As winter gives way to spring and temperatures start to rise, many Britons are flocking to the coast in search of sunshine. The UK is home to an expansive array of stunning coastlines and countless beaches, choosing where to visit first a tough one.
To help narrow down the options, here's a list of must-visit beaches.
Kynance Cove, Cornwall
Nestled at the edge of the rugged Lizard Peninsula, Kynance Cove is a breathtaking natural wonder that has enchanted visitors for generations. Known for its vivid turquoise waters and pristine white sands framed by dramatic serpentine rock formations, this Cornish treasure remains as captivating as it was in Victorian times. The cove's allure is amplified by its otherworldly landscape of towering rock stacks, caves, and islands, each uniquely named like Asparagus Island, The Drawing Room, and The Parlour. These distinctive red and green serpentine rocks, characteristic of the Lizard Peninsula, have been sculpted over millennia into spectacular shapes that contribute to the cove's stunning beauty.
Benllech Beach, WalesÂ
Benllech Beach, known for its gently sloping sands backed by high, grass-covered cliffs, draws families with its excellent paddling and rock pool exploration opportunities. The beach is also popular for surfing, windsurfing, kayaking, and sailing. Positioned along the Anglesey Coast Path, the area offers stunning panoramic views along the coastline. The beach is accessible for disabled visitors and convenient for families with young children. It has been awarded a Blue Flag for its cleanliness and safety. Just behind the beach, the small town offers an array of shops, services, cafes, pubs, and restaurants. Facilities include toilets and paid parking, and there are dog restrictions from May through September.
Filey Beach, Yorkshire
Filey, a traditional seaside resort on the East Coast, offers a quieter alternative to its more commercial neighbours, making it perfect for young families or those seeking a peaceful beach retreat. Its stunning 5-mile golden sandy beach stretches from the rocky Filey Brigg in the north down to Bempton, where an RSPB reserve is located. At low tide, the beach extends a quarter-mile wide, revealing plenty of space for walking, kite-flying, horse riding, and building sandcastles. The rock pools along this expanse are a particular delight for children, teeming with marine life. Filey proudly preserves its fishing roots, with visitors often able to see local fishermen working with their traditional "coble" boats along the shoreline. The town's seafront is adorned with artworks that pay homage to its natural heritage, enhancing the charming promenade.
Lunan Bay, Scotland
Lunan Bay stands out as Angus's premier beach, offering a stunning expanse of sand complemented by natural features such as a cave, an arch at the northern end, and the ruins of a castle. The Lunan Water river bisects the beach, creating two distinct halves and providing a natural break in the middle where visitors can enjoy a cafe stop. This beach draws surfers and horse riders alike, thanks to its broad, open sands. Beyond water sports, Lunan Bay is also a prime spot for bird watching in the estuary area. Additionally, it's not uncommon to spot Bottlenose Dolphins and the occasional Harbour Porpoise frolicking in the bay, adding to the area's natural allure.
West Wittering Beach, West Sussex
Nestled near the entrance of Chichester Harbour, the twin villages of East and West Wittering boast pristine stretches of coastline. West Wittering Beach, known for its golden sands, becomes a popular destination in the summer, attracting day-trippers and vacationers alike who are drawn to its expansive sands and shallow waters. Renowned for its long, soft sand stretches, the beach is particularly family-friendly due to the shallow waters, yet it also caters to water sports enthusiasts. West Wittering is celebrated as a prime spot for surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and other water activities, making it a versatile beach for all types of visitors.
