In lieu of heading abroad this year, UK staycations are at an all time high with many of us flocking to British beaches for the summer. A morning spent reading a good book, listening to the waves and feeling the sand beneath my feet is my idea of heaven. What about yours?
If you’re looking to plan a much needed beach day but aren’t sure where to go, take a look at our top 5 UK beaches to visit this summer. And, if we’ve missed your favourite off the list, pop it in the comments box below!
1. St Mawes, Cornwall
Dog-friendly & ideal for families
It seems only right to start with where I grew up, surrounded by the quaint beaches of St Mawes. There are quite a few sand and shingle beaches here to explore and I’ve visited every summer since the age of 5 (and still do to this day). St Mawes itself is an idyllic seaside town. You can watch boats coming in with an ice cream in hand, explore the shops for souvenirs or take a swim in the ocean. That’s why it’s in my Top 5 UK Beaches.
I’d also recommend a visit to Carbis Bay. I have wonderful memories of my son Bert (now 27) holding a very large spade and making the biggest sandcastles and moats when he was younger. These beach days really do stay with you forever.
2. Rhossili Bay, Wales
Dog-friendly with great walks
Rhossili Bay is a 3 mile stretch of sandy beach with wonderful views. Visitors are able to stroll along one of the many coastal paths to admire the cliffs and headland, whilst many often find themselves lucky enough to spot dolphins or basking seals in the ocean – a once in a lifetime experience.
As it’s run by the National Trust, the beach is very clean and well looked after, perfect for building sandcastles, with a very reasonably-priced all day car park close by and some lovely shops and facilities.
3. Scarista Beach (Isle of Harris), Scotland
Dog-friendly, perfect for cold water swimming
If you’re looking for an unspoiled haven, Scarista Beach is one of the most dazzling. The water is cold but inviting, and the soft sand is perfect for setting up a picnic with a luxurious beach towel to sit on. You could spend hours here enjoying a book in the peace and quiet the place brings, often finding yourself to be the only one there. The beach doesn’t have any signage or parking so not many tourists are aware of this little paradise. You may even have the unexpected pleasure of seeing porpoises playing in the waves.
4. Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland
Dog-friendly & great for surfing
Overlooked by the 12th century Bamburgh Castle, this beach is an ideal spot for all sorts of beach-goers. It’s perfect for building golden sandcastles and playing beach games, whilst a short walk north will take you to some great rock pools. The water doesn’t get particularly warm, but don’t let that stop you splashing around in the surf or heading out with a board to catch a few waves. Don’t forget to take along something warm to throw on and keep off the chill – our long hooded towelling tops are the perfect addition to your beach bag!
5. Camber Sands, Sussex
Dog-friendly with picturesque sand dunes
Camber Sands is a two mile beach famous for its desert-like sand dunes (you may have spotted them in a few films over the years) and whether you enjoy water sports, flying kites or having a few drinks in the local cafes, there’s something for everyone here. It’s truly worthy of its spot in our list of Top 5 UK Beaches. There are also lifeguards on duty during the summer if you fancy a swim in the sea, plus if you forget anything, the local shops will have everything you need for a jam-packed day at the beach: buckets and spades, souvenirs, ice creams…all the important bits.
Of course, this is just a pit stop guide to the glorious beaches that the UK has to offer – there are so many more to see. The great thing is these beaches aren’t just for the summer; they’re perfect to visit during the October half term as well – just make sure you pack some warm clothes for playing in the autumn breeze.
Whichever you choose, we do hope you enjoy your trip to the beach this summer. Happy holidays!
