UK beaches our experts rate BETTER than abroad

SKIP the airport queues and travel faff – these spectacular UK beaches look so exotic you’ll swear you’re in the Med.

Our travel team have selected a line-up of spectacular British beaches that feel a world away from the UK.

We’re talking Caribbean-style white sands in Scotland, dramatic rock arches in Kent, and Mediterranean-looking coastal towns in Wales.

One of these northern gems has even beaten Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach in the rankings, and another UK spot regularly ranks among the world’s best beaches.

The best part? You don’t need a luxury budget to enjoy them. You can swap the expensive overseas resort fees for bargain stays right by the beach.

From Ibiza-vibe bars in Cornwall to beautiful bays in Wales, here’s our pick of the most stunning UK beaches.

Kingsgate Bay Beach, Kent

Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey

A number of beautiful rock arches have been lost to the sea in recent years, such as Italy‘s Lover’s Arch earlier this year and the famous Azure Window in Malta.

Thankfully, there is one in the UK that looks just like it’s former European counterparts.

Kingsgate Bay Beach in Kent could be mistaken for being further abroad, with the famous arch only walkable during low tide.

And the beach itself is one of my favourites, as you can expect far fewer crowds than the nearby beaches of Broadstairs and Margate.

Bring the walking shoes as there are some rather steep steps to the bottom, although it it is worth it for the beautiful views over the water, and the soft white sand that is even better than many beaches outside of the UK.

It’s book-ended by the stunning Kingsgate Castle and Captain Digby pub – perfect for a post-beach pint and chips.

Arisaig, Scotland

Travel Editor at The Scottish Sun, Heather Lowrie

Close your eyes before reaching the gorgeous village of Arisaig on Scotland’s west coast and when you open them you’ll be convinced you’ve transported to somewhere much more exotic.

Beaches here resembled those in the Caribbean, as they are washed by the gulf stream, making them some of the most beautiful in Britain.

The sweeping sands of Camusdarach beach were featured in the film Local Hero, and the turquoise waters of Traigh beach reach over to the islands of Eigg, Rum, Muck and Canna, where you can watch impossibly dramatic sunsets.

There’s also plenty of little secret coves if you’re looking to feel like a real castaway.

One tip though –  the temperature of the water is the only giveaway that this isn’t actually the Caribbean

The Crofter’s Rest at the Arisaig Hotel is the go to pub here, with gorgeous beach and sea views and highly recommended food – the Cullen Skink is to die for!

It was even voted one of the best pubs worth travelling for in 2024, and they also have rooms from £120 per night.

It’s easily accessible by train from Glasgow, and despite the journey being five hours, it will pass in no time as the scenery on the way is mesmerising, including the iconic Glenffinan Viaduct – Harry Potter fans will love it.

The village, population of around just 300, has a shop, Post Office, marina and golf course, so there’s plenty to do.

Bamburgh, Northumberland

Head of Travel, Lisa Minot

It’s beaches have been named better than Sydney’s Bondi. Bamburgh in Northumberland wins awards year after year for its dramatic stretch of golden sands and gorgeous dunes, sitting in the looming shadow of the 1,400-year-old Banburgh Castle.

Sat atop a volcanic crag, centuries of warfare saw the castle reduced to ruins before it was brought back to life by Newcastle industrialist and inventor William Armstrong in the late 19th century.

And the village of Bamburgh itself is the perfect place to refuel after a bracing walk along the sands or exploring the castle.

The newly-opened Bamburgh Walled Garden in the heart of the village has a fabulous children’s adventure playground and lovely cafe serving hearty meals.

Also worth a visit is the Potted Lobster a seafood restaurant with a menu packed with locally-sourced produce that was catapulted to nationwide fame after appearing in the Hairy Bikers’ Go North TV show, where the duo declared it had ‘the best fish and chips ever’.

Old Hunstanton Beach, Norfolk

Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens

It’s easy to see why Norfolk locals like me affectionately call this town ‘Sunny Hunny’, with its golden beaches and reliable sunshine.

While Hunstanton beach is your classic bucket and spade spot which easily becomes packed with people, Old Hunstanton beach, just a short walk down the road, feels miles away from Britain.

As you walk further north from the busy promenade, you’ll pass striped chalk cliffs and a unique series of moss-topped boulders perfectly arranged into neat rows.

After admiring the views, you’ll soon reach a huge stretch of fine golden sand and shallow water with gentle lapping waves.

My favourite time to visit is at sunset to catch the famous pink skies. As a Norfolk local, my friends and I have travelled as far as California, Thailand and Australia, but are yet to find a sunset that compares to those at home.

Make sure to snap some pics on the beach at golden hour, then sit down on a dune to enjoy the striking coral glow and watch the sun sink into the sea.

Old Hunstanton is also home to a pretty beach cafe that serves fantastic breakfasts, as well as a range of herbal and floral teas.

The cafe has a trendy, surfer feel that reminds me of beachside coffee spots I’ve visited in San Diego.

Tenby, Wales

Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding

Tenby in Wales is a much loved UK staycation spot and with good reason.

On sunny days, the pastel-coloured houses glow and the water sparkles with the towns four golden beaches looking like they belong in the Mediterranean.

The coast actually boasts a micro-climate, leaving it to being compared to Spain and Italy.

Make sure to hop across to Caldey Island as well, that feels like a secluded island retreat.

The island isn’t too big but boasts lovely walks and you can even meet the resident monk who makes perfumes and chocolates.

And if you want to spend more time by the water, head on a wildlife cruise where you can spot seals and dolphins.

Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall

Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens

Cornwall’s Lizard Peninsula has plenty of beaches to pick from that feel less like England and more like they belong somewhere tropical overseas.

Housel Bay Beach is a secluded paradise-like spot you can only reach at low tide. Framed by steep cliffs, its calm, clear waters are perfect for a peaceful dip.

Lankidden Cove is an equally stunning option, but it takes some getting to. It’s best reached by parking up at Kennack Sands, and then hiking along the 1.5 mile coastal path to the cove – beware, it can get steep!

To take in the stunning Cornish coastal views from the water, try a surfing lesson with Dan Joel Surf School at Poldhu Beach.

Lessons start at £35pp, and you’ll be guided every step of the way. As a nervous newbie, I was soon beaming from catching my very first waves.

Depending on when you go, the waves can get big enough to make you feel like you’re on a Californian surf break.

My favourite spot, however, is Kynance Cove, which is regularly listed as one of the world’s best beaches.

Here you’ll weave your way through towering rock formations down to a dramatic shore with a brilliant turquoise sea that I’ve never seen anywhere else in the UK.

The beach is framed by dramatic, wave-polished cliffs that gleam under the sun, creating a stunning backdrop that feels completely tropical.

Remember that many of the peninsula’s beautiful bays are tidal, so be sure to check the tide times before setting off on your beach day.

For an affordable base, stay in Helston. My family and I opted for a Sykes Cottages stay, which in Helston can cost you less than £15pp per night.

Bournemouth, Dorset

Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Having visited Bournemouth on the most recent hot weekend where it reached a sweltering 30C, I was constantly overhearing everyone around me saying ‘doesn’t this feel like Spain?’

With golden stretches of sand, some very tanned sunbathers and beachside bars, they were right.

Right on the sands of Bournemouth Beach is the popular Beachside EI Murrino, which calls itself the “the number one beachside restaurant”.

When I arrived, it was so busy we had to wait for a table (only for around five minutes) before having a drink.

But once you’re in there’s a DJ, small dance floor, food vans and of course a bar.

But as it is table service, you don’t even need to get up, the drinks and food come to you.

Enjoying a tasty Aperol Spritz in the sunshine, I have to admit I was getting Mediterranean vibes.

Another great spot is Aruba Restaurant and Bar. Right in front of Bournemouth Pier, it has a small but patio area which is a prime spot for the sun and of course, people watching.

Alnmouth, Northumberland

Head of Travel, Lisa Minot

Picture-postcard pretty, the village of Alnmouth on the Northumbria coast is a tranquil haven – tucked into a spot where the River Aln meets the sea.

With its jumble of multi-coloured pastel painted houses lining the waterfront, it’s often called the Tobermory of the North.

Down on the harbour is The Ferryman’s Hut – known as the world’s smallest museum – an old shelter turned into an exhibit run by locals.

Sitting on a peninsula, the massive sandy beach feels hidden away and protected from the elements and is framed by grassy dunes – perfect for a peaceful walk.

Enjoy a pint in the huge beer garden at the Red Lion pub or pack up a picnic with treats from Scott’s Deli, with local cheeses, pastries and beach-ready picnic boxes.

Golf fans should check out the Alnmouth Village Golf Club, an historic nine-hole course right on the coastline that is regularly named one of the UK’s top hidden gem courses.

Polzeath, Cornwall

Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

I can think of nowhere I’d rather be on a glorious summers day than Polzeath in Cornwall, a dinky village with buckets of charm.

When the sun is shining and I’m chomping back a gooey cheese toastie from the cafe up the road, watching the surfers glide on the waves, it tops all of my favourite beach destinations abroad.

The rum bar, Surfside, has an air of Ibiza beach club to it, only with a more laidback atmosphere.

Picnic tables spill out onto the sands where salty-haired swimmers sip foamy pints and DJs keep the energy pumping through the night.

The other brilliant thing about this village is its position at the end of unspoilt cliff faces – meaning walking trails are aplenty from this spot.

The stroll to Pentire Point is stunning. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for seals bobbing in the sea at the foot of the cliffs.

Prices correct at the time of publication.