The best beaches in the UK for summer, recommended by travel experts
Try a staycation this year and embrace the British seaside resorts, rural coves and family-friendly shores
Koichiko
It can be easy to overlook Britain's coastline when there is a wealth of sunny Mediterranean beaches only a few hours away. Yet there are plenty of sandy stretches across the country that can rival those abroad.
From tranquil Welsh coves to Cornwall's dramatic shores, a holiday break by the beach offers diverse seaside experiences, even if sunshine is not always guaranteed.
Whether you prefer quiet contemplation with a flask of tea overlooking the dunes or the lively buzz of Brighton Pier with traditional fish and chips, the UK has a beach to suit every taste.
Here are some of the best, along with nearby accommodation suggestions to visit in 2026.
The best UK beach holidays for summer 2026
1. Barafundle Bay
Pembrokeshire, Wales
While not everyone wants a small hike (half a mile from Stackpole) to reach their relaxation destination, you won’t be disappointed after making the effort to get to this idyllic stretch of Welsh coastline. Picnics are welcome here, but there’s also a cafe and other amenities nearby if you need them in between taking a dip and sunbathing.
Where to stay
Just a 15-minute drive away inland sits the town of Pembroke, where you will find the Old Kings Arms Hotel & Bar, a traditional Welsh coaching inn that has welcomed travellers since the 16th century. Double and twin rooms include a fridge and smart TVs, while the more economical single rooms are great for a short stay on a budget.
Price: From £100
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2. Whitby Beach
North Yorkshire
Less than a mile from the centre of one of the UK’s most famous seaside towns, Whitby Beach offers everything you’d want from a stereotypical UK beach. White sand and blue sea mix with the backdrop of green hills, multicoloured beach huts and the requisite fish and chip and ice cream shops to provide a stellar Northern seaside getaway.
Where to stay
Set within a magnificent townhouse on Whitby’s West Cliff, several rooms at La Rosa offer dramatic views across Whitby Harbour. Different rooms have different themes, ranging from the interior of an old caravan to the view of Whitby Abbey, which is said to have inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula.
Price: From £125
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3. North Shore Beach
Llandudno, Wales
With a pier, long stretches of sand and a town and location that is more accessible than many of its Pembrokeshire rivals – due to a well-served train station and close proximity to cities such as Manchester and Liverpool – this northern Welsh beach provides everything for a family or friends’ getaway in the largest seaside resort in the country. While the weather can be unreliable, the beach, and indeed the town, are a sight to behold when the sun shines.
Where to stay
The Quay Hotel & Spa is a 10-minute drive or train ride from the North Shore and provides a comfortable escape from the town in nearby Deganwy, situated right on the harbour and with sea views.
Price: From £129
4. Luskentyre Sands
Scotland
Luskentyre is another one of those beaches that looks like it belongs far from the shores of the UK, with emerald waters and white sands more reminiscent of the Caribbean or Spain’s Atlantic coast. It is one of the largest beaches on the Isle of Harris, with miles of empty sands and grassy dunes that provide serene swimming opportunities and the chance for long walks, hikes and bike rides.
Where to stay
A 20-minute drive away (or a lengthy hike) from the beach is the picturesque village of Tarbet, where you will find a selection of shops, including Harris Tweed and Knitwear. Stay at the highly-rated Hotel Hebrides, offering guests 21 individually designed en-suite bedrooms and four suites.
Price: From £290
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5. Tankerton Beach
Kent
A similar close-to-town offering in England, Tankerton Beach sits just 20 minutes away from Whitstable and could be a good option for those living around the capital who fancy a day (or three) out on the coast. This long pebble beach is geologically different to many of the others on the list, but still a knock-out.
Where to stay
The Marine Hotel offers amazing sea (or town) views in classically decorated English-style rooms. The location right on Whitstable’s promenade offers an excellent base, whether for strolling the town or simply staring at the view from the hotel restaurant.
Price: From £152
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6. Porthmeor Beach
St. Ives, Cornwall
A major part of Porthmeor’s attraction is its proximity to St. Ives. The magnificent town has lost none of its charm despite increased tourism, while the beach itself offers excellent cafes and restaurants and activity hires – think surfing and paddle boarding. It’s also (probably) the only beach that you can step off and almost directly into a Tate gallery, if that’s your thing.
Where to stay
The St Ives Harbour Hotel is located around 15 minutes away and overlooks Porthminster Beach, another of St Ives’ headliners. Stay at this dog-friendly hotel for the best of both beaches – via an excellent walk along the town’s seafront – as well as spacious rooms with an intelligent layout.
Price: From £179
7. Brighton Beach
East Sussex
Perhaps the quintessential UK seaside resort, Brighton provides all the charm and activity of the towns on this list but in urban size. The beaches are a mix of sand and pebble and are found next to marinas, the historic buildings of Kemp Town or the famous Palace Pier, but the real attraction here is the city itself. Here, a day on the beach can just as easily be the precursor to dinner at one of the excellent restaurants or a blow-out night out, or to wind down after a day’s shopping in the Lanes.
Where to stay
Brighton has a range of hotel offerings befitting of any city, but the Hotel du Vin stands out for its proximity to the seafront and city centre as well as its stylish rooms and bistro. The front of the hotel may look Shakespearean, but the interiors are modern with a maritime twist.
Price: From £420
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8. Portstewart Strand
County Londonderry, Northern Ireland
The only beach on this list that still welcomes cars onto its sands, the two-mile stretch is characterised by its numerous dunes and picnicking families. More isolated than other entries, this is the perfect place for day-tripping families.
Where to stay
Situated right next to the beach is Port 56, a boutique bed and breakfast that caters for couples, groups and families with its range of king- and queen-size beds to bunks in some rooms, all with en-suites complete with a powerful rain shower.
Price: From £87
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9. Porthcurno Beach
Cornwall
Despite being located in arguably the most blessed county in the UK as far as beaches are concerned, Porthcurno nevertheless manages to stand out from the competition. While the soft sand and clear water are akin to those of other local beaches, the combination of dramatic high cliffs (for wind protection) and a quiet, scenic location puts this beach at the top of an enviable list.
Where to stay
While there are plenty of campsites and cottages to choose from right next to the beach, those who would prefer to bed down at a hotel may have to look a little further for a wider selection. Just past Land’s End, a 12-minute drive away, you will find the Old Success Inn at Sennen Cove, a historic pub that overlooks another beautiful stretch of Cornwall’s coastline.
Price: From £96
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10. Loch Morlich Beach
Glenmore, Scotland
The shores of Loch Morlich look like they’ve been plucked straight from the Yukon and placed in the Cairngorms. Situated on a lake rather than the coastline, this beach has the rugged surroundings of mountains, including Ben Macdui, as well as a verdant pine forest. The lake setting means you can enjoy freshwater rather than the salt of the sea, and the beach is well-equipped for water sports, walking and even camping.
Where to stay
While camping is a viable option on these shores, opt for slightly more comfortable accommodation at the Pine Marten Bar Glenmore Pods. These glamping pods offer indoor comfort and warmth just 200 metres from the shores of Loch Morlich, with an on-site bar that serves food and drinks with an extensive breakfast, lunch and evening menu.
Price: From £80
Read more: I’ve been holidaying in Cornwall since childhood – this is why off-season is the best time to visit
11. Woolacombe Beach
North Devon
Located between the towns of Croyde and Ilfracombe, this two-mile stretch of sand is popular for surfers, kite surfers, kayakers and families alike. Woolacombe stands out among a plethora of excellent beaches in Devon due to its large, untouched areas and the variety of potential activities on offer.
Where to stay
With spectacular sea views, a steamy spa and its own cinema, the Woolacombe Bay Hotel has everything needed to enjoy a stay, whatever the weather. Every room is styled differently, but the decor will likely be the last thing on your mind here.
Price: From £200
Read more: The best hotels with swimming pools in the UK, from spa stays to kid-friendly lidos
12. Weymouth Beach
Dorset
While crowds usually flock to the nearby beaches of Bournemouth – another of the UK’s most popular seaside destinations – Weymouth has all the charm without the cramped beach towels. All the elements for the classic UK beach getaway are included: think beach huts, ice cream parlours and a constant fear of seagulls stealing the salty fish and chips you just bought.
Where to stay
Beach-front townhouse, No.98 is a small boutique hotel that overlooks Weymouth Bay. Just two minutes away from the train station, the hotel is a good base for anyone wishing to sample Weymouth’s golden swathes.
Price: From £152
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13. Bamburgh Beach
Northumberland
Often topping lists of the best seaside towns, Bamburgh and its pristine beach with 2.5km of sand have impressed visitors for years. Backed by the formidable Bamburgh Castle, which has stood guard on the Northumberland coast for over 1,400 years, it certainly competes with the equally spectacular natural scenery along the beach and views out to sea of Holy Island and Farne Island. In Bamburgh village, you will find a parade of cafes, pubs and restaurants championing local seafood.
Where to stay
In the village centre is The Sunningdale, offering 20 rooms designed with comfort in mind; the majority have views looking out towards the Farne Islands or the castle.
Price: From £178
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14. Pentle Bay
Tresco, Isles of Scilly
The Isles of Scilly archipelago off the Cornish coast is known for having mild temperatures all year round, rarely falling below freezing and seldom experiencing extreme weather. On top of this, the islands feature some of the most stunning coastlines across the entirety of Britain, including Pentle Bay on Tresco, where the pale turquoise waters ebb and flow on the long, interrupted stretch of sand. While there is no booming seaside town that skirts around the bay, this makes the beach an ideal spot for a romantic walk or quiet retreat to the water’s edge.
Where to stay
Accommodation is limited on the islands, so it is advised to book well ahead of time. If staying on Tresco is a must so you can access Pentle Bay whenever you please, one of the 16 rooms at the award-winning The New Inn would not go amiss. The hotel provides super king or twin beds, a walk-in rain shower and a resident’s lounge with a log burner to keep you cosy.
Price: Contact hotel
Read more: This Cotswolds hotel is perfect for families wanting a touch of indulgence
15. Camber Sands
East Sussex
Home to the only sand dune system in East Sussex, Camber has over two miles of golden beach beloved by families, horse riders and those who enjoy watersports. Staying near Camber Sands means days of kitesurfing, kayaking and jet skiing in the summer months, all within a safe environment marked by flagged zones to separate activities under the watchful eye of lifeguards.
The beach operates a wristband system to assist in reuniting lost children, allowing families to spend beach days knowing they have a little extra security. After a day of paddling or playing on the dunes, visitors are also permitted to light up a barbecue in certain areas (gas-powered only, which are raised off the sands) to sizzle up a burger or two. The nearby medieval town of Rye makes for a fun day out itself, and the seafront village of Camber has plenty of pubs, cafes and shops.
Where to stay
There are plenty of holiday parks near the beach suited for families. If you are looking for something a little more luxe, The Gallivant offers 20 individually decorated rooms with super king beds and roll-top baths.
Price: From £286
Read more: Why a weekend in medieval Rye is the perfect British seaside escape
16. Filey Beach
North Yorkshire
Stretched along five miles of golden sand, Filey Beach has kept a good reputation among locals and visitors for being a clean, family-friendly location known for being one of the safest in the country, due to its RNLI-qualified lifeguard service.
Marking the start and end of the Cleveland Way Walk, the beach is popular with hikers as well as among those who sail, with a well-established sailing club hosting regattas and taster days. Beachgoers can make use of the paddling pool located on the seafront that's open in the summer months, while a short walk into Filey town will produce parks, gardens and a traditional seaside promenade with cafes and shops.
Where to stay
Stay a stone’s throw away from Filey Beach at the Filey Grange Guesthouse, one of the many guesthouses in the resort. A stay here comes with a complimentary breakfast in the morning before heading out for the day.
Price: From £130
This story was first published in 2025 and has been revised and updated
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