10 UK Beaches You Need To Visit This Summer

Image source:Johnathon Wilkins

Being an island nation, most people live within a few hours of the coast. This proximity means that when the UK’s temperamental weather decides to dish out some sun and blue skies you can head down to a beach with relative ease.

But the popularity of many seaside retreats can make them more traffic jam than tranquil escape.

We've pulled together ten idyllic UK beaches that may require a little bit more travelling (dependent on where you live) but as you’ll discover upon arrival, they are more than worth it.

Image source:John Rostron

You know that you’re in the right part of the UK for warm weather when the beach is in the Scilly Isles. Appletree bay has a white sand beach and shallow waters – ideal for dipping your toes in or even a proper swim if you're feeling brave. Just behind the bay itself is Tresco Abbey and its tropical gardens - which are well worth a visit.

Image source:David John

This Welsh beauty of a beach is surrounded by steep limestone and sandstone cliffs that provide a dramatic / intimate feel. The beach itself is sand, backed with pebbles and vivid grasses and heathers climb the cliffs. Towards the south end of the beach a small headland separates Skrinkle Haven from Church Doors Beach. At low tide it’s possible to travel around the headland and see the striking tunnel carved out of the limestone (bottom of the photo).

Image source: Iain Macaulay

A quick drive through Ty Mawr Farm and you pop out at Porth Iago beachside car park. From here it is an easy 30 sec walk down a sandy path to reach the beach. With a south-westerly orientation it soaks up the sun all day, and headlands either side shelter the bay from wind.

Image source: Bill Boaden

Holy island lies just south of the Scottish border on the Northumberland coast. The island's tidal access mean that you will probably have Coves Haven beach to yourself. High dunes, white sand and views out over the North Sea make the beach a peaceful and serene getaway.

Image source: Mark Healy

Fun for all the family, Robin Hood’s beach is a huge playground for fossil hunting and is one of the UK’s best spots for it. A short, steep walk through the village and you find yourself beneath the rugged cliffs. From here you can head out along the beach and whether you find an ammonite, devil's toenail or leave empty handed, this glimpse into the past is a great break from modern life.

Image source: J.Drevet

On the very northwestern tip of Scotland lies the small village of Durness. The jagged hills and mountains that surround the town are a stark contrast to the smooth sands of Durness Beach. The remote location attracts plenty of wildlife to the beach and dunes including fulmars and guillemots.  

Image source: Johnathon Wilkins

A wide and long beach, Traeth Llydan has plenty of space for kids and dogs to run wild. The steady breeze and small but consistent waves mean that you can try your hand at surfing, windsurfing or sailing.

Image source: Calum McRoberts

West Beach stretches along the entire west coast of Berneray Island (3 miles) looking out to Boreray Island and the Atlantic Ocean. The island has a very small population of around 100 so you are likely to go a few hours without seeing anyone. These quiet surroundings make for the perfect setting to see the northern lights on a clear evening.

Image source: Andrew

To reach this bay and the two serene beaches, Little Lantic and Great Lantic, it’s a twenty minute walk from the nearest car park – which takes you along country paths and farmers' fields before a final steep descent. This route puts off a fair few people and that’s of those that even know about it. As a consequence, a few sun-seekers arrive by boat dropping anchor in the blue waters.

The beaches themselves are lovely white sands cradled by steep cliffs providing plenty of shelter for a chill, picnic or read of a book.

Image source: Wendy Kirkwood

Just west of Fort William, Camusdarach Beach has the air of a tropical island complete with crystal clear waters and ivory white sand, though we can't promise a temperature to match! Behind the beach there are a set of dunes you can explore or use as vantage point to look out to the impressive skyline of the Cuillin of Skye, and the isles of Rùm and Eigg.