Best Beaches Across the UK & Ireland

You don't need to fly anywhere hot for a proper beach day. From wild Atlantic coastline in Ireland to sheltered coves in Cornwall and vast sandy stretches in Northumberland, the UK and Ireland's coastlines offer everything from surf beaches to quiet swimming spots.

England

Woolacombe, Devon — A three-mile stretch of golden sand backed by dunes, consistently ranked among Britain's best beaches and a magnet for surfers and families alike.

Durdle Door, Dorset — A shingle beach beneath a natural limestone arch on the Jurassic Coast, best reached on foot from nearby Lulworth Cove.

Bamburgh, Northumberland — Miles of empty sand beneath a dramatic clifftop castle, with the Farne Islands' seabird and seal colonies just offshore.

Holkham, Norfolk — A vast, wild expanse of sand and pine-backed dunes on the North Norfolk coast, big enough that it rarely feels crowded even in summer.

Scotland

Luskentyre, Isle of Harris — White sand and turquoise water that looks more Caribbean than Hebridean, backed by machair grassland and mountain views.

Camusdarach, Lochaber — A quieter West Highland beach with views across to the Isle of Skye, best known as a filming location for Local Hero.

Wales

Rhossili Bay, Gower Peninsula — Regularly named among the best beaches in the world, a sweeping three-mile bay backed by dramatic cliffs and the wreck of the Helvetia visible at low tide.

Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire — Reachable only on foot, this sheltered cove backed by dunes and pine trees is one of Wales's best-kept secrets.

Northern Ireland

Whiterocks Beach, Portrush — Backed by limestone cliffs riddled with caves and arches, right on the Causeway Coastal Route and popular for surfing and horse riding.

Portstewart Strand, County Londonderry — A two-mile stretch of golden sand backed by some of Ireland's oldest dunes, managed by the National Trust.

Republic of Ireland

Keem Bay, Achill Island — A picture-postcard cove of clean white sand sheltered by cliffs on either side, consistently rated one of Ireland's most beautiful beaches.

Inch Strand, Dingle Peninsula — A four-mile blue-flag beach on the Ring of Kerry, popular with swimmers, surfers and horse riders alike.

Ballymastocker Bay, County Donegal — Once named the world's second most beautiful beach by the Observer, this sweeping golden bay overlooks Lough Swilly and the Inishowen Peninsula.