Some of the best Beaches in the UK to visit this Summer
From North to South, here’s a selection of beautiful beaches to spend those long hot sunny days with the family…
North of the UK
The north of the UK might not be tropical, but it has some seriously beautiful and underrated beaches. Here’s a list of some of the best ones and why they stand out…
Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland
Wide, windswept sands with the dramatic Bamburgh Castle towering behind you. It’s got Game of Thrones vibes and is rarely overcrowded. Dog-friendly and perfect for long, peaceful walks.
Tynemouth Longsands, Tyne & Wear
A Blue Flag beach with golden sand and popular surf. There’s a cool, laid-back surf culture, plus cafes and bars nearby. Easy access via Metro from Newcastle.
Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire
A charming Victorian seaside town with a long pier and great surf. The beach itself is clean and scenic, perfect for families and surfers. Instagram-worthy cliff lift and lovely coastal walks.
Alnmouth Beach, Northumberland
Less touristy and incredibly peaceful, this beach feels like a hidden gem. It’s surrounded by sand dunes and scenic views of the estuary. Amazing for wildlife spotting and paddleboarding.
Scarborough South Bay, North Yorkshire
Traditional seaside fun with arcades, donkey rides, and a sandy beach. It’s perfect if you want a classic British seaside vibe. Surrounded by cliffs and castle ruins for a bit of history.
Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire
More than a beach – it’s a picturesque, historic village tumbling down to a rugged shore. Great for rock pooling and fossil hunting.
St Bees, Cumbria
Dramatic red sandstone cliffs and views across the Irish Sea. This is also the start of Wainwright’s Coast to Coast walk. It’s great for sunsets and often seals offshore.
Formby beach
Formby is a coastal nature haven for both wildlife and families. Known for its amazing natural sand dunes, coastal tranquillity and fantastic views across the Irish Sea.
Crosby beach
It’s unique combination of natural beauty, art installations, and historical significance. The iconic “Another Place” sculptures by Antony Gormley, 100 cast-iron figures, line the beach and add to its visual appeal.
Ainsdale beach
The dunes behind the beach are home to more than 450 wild plant species including dune helleborine, seaside centaury and yellow bartsia. Wildlife includes great-crested newts, sand lizards and natterjack toads as well as many species of birds, butterflies and insects
New Brighton Beach
It’s a long, golden sand beach with a variety of attractions and activities, ideal for families. A vibrant seaside resort with attractions like Fort Perch Rock, the New Brighton Lighthouse, and the Black Pearl pirate ship art installation.
Midlands:
Being land locked need not mean a day out by the water. Here’s our thoughts on the best “beach-style” spots in the Midlands, and why they’re worth a visit…
Bosworth Water Park, Leicestershire
It has a man-made beach beside a large lake with clean sand, paddleboats, and a proper summery feel. Kayaking, mini-golf, and even beach huts for hire.
Chasewater Country Park, Staffordshire
Big reservoir with grassy banks, a sandy area, and spots for watersports like sailing and paddleboarding. A Steam railway on-site and lots of trails for walking or cycling.
Rutland Water Beach, Rutland
Often called the UK’s largest man-made lake. There’s a designated sandy beach at Rutland Water Park, with calm, clear water and beautiful countryside. Nature reserves, bike hire, and family activities galore.
Cliff Lakes, Warwickshire
Watersports-focused but has a chill beach area where you can relax, sunbathe, or watch the action. Try wakeboarding, open-water swimming, or just vibe on the sand.
Spring Lakes Watersports & Leisure Park, Nottinghamshire
Newer spot with a lovely sandy shoreline, clear water, and loads of watersports. It really does feel like a beach getaway. An Aqua park, paddleboarding, kayaking, and even SUP yoga.
Kingsbury Water Park, Warwickshire
Over 15 lakes in one spot with picnic areas, nature walks, and little sandy spots near the water. Perfect for families and a relaxing day out surrounded by greenery and birdsong.
Cotswold Country Park & Beach (Technically just outside the Midlands, but super close!)
Near Cirencester, this is a proper inland beach with clean sand, a lake to swim in, and an inflatable aqua park. You can BBQ, rent pedalos, or lounge all day – very holiday feel.
Sherwood Pines (Forest fun instead of sand)
No beach, but if you’re after summery vibes in the Midlands, this forest park offers picnic spots, bike trails, and forest adventures that feel like a summer escape. Go Ape treetop adventure and forest café!
South:
The South of the UK has some of the most beautiful and iconic beaches in the country, with a mix of sandy escapes, dramatic cliffs, and cozy coves. Here’s a top-tier list of beaches in the south and what makes each one special:
Bournemouth Beach, Dorset
Golden sands stretching for 7 miles, super clean, with loads of amenities. Family-friendly and very accessible. A Pier with amusements, beachside bars, and a great summer vibe.
Durdle Door, Jurassic Coast, Dorset
Home to the famous limestone arch, this beach is all about dramatic views and crystal-clear water. A must-see for photography lovers. A part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site with fossils and cliffs galore.
Woolacombe Beach, North Devon
Often ranked among the best beaches in Europe. Long, wide stretch of soft sand, amazing surf, and rolling dunes. Great for both families and adventure seekers — surfing, bodyboarding, or just chilling.
Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall
Tucked between cliffs with turquoise waters, it’s like something out of the Mediterranean — just with Cornish charm. The famous Minack Theatre is carved into the cliff above the beach.
Fistral Beach, Newquay, Cornwall
THE surf capital of the UK. Big waves, surf schools, and lively beach bars. A host of surf festivals and competitions. Great beach energy.
West Wittering Beach, West Sussex
Wide, sandy beach with lovely views across Chichester Harbour. Super clean and popular with families and windsurfers. Great picnic spot with grassy areas and plenty of parking.
Studland Bay, Dorset
Four miles of unspoiled beach and dunes. Feels wild and natural, and it’s managed by the National Trust. Backed by heathland and home to rare wildlife — perfect for walkers and nature lovers.
Lulworth Cove, Dorset
A perfectly round cove with clear blue water and white pebbles. Great for swimming and paddleboarding. A geologist’s dream with stunning coastal walks nearby (like to Durdle Door!).
Brighton Beach, East Sussex
Pebbly but packed with personality. Iconic pier, quirky shops, music, and sunsets — it’s a beach with a city soul. LGBTQ+ friendly, fun atmosphere, and loads to do beyond the beach.
Camber Sands, East Sussex
Huge expanse of sand dunes and a proper sandy beach — rare on the south coast. Great for kitesurfing, sandcastle-building, and long dog walks.
Southwold Beach, Suffolk
Officially recognised as an environmentally-friendly beach, Southwold is a top spot for those wanting to take a paddle in the sea and a stroll along the prom.
Felixstowe Beach
The attractive seaside town of Felixstowe is home to a 4-mile beach, with family-friendly spots and more rural stretches for those looking for a more rural experience.
There’s so many more fantastic beaches to visit, however these are a small selection for you to choose from. Here’s hoping for the sunshine for your perfect family day out!
Be safe and be sure you know the ‘in’s & out’s of safety by the water, visit the RNLI WEBSITE HERE!
