10 British beaches you have to try this summer
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With summer now upon us, you’re probably day-dreaming about stretching out on Mediterranean sands. But the promise of a heatwave in the UK might mean you can find what you’re looking for closer to home.
From the Outer Hebrides to Cornwall, here are 10 of the best beaches in the UK.
Got your own favourite? Tell us in the comments below (just register first), on Twitter with #wow247 or on our Facebook page.
10. Silecroft Beach, Cumbria
[Picture: Gus Brennan / Flickr / CC]
Surrounded by nature, Silecroft is often overlooked as a perfect place for a wander. The gently sloping sand stretches as far as the eye can see, for a reflective visit to a sand and pebbled shore.
Location: Find Silecroft in Millom on the edge of the Lake District Park in Cumbia
9. Coldingham Sands, Scottish Borders
[Picture: Michael Reilly / Johnston Press]
This beach’s name may not be a great advertisement for a sunny spot, but with an award-winning sandy shore this can be the ideal location for a summer’s day out. Coldingham Sands’ blue flag shores are popular for bird watching and observing the hermit crabs nestled into the many rock pools.
Location: Berwickshire’s rocky coast near St Abbs Head
More info: www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/coldingham-p315511
8. Sea Palling, Norfolk
[Picture: Gary Troughton / Flickr / CC]
Due to flood threats, Sea Palling holds a number of man-made reefs that calm the waters and make this beach perfect for paddling. As a small, family-friendly seaside resort Sea Palling is deserted for much of the year and offers peaceful walks with plenty of facilities close by.
Location: The small village of Sea Palling can be found to the north east of Norwich
More info: www.seapalling.com
7. Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland
[Picture: John Ash / Flickr / CC]
Home to the iconic Bamburgh Castle and views of Holy Island, this beach is the ultimate dramatic location to take a stroll. The stretch of golden sand, often overlooked because of the town’s looming castle, is the perfect location for a walk and a bathe in its clean waters.
Location: Just south of the Scottish border in Northumberland
More info: www.visitnorthumberland.com/coast/bamburgh
6. Traeth Soden, Llwyndafydd
This secret beach, tucked away in the West of Wales, is believed to have been a smuggler’s stomping-ground. Traeth Soden is also home to the endangered Pearl-bordered Fritillary butterfly, which thrives on the dog violets decorating the slopes. It’s so secret we couldn’t find a photo of it.
Location: This smuggler’s cover hides itself in the north of New Quay, Wales
More info: www.blueseasurf.co.uk/cwmsilio.html
5. Steephill Cove, Isle of Wight
[Picture: Christopher Hawkins / Flickr / CC]
Steephill Cove will take you back in time with its beach huts and lobster pots. It’s an unblemished fishing cove with no road access which gives the beach its individual character and keeps it free from any noise pollution.
Location: Steephill can be found on the south side of the Isle of Wight in Ventnor
More info: www.steephillcove-isleofwight.co.uk
4. Skrinkle Haven and Church Doors, Pembrokeshire
[Picture: N Chadwick / CC]
The two small coves are seperated by a distinctive formation of headland, and the beaches bite into high cliff to provide shelter to this solitary spot. The surrounding limestone also provides the perfect spot to enjoy a view of the sea rolling in.
Location: Shrinkle Haven and Church Doors are south of Lydstep in Pembrokeshire
More info: www.blueseasurf.co.uk/skrinkle.html
3. Lizard Point, Cornwall
[Picture: sandy & alan js / Flickr / CC]
Start at Church Cove for a private viewing of some of Cornwall’s coastal history. Lizard Point is known for its rousing cliffs ornamented by the local serpentine stone. The coast’s lighthouse also marks the most southerly point in Britain.
Location: Lizard Village sits in the very southernmost tip of Cornwall
More info: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lizard-point-and-kynance-cove/
2. Luskentyre, Isle of Harris
[Picture: Bob the Lomond / Flickr / CC]
At high tide a lot of the bay is hidden under water, but immaculate white sandy shores and turquoise waters make it truly unique to the UK. One of several breath-taking beaches on Harris, Luskentyre offers a secluded location and if you’re very lucky you may spot local horse Belle strolling along by herself.
Location: You can find Luskentyre Bay on the west side of South Harris
More info: www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/harris/luskentyre
1. Embleton Bay, Northumberland
[Picture: Vanessa Chettleburgh / Flickr / CC]
Sitting on the North Sea, Embleton Bay is guarded by the ruins of 14th century Dunstanburgh Castle. With a wide sandy shore and dramatic dunes, the bay also has a collection of rock pools that will compel you to explore.
Location: The coastline runs right through to Embleton Village, eight miles from Alnwick
More info: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/embleton-and-newton-links
Find these beaches on the map:
What’s your favourite beach in the UK?
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