Britain's top beaches – in pictures

Porthcurno, Cornwall Brilliant white sand fills the gap between two rugged headlands at Porthcurno beach, creating a sheltered oasis, perfect for paddling. Add a trip to Porthcurno Telegraph Museum while you’re there. Photograph: David Wall Photo/Lonely Planet Images

Bamburgh, Northumberland Bamburgh beach is the stuff that storybooks are made of, complete with a brooding castle. It’s perfect for rockpooling, horse-riding, walking or surfing. Photograph: Alan Copson/info@jonarnoldimages.com

Holkham, Norfolk A haven for birdlife, Holkham beach is part of one of the largest national nature reserves in the country. After paddling, walking and swimming, head to sample local produce at Holkham Hall’s beach cafe. Photograph: Irek/4Corners

West Sands, St Andrews, Fife The fact that Chariots of Fire was filmed at West Sands will give you some idea of its size, and today you can recreate those famous scenes in a land yacht. Choose from more than 100 flavours of ice cream at Jannetta’s Gelateria nearby. Photograph: Mark Sunderland/Robert Harding World Imagery

Boathouse Beach, Gigha, Inner Hebrides The turquoise waters of this small sheltered bay surround the community-owned island of Gigha, which produces its own energy (they have their own wind turbines) and all its food, including freshly caught Gigha lobster and oysters. Photograph: www.alamy.com

Luskentyre Sands, Harris, Outer Hebrides The nearest thing the UK has to a Caribbean beach, the powder white sands and turquoise waters of Luskentyre Sands are home to corncrakes, sea eagles and even horses roaming the beach. Photograph: www.alamy.com

Easdale, Inner Hebrides Master the art of stone skimming at this beach brimming with perfectly shaped slate pebbles while enjoying the stunning views back to the mainland and over to Mull. Photograph: Laura MacLellan/Flickr RF

Harbour Beach, Tenby, Pembrokeshire Warmed by the Gulf Stream and shallow enough for even the most nervous of sea swimmers, the water at Harbour Beach is perfect for paddling. Photograph: Justin Foulkes/4Corners

Newborough Beach, Anglesey It’s not difficult to find a sandy spot to call your own at Newborough Beach. Relax in the sun to enjoy glorious views across to the peaks of Snowdonia, paddle out to the tidal island of Llanddwyn, or try your hand at kitesurfing. Photograph: www.alamy.com

Whiterocks, Portrush, County Antrim This sweeping sandy beach is named for the white limestone cliffs that run along this coastline. If sea kayaking and surfing don’t tempt you can try a round of golf, at the renowned links course Royal Portrush. Photograph: www.alamy.com