Nice beaches in the uk


The best sandy beaches in the UK to visit in 2022

Porthcurno. Ashley CooperGetty Images

The hot summer weather has us yearning for the beach and the UK is packed with gorgeous sandy beaches that rival those abroad.

For summer 2022, there's nowhere in the UK that feels more inviting for a staycation than Country Living's pick of the best sandy beaches.

There are the sand dunes and varied wildlife of Holkham Beach in Norfolk, the turquoise blue sea and sheltered bays of Blackpool Sands in Devon and the dune-backed surf of Crantock Beach in Cornwall. In fact, we discovered the options seem almost endless when looking for sandy beaches in the UK.

So, to save you scouring every coastline, we’ve rounded up the very best – the warmest, cleanest and prettiest beaches, from the family-friendly crowd-pleasers in Devon to the surfing hotspots in Cornwall and secluded coves in Scotland, consider this your beachy bucket list for the summer ahead.

With miles of white sand, turquoise sea and grassy dunes, we'd forgive you for thinking you were in the Med at one of these sandy UK beaches.

Check out Country Living's ultimate list of the best sandy beaches in the UK and the places to stay nearby.

Andrew Michael/roberthardingGetty Images

1 of 20

Holkham Beach, Norfolk

The salt marsh, sand dunes, pine woodland, sandy beach and grazing marsh that make up Holkham is a National Nature Reserve – best known for its stunning panoramic views and varied wildlife.

MORE INFO

Where to stay: The perfectly polished Victoria Inn has 20 rooms with a posh contemporary-cottage feel. Stroll through the walled rose gardens, feast on the restaurant's fresh shellfish and walk the few minutes to the golden sands of the beach.

CHECK PRICES

Guy EdwardesGetty Images

2 of 20

Porthcurno, Cornwall

With soft white sand and turquoise sea, this west Cornwall beach is practically paradise. What's more, it's set beneath the world-famous Minack Theatre – perched high on the cliffs above.

MORE INFO

Where to stay: Situated on the westerly point of Cornwall, Land's End Hotel sits upon Granite Cliffs overlooking the Longships Lighthouse and Atlantic Ocean. A restaurant serving local specialities is available on site, as well as a bar and the centre of Sennen is just a mile from Hotel Land's End.

CHECK PRICES

Tony HowellGetty Images

3 of 20

Saunton Sands, North Devon

These three miles of stunning golden sand, between the villages of Braunton and Croyde, are host to some of the UK's best surf. Popular with families too, this is a fantastic swimming spot backed by the Braunton Burrows, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

MORE INFO

Where to stay: On a cliff top overlooking Braunton Burrows, The Saunton Sands Hotel features a spa, two swimming pools and a well-known restaurant. With views of Saunton Beach, its elegant rooms have a modern feel, the restaurant offers formal dining and a seasonal menu, and the casual Terrace Lounge has wonderful views.

CHECK PRICES

Peter LewisGetty Images

4 of 20

Studland Beach, Dorset

Studland is a four-mile stretch of sandy beach and heathland off the Isle of Purbeck. Here you can take part in some adrenaline-fuelled watersports, walk through woodland or simply gaze across the sea towards the Isle of Wight.

MORE INFO

Where to stay: With a rating of 9.6 on Booking.com, Knoll House is a hotel in Studland that boasts a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and tennis court. From the sea views to the hot tub, this small hotel makes a quaint base for a staycation of exploring.

CHECK PRICES

GordonBellPhotographyGetty Images

5 of 20

Blackpool Sands, South Devon

Not to be confused with the other Blackpool, this South Devon beach has a turquoise blue sea and is set in a sheltered bay, surrounded by evergreens. Here you can hire a kayak or paddleboard and swimming in stunning clean water.

MORE INFO

Where to stay: With a magnificent location, looking out over the harbour and the River Dart, right in the heart of Dartmouth, the 17th-century building of The Royal Castle Hotel offers bright, airy rooms, and a stylish restaurant.

CHECK PRICES

John ShepherdGetty Images

6 of 20

Crantock Beach, Cornwall

Great for sandcastles and surfing alike, this expanse of golden sand, backed by dunes, sits at the Mouth of the Gannel estuary and is presided over by the National Trust. For far reaching views, follow the South West Coast Path.

MORE INFO

Where to stay: Boasting a spa bath, Sunnyside Cottage, set in Crantock, was built in 2005 and features three bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen and a garden with a barbecue.

CHECK PRICES

Getty Images

7 of 20

Summerleaze, Cornwall

One of Bude’s best-loved beaches, Summerleaze offers a thoroughly British seaside scene for a sandy beach holiday. At low tide a paddling pool emerges, as does an expanse of golden sand for walks along the coast.

MORE INFO

Where to stay: The Beach balances style and charm with slick contemporary rooms and a traditional Victorian terrace overlooking Summerleaze beach. The restaurant showcases the best of Cornish produce, while the beach bar comes to life with live music on Sunday afternoons.

CHECK PRICES

Laurie NobleGetty Images

8 of 20

Botany Bay, Kent

Budding geologers will appreciate the chalk stacks and white cliffs of Botany Bay – a beach famed for its fossil hunting and rock pools. Smugglers were once rife here, however now you're more likely to see people relaxing on this sandy UK beach.

MORE INFO

Where to stay: Boasting picturesque views of the English Channel and the North Sea, the charming Botany Bay Hotel enjoys an elevated position on the cliff tops in Kingsgate, near Broadstairs.

CHECK PRICES

Adam Burton/ roberthardingGetty Images

9 of 20

Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland

Perched proudly on a grassy hill above the sands of Bamburgh is one of the country's most iconic castles. To the other side are the world famous Farne Islands – so you won't be short of things to see on this sandy beach in Northumberland.

MORE INFO

Where to stay: In the charming village of Bamburgh, The Sunningdale is just five minutes walk from a magnificent castle and scenic coastline. It offers a restaurant that uses local produce and bright rooms, many of which enjoy splendid views of Bamburgh Castle, the village or local farmland.

CHECK PRICES

Andrew BoxallGetty Images

10 of 20

Watergate Bay, Newquay

One of Cornwall's best-known beaches, Watergate Bay is a popular surf spot but is also home to many different sporting events including the annual Polo on the Beach.

MORE INFO

Where to stay: Set just 200 yards from the beach, Beachcombers Apartments provide modern self-catered accommodation just four miles from lively Newquay. A 10 mile drive through scenic countryside brings guests to Padstow’s pretty harbour.

CHECK PRICES

Westend61

11 of 20

West Wittering, West Sussex

The whole of this sandy beach is accessible to dogs between the end of September and beginning of May. At other times, all zones are open except between groynes 14A and 18, the area in front of the beach huts. It's a great place to take the dogs to stretch their legs – and yours. A family-friendly spot with gorgeous sand, this is one to sink your toes in.

MORE INFO

Where to stay: Set in West Wittering, Willow House B&B has a terrace and garden views and offers guests a charming welcome and down-to-earth accommodation just a few miles from the sea.

CHECK PRICES

Andrea Ricordi, ItalyGetty Images

12 of 20

Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire

A spectacular beach in Wales, Barafundle Bay caught everyone's attention when it was named one of the best beaches in the world. You can reach it by walking a scenic half-mile route from Stackpole Quay and once you land on the sandy beach, you'll find turquoise water. The crescent of sheltered cove is ideal for swimming, while the Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers plenty for walkers.

MORE INFO

Where to stay: At sunset, the Ferry House Inn and its shore-side location are bathed in a golden glow that will set the tone for your stay here. As well as a cosy bar and seasonal restaurant, there is also a bowling alley on site.

CHECK PRICES

john finney photographyGetty Images

13 of 20

Whitby Sands, North Yorkshire

Just a few minutes’ walk from the town of Whitby itself, Whitby Sands is perfect for sandy beach fans, with bright beach huts and sandcastle-building opportunities in sprawling supply. Fish and chips on the beach is a must here too - the battered cod at Magpie Cafe is so good that you'll often fins queues all along the street.

MORE INFO

Where to stay: Just 10-minutes walk from Whitby Sands itself, Bagdale Hall & Annexe is an atmospheric Georgian townhouse with easy access to the North York Moors National Park.

CHECK PRICES

Marius RomanGetty Images

14 of 20

Scarista Beach, Isle of Harris

One of the most impressive beaches in the Hebrides, even on a cloudy day Scarista Beach will take your breath away. This sandy beach is simply spectacular when the sun appears, with its flour-soft sand and turquoise water. While it's a remote one, you'll find some top foodie trips nearby.

MORE INFO

Where to stay: With its own sun terrace and garden, Harris White Cottage in the Isle of Harris region occupies a beachfront location second-to-none.

CHECK PRICES

Antony Spencer PhotographyGetty Images

15 of 20

Durdle Door, Dorset

Around 10,000 years ago, water broke through a stack of rocks on the Jurassic Coast and started to create one of the most incredible formations in the UK. Today, Durdle Door is an iconic archway with a sandy beach that you'll find on many postcards of Britain.

MORE INFO

Where to stay: East Burton Farmhouse is a delightful 17th century thatched cottage located down a quiet country lane just a mile away from the traditional Dorset village of Wool. The property - which sleeps six - boasts a spacious family room with wood burning stove and french doors leading outside to the garden; there's even an air hockey table for guests to enjoy.

CHECK PRICES

Philip OpenshawGetty Images

16 of 20

Formby Beach, Merseyside

One of the National Trust’s fastest-changing shorelines, family-friendly Formby beach has a network of dunes which move at an alarming four metres a year. Look out to the sea for amazing views across the Irish Sea and spot some wildlife in the woodlands that back the beach, too. You might be lucky enough to see some red squirrels.

MORE INFO

Where to stay: A 20-minute drive away from the golden sands of Formby Beach, this grade 2 listed apartment on Southport Promenade is also just 750 yards from Southport Beach. The chic three-bedroom apartment provides the perfect sanctuary to rest your salty feet.

CHECK PRICES

Stephen_LaveryGetty Images

17 of 20

Portstewart Strand, County Londonderry

In between the mouth of the River Bann and Portstewart are rolling dunes and pristine sands. And designated drivers rejoice: the two-mile stretch is one of the last places in Ireland where cars are still allowed to drive straight onto the beach. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s incredibly popular with families who want to picnic on the shores.

MORE INFO

Where to stay: Situated on the stunning coast of North Antrim in the seaside town of Portstewart, Me & Mrs Jones Hotel offers a boutique restaurant & bar serving highly renowned dishes & drinks for all tastes.

CHECK PRICES

lleerogersGetty Images

18 of 20

Rhossili Bay, Gower Peninsula

Remote Rhossili Bay has a long list of accolades and has been named the ‘best beach in Europe’ and ‘top ten beaches in the world’. One visit here and it’s easy to see why it's an award-winning sandy beach. The steep, winding walk down to the coast from Rhossili village is stunning, with panoramic views over three miles of golden sand, and on clear days, to the coastline of North Devon.

MORE INFO

Where to stay: Featuring sea views, Creek Cottage sleeps four and provides the perfect base for your next sandy beach break. Enjoy a fully-equipped kitchen, dining room and cosy living room, where you can spread out and relax after a day building sandcastles.

CHECK PRICES

Studio-AnnikaGetty Images

19 of 20

Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Harris

Visit Luskentyre out of season and you might be lucky enough to have this bright-white sandy beach all to yourself. A short drive north of Scarista, it's one of Harris’s biggest beaches, attracting seaside lovers to relax on the sand and soak up the Caribbean-like views.

MORE INFO

Where to stay: Kirklea Island Suites is situated in Tarbert and offers self-contained units each featuring a patio, seating area, kitchen and coffee machine. Don't fancy cooking? There's an on-site restaurant that serves all three meals, too.

CHECK PRICES

LemaniehGetty Images

20 of 20

Compton Bay, Isle of Wight

Compton Bay on the southwest of the island is popular with families, surfers and dog walkers, as everyone is welcome on the beach between Hanover Point and Brook Chine. Rising behind the coast, there are walking opportunities across acres of open downland, with stunning views out to sea from this sandy UK beach.

MORE INFO

Where to stay: The super chic, North House has a restaurant, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a bar and garden in Cowes. The concierge are incredibly helpful and the decor is totally dreamy, a sight for sea-stung eyes.

CHECK PRICES

15 Most Beautiful Beaches in England

Below are a list of the best and most beautiful 15 beaches in England as selected by the users of the Beach Guide website.

The current top-rated beach in England is West Wittering. If you would like to have your say on which are the best beaches in England just follow the link to the beach and vote by clicking the star ratings at the top right of the page.