1 Bedruthan Steps, Cornwall A few miles east of the manic crowds at Newquay, the Bedruthan Steps consist of a series of volcanic rock stacks, rising from the beach like mini mountains and making for a great walk along the fine white sand and the rugged coastline. The waves and the undercurrent are pretty rugged here too and swimming is prohibited.
The National Trust has created paths at the top of the cliffs to limit the damage caused by the many visitors. Steps down to the beach are steep; the name Bedruthan Steps originates from even steeper, treacherous, roughly cut steps that led to the beach in Victorian times. Details: www.visitcornwall.com. Sand 4 out of 5 Kerala Beaches Tour
2 Durdle Door, Dorset The giant limestone archway at Durdle Door is one of the most recognisable sights on Dorset’s Jurassic coast.There are undulating limestone cliffs plunging down to the waterfront farther on along the coast, while the beach at Man O’War Bay, a sheltered cove just to the east of Durdle Door, has shallow waters for bathing (but no lifeguards). The coast here is fantastic for walks and full of great photo opportunities. Details: www.purbeck.gov.uk. Sand 2 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
3 Marsden Bay, South Shields Walking along the coast from the fine sand beach at South Shields, up along the Leas (the cliffs where the Great North Run ends each year), you come to Marsden Bay, a fine curve of coastline with Marsden Rock standing in the centre — usually covered with hundreds, if not thousands, of sea birds. The beach is pebbly and has wobbly-looking rock stacks sticking up near the sheer cliff faces. The Marsden Grotto has been converted into a pub-restaurant at the foot of the cliff with a lift inside to the top (www.marsden-grotto.co.uk). Details: www.visitsouthtyneside.co.uk. Sand 0 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
4 Compton, Isle of Wight This mile of golden sand beach on the southwest coast of the Isle of Wight is great for bathers and framed by an eye-catching chalk cliff at its northern edge. The beach has a car park and steps down to the sands, but no cafés or shops. Dogs are prohibited. The waters are popular with windsurfers and surfers, and the beach can get very busy in summer. The fossils of dinosaur footprints can be seen in rocks at low tide. Details: www.iwight.com. Sand 4 out of 5; Ceanliness: Recommended Goa Holidays
5 Rhossili Beach, South Wales A dreamy beach consisting of a vast sweep of orange-tinged sand on the southwest tip of the Gower Peninsula — which some say is the finest sand of any beach in the country. This beach is so good that it merits a second entry in our top 50, for its surfing credentials. The beach stretches for three miles, with a wreck of a ship that sank in the late 19th century visible at the southern tip near Worm’s Head at low tide. Waves are not too big and currents are weak, so it’s suitable for bathing. Details: www.the-gower.com. Sand 5 out of 5; Cleanliness Recommended
6 Scarista, Western Isles With stunning wide-open vistas, turquoise waters, and rolling hills in the distance, Scarista beach on the Isle of Harris looks at the height of summer as though it might exist on a Caribbean island. Except it’s a bit colder, although many do still go swimming, and windsurfing and kite-buggying are also popular. For those who do swim they are guaranted one thing: the water of the Hebrides is incredibly clean. There is something elemental about the sheer vastness of the seascape, and the feeling of escaping the usual tourist hordes. Details: www.visitscotland.com. Sand 5 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended Travel Blog
7 Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire This golden beach on the southwest tip of Wales is framed by precipitous limestone cliffs overlooking the sweeping curve of bay that attracts people from across the country. However, being so remote, it doesn’t get overcrowded. The beach was recently selected (in 2006) as the best place for a picnic in the UK, beating the likes of Royal Ascot and Glyndebourne. The turquoise waters are usually gentle and are safe for bathing. Details: www.visitpembrokeshire.com. Sand 5 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
8 Bamburgh, Northumberland Truly amazing scenery, with giant dunes seeming to disappear forever into the distance and Bamburgh Castle (www.bamburghcastle.com) sitting proudly on a hillock.The sands are honey-hued and it’s long been a tradition for kids to try to build replicas of the castle out of the sand. There’s more than a mile of flat sand when the tide is out, and the water is good for paddling, although there are no lifeguards. Details: www.visitnorthumberland.com; Sand 4 out of 5; Cleanliness:
9 Holkham, Norfolk Wide open seascapes with sands that seem to stretch on for ever. Weekender breakers enjoy the restaurants in Holkham village and Wells-next-the-Sea. For places to stay there is the Victoria Hotel in Holkham (www.holkham.co.uk), the Crown in Wells (www.thecrownhotelwells.co.uk), the Globe Inn at Wells (www.globeatwells.co.uk), and the cosy Arch House B&B (www.archhouse.co.uk). Details: www.visitnorth norfolk.com; Sand 4 out of 5
10 Whitstable, Kent The pebbly beach at Whitstable is great for strolls along the shore. There are plenty of places to try the famous local oysters, with Wheelers Oyster Bar, The Crab and Winkle and Pearson’s Arms standing out. Details: www.seewhitstable.com. Sand 0 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
11 Littlehampton, East Sussex Design-lovers have been tempted here to check out two new cafés that have captured the attention of architectural magazines: the East Beach and West Beach cafés, both of which offer excellent seafood menus. The beach is sandy, shingly and pretty. Details: www.sussexbythesea.com. Sand 4 out of 5; Cleanliness Recommended
12 Brighton, East Sussex If hip hotels are an indication of how cool a place is, Brighton wins hands down. From Hotel Pelirocco with its themed rooms (Betty’s Boudoir, Sputnik, www.hotelpelirocco.co.uk) to the small, chic Blanch House (www.blanchhouse.co.uk) and Square (www.squarebrighton.com), there is a hugh choice. Details: www.visitbrighton.com. Sand 0 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
13 Penzance, Cornwall Long Rock Beach has decent sand and is good for families as the waters are shallow. Penzance is becoming best known for its buzzy feel, with great pubs, cafés, stylish surf- fashion boutiques, and antique shops — all on its charming higgledy-piggledy lanes. Of the pubs, the Admiral Benbow and the Turks Head stand out. Details: www.penzance.co.uk. Sand 2 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
14 Salcombe, South Devon There’s a lovely, secluded stretch of sand just to the south of Salcombe, near the ruins of Fort Charles. Beyond is South Sands and Splat Cove, with yet more fine white sands. There are plenty of seafood restaurants. The village (population about 1,900) is tiny, with multicoloured houses dotted on a small hill. Details: www.salcombe information.co.uk. Sand 3 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
15 Bournemouth, Dorset For lively nightlife, Bournemouth is giving Brighton a run for its money. There’s a big local student population, which adds to the buzz. There’s a sand beach with views of the Isle of Wight. Details: www.bournemouth.com. Sand 4 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
16 St Ives, Cornwall With its own branch of the Tate and with the Barbara Hepworth Museum, St Ives attracts an arty crowd. There are lots of laid-back cafés and galleries — as well as a decent beach with shallow waters and gold-tinged sand. The old Slope Inn pub (www.sloop-inn.co.uk) is recommended. Details: www.stivescornwall.co.uk. Sand 4 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
TRADITIONAL BEACHES
17 Blackpool, Lancashire From Big Dipper rollercoaster rides to Ice Blast: the Ride, there are plenty of thrills to be had at Blackpool — as well as as all the Kiss-me-Quick hats, candy floss, raunchy postcards, lively pubs, sticks of rock, stripy deckchairs, donkey rides, bargain B&Bs and penny-drop games you could possibly want. For a let-it-all-out traditional British seaside break, Blackpool is probably still the one to beat. Decent sand beach, as well. Details: www.visitblackpool.com. Sand 3 out of 5
18 Southend-on-Sea, Essex John Betjeman once said: “The Pier is Southend, Southend is the Pier.” Even though the pier, built in 1830, has suffered endless setbacks — fires and boats crashing into it — over the years, Betjeman’s saying still feels as if it holds true. The structure remains the longest pleasure pier in the world (at 1.341 miles), and you can either walk the distance or there’s a mini-train. The beaches are a mixture of pebbles and sand. Details: www.southend.gov.uk. Sand 2 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
19 Scarborough, North Yorkshire People have been coming to Scarborough since the 17th century to take the waters. Attractions include mini-golf, fun-fairs, lots of fish’n’ chip shops, theatres (where local Alan Ayckbourn’s plays are premiered), and local history museums. The beaches are sandy. South Beach is the busier; you can get away from the bustle on North Beach. Details: www.discover yorkshirecoast.com. Sand 4 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
20 Bognor Regis, West Sussex King George V’s supposed last words, on hearing that he was recovering and would soon be able to return to Bognor Regis to convalesce, have long haunted this resort: “Bugger Bognor!” But the seaside resort has a nice pebble beach, bandstands that are actually used to play live music, and a brash, no-holds-barred Butlins Resort (www.butlins.com). It may not be to everyone’s taste, but for a taste of the traditional British seaside, what more could you ask than Butlins and the red coat reps? Details: www.visitbognorregis.com. Sand 0 out of 5
21 Southwold, Suffolk After meeting Barack Obama in London last summer, Gordon Brown headed off for his holiday last July . . . to Southwold. While Tony Blair was Prime Minister, holiday choices had a more exotic tinge (Barbados, Florida, Tuscany, Gascony), but Brown decided to try a small, old-fashioned UK seaside resort. Southwold has an attractive sandy beach and a charming ambience: lots of cosy pubs (serving excellent, locally brewed Adnams beer), delis, boutique fashion shops and decent seafood restaurants. Some have referred to Southwold as “Hampstead-on-Sea” as there seems to have been a North London exodus to the resort of late. Details: www.southwold.info. Sand 4 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
22 Eastbourne, East Sussex It’s got a pebbly beach, a pier with all the penny-drop games, fruit machines, fortune tellers and sticks of rock you could want, and one of the best beachside bandstands in Britain. Eastbourne Bandstand is an institution, with jazz bands, swing orchestras, Pink Floyd tributes, Gilbert and Sullivan nights and big band evenings (www.eastbournebandstand.co.uk). Eastbourne, one of the most charming Victorian seaside resorts in Britain, is not as raucous as nearby Brighton, and attracts a more elderly clientele. A relaxing stroll along the Grand Parade at sunset, listening to the band play and watching the sun go down, is recommended. Details: www.visit eastbourne.com. Sand 0 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
23 Skegness, Lincolnshire If you really want traditional English seaside, go for “Skeggy”. The first Butlins resort opened here in 1936 and it’s still going today (www.butlins.com). The main strip is full of amusement arcades, fairground rides, fish’n’chip shops, crazy golf courses and plenty of lively pubs. There are donkey rides on the six-mile sand beach, stripy deckchairs, ten-pin bowling, a pier, and buckets-and-spades galore. The picture of the jolly fisherman skipping along the beach dates from an Great Northern Railway advertising campaign that began in 1908. Details: www.visitskegness.co.uk. Sand 3 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
24 Weston-super-Mare, Somerset The huge fire that engulfed the pier at Weston-super-Mare was a terrible setback for this West Country favourite. The pier has yet to re-open (it is due to do so next year) but the message from local tourist officials is that it is business as usual. As well as the fine sand beach there are plenty of good fish’n’ chip shops, amusement arcades and pubs. In the 19th century, before tourism, the area consisted of a tiny fishing village with about 100 inhabitants. But now there is a population of about 70,000. There’s a 40m observation wheel as well as famous donkey rides along the beach. Details: www.weston-super-mare.com. Sand 3 out of 5
SURFER BEACHES
25 Fistral Beach, Newquay The centre of UK surfing, Fistral is the home of the British Surfing Association and hosts the Rip Curl Boardmasters, Britain’s biggest surfing event, every August. For lessons, who better than the English Surfing Federation, based just a short walk from Fistral at Carnmarth Hotel? Details: www.englishsurfschool.com. Sand 5 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
26 Sennen Cove, Cornwall An exquisite bay in Cornwall that picks up any swell going, with waves suitable for all levels of ability. Details: www.sennensurfingcentre.com and www.smartsurf.co.uk. Sand 2 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
27 Watergate Bay, Cornwall Surf with all mod cons thanks to the chic and relaxed Hotel and Extreme Academy, Watergate Bay. A place created to be “a ski resort on the beach”. Details: www.watergatebay.co.uk. Sand 5 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
28 Saunton Sands, North Devon Gentle, rolling waves and a seemingly endless expanse of beach. Perfect for beginners and the scene of quality longboarding. Details: www.pointbreaks.com. Sand 5 out of 5 Travel Articles
29 Bigbury-on-Sea, South Devon A stunning place to surf with Burgh Island and its wonderful Art Deco hotel seemingly a stone’s throw away. The Discovery Surf School, run by Martin Connelly, is one of the best in the UK, though don’t expect big swell in the summer. Details: www.discoverysurf.com. Sand 4 out of 5
30 Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire The elegant Victorian town is a gem with a wide, sandy beach and an immense headland jutting out into the North Sea. It boasts the world’s oldest water-powered cliff lift as well as great waves. Lessons can be booked with Saltburn Surf Hire. Details: www.saltburnsurf.co.uk. Sand 4 out of 5
31 The Gower Peninsula, Wales Numerous beaches offer quality year-round waves but especially Rhossili Bay, the first to be accorded an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK, in 1957. Near Rhossili is the pretty village of Llangennith where PJ’s Surf Shop caters for everything you’ll need. Details: www.gowersurfing.com. Sand 5 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
32 Thurso, Scotland The rugged Caithness town of Thurso boasts one of Europe’s best waves in the long, walling right-hander known as Thurso East. No wonder that O’Neill holds the Highland Open, its hardcore cold water signature surf event, here every spring. Not for beginners. Details: www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk. Sand 5 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
33 Broadbench, Kimmeridge Bay, Dorset For many years Broadbench, a world-class reef break, was known only to the surfing cognoscenti. But recent moves by the MoD to restrict access — it operates a firing range near by — have led to surfers publicising what Guy Penwarden, a well-known local surfer, calls “one of the jewels in the UK surfing crown”. Not for beginners — and likely to be crowded. Details: www.visit-dorset.org.uk. Sand 0 out of 5
WILDLIFE BEACHES
35 Porth Dafarch, Holy Island, Anglesey The rockpools by the rugged headland at Porth Dafarch, on Holy Island, Anglesey, teem with crabs and colourful little fish. It’s a hidden-away spot with terrific walks along the coast. The waves are usually gentle, making it family friendly. The RSPB reserve at South Stack lighthouse is not far away, with nesting guillemots, razorbills and puffins. Live television links allow you to see close-ups of nests (www.rspb.org.uk). Divers can also visit the wreck of the Missouri, which sank in 1886 about half a mile offshore. Details: www.visitanglesey.co.uk; Sand 3 out of 10. Cleanliness: Recommended
36 Petit Bôt Bay, Guernsey Golden orioles, honey buzzards and firecrests are among the many birds that can be spotted near the beach at Petit Bôt Bay. There are 27 beaches on Guernsey, but this is among the prettiest, tucked away on the south of the island and surrounded by ochre cliffs that protect the golden sands from the wind. There are miles of excellent walks along clifftops, where many seabirds can be spotted. The beach is in a quiet location and is reached through woodland via a fairly long walk from the main road. Details: www.visitguernsey.com. Sand 4 out of 10
37 Murlough Nature Reserve, near Dundrum, Northern Ireland This nature reserve, Ireland’s first (dating from 1967), includes sand dunes that date back 6,000 years, attracting thousands of seabirds. More than 100 common and grey seals frequent the waters; the best time to see them is July to October. The reserve is run by the National Trust and there are good wheelchair facilities. The setting is wonderful, with the Mourne Mountains to the south and the rippling sands spreading out along the shore. There can be lovely sunsets. Details: www.discovernorthernireland.com. Sand 5 out of 5
38 Blakeney Point, Norfolk There is birdlife galore at this 3½ mile-long sand and shingle spit, part of the Blakeney National Nature Reserve. It’s particularly noted for its colonies of breeding terns (particularly sandwich terns) and rare migrants. Common and grey seals bask on the shore here; you can watch as terns divebomb them for venturing too close to their nests at high tide. You can either reach the point by trudging along the shingle ridge from Cley-next-the-Sea or by joining a seal-watching boat trip, which run daily from Morston or Blakeney Quay. Details: www.blakeney online.co.uk. Sand 3 out of 5
39 Hell’s Mouth, north Wales Porpoises can be spotted from the beach at Hell’s Mouth, whose name comes from the huge Atlantic rollers that crash on the shore here, attracting lots of surfers during the autumn when waves are at their highest. However, during the summer it is usually much calmer, and you can spot peregrine falcons and choughs. There are also rockpools for crabbing. Hell’s Mouth has been the scene of many a wreck, as its name suggests, over the years — the Welsh name for the bay is Porth Neigwl. Lots of bracing walks along the coastline. Details: North Wales Tourism, www.nwt.co.uk. Sand 4 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
40 Ringstead Bay, Dorset Sea anemones, prawns and crabs are among the creatures to be found in the rockpools at Ringstead, and snorkellers can spot colourful fish among the reef at the western end of the bay. The shingle beach is about 700 yards long and feels very peaceful as it is surrounded by farmland and flanked by chalk cliffs. The water is usually gentle and suitable for family swimming. There’s a nudist beach about a 20-minute walk from the east end of the bay. Nearby attractions include the Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum and the Dorset County Museum in Dorchester. Details: www.dorset-beaches.co.uk. Sand 4 out of 5
41 Dungeness, Kent Best known for its nuclear power staton, but not so well known for its RSPB nature reserve, just off the beach, where thousands of birds are to be seen; recent sightings include avocets, spotted redshanks, marsh harriers and peregrines (www.rspb.org.uk). Fishermen love the pebble beach as the shore shelves very quickly, making bigger catches more likely. Bathing, however, is dangerous as the current is extremely strong; you are advised not to dip in more than a toe. It is more a beach for staring out at and marvelling at the other-worldly feel of this peculiar stretch of coast; Derek Jarman’s celebrated garden at Dungeness captures the mood perfectly. Details: www.discover-folkestone.co.uk. Sand 0 out of 5
42 Skaw, Unst, the Shetland Islands This is the most northerly beach in the UK, not far from Muckle Flugga and the lighthouse that was the most northerly place of residence until the lighthouse was automated in the 1990s. Gannets, fulmars, petrels and kittiwakes can be spotted on Skaw, and if you’re lucky you may see whales, dolphins and seals too. It’s a short drive from the sand beach to Hermaness National Nature Reserve, where there are more than 25,000 pairs of puffins at certain times of year. It’s a bird lover’s heaven. Details: www.unst.org. Sand 4 out of
SECLUDED BEACHES
43 Steephill Cove, Isle of Wight This tiny beach is tucked behind Ventnor Botanic Garden, about a mile west of the Victorian resort of Ventnor on the southeast coast of the Isle of Wight. It is accessible only by boat or foot, down steep steps leading from the exotic sub-tropical foliage of the gardens. The beach is more for looking at than for swimming, although there are rock pools to explore. Much of its charm comes from the quiet setting and the feeling that you have found a place that few know about. There is a stylish seafood restaurant, The Boathouse. Details: www.islandbreaks.co.uk. Sand 1 out of 5
44 St Martin’s, Isles of Scilly Some of the finest sandy beaches in Britain can be found on the Isles of Scilly, and some of the finest sandy beaches on the Isles of Scilly are on St Martin’s. The island has one hotel, St Martin’s on the Isle (www.stmartinshotel.co.uk), a cluster of cottages approved by the Prince of Wales 20 years ago, and a single pub, The Seven Stones. The population is about 140; the island is only about a mile across and half a mile deep. There are plenty of lovely sands to explore, with regular ferries from St Mary’s, the main island. Details: www.scillyonline.co.uk. Sand 5 out of 5 Vacation Packages
45 Coverack, Cornwall Most people drive by Coverack heading for better known spots in Cornwall, missing out on the delightful fishing village of Coverack. It’s a sleepy sort of place with a shingle beach and a reputation for being good for windsurfing and fishing. There are also excellent cliff-top walks near by. The beach itself is a bit tough on the feet, but it is the sense of being hidden away that attracts visitors. Fresh seafood is available at the Paris Hotel, named after the SS Paris, which sank near by in 1899 (www.pariscoverack.com). The hotel has four rooms from £70 for a double. Details: www.coverack.co.uk. Sand 1 out of 10; Cleanliness: Recommended
46 Waxham, Norfolk For beautiful golden sand beaches, a sense of isolation and pastel seascapes that are reminiscent of Turner at his most impressionistic, a visit to Waxham is recommended. The water may a bit chilly, but it is usually so quiet that you will have most of the beach to yourself. There are dunes in which to find shelter for picnics. On shore, there is one of the largest tithe barns in the country, dating from the 16th century and which featured recently in the BBC’s Restoration programme. Details: www.seapalling.com. Sand 3 out of 10; Cleanliness: Recommended
47 Calgary Bay, Isle of Mull When the sun comes out this has to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, with gentle turquoise waters (perfect for families), white sands, and a dramatic sweep of coast at one end shaped like a giant green whale. Most swimmers take wetsuits as the water temperature rarely rises above 14C (57F). There is very little development near the beach, which is on the tucked-away northwest coast of Mull, but rooms and meals are available at the small, family-run Calgary Hotel (www.calgary.co.uk), which is just up a hill, with double rooms from £92. Details: www.calgarybay.co.uk. Sand 5 out of 5
48 Sanna Bay, Highlands On clear days there are superb views of the Small Isles of Rum, Muck, Eigg and Canna from Sanna Bay, the most westerly point on mainland Britain, on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. The beach is reached across the unusual landscape: a large circular plain that is the remains of the crater of an extinct volcano. There are sweeping white sands, sculpture-like black boulders and terrific rolling dunes. It’s an incredibly quiet, contemplative place, popular with artists. Details: www.sannabay.co.uk. Sand 4 out of 5
49 Sandwood Bay, Sutherland To get to Sandwood Bay you’ve got to make a special effort. It’s a four-mile walk from the car park along a track before you reach the pink-tinged sands of the beach, with the sea stack of Am Buachaille tottering at the south end of the bay (looking as though a big gust of wind could knock it over at any moment). The scenery is magnificent, and the beach vast and almost always empty. Parts of the area are maintained by the John Muir Trust (look out for the donation box, www.jmt.org). Details: www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk. Sand 5 out of 5
50 Whitesands Beach, Pembrokeshire Close to St Davids, officially Britain’s smallest city, Whitesands is hidden away and lives up to its name: a mile-long stretch of lovely white beach. There are fantastic walks along the coast and it’s a good spot for a picnic. St Davids has city status because of its cathedral, which dates from the 12th century and has long been a place of pilgrimage — St David, of course, being the patron saint of Wales. The waters here are often good for surfers but also good for families to bath in too. Details: www.stdavids.co.uk. Sand 5 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
The National Trust has created paths at the top of the cliffs to limit the damage caused by the many visitors. Steps down to the beach are steep; the name Bedruthan Steps originates from even steeper, treacherous, roughly cut steps that led to the beach in Victorian times. Details: www.visitcornwall.com. Sand 4 out of 5 Kerala Beaches Tour
2 Durdle Door, Dorset The giant limestone archway at Durdle Door is one of the most recognisable sights on Dorset’s Jurassic coast.There are undulating limestone cliffs plunging down to the waterfront farther on along the coast, while the beach at Man O’War Bay, a sheltered cove just to the east of Durdle Door, has shallow waters for bathing (but no lifeguards). The coast here is fantastic for walks and full of great photo opportunities. Details: www.purbeck.gov.uk. Sand 2 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
3 Marsden Bay, South Shields Walking along the coast from the fine sand beach at South Shields, up along the Leas (the cliffs where the Great North Run ends each year), you come to Marsden Bay, a fine curve of coastline with Marsden Rock standing in the centre — usually covered with hundreds, if not thousands, of sea birds. The beach is pebbly and has wobbly-looking rock stacks sticking up near the sheer cliff faces. The Marsden Grotto has been converted into a pub-restaurant at the foot of the cliff with a lift inside to the top (www.marsden-grotto.co.uk). Details: www.visitsouthtyneside.co.uk. Sand 0 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
4 Compton, Isle of Wight This mile of golden sand beach on the southwest coast of the Isle of Wight is great for bathers and framed by an eye-catching chalk cliff at its northern edge. The beach has a car park and steps down to the sands, but no cafés or shops. Dogs are prohibited. The waters are popular with windsurfers and surfers, and the beach can get very busy in summer. The fossils of dinosaur footprints can be seen in rocks at low tide. Details: www.iwight.com. Sand 4 out of 5; Ceanliness: Recommended Goa Holidays
5 Rhossili Beach, South Wales A dreamy beach consisting of a vast sweep of orange-tinged sand on the southwest tip of the Gower Peninsula — which some say is the finest sand of any beach in the country. This beach is so good that it merits a second entry in our top 50, for its surfing credentials. The beach stretches for three miles, with a wreck of a ship that sank in the late 19th century visible at the southern tip near Worm’s Head at low tide. Waves are not too big and currents are weak, so it’s suitable for bathing. Details: www.the-gower.com. Sand 5 out of 5; Cleanliness Recommended
6 Scarista, Western Isles With stunning wide-open vistas, turquoise waters, and rolling hills in the distance, Scarista beach on the Isle of Harris looks at the height of summer as though it might exist on a Caribbean island. Except it’s a bit colder, although many do still go swimming, and windsurfing and kite-buggying are also popular. For those who do swim they are guaranted one thing: the water of the Hebrides is incredibly clean. There is something elemental about the sheer vastness of the seascape, and the feeling of escaping the usual tourist hordes. Details: www.visitscotland.com. Sand 5 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended Travel Blog
7 Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire This golden beach on the southwest tip of Wales is framed by precipitous limestone cliffs overlooking the sweeping curve of bay that attracts people from across the country. However, being so remote, it doesn’t get overcrowded. The beach was recently selected (in 2006) as the best place for a picnic in the UK, beating the likes of Royal Ascot and Glyndebourne. The turquoise waters are usually gentle and are safe for bathing. Details: www.visitpembrokeshire.com. Sand 5 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
8 Bamburgh, Northumberland Truly amazing scenery, with giant dunes seeming to disappear forever into the distance and Bamburgh Castle (www.bamburghcastle.com) sitting proudly on a hillock.The sands are honey-hued and it’s long been a tradition for kids to try to build replicas of the castle out of the sand. There’s more than a mile of flat sand when the tide is out, and the water is good for paddling, although there are no lifeguards. Details: www.visitnorthumberland.com; Sand 4 out of 5; Cleanliness:
9 Holkham, Norfolk Wide open seascapes with sands that seem to stretch on for ever. Weekender breakers enjoy the restaurants in Holkham village and Wells-next-the-Sea. For places to stay there is the Victoria Hotel in Holkham (www.holkham.co.uk), the Crown in Wells (www.thecrownhotelwells.co.uk), the Globe Inn at Wells (www.globeatwells.co.uk), and the cosy Arch House B&B (www.archhouse.co.uk). Details: www.visitnorth norfolk.com; Sand 4 out of 5
10 Whitstable, Kent The pebbly beach at Whitstable is great for strolls along the shore. There are plenty of places to try the famous local oysters, with Wheelers Oyster Bar, The Crab and Winkle and Pearson’s Arms standing out. Details: www.seewhitstable.com. Sand 0 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
11 Littlehampton, East Sussex Design-lovers have been tempted here to check out two new cafés that have captured the attention of architectural magazines: the East Beach and West Beach cafés, both of which offer excellent seafood menus. The beach is sandy, shingly and pretty. Details: www.sussexbythesea.com. Sand 4 out of 5; Cleanliness Recommended
12 Brighton, East Sussex If hip hotels are an indication of how cool a place is, Brighton wins hands down. From Hotel Pelirocco with its themed rooms (Betty’s Boudoir, Sputnik, www.hotelpelirocco.co.uk) to the small, chic Blanch House (www.blanchhouse.co.uk) and Square (www.squarebrighton.com), there is a hugh choice. Details: www.visitbrighton.com. Sand 0 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
13 Penzance, Cornwall Long Rock Beach has decent sand and is good for families as the waters are shallow. Penzance is becoming best known for its buzzy feel, with great pubs, cafés, stylish surf- fashion boutiques, and antique shops — all on its charming higgledy-piggledy lanes. Of the pubs, the Admiral Benbow and the Turks Head stand out. Details: www.penzance.co.uk. Sand 2 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
14 Salcombe, South Devon There’s a lovely, secluded stretch of sand just to the south of Salcombe, near the ruins of Fort Charles. Beyond is South Sands and Splat Cove, with yet more fine white sands. There are plenty of seafood restaurants. The village (population about 1,900) is tiny, with multicoloured houses dotted on a small hill. Details: www.salcombe information.co.uk. Sand 3 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
15 Bournemouth, Dorset For lively nightlife, Bournemouth is giving Brighton a run for its money. There’s a big local student population, which adds to the buzz. There’s a sand beach with views of the Isle of Wight. Details: www.bournemouth.com. Sand 4 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
16 St Ives, Cornwall With its own branch of the Tate and with the Barbara Hepworth Museum, St Ives attracts an arty crowd. There are lots of laid-back cafés and galleries — as well as a decent beach with shallow waters and gold-tinged sand. The old Slope Inn pub (www.sloop-inn.co.uk) is recommended. Details: www.stivescornwall.co.uk. Sand 4 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
TRADITIONAL BEACHES
17 Blackpool, Lancashire From Big Dipper rollercoaster rides to Ice Blast: the Ride, there are plenty of thrills to be had at Blackpool — as well as as all the Kiss-me-Quick hats, candy floss, raunchy postcards, lively pubs, sticks of rock, stripy deckchairs, donkey rides, bargain B&Bs and penny-drop games you could possibly want. For a let-it-all-out traditional British seaside break, Blackpool is probably still the one to beat. Decent sand beach, as well. Details: www.visitblackpool.com. Sand 3 out of 5
18 Southend-on-Sea, Essex John Betjeman once said: “The Pier is Southend, Southend is the Pier.” Even though the pier, built in 1830, has suffered endless setbacks — fires and boats crashing into it — over the years, Betjeman’s saying still feels as if it holds true. The structure remains the longest pleasure pier in the world (at 1.341 miles), and you can either walk the distance or there’s a mini-train. The beaches are a mixture of pebbles and sand. Details: www.southend.gov.uk. Sand 2 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
19 Scarborough, North Yorkshire People have been coming to Scarborough since the 17th century to take the waters. Attractions include mini-golf, fun-fairs, lots of fish’n’ chip shops, theatres (where local Alan Ayckbourn’s plays are premiered), and local history museums. The beaches are sandy. South Beach is the busier; you can get away from the bustle on North Beach. Details: www.discover yorkshirecoast.com. Sand 4 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
20 Bognor Regis, West Sussex King George V’s supposed last words, on hearing that he was recovering and would soon be able to return to Bognor Regis to convalesce, have long haunted this resort: “Bugger Bognor!” But the seaside resort has a nice pebble beach, bandstands that are actually used to play live music, and a brash, no-holds-barred Butlins Resort (www.butlins.com). It may not be to everyone’s taste, but for a taste of the traditional British seaside, what more could you ask than Butlins and the red coat reps? Details: www.visitbognorregis.com. Sand 0 out of 5
21 Southwold, Suffolk After meeting Barack Obama in London last summer, Gordon Brown headed off for his holiday last July . . . to Southwold. While Tony Blair was Prime Minister, holiday choices had a more exotic tinge (Barbados, Florida, Tuscany, Gascony), but Brown decided to try a small, old-fashioned UK seaside resort. Southwold has an attractive sandy beach and a charming ambience: lots of cosy pubs (serving excellent, locally brewed Adnams beer), delis, boutique fashion shops and decent seafood restaurants. Some have referred to Southwold as “Hampstead-on-Sea” as there seems to have been a North London exodus to the resort of late. Details: www.southwold.info. Sand 4 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
22 Eastbourne, East Sussex It’s got a pebbly beach, a pier with all the penny-drop games, fruit machines, fortune tellers and sticks of rock you could want, and one of the best beachside bandstands in Britain. Eastbourne Bandstand is an institution, with jazz bands, swing orchestras, Pink Floyd tributes, Gilbert and Sullivan nights and big band evenings (www.eastbournebandstand.co.uk). Eastbourne, one of the most charming Victorian seaside resorts in Britain, is not as raucous as nearby Brighton, and attracts a more elderly clientele. A relaxing stroll along the Grand Parade at sunset, listening to the band play and watching the sun go down, is recommended. Details: www.visit eastbourne.com. Sand 0 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
23 Skegness, Lincolnshire If you really want traditional English seaside, go for “Skeggy”. The first Butlins resort opened here in 1936 and it’s still going today (www.butlins.com). The main strip is full of amusement arcades, fairground rides, fish’n’chip shops, crazy golf courses and plenty of lively pubs. There are donkey rides on the six-mile sand beach, stripy deckchairs, ten-pin bowling, a pier, and buckets-and-spades galore. The picture of the jolly fisherman skipping along the beach dates from an Great Northern Railway advertising campaign that began in 1908. Details: www.visitskegness.co.uk. Sand 3 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
24 Weston-super-Mare, Somerset The huge fire that engulfed the pier at Weston-super-Mare was a terrible setback for this West Country favourite. The pier has yet to re-open (it is due to do so next year) but the message from local tourist officials is that it is business as usual. As well as the fine sand beach there are plenty of good fish’n’ chip shops, amusement arcades and pubs. In the 19th century, before tourism, the area consisted of a tiny fishing village with about 100 inhabitants. But now there is a population of about 70,000. There’s a 40m observation wheel as well as famous donkey rides along the beach. Details: www.weston-super-mare.com. Sand 3 out of 5
SURFER BEACHES
25 Fistral Beach, Newquay The centre of UK surfing, Fistral is the home of the British Surfing Association and hosts the Rip Curl Boardmasters, Britain’s biggest surfing event, every August. For lessons, who better than the English Surfing Federation, based just a short walk from Fistral at Carnmarth Hotel? Details: www.englishsurfschool.com. Sand 5 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
26 Sennen Cove, Cornwall An exquisite bay in Cornwall that picks up any swell going, with waves suitable for all levels of ability. Details: www.sennensurfingcentre.com and www.smartsurf.co.uk. Sand 2 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
27 Watergate Bay, Cornwall Surf with all mod cons thanks to the chic and relaxed Hotel and Extreme Academy, Watergate Bay. A place created to be “a ski resort on the beach”. Details: www.watergatebay.co.uk. Sand 5 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
28 Saunton Sands, North Devon Gentle, rolling waves and a seemingly endless expanse of beach. Perfect for beginners and the scene of quality longboarding. Details: www.pointbreaks.com. Sand 5 out of 5 Travel Articles
29 Bigbury-on-Sea, South Devon A stunning place to surf with Burgh Island and its wonderful Art Deco hotel seemingly a stone’s throw away. The Discovery Surf School, run by Martin Connelly, is one of the best in the UK, though don’t expect big swell in the summer. Details: www.discoverysurf.com. Sand 4 out of 5
30 Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire The elegant Victorian town is a gem with a wide, sandy beach and an immense headland jutting out into the North Sea. It boasts the world’s oldest water-powered cliff lift as well as great waves. Lessons can be booked with Saltburn Surf Hire. Details: www.saltburnsurf.co.uk. Sand 4 out of 5
31 The Gower Peninsula, Wales Numerous beaches offer quality year-round waves but especially Rhossili Bay, the first to be accorded an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK, in 1957. Near Rhossili is the pretty village of Llangennith where PJ’s Surf Shop caters for everything you’ll need. Details: www.gowersurfing.com. Sand 5 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
32 Thurso, Scotland The rugged Caithness town of Thurso boasts one of Europe’s best waves in the long, walling right-hander known as Thurso East. No wonder that O’Neill holds the Highland Open, its hardcore cold water signature surf event, here every spring. Not for beginners. Details: www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk. Sand 5 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
33 Broadbench, Kimmeridge Bay, Dorset For many years Broadbench, a world-class reef break, was known only to the surfing cognoscenti. But recent moves by the MoD to restrict access — it operates a firing range near by — have led to surfers publicising what Guy Penwarden, a well-known local surfer, calls “one of the jewels in the UK surfing crown”. Not for beginners — and likely to be crowded. Details: www.visit-dorset.org.uk. Sand 0 out of 5
WILDLIFE BEACHES
35 Porth Dafarch, Holy Island, Anglesey The rockpools by the rugged headland at Porth Dafarch, on Holy Island, Anglesey, teem with crabs and colourful little fish. It’s a hidden-away spot with terrific walks along the coast. The waves are usually gentle, making it family friendly. The RSPB reserve at South Stack lighthouse is not far away, with nesting guillemots, razorbills and puffins. Live television links allow you to see close-ups of nests (www.rspb.org.uk). Divers can also visit the wreck of the Missouri, which sank in 1886 about half a mile offshore. Details: www.visitanglesey.co.uk; Sand 3 out of 10. Cleanliness: Recommended
36 Petit Bôt Bay, Guernsey Golden orioles, honey buzzards and firecrests are among the many birds that can be spotted near the beach at Petit Bôt Bay. There are 27 beaches on Guernsey, but this is among the prettiest, tucked away on the south of the island and surrounded by ochre cliffs that protect the golden sands from the wind. There are miles of excellent walks along clifftops, where many seabirds can be spotted. The beach is in a quiet location and is reached through woodland via a fairly long walk from the main road. Details: www.visitguernsey.com. Sand 4 out of 10
37 Murlough Nature Reserve, near Dundrum, Northern Ireland This nature reserve, Ireland’s first (dating from 1967), includes sand dunes that date back 6,000 years, attracting thousands of seabirds. More than 100 common and grey seals frequent the waters; the best time to see them is July to October. The reserve is run by the National Trust and there are good wheelchair facilities. The setting is wonderful, with the Mourne Mountains to the south and the rippling sands spreading out along the shore. There can be lovely sunsets. Details: www.discovernorthernireland.com. Sand 5 out of 5
38 Blakeney Point, Norfolk There is birdlife galore at this 3½ mile-long sand and shingle spit, part of the Blakeney National Nature Reserve. It’s particularly noted for its colonies of breeding terns (particularly sandwich terns) and rare migrants. Common and grey seals bask on the shore here; you can watch as terns divebomb them for venturing too close to their nests at high tide. You can either reach the point by trudging along the shingle ridge from Cley-next-the-Sea or by joining a seal-watching boat trip, which run daily from Morston or Blakeney Quay. Details: www.blakeney online.co.uk. Sand 3 out of 5
39 Hell’s Mouth, north Wales Porpoises can be spotted from the beach at Hell’s Mouth, whose name comes from the huge Atlantic rollers that crash on the shore here, attracting lots of surfers during the autumn when waves are at their highest. However, during the summer it is usually much calmer, and you can spot peregrine falcons and choughs. There are also rockpools for crabbing. Hell’s Mouth has been the scene of many a wreck, as its name suggests, over the years — the Welsh name for the bay is Porth Neigwl. Lots of bracing walks along the coastline. Details: North Wales Tourism, www.nwt.co.uk. Sand 4 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
40 Ringstead Bay, Dorset Sea anemones, prawns and crabs are among the creatures to be found in the rockpools at Ringstead, and snorkellers can spot colourful fish among the reef at the western end of the bay. The shingle beach is about 700 yards long and feels very peaceful as it is surrounded by farmland and flanked by chalk cliffs. The water is usually gentle and suitable for family swimming. There’s a nudist beach about a 20-minute walk from the east end of the bay. Nearby attractions include the Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum and the Dorset County Museum in Dorchester. Details: www.dorset-beaches.co.uk. Sand 4 out of 5
41 Dungeness, Kent Best known for its nuclear power staton, but not so well known for its RSPB nature reserve, just off the beach, where thousands of birds are to be seen; recent sightings include avocets, spotted redshanks, marsh harriers and peregrines (www.rspb.org.uk). Fishermen love the pebble beach as the shore shelves very quickly, making bigger catches more likely. Bathing, however, is dangerous as the current is extremely strong; you are advised not to dip in more than a toe. It is more a beach for staring out at and marvelling at the other-worldly feel of this peculiar stretch of coast; Derek Jarman’s celebrated garden at Dungeness captures the mood perfectly. Details: www.discover-folkestone.co.uk. Sand 0 out of 5
42 Skaw, Unst, the Shetland Islands This is the most northerly beach in the UK, not far from Muckle Flugga and the lighthouse that was the most northerly place of residence until the lighthouse was automated in the 1990s. Gannets, fulmars, petrels and kittiwakes can be spotted on Skaw, and if you’re lucky you may see whales, dolphins and seals too. It’s a short drive from the sand beach to Hermaness National Nature Reserve, where there are more than 25,000 pairs of puffins at certain times of year. It’s a bird lover’s heaven. Details: www.unst.org. Sand 4 out of
SECLUDED BEACHES
43 Steephill Cove, Isle of Wight This tiny beach is tucked behind Ventnor Botanic Garden, about a mile west of the Victorian resort of Ventnor on the southeast coast of the Isle of Wight. It is accessible only by boat or foot, down steep steps leading from the exotic sub-tropical foliage of the gardens. The beach is more for looking at than for swimming, although there are rock pools to explore. Much of its charm comes from the quiet setting and the feeling that you have found a place that few know about. There is a stylish seafood restaurant, The Boathouse. Details: www.islandbreaks.co.uk. Sand 1 out of 5
44 St Martin’s, Isles of Scilly Some of the finest sandy beaches in Britain can be found on the Isles of Scilly, and some of the finest sandy beaches on the Isles of Scilly are on St Martin’s. The island has one hotel, St Martin’s on the Isle (www.stmartinshotel.co.uk), a cluster of cottages approved by the Prince of Wales 20 years ago, and a single pub, The Seven Stones. The population is about 140; the island is only about a mile across and half a mile deep. There are plenty of lovely sands to explore, with regular ferries from St Mary’s, the main island. Details: www.scillyonline.co.uk. Sand 5 out of 5 Vacation Packages
45 Coverack, Cornwall Most people drive by Coverack heading for better known spots in Cornwall, missing out on the delightful fishing village of Coverack. It’s a sleepy sort of place with a shingle beach and a reputation for being good for windsurfing and fishing. There are also excellent cliff-top walks near by. The beach itself is a bit tough on the feet, but it is the sense of being hidden away that attracts visitors. Fresh seafood is available at the Paris Hotel, named after the SS Paris, which sank near by in 1899 (www.pariscoverack.com). The hotel has four rooms from £70 for a double. Details: www.coverack.co.uk. Sand 1 out of 10; Cleanliness: Recommended
46 Waxham, Norfolk For beautiful golden sand beaches, a sense of isolation and pastel seascapes that are reminiscent of Turner at his most impressionistic, a visit to Waxham is recommended. The water may a bit chilly, but it is usually so quiet that you will have most of the beach to yourself. There are dunes in which to find shelter for picnics. On shore, there is one of the largest tithe barns in the country, dating from the 16th century and which featured recently in the BBC’s Restoration programme. Details: www.seapalling.com. Sand 3 out of 10; Cleanliness: Recommended
47 Calgary Bay, Isle of Mull When the sun comes out this has to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, with gentle turquoise waters (perfect for families), white sands, and a dramatic sweep of coast at one end shaped like a giant green whale. Most swimmers take wetsuits as the water temperature rarely rises above 14C (57F). There is very little development near the beach, which is on the tucked-away northwest coast of Mull, but rooms and meals are available at the small, family-run Calgary Hotel (www.calgary.co.uk), which is just up a hill, with double rooms from £92. Details: www.calgarybay.co.uk. Sand 5 out of 5
48 Sanna Bay, Highlands On clear days there are superb views of the Small Isles of Rum, Muck, Eigg and Canna from Sanna Bay, the most westerly point on mainland Britain, on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. The beach is reached across the unusual landscape: a large circular plain that is the remains of the crater of an extinct volcano. There are sweeping white sands, sculpture-like black boulders and terrific rolling dunes. It’s an incredibly quiet, contemplative place, popular with artists. Details: www.sannabay.co.uk. Sand 4 out of 5
49 Sandwood Bay, Sutherland To get to Sandwood Bay you’ve got to make a special effort. It’s a four-mile walk from the car park along a track before you reach the pink-tinged sands of the beach, with the sea stack of Am Buachaille tottering at the south end of the bay (looking as though a big gust of wind could knock it over at any moment). The scenery is magnificent, and the beach vast and almost always empty. Parts of the area are maintained by the John Muir Trust (look out for the donation box, www.jmt.org). Details: www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk. Sand 5 out of 5
50 Whitesands Beach, Pembrokeshire Close to St Davids, officially Britain’s smallest city, Whitesands is hidden away and lives up to its name: a mile-long stretch of lovely white beach. There are fantastic walks along the coast and it’s a good spot for a picnic. St Davids has city status because of its cathedral, which dates from the 12th century and has long been a place of pilgrimage — St David, of course, being the patron saint of Wales. The waters here are often good for surfers but also good for families to bath in too. Details: www.stdavids.co.uk. Sand 5 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended
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