The 10 Most Beautiful Places in the UK
Without a doubt, there are more than a handful of beautiful places in the UK to discover and explore!...
With summer just around the corner, beach holidays in the UK are soon approaching. Our guide to seaside staycations features all you need to know when it comes to planning your getaway.
Get ready to uncover more than just answers to commonly asked questions! We’re thrilled to showcase the most stunning coastal towns and breath-taking beaches in not just one, but 12 magnificent destinations.
From the golden sands of Cornwall to the rugged shores of Scotland, the UK offers a diverse range of beach destinations that are sure to leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. So, pack your sunscreen, grab your shades, and get ready for a memorable beach holiday in the UK!
Keep reading to be wowed by these beach holidays in the UK…
UK Beach Holiday FAQs
12 Best Beach Holidays in the UK
We have found the basics you need to take with you on a beach holiday in the UK: Beach bag, suncream, water bottle, beach towel(s), beach mat, sun hat, sunglasses, swimming costume, beach shoes and a windproof umbrella or windbreaker.
If you’re trying to save money during a beach holiday, we have a handy tip to keep in mind. Holiday closer to home by enjoying a seaside staycation; why not do it at one of the UK’s best value staycation spots, such as Blackpool or Whitby?
Despite the fact that the UK is known for its unpredictable weather, the best time of the year to go on a UK beach holiday would be between May and September. However, the hottest months tend to be July and August, which is important to bear in mind if you’re thinking about booking your staycation during these months, as availability can fill up quickly during this period.
Whilst there are many reasons to book a city break for your next staycation, opting instead for a UK beach holiday can provide you with a completely different world of things to see and do, especially if you’re hoping to spend as much time as you can in the great outdoors! Not only will you have quick and easy access to the coast, but you’ll also get to enjoy all the trappings of Britain’s classic seaside towns as well as plenty of places to go walking and hiking.
Although there are a number of beaches in the UK that operate seasonal restrictions for dog walkers, we’d still highly recommend bringing your four-legged friend along for a UK beach holiday! This is because many of these beaches with restrictions only operate within certain zones on the beach, or only operate short windows of time during the day when dogs aren’t allowed.
For more information on this, take a look at our guide on the best dog-friendly beaches in the UK »
In ABTA’s 2023 Holiday Habits report, they stated that city breaks had overtaken UK beach holidays in popularity amongst British holidaymakers. However, UK beach holidays still made up around 34% of bookings that year, meaning that they’re still a popular choice amongst tourists.
Despite there being hundreds of seaside towns and villages dotted all over the British coastline, the most popular has often been touted as Bournemouth. However, depending on where you’re from, this can vary greatly. For example, further north you’ll find that many prefer the likes of Blackpool and Scarborough, whereas those in East Anglia often flock to places like Great Yarmouth for their holidays.
Despite there being hundreds of seaside towns and villages dotted all over the British coastline, the most popular has often been touted as Bournemouth. However, depending on where you’re from, this can vary greatly. For example, as highlighted in our 2024 Holiday Letting Outlook Report, Seahouses in Northumberland has seen a massive surge in holiday let bookings and makes for one of the most popular towns in the region for booking UK beach holidays.
Ranked 12th on our list of beach holidays in the UK is the southern county of East Sussex! This county is home to several coastal resorts that you should visit this summer.
The major beach resort here is Eastbourne, a bustling town enjoying traditional beachfront amusements and charming architecture. Make the most of Eastbourne Pier’s attractions, tour the Tower Eastbourne gallery, and, of course, soak up the rays on the beach.
Hastings is a hotspot for a beach outing here, where another exciting pier awaits. After checking out the pier and lengthy shingle beach, why not treat yourself to an alfresco lunch at Alexandra Park?
Fancy a trip to the Norfolk coast this year? We couldn’t recommend it enough! With so many sights to enjoy along this stretch of the east coast, this beach holiday in the UK will be a memorable one.
If you’re after a relaxing beach day, head to Wells-next-the-Sea. Not only does this port town feature several independent shops and eateries but it houses a nature reserve with extensive sands. If you’re up for the walk, why not hike along Beach Road to the welcoming Wells-next-the-Sea Beach Café?
More coastal fun awaits in Cromer, where Cromer Pier provides plenty of entertainment. Expect lively shows and various eateries here. The pebbled delight of Cromer Beach is well worth a visit, especially during low tide; this is when a large expanse of sand appears! Cromer Beach is just one of the many stunning beaches in Norfolk! There are plenty of wonderful UK holiday parks lining the coast; plenty of options for you to stay close to the beach.
North Yorkshire is full of varied landscapes; however, it is most renowned for its beautiful coast! Stretching for over 45 miles, you can easily enjoy a memorable UK beach holiday here.
One of the best resorts here must be Whitby. Not only does the town sport a family-friendly beach with amazing views but there is plenty to get up to here. Climb the 199 Steps to Whitby Abbey, and soak up the sights at the Whalebone Arch.
For even more fun during holidays on the beach in the UK, we recommend booking a stay at Scarborough. This seaside town is jam-packed with attractions you’ll adore, including Peasholm Park and SEA LIFE Scarborough, and of course, its beaches.
Looking for a more tranquil outing here? Filey is a great location, offering a charming beach and amazing walks along Filey Brigg.
Anglesey was guaranteed to make our guide to seaside holidays in the UK; this island is packed with coastal sights and beach resorts for you to discover. There are 17 beaches on the Isle of Anglesey – how many will you visit during a getaway?
One of the most popular UK beach holiday spots on the island is Rhosneigr. The village rests by Traeth Crigyl and Traeth Llydan; both beaches are wonderful for outings, offering great watersports conditions and access to Rhosneigr’s eateries.
Another coastal holiday in the UK you should try is a Benllech getaway. Boasting a wide shore, Traeth Benllech, many memorable beach days await here. The beach not only enjoys great facilities but boasts rock pools and fantastic shells; the kids will love it!
Another must-visit location here is Trearddur Bay. Traeth Trearddur is a magnificent beach; perfect for sunbathers and watersports enthusiasts alike. The beach also enjoys access to the Isle of Anglesey Coast Path, which is bound to delight hikers and cyclists.
If a secluded beach holiday in the UK sounds up your street, be sure to book a trip to the Isle of Skye! This beautiful, Scottish island is full of splendid coastal sights and beaches for you to add to unveil.
The village of Uig rests on the west coast of Skye, featuring an attractive harbour and a small beach for you to explore. If you want to venture to some stunning wild places near Uig, why not take a break from the coast and go for a dip in The Fairy Glen, one of Scotland’s wild swimming spots?
Another coastal location you should visit is Staffin, where the scenic Isle of Skye beach of An Corran awaits! Here, you’ll not only enjoy views of Staffin Island but will get to see Jurassic dinosaur footprints up close.
It’s no secret that North Wales is a superb location for a beach holiday in the UK, thanks to its 250 miles worth of coastline and 30+ beaches. Shingle delights, stunning resorts and Irish Sea views await you on a break near North Wales beaches.
If you’re enjoying a UK coastal holiday with the family, why not head to Colwyn Bay? The sandy shores of Colwyn Bay Beach are perfect for paddling and sunbathing, whilst the town itself offers up the must-visit delights of the Welsh Mountain Zoo and Eirias Park.
Looking for another traditional seaside outing? Venture to Barmouth, where the stunning Traeth Abermaw Beach can be found. Whilst you’re here you can embark on the Panorama Walk, go crabbing at the harbour or get the boat to Fairbourne.
The Llŷn Peninsula is an ideal staycation choice, offering up a handful of delightful beaches, including Aberdaron Beach and Llanbedrog Beach. You can explore these and more during a hike along the peninsula’s coastal path.
When it comes to a quintessentially British beach holiday, Suffolk has you covered. With 50 miles of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and heritage coastline, this scenic county offers plenty of options.
One of the most popular UK coastal holiday destinations in Suffolk is Southwold. Characterised by its pier, it’s a brilliant location for a traditional outing on the coast. You can enjoy pier amusements, beachfront walks, and putting at Southwold Golf Club.
Thorpeness is a delightful place for a beach holiday in the UK. Embark on a walk from Aldeburgh along the coast and come across Thorpeness’ shingle beach before exploring the village’s Dutch-style buildings. Be sure to keep an eye out for the House in the Clouds, too!
Northumberland is a highly sought-after beach holiday in the UK, and it’s easy to see why. A wealth of dog-friendly beaches, enchanting bays and abundant wildlife make this part of the country so special.
Bamburgh is a favourite when it comes to coastal breaks in Northumberland. Whilst the village is known for its castle, Bamburgh Beach makes for an exceptional outing here, too. If you fancy a walk, we recommend venturing along the sands and up to the clifftop museum of Bamburgh Lighthouse.
The sands of Bamburgh stretch along the coast to Seahouses, another beachfront gem. The former fishing village backs onto the shores of the Annstead Dunes Nature Reserve, a coastal hiking area. It’s also possible to embark on a boat tour from the harbour and around Inner Farne Lighthouse – ideal if you love sailing!
Another scenic outing awaits at Warkworth, home to an impressive castle, alongside a lengthy beach with access to Warkworth Golf Club. Here, you can tee off over views of the North Sea.
Being the largest island in England, I’m sure it’ll come as no surprise that the Isle of Wight boasts a wealth of beaches. With welcoming resorts and 20 sets of sand, it’s a wonderful location for a seaside holiday in the UK.
One of the best Isle of Wight beaches is in Sandown. Providing all you need for a traditional beach day, Sandown has a gorgeous sandy beach complemented by a vibrant pier and a wealth of amusements, including the Dinosaur Museum.
Ryde is another location to add to your Isle of Wight beach getaway. The thriving town enjoys a mixture of sandy beaches and Victorian architecture. When you can tear yourself away from Ryde’s coast, why not tour the fascinating Isle of Wight Bus and Coach Museum?
Another highlight of the Isle of Wight is its rail system; it makes visiting seaside resorts during a UK coastal holiday here incredibly easy! For more ideas on what to do here, check out our guide covering the most weird and wonderful things to do on the Isle of Wight.
For the top three regions for beach holidays in the UK, we’re taking you to the South West. Dorset‘s in third place, and rightly so! This glorious county is abundant with beaches, geological gems and coastal hikes.
If you’re looking for a slice of paradise, venture to the Isle of Portland. This craggy isle off the south coast features a handful of villages enjoying panoramic coastal views. Chiswell on Portland is a must-visit location, within easy reach of Chesil Beach and the historic gem of Portland Castle.
Fancy a bit of fossil hunting during your beach holiday? Venture to Lyme Regis, a seaside town housing the fossil hot spots of Lyme Regis Beach and The Dinosaurland & Fossil Museum.
For a fun-filled outing in Dorset, Bournemouth should be at the top of your list. This resort is packed with beaches, from Sandbanks Beach to Hengistbury Head Beach. When it comes to beachfront amusements, the piers of Bournemouth and Boscombe are well worth visiting, along with the Bournemouth Parks.
Taking silver is Devon! This seaside holiday destination was bound to be a hit with all the family, thanks to its wealth of Devon beaches at your disposal.
A gorgeous location for a beach holiday in Devon must be Croyde. The village rests on the west coast of the county, boasting access to the charming Putsborough Beach and the birdwatching hotspot of Baggy Point.
Sitting slightly further along the coast is Woolacombe, a seaside resort you won’t want to miss! Woolacombe Beach and Barricane Beach promise wonderful seaside outings here and long walks along the coast to Morte Point can also be enjoyed.
If attraction-filled outings are on the agenda, make your way to Paignton and Torquay. Both towns feature so much to do, from Paignton Zoo to Babbacombe Model Village.
The top spot for beach holidays in the UK is Cornwall! A truly outstanding location for a seaside getaway, there are over 300 beaches in Cornwall for you to uncover.
Want to enjoy the great culture and multiple beaches in one location? Check out St Ives. Here, you’ll find several beaches including Bamaluz Beach and Porthminster Beach alongside a range of galleries, from the Tate to the Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden.
Bude is another coastal town to visit here, offering access to the sandy delight of Summerleaze Beach. Bude Sea Pool and The Castle Bude are a couple of attractions you can enjoy after savouring the sun and sand.
Love surfing? Newquay is the UK beach holiday destination for you. Newquay Beach and Fistral Beach enjoy great surf conditions, so catching the waves will be a breeze. Afterwards, why not embark on a walk to the hidden cove of Little Fistral Beach? Use our guide to the best places to stay in Cornwall to help you decide where to stay!
If you’re inspired by these beach holidays in the UK, why not enjoy one yourself by booking a stay at one of these beach cottages in the UK? Plan even more seaside escapes using our UK Beach Holidays guide. If the weather isn’t on your side, check out our rainy day guide to seaside towns.
Hi, I'm Lola and I joined Sykes in 2021. My favourite holiday destination in the UK has to be Suffolk, I have so many happy memori...
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Without a doubt, there are more than a handful of beautiful places in the UK to discover and explore!...
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