This week I’ve been having some major holiday envy. I was all but ready to throw my phone out of the window when I spied yet another snap of a friend sipping a cocktail on some faraway Mediterranean island… before realising that this amazing looking beach was in fact right in the UK. Better yet, it was right on my doorstep! If you’re like me and after a getaway that doesn’t break the bank, have a read of this handy list of beaches… perfect for wherever you may be! No passport needed.
Luskentyre Beach, Scotland
Luskentyre Sands, located on the west coast of South Harris in the Outer Hebrides, is a stunning beach boasting beautiful white sands and amazing green-blue water. You’d be mistaken for thinking you’re in the tropics! Luskentyre is a dog friendly beach. Find out more.
Montrose Beach, Angus
Copyright David Haynes
This famous beach runs north from Montrose to the mouth of the North Esk River with beautiful clean sands. With a short promenade and lots of parking available, as well as a Seafront Splash play area, this beach makes for a lovely family day out! The beach also has a shop, amusement centre and family run cafe nearby. Find out more.
West Cliff, Yorkshire
Copyright Wonderful Whitby
This picturesque Blue Flag beach is the perfect seaside escape. With free and pay and display car parking available nearby, as well as Whitby’s train station a short walk away, this beach is easy to get to… after a stop for fish and chips in the town centre that is! West Cliff has cafes, toilets and a lost child centre, as well as a first aid post. See if you can spot the famous Whale Bone Arch! Find out more.
Druridge Bay, Northumberland
Copyright M Czekirda / www.visitnorthumberland.com
This seven mile stretch of glorious sand has lots of sand dunes and rock pools to explore, as well as the 100 acre Ladyburn Lake with surrounding woodland. Pop into the nearby cafe (open on weekends and during the summer holidays) or their visitor centre for more information on the fascinating wildlife you can spot in Druridge Bay’s many nature reserves! Find out more.
Formby Beach, Liverpool
This beautiful beach’s dunes are a certified Site of Special Scientific Interest! You can even spot some prehistoric human and animal footprints and visit a red squirrel reserve… the last one of its kind in the UK! Ice creams, snacks and drinks are available from vans on site during peak periods. Find out more.
Barafundle Bay, Pembroke
With crystal clear blue waters, this popular National Trust owned beach is the perfect place for a more relaxing day out. It’s your very own staycation Mediterranean escape! There’s no direct road access to the beach itself, but allows visitors to take in the beautiful surroundings on a fifteen minute walk from the car park to the coastline. Find out more.
Constantine Bay, Cornwall
Whilst more commonly known for being one of the most popular spots for surfing in the UK, this stunning beach has lots to offer for families! With unbeatable views of the Cornish coastline, this beach also has lots of rock pools, perfect for exploring and discovering how many beach critters you can spot! Dogs are allowed all year long. Find out more.
Botany Bay, Kent
This Blue Flag beach offers amazing views of the white cliffs and impressive chalk stacks! When the tide is out, it’s perfect for fossil hunting and rock pool exploring. There are kiosks on site selling ice creams, or you can pay a visit to nearby cafes offering hot food and drinks. Dogs are not permitted on this beach from 10am to 6pm from May 1st until 30th September. Find out more.
Studland Beach, Dorset
This National Trust owned beach, located a short five minute chain ferry journey from Poole Harbour, is a lovely family day out! This beautiful beach has four miles of protected golden sands and a stunning view of Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight. It’s perfect for a variety of watersports and for exploring lots of exciting wildlife, including deer, insects and birds! For rumbling tums, visit the Knoll Beach cafe. Find out more.
Bournemouth Beach, Dorset
This famous activity and events packed beach offers something for all of the family… even a zip wire from the pier to the stretch of seven glorious miles of sand! Hosting events such as the Bournemouth Air Festival, Arts by the Sea and more, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Head to one of the many cafes and restaurants nearby, including West Beach and Harry Ramsden’s for traditional fish and chips by the sea! Find out more.
What’s your favourite beach? Let us know if we’ve missed one of your favourite seaside escapes! Don’t forget to share your photos (and make me very jealous!) on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram! 🙂
