Nowhere in the UK is more than 70 miles from the coast. In Europe, only Greece and Norway have more coastline than we do – and at the best count we have more than 10,000 miles of it.
All that adds up to a lot of beaches. So whether you are seeking to hit the waves, surfboard in tow, you prefer to paddle, or you just want to feel the sand between your toes, the UK is sure to have the perfect beach for you. Here is our pick of the very best.
Top 10 beaches in the UK
Porthcurno, Cornwall
Some of the UK's beaches could have been lifted straight from the Caribbean. Don't believe us? Check out the brilliant white sands filling the gap between the rugged headlands at Porthcurno beach. In this sheltered oasis a small stream flows down one side (perfect for paddling) and up on the granite cliffs behind it is the country's best spot for open-air theatre – the rocky amphitheatre of the Minack.
Holkham, Norfolk
Love birds? You'll love Holkham, where the beach is backed by a large lagoon at high tide, creating a real haven for birdlife. Bring the binoculars and look out for pink-footed geese, finches and pipits. The golden sands and shallow waters allow plenty of room for paddling, walking and swimming and nearby Holkham Hall has a beach café serving local Norfolk produce.
West Sands, St Andrews, Fife
Tiny St Andrews punches well above its weight when it comes to golf – and beaches. The fact that Chariots of Fire was filmed at West Sands will give you some idea of this beach's epic size, and today you can recreate those famous scenes in a land yacht. Don't miss a visit to Janetta's Gelateria for award-winning ice cream in more than 100 different flavours.
Bamburgh, Northumberland
Sweeping sands backed by a brooding castle, Bamburgh beach is the stuff that storybooks are made of. There's enough space to ride a horse along the beach here, and the windswept dunes are ripe for exploration, always with the wind in your hair. Get the kids into rockpooling in the pools around the lighthouse or chuck yourself into the consistent waves (courtesy of that northerly breeze) for some superlative surfing.
Boathouse Beach, Gigha, Inner Hebrides
Escape to Gigha, a community-owned island where everything from the energy (they have their own wind turbines) to the food is locally sourced. Feast on freshly caught shellfish, including Gigha lobster and oysters, on the beachfront terrace of the Boathouse Cafe and paddle in the shallow, turquoise waters of this postcard-perfect sheltered bay.
Luskentyre Sands, Harris, Outer Hebrides
This jaw-dropping beach is another that could stand in for the Caribbean – powder white sands, brilliant turquoise waters and a backdrop of undulating green hills. Follow the path through the dunes, kick off those shoes and paddle along the seashore, looking out for corncrakes, sea eagles and even horses roaming the sands as you go.
Easdale, Inner Hebrides
On this beach there will be just one thing on your mind – stone skimming. Covered in shapely slate pebbles perfect for skimming from coast to coast, Easdale is an unbeatable place to play – and there are stunning views back to the mainland and over to Mull to boot. At the heart of the island is the Puffer, serving Firth of Lorn langoustine and hand-dived scallops on a patio overlooking the water.
Harbour Beach, Tenby, Pembrokeshire
Tucked down underneath the smooth stone of the harbour wall, this half-moon of golden sands looks like it could grace the cover of a childrens' book. Pastel-coloured cottages line the harbourfront and fishing boats bob in the shallow waters but the real attraction here is the water – warmed by the Gulf Stream and shallow enough for even the most nervous of sea swimmers.
Newborough Beach, Anglesey
Need to blow off some steam? You could walk for miles at Newborough beach, through the forest, across the dunes and along the sands to the mouth of the Menai Strait – all without seeing another soul. It's not difficult to find a sandy spot to call your own here and there are glorious views across to the peaks of Snowdonia. You could also get adventurous and rise above it all with a lesson in kitesurfing.
Whiterocks, Portrush, County Antrim
They don't call it Whiterocks for nothing. This vast sandy beach is named for the bright white limestone cliff running along behind it, eroded over millenia into a labyrinth of imposing caves and teetering rock stacks. Thanks to this dramatic coastline, the water here is ripe for adventure so get out there with some sea kayaking or surfing.
A day at the beach really isn't a day at the beach without some great fish and chips. Enterprise Magazine has consulted the experts in its attempt to find the best fish and chips in Britain ... click here to see if you agree with their choices.
