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THE UK’S best beach is more than just a pretty face – it could even make you feel like you are thousands of miles away.

Traeth Llanddwyn in Anglesey, Wales was named the UK’s best beach, and is unique by having the main beach backed by a forest.

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Named the best beach in the UK for 2026 by Time Out, Traeth Llanddwyn stretches for 3.5 miles and according to some visitors on TripAdvisor, you “could be in the Caribbean”.

Standing on the Blue Flag beach, visitors can see the peaks of Eryri National Park as well as see across the Irish Sea.

Backing the beach is Newborough National Nature Reserve and Forest with Corsican pines – one of the best spots in Wales to see red squirrels.

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The pines were planted around 70 years ago to help support the sand dunes, and later in 1955, led to the reserve being declared the first coastal nature reserve.

There are walking trails through the reserve too.

And if this wasn’t enough to make you want to visit, at low tide you can also cross to the Llanddwyn Island – home to 16th century church ruins and the Tŵr Mawr Lighthouse.

Also on the island, you’ll find four small cottages that were originally built for pilots to help boats navigate into ports nearby.

You can even see Snowdonia from the island and might spot some wild ponies as well.

As for facilities at the beach, there are toilets as well as some barbeque areas with picnic benches.

You can also park in a car park right by the beach, which costs as little as £2.

One visitor said: “One of the best beaches we have ever seen – we have travelled worldwide and never been so pleased with our find.”

Another said: “One of the best beaches we have been to ever. Spectacular views, space and adjoining forest area for walking too.

“The walk and views walking Llanddwyn small island breathtaking.”

If you want to extend your time in the area, then at the edge of Newborough National Nature Reserve and Forest you can stay at Newborough Forest Holiday Park.

The holiday park is spread across two acres of meadow, with the beach being a short 20-minute walk away.

The site has showers, toilets, a dish-washing area, fridge and freezer, microwave and electrical hook- ups.

There’s also a Forest Chalet that sleeps up to four people and two dogs from £120 per night.

Pitches cost from just £28 per night.

Other beaches that featured on Time Out’s list include Cuckmere Haven in Sussex, named the second best beach in the UK.

Time Out commented that the “beach is popular with walkers but remains remarkably untouched, with only a handful of buildings visible”.

The spot has also made its appearance in a number of films including Atonement, A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and a Harry Potter film.

Rounding out the top three is Blackpool Sands, Devon.

The private beach does require a small entry fee to visit, but once there you’ll be greeted by golden sands and clean waters.

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding, who has visited the beach, said: “At Blackpool Sands – which is already very picturesque – you’ll find Blackpool Sands Cafe, Lounge and Restaurant.

“The tropical-looking lounge has an interior and vibe that transports you to the Mediterranean, with straw umbrellas, floor-to-ceiling glass doors and a heap of natural light.

“And it’s so close to the beach that the sand even gets inside.

“Dishes on the menu all use locally sourced ingredients, so what you’re eating feels as good as what you see. But – as you are in Devon – make sure to get their cream tea.”

FANCY holiday abroad vibes without actually leaving the country?

There’s some great hotels across the UK that feel like you’re somewhere like the Med or even Miami – so we’ve rounded up some of the best.

Roslin Beach Hotel, Southend -on-Sea

Roslin Beach Hotel is on the sandy beach of Thorpe Bay Beach is often compared to places in the US.

One previous guest said: “We could have been staying on the Florida Keys”.

It’s not the first time Southend-on-Sea has been compared to the US either.

In 2023, Tory councillor Daniel Nelson told the Southend Echo that tourism events played an important role “in the reinvigoration of the city and that Southend has the potential to become a Miami-on-Thames.”

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The Gallivant, Sussex

The Hamptons is known for its white wooden buildings and sandy beaches. And The Gallivant in Camber Sands is often said to be similar.

The American comparison to the Essex seaside is because of the shaker style it’s built in – and you can even book a room called the ‘Large Hampton’.

Not only that, but the dune-backed beaches of Camber Sands are a spitting image of the ones in Montauk, a hamlet in East Hampton.

The Times said “think New York’s Hamptons by way of Camber Sands” while House & Garden added it “brings a bit of the Hamptons and Scandi-vibe to Sussex”.

The Nici, Bournemouth

If you’ve ever wanted a slice of Miami without wanting to leave the country, then why not head to… Bournemouth?

The Nici Hotel, found on the seafront of the seaside town, opened in 2022.

There’s the South Beach Restaurant, which serves “champagne afternoon teas and classics with a Miami twist”.

Otherwise other nods include retro cocktail cabinets in the rooms, faux palm trees throughout and even art of Che Guevara.

Previous guests have raved about it too – one said: “Beautiful setting and very cool decor. Feels like Miami!”

Gara Rock, Devon

A rarity in the UK, Gara Rock has its own private swimming pool overlooking the ocean more comment in the Med.

Grab some pizza and a glass of rose wine and you’ll feel like you’re hundreds of miles away.

It even has a private beach too, if you fancy an ocean dip, or plash out on a “beach butler” and you can get unlimited cocktails delivered straight to you.

Hotel Tresanton, Cornwall

In St Mawes is Hotel Tresanton and at first glance may not look much like Italy, but head down to the hotel’s own Beach Club which overlooks the cliffs and, with the blue and white striped umbrellas, will transport you straight to the Italian Riviera.

The website states: “The Mediterranean style brings a feel of the Amalfi coast, with blue and white striped umbrellas and semi-tropical planting.”

Or, splash out on the classic Italian sailing yacht–Pinuccia where you can spend the night onboard with dinner and breakfast – and a bottle of champagne.

One person even said:  “It’s like a perfectly decorated small Italian hotel on the Amalfi Coast but further north on the sea in Cornwall.”

Art’otel, London

One of the new hotels to open in the Battersea Power Station, Art’otel has some of the best views from the top.

The rooftop infinity pool could even double for Dubai, with its luxury sunloungers and skyscraper views.

Of course, it is usually only open to hotel guests although they do have some open events to non-guests.

This includes as aqua aerobics, aqua board pilates and yoga, all of which come with breakfast and start from £25.