege, as demand soars. But all is not lost for that desirable escape to the British coast, as there are some underrated UK destinations that are just as beautiful, and far quieter.

“Cornwall is magnificent, and the popularity is completely understandable,” Mark Hutchins, founder of Beach Stays, said. “But there are stretches of coastline in this country that are just as stunning, far less crowded, and meaningfully cheaper. Most people never consider them simply because they’re less familiar. That’s their loss, and the gain of anyone willing to look a little further.”

Mark argues that some lesser-known locations are not a compromise and still offer picturesque coastal vistas alongside stunning beaches. The travel expert recommends West Wales and Northumberland for a seaside escape, and they’ll be a fraction of the price you’d pay for the same time in Cornwall.

West Wales is characterised by its dramatic cliffs, stretches of pristine beaches, secluded coves, and charming seaside towns, such as Cardigan and Aberaeron. Some of the most well-known beaches in the area include Barafundle Bay, Pendine Sands, and Whitesands Bay, which have miles of golden sand shores against the blue waters.

One visitor to Pendine Sands shared on TripAdvisor: “What a beautiful beach, miles of beach, beautiful views, plenty of parking, loads of shops to visit, there is also a museum of speed there, lots of food options to choose from, I would highly recommend.”

Following a trip to their favourite spot in West Wales, another holidaymaker said: “We have been coming to Whitsand Bay for our holiday almost every year. Beautiful, gorgeous, sandy beaches, still unspoiled, hardly anyone around. So peaceful.”

The region of Wales is also home to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the only one of its kind in the UK, which stretches 186 miles along the scenic coastline. It offers ample hiking opportunities and some of the most breathtaking views of winding estuaries, enormous beaches, and rugged cliffs.

Northumberland is also home to some of the most spectacular scenery, with unspoilt sand beaches lined by dunes, rolling hills, and heather moorlands. One of its most famous beaches is the dramatic Bamburgh, with golden sand that stretches for around three miles, backed by the majestic Bamburgh Castle, and offering panoramic views of the Farne Islands.

It’s an uncrowded paradise and a haven for dog walkers, much like the beaches in Northumberland, which are often open to dogs year-round. Following a visit to Bamburgh beach this year, one holidaymaker noted: “A fantastic beach with breathtaking views of the Farne Islands and Holy Island with Lindisfarne castle.

“It was a lovely walk where you could easily spend hours with family, and it’s great to tire the dogs out! Overlooked by Bamburgh castle, it also offers great photo opportunities, and is near a few local cafes for after your walk.”

Other notable beaches in Northumberland include the sweeping coast of Budle Bay, the horseshoe-shaped Beadnell Bay, and Embleton Bay, which is overlooked by the ancient ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. Known as the ‘castle county’, there’s also the famed Alnwick Castle that has been used as a filming location for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.

There are also plenty of charming towns to explore, including the historic Alnwick and Hexham, which has been named as one of the happiest places to live in the UK. There’s also the village of Corbridge, offering scenic riverside walks, along with the coastal towns of Bamburgh and Berwick-upon-Tweed, with their mix of English and Scottish heritage.

With West Wales and Northumberland offering a catalogue of pristine beaches, delightful towns and picture-postcard coastal vistas, it might just be the time to switch it up from the Cornish coast.

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