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Britain’s Best Beaches

Porthkidney
Porthkidney (photo: John Stratford)

For most people, the phrase ‘beach holiday’ tends to bring a rather exotic location to mind.

Usually, it evokes imagery of warm sands, crystal clear waters, and probably a scattering of palm trees.

But for those in the know, the beaches of Britain also prove to be just as idyllic.

Granted, the weather might only reach a mediocre 20 degrees, and the seas will never warrant much need for snorkeling – but with unsung beauty and quintessentially British appeal, our coastlines are most definitely worth a visit.

If money’s been a bit tight of late, why not save money on flights abroad and consider some destinations a little closer to home?

From romantic getaways to activity weekends, there’ll be a beach destination for you. Here are a few of the most breathtaking in the UK.

Porthkidney, Cornwall

In a county known for its beauty – and with three sides of it surrounded by water – it’s rather challenging to pick just one stretch of Cornish coastline.

However, one of the best has got to be Porthkidney.

With its north-facing and gloriously secluded location, this spot is conveniently placed just a few miles from the popular town of St. Ives.

If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, consider staying in one of the holiday homes in Cornwall, amidst the nooks and crannies of this quiet stretch of coast.

Putsborough, one of Britain's best beaches (photo: Becks)
Putsborough (photo: Becks)

Putsborough, Devon

With a similar sort of appeal to its neighboring county, Devon is renowned for its sweeping, sandy beaches.

Putsborough – located in North Devon – is undoubtedly one of the best in the entire region.

If you’re a keen surfer or a beginner wanting to learn, then the clean seas of Putsborough would be the perfect training ground.

Although beautiful any time of year, we’re inclined to recommend going during the summer to (hopefully) ensure you’ll be able to brave the water.

Isle of Wight (photo: Andy Roberts)
Isle of Wight (photo: Andy Roberts)

Priory Bay, Isle of Wight

If you’re looking to expand your exploration of the UK, why not try the Isle of Wight?

A somewhat unsung holiday location, it comes highly recommended for its picturesque scenery and original appeal.

For a beach holiday with a bit of glamour, Priory Bay is a privately owned beach backing up to a hotel of the same name.

Who says you need to go abroad to sample a bit of the high life?

Here you can sample champagne and oysters while looking out across the horizon — perfect!

Whitstable Beach (photo: Magnus D)
Whitstable Beach (photo: Magnus D)

Whitstable West Beach, Kent

A town located on the coast of Kent, Whitstable evokes the quaint nature of the classic English seaside.

Charming huts line the pebbled beachfront, and with a renowned oyster trade – fantastic fish and chip shops, pubs, and popular cafés are scattered throughout the town.

If you’re looking to take your children on holiday, or don’t want to travel too far away from the Capital: the garden of England provides the perfect escape.

A great tip is to check out a site like MyVoucherCodes; there are always excellent deals waiting to be snapped up, just like these lowcostholidays discount codes.

Little Haven (photo: shirokazan)
Little Haven (photo: shirokazan)

Little Haven, Pembrokeshire

A place so renowned for its natural beauty that it has its own National Park, Pembrokeshire is one of the UK’s must-see locations.

Home to endless beaches that would be well worth a trip, Little Haven comes out on top if we must narrow it down.

Although a small location, the quaint and quiet charm of this Welsh fishing village is what gives it its appeal; with just a handful of local pubs and not much else, it’s the place to head to for some absolute relaxation and reflection.

The next time you’re thinking of booking two weeks on a beach, why not choose one of our very own?

With many websites offering great deals on travel, the chances are, you won’t regret it.

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About the Author: This is a guest post from Travelling Blogger.

Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:

Mal

Wednesday 3rd of April 2013

Personally i think this list is a very broad example of the best to offer in the uk. My recommendations would be -

Perranporth - cornwall - miles of golden sands, atlantic swell, great lil seaside village

Porthcurno - cornwall - the end of britain but also one of the most rugged and scenic coastlines, also dolphins and friendly basking sharks pass by quite regular, great for nature goers

Lizard - cornwall - again wild and remote but worth the effort

Marloes sands - wales - what can i say, stunning wild area,

caswell/oxwich/llangennith - wales - stunning possibly the best in uk, very scenic and clean, great surf spots

Tenby - Wales - huge beaches overlooked by impressive old traditional seaside town

Rhosneigr - Anglesey north wales - great little seaside village with a nice expansive beach, idyllic for windsurfers

Runswick bay - yorks - very very scenic and wild and rugged, a place to see for the scenery,not really ideal for sunbathing or swimming etc as the weather is very wild in this area, worth also visiting very traditional seaside towns of staithes and whitby.

newborough - anglesey - quite a walk but a worthwhile result in the end, idyllic secluded location, miles of golden sand dunes backed by forest, very peaceful and on a clear day views of snowdonia mountains.

Sandwood bay - Scotland - amazing location, a demanding but rewarding trip in itself, go prepared, take a tent, relax and enjoy pure getaway.

Balephuil/crossapol - Tiree hebrides scotland - both beaches are amazing huge white sand clear blue sky wonders, also both surfable, tiree is known as one of the best windsurf and surfing places in the uk, shh keep it a secret! : D

Barra - Hebrides scotland - everywhere is miles of sandy unspoilt uncrowded white sand turquoise blue beaches, its a journey in itself to reach but the experience is unforgettable.

Dave

Thursday 4th of April 2013

Wow, thanks for all the tips and ideas Mal.

Sonia

Thursday 3rd of January 2013

I've lived in the UK for 4 years and every year go to pebbly Brighton. I need to check out those beaches, they look amazing!

Andi of My Beautiful Adventures

Monday 24th of December 2012

Wow I had no idea that Britain had such pretty beaches!

Comments are closed.