Beachfront Holidays UK: Best Beaches, Stays & Travel Tips

If sea air, golden shores and stunning coasts are what you’re dreaming of and not having to pack your passport, then Beachfront Holidays UK could be the perfect getaway for you. From secret coves in Cornwall, to family-friendly spots in Wales and more off-the-radar stretches in Scotland, the UK is filled with beautiful coastal getaways to rival the world’s best.So if you need a romantic weekend, a family break or a solo getaway, this guide covers the best beaches, places to stay and hints about getting there in order that you have the best UK beach holiday possible.

What is the Prettiest Beach in the UK?

Beauty is in the eye of the beach-goer but Pembrokeshire’s Barafundle Bay has often been named one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK. Comparisons are regularly made to Caribbean beaches, with Barafundle bright with soft golden sand and clear waters, backed by stunning cliffs and lush foliage. It is 10-15 minutes’ walk from the nearest car park a distance that has helped to ensure its secluded character and in-tact natural beauty.

Couples seeking solitude, and photographers in search of a postcard shot are in their element at Barafundle Bay. There are no amenities on the beach so load up on a picnic and the water before striking out on your beach outing.

Which is the Best Destination for a Beach Holiday?

Cornwall is a great all round Beachfront Holidays UK area. With more than 300 miles of shoreline, Cornwall has something for every kind of traveler:

St Ives for art, food, and family-friendly beaches.
Newquay for surfers and nightlife lovers.
Porthcurno for dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters.
Fistral Beach for watersports and vibrant beach culture.

Pair that with Cornwall’s reliably sunny weather, bustling coastal towns and variety of accommodation that ranges from boutique hotels to rugged cottages, and you’ve got one of the best places for short breaks and longer summer getaways.

What Beach Has the Clearest Water in the UK?

If you want clear waters, try Kynance Cove on the Lizard Peninsula of Cornwall. Renowned for its turquoise sea and distinctive rock stacks - a visit is a must for anyone looking for some of the UK’s cleanest, clearest water. The beach is protected by the National Trust and lies within an AONB area.

It’s almost surreal swimming here, especially on sunny days, when the sea gleams like a Mediterranean lagoon. Visit when the tide is low to see more sand and easier-to-reach caves.

Other notable mentions include:

Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Harris (Scotland)
Rhossili Bay, Wales
Studland Bay, Dorset

Where to Go for a Cheap Sunny Holiday?

Beach holidays UK don’t need to cost the earth. If you’re tight on cash, however, there are plenty of coastal areas that cater to the budget conscious with cheap accommodations, free things to do and sun-filled summer weather.

Top Picks for Budget-Friendly Sunny Breaks:

Weymouth, Dorset: The typical British beach holiday served as it was intended with miles of sandy beaches and decent B&Bs to stay in.
Bamburgh, Northumberland: A dramatic coastal town with a beautiful beach and affordable places to stay.
Tenby, Wales: A scenic little harbour town that boasts quaint, affordable guesthouses and bustling beach cafes.

Here’s how to save money on a beach vacation: plan to travel mid-week, book your stay in advance and take your own beach snacks and entertainment.

What is the Number 1 Best Beach?

It is often voted the best beach in the UK according to multiple travel rankings and thousands of visitor reviews. With sweeping vistas, golden sands stretching for over three miles, and stunning sunsets that will take your breath away, Rhossili is just epic!

With the stunning Gower Peninsular as the backdrop, the first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the country, Rhossili Bay is a walker’s, paragliders and beach lover’s paradise. There’s something timeless and awe-inspiring about this beach that keeps people coming back time and time again.

Where is the Nicest Place to Go on Holiday?

Deciding where the best place for a an idyllic holiday in the UK is, will depend on what you’re looking for luxury, nature, peace, pleasure. For a bit of all the above, few contenders come close to St Ives in Cornwall. Boasting art galleries, multi-award-winning restaurants, cobbled streets and over half a dozen wonderful beaches on foot, St Ives provides the opportunity to top up your culture as well as your tan.

Other lovely locations for a stay on the beach include:

Whitby, Yorkshire: Gothic beauty, fish and sea views.
Broadstairs, Kent: A Victorian seaside town with literary heritage and family beaches.
Portree, Isle of Skye: For beach fun with a Scottish twist and dramatic scenery.

Top Travel Tips for Beachfront Holidays UK

Below are some useful tips to help in planning your Beachfront Holidays UK so that you are on your way to have a great time.

Book in Advance During Peak Season: The summer months (June–August) are peak season, specifically in Cornwall and Devon. For the best prices and selection, reserve your vans 3 to 6 months ahead.
Check Tide Times: Some beaches, like Kynance Cove, almost disappear at high tide.
Bring Layered Clothing: British weather can change quickly. Even in summer, evenings can get cool by the sea.
Support Local Businesses: Dine at local cafes, shop at seafront markets, and stay in eco-friendly lodging.
Use Public Transport When Possible: Popular beaches can have limited parking. Trains and buses often connect to major coastal towns.

Plan Your Perfect Beachfront Escape

Whether you’re discovering the famous cliffs of Jurassic Coast, or lounging on golden sands in a Cornish bay, the UK is home to some of the most stunning and varied coasts in Europe. From award-winning beaches to secret beaches that only locals know about, there’s a seaside getaway that’s perfect for you.

Start planning your trip with Travels Journey at
👉 https://travelsjourney.co.uk/

Discover where golden sands meet rich culture, and create lasting memories on your perfect Beachfront Holidays UK adventure.