Best Beaches in the UK

The UK’s coastline is full of variety—windswept bays, lively promenades, quiet estuaries and golden stretches that rival anything abroad. From the tidal sands of Devon to the peaceful dunes of Wales and the pebble shores of the south coast, these beaches each offer something different. Whether you’re after a bracing sea swim, a family-friendly spot with a pier, or a quiet walk with uninterrupted views, here are some of the best beaches across the country worth visiting.

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Chapel Point, Lincolnshire

Located just north of Chapel St Leonards, Chapel Point sits alongside the North Sea Observatory, the UK’s first purpose-built marine observatory. The beach is wide and quiet, with clean sands and a long coastal path perfect for walking or cycling. It’s ideal for birdwatchers and those seeking a peaceful stretch of shoreline away from the busier parts of the Lincolnshire coast.

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Portobello Beach, Edinburgh

Just a couple of miles from Edinburgh’s city centre, Portobello Beach is a traditional seaside spot with a broad promenade, cafés, and ice cream shops. The beach itself is sandy and backed by a vibrant community, often hosting local events and cold-water swimmers. It’s popular year-round for walks, especially with the skyline of the city just behind you.

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Bournemouth Beach, Dorset

Bournemouth’s seven-mile coastline offers some of the best urban beachfront in the UK, with wide golden sands, a lively pier, and plenty of facilities. Located on the south coast of England, it’s easily accessible by train and caters well to families, swimmers, and paddleboarders. There’s also a zip wire from the pier for the more adventurous.

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Gibraltar Point, Lincolnshire

Located just south of Skegness, Gibraltar Point is a quiet, undeveloped stretch of coastline within a national nature reserve. It’s known for its saltmarshes, dunes and rich birdlife, with well-maintained trails leading through coastal habitats to wide, windswept sands. The visitor centre and café make it a good starting point for a longer walk, especially for those interested in wildlife and photography.

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Brighton Beach, East Sussex

A pebbled beach with a distinct atmosphere, Brighton Beach is known for its independent shops, street performers, and the landmark Brighton Palace Pier. Just a short walk from the train station, it’s one of the UK’s most recognisable coastal spots. Expect a sociable, urban vibe with easy access to bars and restaurants.

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Bigbury-on-Sea, Devon

Located in South Devon’s South Hams, Bigbury-on-Sea is a wide sandy beach famous for its tidal causeway that leads to Burgh Island. When the tide is high, a distinctive sea tractor ferries visitors across the water—a quirky, much-loved feature of the area. It’s a popular choice for bodyboarding and windsurfing, with shallow waters ideal for families. The beach is part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and offers great views of the surrounding coast.

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Aberdovey, Wales

At the southern edge of Snowdonia, Aberdovey offers a long stretch of sandy beach along the Dovey Estuary. It’s a peaceful coastal village with a working harbour and strong sailing heritage. The beach is great for walking, paddleboarding, or simply enjoying the relaxed pace, with easy access to the town’s cafés and shops.

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Ilfracombe, Devon

Ilfracombe isn’t known for one large beach but rather a series of small coves and rocky inlets, including the scenic Tunnels Beaches, hand-carved in the 1820s. Set along a dramatic stretch of coastline, it combines Victorian charm with raw, coastal scenery. Expect sea pools, dramatic cliffs, and easy access to Exmoor for walking.

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Barmouth, Wales

Set where the Mawddach Estuary meets the sea, Barmouth Beach is one of the most accessible beaches in Snowdonia. The town offers a nostalgic seaside feel, with a traditional promenade, amusements, and long views across Cardigan Bay. The sand is clean and wide, ideal for families or a quick dip after a hike in the nearby hills.

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