Sand

This sandy, sun-trapped beach surrounded by stunning coastline and spectacular views looks like it could be anywhere in Europe but it’s actually one of the UK’s best tourist destinations

It’s recently been voted one of the UK’s top 2025 destinations and when the sun is shining there’s no better place to chill than this gorgeous seaside resort with its colourful houses, cobbled streets and cafe culture.

You don’t have to travel far to one of the UK’s most stunning seaside resorts, Tenby in south-east Wales, which is blessed with beautiful blue waters and three glorious beaches: Castle Beach, North Beach, and South Beach.

Castle Beach has a blue flag and is perfect for paddling with an easy access slipway, while North Beach is a sheltered, sandy beach with Goskar rock sticking out of the sand and a picturesque harbour.

The largest of the three beaches, South Beach, is just a stone’s throw away with plenty of space to run around and play games.

And there’s plenty to do – for something a bit different you can catch a boat to the neighbouring island of Caldey where a community of Cistercian monks live. It’s just a 20-minute boat ride away, has a history extending over 1500 years and is one of Britain’s oldest holiest sites.

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Once on Caldey’s sandy shores, you can walk around the entire island in just over two hours but the Caldey Abbey, home to roughly 40 Cisestercian monks, is a must-see.

Back on the mainland visitors can take part in the Tenby Ghost Walk and learn about all things paranormal from ghostly pirates to witches and UFOs with storyteller Marion Davies.

History lovers can step inside the famous Tudor Merchant’s House which is known for its stone facade and wonky windows and dates all the way back to the fifteenth century. Inside, the quaint stone-floored rooms are filled with period furniture, ceramics and wall-hangings.

Tenby Castle and the Tenby Museum and Art Gallery are also worth a visit – and for the more adventurous there’s paddleboarding, kayaking and surfing.

There are plenty of places to relax but one of its top-rate pubs is the Harbwr Tap & Brewery, with a delicious range of seasonally brewed beers and ales – with visitors recommending its steak and sea bass.

For family fun check out the Dinosaur Park or Manor Wildlife Park. Discover over 90 lifelike dinosaurs, 40+ rides and attractions, including go-karts, Dino-golf, and a Dinosaur Trail with prices starting from £17:50 for children up to 15.

The Manor Wildlife Park in St Florence is Wales’ only walking safari where you can meet the lemurs and wander with the wallabies and feed them leaves.

You could stay at a campsite for less than £20 per night or if budget allows you could stay at the Tenby Golf Club which opened in late-2023 and offers a calm respite from central Tenby 15 minutes’ walk away.

Meanwhile, Penally Abbey hotel in Tenby was rated highly at the 2024 AA Hotel and Hospitality Services. Situated beside a twelfth century church, the charming hotel offers visitors the perfect starting point for exploration.

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Seatown beach in Dorset is a stunning spot with golden sands and clear waters – and the best part is you can park your car right on the beach before enjoying a drink at the nearby pub

The sea might be a bit nippy, but the weather is still mild and a day trip to the beach is a cracking way to spend a sunny day. It’s even better if there’s a pub just a stone’s throw from the beach. Dorset is one part of the UK blessed with stunning beaches.

A short drive from Lyme Regis, you’ll find the charming village of Seatown which boasts a splendid beach where you can literally park your car right next to the sand. Once you’ve arrived, you can either head straight for the beach or take a stroll along one of the breathtaking cliffs that offer panoramic views over Golden Cap and beyond.

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For those in need of a drink after a day on the beach, The Anchor Inn is a snug pub located right by the water’s edge. Famous for its seafood, visitors come here to enjoy a glass of wine and savour the fresh fish dishes whilst taking in the spectacular views.

Seatown is a mesmerising spot, especially during the height of summer when a pizza oven and a cafe shack serving top-quality coffee are set up directly on the beach.

It’s also incredibly handy with parking available near the beach, making it a perfect location for a family day out by the sea, reports Devon Live.

For those who fancy staying a bit longer, there’s a delightful campsite located right on the beach, complete with excellent picnic areas and its own grocery shop.

Alternatively, you could book a room at the pub and settle in for the night.

Cleo Street Beach in Laguna Beach is a quiet coastal retreat just south of the bustling Main Beach. A favorite among divers, it’s home to the Cleo Street Barge (Foss 125), which sank in 1958 and now rests 50 feet underwater. Covered in sea life and corals, the barge is easily reached with a short swim from shore and lies within the Laguna Beach State Marine Reserve, an observation-only zone. Divers often spot Garibaldi, striped bass and leopard sharks exploring its preserved interior.

Though small, Cleo Street offers a peaceful escape, especially during low tide when more sandy space is available. From here, you can stroll north to Main Beach’s lively shops and restaurants or south to discover more secluded coves. Whether diving or relaxing, Cleo Street is a unique slice of beach life that blends tranquility with underwater adventure.

Construction, including replacing the stairs and building a landing spot at street level that’s ADA-accessible, is slated to begin after Labor Day and continue through May 2026. During construction, beachgoers can visit Cleo Street Beach by walking from St. Ann’s Beach to the south or Sleepy Hollow Beach to the north.

Best for: Diving, sunbathing on low tide

Parking: Street and metered parking are available.

Dog-friendly: Dogs are not allowed off leash at any time and are not permitted on the beach between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. from June 15 through Sept. 10.

ADA-accessible: Not accessible. Head to Main Beach, where one manual and one motorized wheelchair are available on a first come, first served basis, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the lifeguard station. For more information, call (949) 497-0310.

What’s nearby: Enjoy breakfast or lunch at the Orange Inn. For casual Mexican food, head to the Taco Stand. Nearby, find surf gear at California Surf N Paddle and Costa Azul.

Protected by a lush nature reserve and firmly out of the tourist spotlight, this beautiful three-mile beach needs to be on your bucket list – if you can actually get there

Sugar-like sand, clear waters, and not a soul in sight – it’s hard to believe this secluded beach is in the UK. Tucked away in the west of Porthcawl, Wales, and sheltered by the Kenfig National Nature Reserve lies the golden bay of Sker Beach.

Boasting three miles of soft golden sand, this rural slice of coast has somehow managed to escape the tourist limelight – despite being a stone’s throw from the insufferably crowded Morfa Beach. It’s an idyllic spot, one that will make you feel like you’ve discovered your own tropical island and is great for those wanting to spend the day soaking up the sun or braving the cool, cobalt waters.

But, with no direct car park, getting to Sker Beach is no easy feat. In fact, you can only access the shore on foot, by walking from Rest Bay or the Kenfig National Nature Reserve. It’s a 20-minute walk from Rest Bay and a 40-minute walk to the nearest toilet – so make sure you come prepared.

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Due to its rural location, there are no amenities on Sker Beach, so it’s essential you bring food, drink, and sun cream with you. Volunteer lifeguards patrol at certain times, but if there’s no flag, there’s no patrol.

“At low tide, a plaque in memory of all the lives lost on the S.S. Santampa and the Mumbles lifeboat is visible,” explained Bridgend County Borough Council. “At very low tides, wreckage can still be found.”

On TripAdvisor, the beach has received stellar reviews from travellers – who dubbed the coastal gem a ‘wild and wonderful place’. “It’s so lovely, [it’s] like being on the edge of the world,” one person hailed. “Definitely worth the walk.”

Another agreed, commenting: “[There’s] so much beach it feels deserted. Plenty of shelter in the dune areas, or on top of the pebble areas for reflection, reading a book or soaking up the sun!” while a third added: “This beach is one of the most unappreciated beaches in Wales. It has no tourists, no pretend surfers and no overcrowding.”

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Located some 173 miles from London, driving to Sker Beach will take around three hours and 22 minutes – followed by the 20-minute coastal walk. You can get indirect trains from the Big Smoke over to Pyle – which takes two hours and 37 minutes – for as little as £64.40.

You’ll then have to drive, or take a taxi, for six minutes to reach Kenfig National Nature Reserve and then walk to the beach. However, many travellers have slammed the car park here for issuing out hefty fines – so make sure you pay and don’t go over the time limit.

*Prices based on adult single fares on Trainline at the time of writing. Tickets may be cheaper if you have a Railcard.

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