Despite the unpredictable weather, the English coastline boasts a vast number of beautiful beaches that draw in thousands of holidaymakers every year!
So, if you’re planning on spending your next staycation by the sea but you’re still deciding on where to go, then this list of the best beaches in England will be sure to inspire you. Home to golden sands, beautiful vistas and great places to eat and drink, we’ve shortlisted some of the best coastal hotspots in the country for you.
Keep scrolling to uncover all the best beaches in England…
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17 Best Beaches in England
1. Bournemouth Beach, Bournemouth, Dorset
Kicking off our guide to the best beaches in England is the main beach serving the popular coastal town of Bournemouth. Known for being one of the best beaches in Dorset, Bournemouth Beach has long been a bustling hotspot for tourists. Stretching over seven miles in length, this beach is home to the historic Bournemouth Pier and is easily reachable from the town, making it an ideal place to visit if you’re staying here on your next break.
Home to the first public beach hut ever built in the UK and a host of places to eat and drink, you can quite easily spend a full day here, whether it be lounging on the golden sands, swimming in the sea or simply soaking up the sunshine. However, because of how popular this beach is, we’d highly recommend making your way here as early as possible to secure a good spot!
As mentioned, there are also plenty of places to kick back and enjoy a drink and a bite to eat here too. With a host of bars situated right on the beach itself and a handful of restaurants and cafés situated next to the pier entrance, they make for fantastic places to unwind and relax after spending the day on this bustling beach.
Type: Sandy
Parking: Bath Road South Car Park, BH1 2EW
Parking Charge: Pay & Display
Postcode: BH1 3NZ
Dog-Friendly: Restrictions in place from 1st May – 30th September
2. Botany Bay Beach, Broadstairs, Kent
Nestled in the southeastern corner of the country, Botany Bay Beach has long been considered one of the best beaches in Kent, and one of the best beaches in England for that matter! Noted for its pristine golden sands and dramatic cliffs, this popular beach is tucked away in the Cliftonville area of the town, not far from neighbouring Margate.
So, if you happen to be staying in either town for your next break, you can easily stroll down to this beach from the rugged headlands to enjoy one of the best stretches of golden sands anywhere in the country. Popular with sun worshippers, swimmers and surfers alike, this Blue Flag Award-winning beach is also a hotspot for fossil hunters, with many of the cliffs and rock pools being hotbeds for finding prehistoric treasures.
Not only that, but there’s also a popular kiosk situated right next to the entrance to the beach where you can grab snacks and drinks for your day on the beach.
Type: Sandy
Parking: Botany Road Car Park, CT10 3SD
Parking Charge: Free
Postcode: CT10 3LG
Dog-Friendly: Restrictions in place from 1st May – 30th September
3. Blackpool Beach, Blackpool, Lancashire
Famous for its iconic tower and three impressive piers, Blackpool Beach has long been one of the most popular seaside towns in the North West of England, drawing in thousands of holidaymakers each year from all over the region and making it one of the UK’s favourite nostalgic holiday destinations.
With a large promenade overlooking the beach that’s packed full of amusement arcades, restaurants and bars, this beach gets extremely busy during the hottest days of the year. So, if you’re planning on spending the day here, we’d highly recommend getting to the beach early to secure a spot!
This English beach is also situated right by Blackpool Pleasure Beach, one of the best theme parks in the UK. So, if you’re heading here for your next break or simply hoping to spend the day here, you’ll have more than plenty of things to see and do at Blackpool Beach! Even if you happen to arrive when the tide is in, you can still enjoy one of the three fantastic piers that can be found lining the coast here, each offering their own unique charm and plenty of entertainment for visitors.
Type: Sandy
Parking: South Beach Car Park, FY4 1BB
Parking Charge: Pay & Display
Postcode: FY4 1BB
Dog-Friendly: Restrictions in place from 1st May – 30th September
4. Great Yarmouth Beach, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
Tucked away on the Norfolk coast, in one of the most popular seaside resort towns in the south of England, Great Yarmouth Beach stretches over 15 miles along the coast and is home to beautiful golden sands that draw in thousands of beachgoers every year.
Perfect for visiting both at low and high tide, it’s considered one of the best beaches in England not only for its natural beauty but also for its cleanliness and popularity with swimmers. Known by locals as “The Golden Mile”, this wonderful beach sits between two impressive piers, being the Britannia Pier in the north and Wellington Pier to the south.
With the former being home to a show bar and theatre and the latter being home to a family fun zone, there’s a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy at Great Yarmouth Beach.
Type: Sandy
Parking: Euston Road Car Park, NR30 1ED
Parking Charge: Pay & Display
Postcode: NR30 4LR
Dog-Friendly: Restrictions in place from 1st May – 30th September
5. Carbis Bay Beach, Carbis Bay, Cornwall
Found just a mile from the bustling tourist town of St Ives, Carbis Bay Beach is one of the best beaches in England because of its untouched natural beauty. Flanked by lush green cliffs on both sides, here you’ll find gorgeous golden sands leading up to the crystal blue sea and plenty of holidaymakers soaking up the sunshine.
As one of the best beaches in Cornwall, this beach is well-connected to the rest of the county via the South West Coastal Path, the route cuts right through the beautiful cliffs and can bring you right down to the entrance of the beach. A great idea for those of you hoping to embark on a picturesque hike with a rewarding end point!
Just on the edge of the beach, you’ll also find The Beach Club restaurant which can be a fantastic place to stop off for a bite to eat whilst taking in the unforgettable views of the bay. Not only that, but it also sits right next to Carbis Bay railway station, meaning that it can be easily accessed from the rest of the region if you happen to be staying nearby.
Type: Sandy
Parking: Porthrepta Long Stay Car Park, TR26 2TU (10-minute walk from the beach)
Parking Charge: Pay & Display
Postcode: TR26 2NP
Dog-Friendly: Restrictions in place from 15th May – 30th September
6. Bridlington South Beach, Bridlington, East Yorkshire
Found in the East Riding of Yorkshire and one of two beautiful beaches that call this town home, Bridlington South Beach is a huge, beautiful Yorkshire beach that stretches from the edge of the town centre right down the coast towards Wilsthorpe.
With a waterfront and impressive pier that boasts tonnes of Victorian charm, Bridlington is a classic seaside town that you simply can’t miss out on visiting if you happen to be staying in the region. Here, you’ll find an RNLI station as well as the popular Richie’s Café, which sits in the historic arches beneath the promenade and is well-renowned for its ice cream. Not only that, but there’s also a handful of popular fish & chips restaurants situated around the area – A must-do for any visit to the seaside!
Bordered by the historic Bridlington Harbour to the north, here you’ll find plenty of space to park up before heading onto this beautiful beach. Not only that, but here you’ll also find the Bayside Fun Park, a popular attraction that makes for a brilliant place to go for a family day out.
Type: Sandy
Parking: Langdales Wharf Car Park, YO15 2SJ
Parking Charge: Free/Pay & Display
Postcode: YO15 3JW
Dog-Friendly: Restrictions in place from 1st May – 30th September
7. Exmouth Beach, Exmouth, Devon
Found on the stunning South Devon coast just a few miles from the city of Exeter, Exmouth Beach can be found on the edge of the town of Exmouth and is one of the best-kept secrets when it comes to the best beaches in England.
Although relatively small, being only 2 miles long, its golden sands and quaint boardwalk that lines the beach are popular with locals and tourists alike, drawing in hundreds of beachgoers during the summer. It’s unsurprising that it’s one of the best beaches in Devon!
Similar to many beaches in this region, Exmouth Beach is also a massively popular hotspot for water sports enthusiasts – On windy days, you’re likely to find windsurfers, kayakers and paddleboarders along the beach and neighbouring estuary. So, if you’re staying here for your next holiday and fancy trying out one of these thrilling activities for yourself, this is the perfect place to do it!
Type: Sandy
Parking: Spaces available on The Esplanade (next to the beach)
Parking Charge: Pay & Display
Postcode: EX8 2AZ
Dog-Friendly: Restrictions in place from 1st May – 30th September
8. Polzeath Beach, Polzeath, Cornwall
The next entry on our guide to the best beach in England lies on the North Cornwall coast just a few miles east of the Camel Estuary. Polzeath Beach is the main beach serving the popular tourist town of Polzeath and is known for being one of the best beaches in the county.
Home to a fantastic waterfront packed full of bars, restaurants, cafés and beach shops, there’s also a large car park that leads right onto the beach that’s perfect for those of you hoping to drive down to this coastal hotspot during your next break.
Aside from the usual crowds of tourists and locals who flock here to enjoy Polzeath’s golden sands, it’s also considered to be one of the best beaches in England for water sports. With many surf schools on the seafront, here you can hire equipment for the day or embark on lessons to learn how to paddleboard, windsurf or kayak. So, whatever your plan is, heading to Polzeath Beach for the day is a must-do if you’re staying nearby.
Type: Sandy
Parking: Polzeath Beach Car Park, PL27 6TB
Parking Charge: Pay & Display
Postcode: L27 6UE
Dog-Friendly: Restrictions in place from 15th May – 30th September
9. Weymouth Beach, Weymouth, Dorset
Nestled on the edge of this popular tourist town, Weymouth Beach is an award-winning beach that’s long been popular for sunbathers and swimmers and was once even a favourite seaside spot for King George III!
Stretching over half a kilometre in length, thousands flock to this popular beach every year to enjoy its golden sands and crystal-clear waters. With a bustling promenade packed full of cafés, pubs, ice cream shops and seafood restaurants, Weymouth is considered to have one of the best beaches in England not only for its quality, but also for the uniqueness of its Edwardian buildings lining the esplanade.
For family entertainment, take a wander down to Alexandra Gardens at the southern foot of the beach, or simply head into the town centre right next to the beach to enjoy the hustle and bustle of this popular town.
Type: Sandy
Parking: Spaces available along the Esplanade (next to the beach)
Parking Charge: Pay & Display
Postcode: DT4 8DG
Dog-Friendly: Restrictions in place from 1st May – 30th September
10. Bamburgh Beach, Bamburgh, Northumberland
Tucked away in the North East of England, Bamburgh Beach backs onto the impressive Bamburgh Castle and a network of stunning sand dunes, making it one of the best beaches in England for photo opportunities and history enthusiasts!
Not only will you find a beautiful stretch of golden sand here, but there’s also a handful of World War II bunkers lining the hills, many of which can still be seen and explored today. With a large car park next to the castle to make use of, a trip to this Northumberland beach is best combined with a visit to this fantastic castle which is often considered one of the best castles in Northumberland.
After spending a day on the golden sands, why not take a walk into the village to enjoy a meal at one of its seafood restaurants? Alternatively, here you’ll also find the RNLI Grace Darling Museum, a great attraction dedicated to the seafaring history of the area.
Type: Sandy
Parking: Links Road Car Park, NE69 7BJ (5-minute walk from the beach)
Parking Charge: Pay & Display
Postcode: NE69 7DF
Dog-Friendly: Yes (All year-round)
11. Weston-Super-Mare Beach, Weston-Super-Mare, North Somerset
Known for being one of the most popular seaside towns in the South West of England, Weston-super-Mare has a beach that stretches from The Grand Pier in the north to the mouth of the River Axe in the south.
Offering tonnes of stuff to do for visitors, it’s one of the best beaches in England not only for holidaymakers but also for the thousands of water sports enthusiasts that flock here throughout the year. Lined with exciting bars, beach kiosks, restaurants and more, there’s certainly more than plenty to do during a visit to this fantastic beach.
The Grand Pier on this Somerset beach is easily the beach’s biggest and most exciting attraction, being home to a fantastic indoor go-karting track, an amusement arcade and the bustling Tiffany’s Restaurant that offers impeccable views of the sea.
Type: Sandy
Parking: Spaces available along Marine Parade
Parking Charge: Pay & Display
Postcode: BS23 1BE
Dog-Friendly: Restrictions in place from 1st May – 30th September
12. Filey Beach, Filey, North Yorkshire
Nestled on the edge of Filey Bay in the beautiful county of North Yorkshire, Filey Beach is a bustling hotspot for holidaymakers and surfers, making it one of the best beaches in England. Stretching over five miles in length and once voted “Beach of the Year” by the Sunday Times, it attracts thousands of beachgoers every year and makes for a wonderful place to visit during your next holiday.
Although this town was once known for its fishing industry, today it caters to the many tourists that come to enjoy their staycations here. Along the seafront, you can find a large amusement arcade as well as tonnes of well-renowned fish and chips restaurants and a handful of great family-friendly bars and restaurants.
Type: Sandy
Parking: Spaces available along Beach Road
Parking Charge: Free
Postcode: YO14 9RD
Dog-Friendly: Restrictions in place from 1st May – 30th September
13. Camber Sands, Camber, Sussex
Found just a mile from the ancient village of Rye on the bustling Suffolk coast in the south of England, Camber Sands is a well-renowned beach that’s noted for its unspoilt natural beauty. Home to one of the longest stretches of sand dunes anywhere on the coast, it’s also one of the few that feature sand rather than stone and shingle. Stretching over five miles in length, you won’t struggle to find a spot here, even on a busy day!
Popular with kayakers and windsurfers, you’ll find plenty of people riding the waves here during windier days, so if you’re hoping to do the same on your next holiday and happen to be staying nearby, this is the place to go! After a day on the beach, we’d highly recommend taking a wander into Rye to explore the historic streets and enjoy one of the many old-world pubs and restaurants found along its quaint high street.
Type: Sand & Shingle
Parking: Camber Car Park, TN31 7RH
Parking Charge: Pay & Display
Postcode: TN31 7RH
Dog-Friendly: Restrictions in place from 1st May – 30th September
14. Torquay Beach, Torquay, Devon
Nestled on the gorgeous English Riviera and serving as the main beach for this popular tourist town, Torquay Beach (also known as Torre Abbey Sands) is one of the best beaches in England not only because of its location, but also because of its uniquely reddish-coloured sands.
Found by taking just a 10-minute walk from the town centre, here you’ll find tonnes of locals and tourists during the summer months, so heading down here early to secure a spot is a must-do! After spending time on the beach, we’d recommend taking a walk eastwards along the South West Coastal Path, taking you past some of the best parts of the waterfront like the Palm Gardens, the Prince’s Parade and the English Riviera Wheel.
Continuing on from here for around 10 minutes, you’ll reach the town’s marina and the bottom end of its bustling high street, packed full of great places to eat, drink and shop.
Type: Sandy
Parking: Shedden Hill Car Park, TQ2 5TY
Parking Charge: Pay & Display
Postcode: TQ2 5HA
Dog-Friendly: Restrictions in place from 1st May – 30th September
15. Haverigg Beach, Millom, Cumbria
Found on the outskirts of the stunning Lake District on the Cumbrian Coast, Haverigg Beach can be found just a couple of miles from the town of Millom. Situated right next to the popular tourist village of the same name, this beach is best known for its varied wildlife and nearby RSPB reserve, making it one of the best beaches in England for nature-lovers and birdwatchers.
At the beach itself, you’ll find a spacious car park right next to the golden sands, as well as a children’s playground for the kids to enjoy, a block of public toilets and a fantastic café known as Betty’s Beach Hut.
Considered to be one of the cleanest beaches in England, it’s not surprising that it’s one of the best beaches in Cumbria. You’ll also find a vast range of sand dunes backing onto the beach that wraps all the way around the coast. So, if you’re up for an unforgettable coastal hike, then Haverigg Beach is a great place to do just that!
Type: Sandy
Parking: Haverigg Car Park, LA18 4ES
Parking Charge: Free
Postcode: LA18 4ER
Dog-Friendly: Yes (All year-round)
16. Southwold Beach, Southwold, Suffolk
Arguably one of the most popular Suffolk beaches, Southwold Beach is one of the best beaches in England for environmental friendliness and cleanliness, drawing in thousands of swimmers and water sports enthusiasts from all over the region and the rest of the country.
Along the seafront, you’ll find a line of historic beach huts which can be rented for the day if you plan on spending a full afternoon here. However, the biggest draw to this stunning beach is the bustling Southwold Pier, which marks the dividing point between Southwold Pier Beach to the south and Southwold Denes Beach to the north.
Here, you’ll find a classic amusement arcade packed full of wonderfully wacky games, as well as a fish and chip shop, café, restaurant and even a souvenir shop! So, whether you’re just planning on visiting for the day or staying nearby for your next holiday, you simply can’t miss out on taking a trip to Southwold Beach.
Type: Sandy
Parking: Southwold Pier Car Park, IP18 6LT
Parking Charge: Pay & Display
Postcode: IP18 6LT
Dog-Friendly: Restrictions in place from 1st April – 30th September
17. Ryde Beach, Isle of Wight
Taking the penultimate spot of our guide to the best English beaches Is Ryde Beach on the northern side of the Isle of Wight. Ryde Beach is a large and impressive stretch of golden sands that sits right next to the town’s bustling marina.
Packed full of tourists and holidaymakers during the summer months, its bustling seafront is just one of many reasons that make this one of the best beaches in England. Found just a 15-minute walk from the nearest car park, this beach has a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy. For kids, there’s a playground right next to the entrance to the beach, as well as the Peter Pan Funfair just down the road towards the pier. This Isle of Wight beach has it all.
Not only that, but next to the Esplanade Gardens there’s also a fantastic indoor bowling alley and laser tag arena that’s well worth visiting too. After your visit why not take a short walk into the town to The Ryde Castle? An impressive country house that’s now known as one of the town’s best bars, it makes for a great place to unwind and relax after spending all day soaking up the sunshine!
Type: Sandy
Parking: Quay Road Car Park, PO33 2HB
Parking Charge: Pay & Display
Postcode: PO33 1JA
Dog-Friendly: Restrictions in place from 1st May – 30th September
Best Beaches in England Map
Hoping to check out some more of the best beaches in the country? If so, then these guides to the best beaches in Wales, the best beaches in Scotland and this complete guide to the best beaches in the UK could be helpful! You can also book one of these coastal cottages to experience these English beaches first-hand.