The UK has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and we have spent the last few years exploring different corners of the UK to find out which are the best beaches to visit.
1 – Nanjizal Beach, Cornwall
Nanjizal Beach has something magical about it, which is hard to put your finger on. I love that you cannot drive to Nanjizal. It is about a 30 minute walk along the coastal path from Porthgwarra or along footpaths from Polgigga, a small village on the coastal road. This makes it quieter than other coves and means there are no huge encampments of windbreaks and tents to block the stunning scenery.
It is most famous for the arch in the rocks known as the ‘Song of the Sea’ or Zawn Pyg. At high tide it simply looks like a slit of Cornish light shining between the rocks, however at low tide, twin turquoise pools are revealed.
This aside it’s a beautiful peaceful spot with set in the ‘wild west’ of Cornwall, surrounded by rugged cliffs, and as it faces west it’s the perfect place to watch the sunset.
2- Benar Beach, Wales
Benar Beach is a dune backed, vast expanse of golden sand, which stretches for miles between Barmouth and Harlech. This beach is split into different areas to please everyone from dog walkers to naturists. Even in the summer there is plenty of room for everyone, especially at low tide. This beautiful beach has gorgeous views towards Barmouth Estuary and on a clear day you can see the Llŷn Peninsula jutting out into the sea.
I love Benar Beach anytime of the year, in the winter its great for a bracing stroll and in the summer it always offers the perfect place to relax, either sheltered in the dunes or near to one of the tidal pools that my kids love to play in for hours.
3 – Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall
Porthcurno Beach can easily be mistaken for somewhere in the Caribbean, with its white sand and crystal clear water surrounded by rugged cliffs. The first time we visited we fell in love and promptly booked our next summer holiday in a little village only 20 minutes walk away.
This beach is very popular in the summer and only has a reasonably small car park, so unless you turn up early you may struggle to find a space. However, the early get up is definitely worth it as Porthcurno Beach is truly stunning and if you are lucky at low tide you can access its smaller, more exclusive neighbour Pedn Vounder.
4 – Holkham Beach, Norfolk
Holkham Beach is accessed by a board walk which leads through a pine forest. The heady smell of pine trees mixed with sea salt bring back many happy memories from visits during my childhood. It is a breathtaking sweep of golden sand which stretches for miles and its unspoilt beauty make it a haven for a wide variety of wildlife including many different species of birds.
Holkham beach is part of the Holkham Estate and although it is a public beach it was a favourite spot of Queen Elizabeth II. She could often be found walking the corgis there, when staying at Sandringham.
5 – Formby Beach, Lancashire
Formby Beach is not far from the pretty Victorian seaside town of Southport. It is nestled amongst rolling sand dunes and surrounded by woodland. This makes it a haven for nature lovers as the unique eco-system of the sand dunes offer shelter to lots of rare wildlife, including the red squirrel. It is the perfect place for bird spotting or simply enjoying a the natural beauty while relaxing on the beach.
Laura loves travelling across the UK and abroad. She has two children and a husband who are often her travel companions. Beach holidays, cosy cottages, treehouse adventures and brunching are just a few of her favourite ways to spend her travel time.