Magnificent 7 … UK beaches
It’s a Bank Holiday weekend, and summer is (allegedly) approaching fast, so your thoughts naturally turn to holidays. But if you’re seeking sun, sea and blissful scenery, you may not need to jet away on an arduous flight. The UK has loads of beaches with crystal-clear waters. beautiful bays and breathtaking views. NMTBP gives you seven of the best beaches across the UK, all of which look like they wouldn’t be out of place in the Mediterranean or Caribbean
Blackpool Sands, Devon
The rather inauspiciously named Blackpool Sands is actually in South Devon, which is a wonderful surprise. A drive through pine trees, almost reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast, brings you out onto a splendid sweep of beach. Despite the name – and appearance from a distance – the beach is, in fact, formed from the smoothest little pebbles, which makes the water astonishingly clear. (It has won awards for cleanliness; no dogs allowed). The pontoon floating off the shore is the coolest place to be when temperatures soar, good for diving off into the bay’s blue waters.
Don’t miss the Blackpool Sands Beach Shack, a local favorite that serves up delicious treats like locally roasted coffee, cakes, pies, and pasties. Enjoy these delights while taking in the beachfront view, a perfect way to unwind after a day of sun and sand
Where to stay
For a comfortable stay just a short drive from the beach, consider the Dart Marina Hotel. This smart harbour-side hotel offers an onsite spa and restaurant, perfect for a relaxing evening after a day at the beach. If you prefer a more scenic view, Gara Rock in nearby Salcombe offers staggering clifftop views, while Harbour Beach Club is a great choice for its proximity to the sand
Budle Bay, Northumberland
Visitors to the popular coastal town of Bamburgh looking for a quieter seaside experience should head north, past the castle and the lighthouse at Stag Rocks and round the head to reach Budle Bay. Here, as well as acres of golden sands to enjoy and a safe sea for swimming and watersports, you can see Lindisfarne – or Holy Island – in the distance.
Where to stay
Budle Hall is a smart B&B owned by a local farming family that offers rooms from £160 and camping in a field behind the house for £60 per pitched tent, with up to six campers
Rhossili Bay, Gower Peninsula
Located in the Gower Peninsula under 20 miles around the bay from Swansea, Rhossili Bay beach features three miles of sandy shore, including one of the Gower Peninsula’s most famous landmarks, Worms Head. Revellers can partake in numerous different watersports, with surfers in particular benefitting from the Atlantic swell. The magnificent beach’s golden sand also provides a fine opportunity to channel your inner Gaudi and craft magnificent sand castles.
The beach also offers breathtaking views, with a number of walking routes along the Gower Coast Path available to choose from
Where to stay
The Worm’s Head Hotel is a family run hotel with stunning views of Rhossili Bay and the Worm’s Head. Wake up to one of the ebst views you’ll ever see
Luskentyre, Isle of Harris
Consistently recognised as one of Scotland’s best beaches, Luskentyre Beach can be found on the Isle of Harris, which is situated to the west of the Scottish Highlands. Named as one of the UK’s best beaches in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, Luskentyre is one of the most impressive beaches in Scotland. Aside from its magnificent sand dunes, Luskentyre also features clear blue waters and the island of Taransay, made famous as the setting of the BBC’s Castaway
Holidaymakers on Harris can also enjoy plenty of hillwalking, cycling and fishing
Where to stay
Scarista House, hidden in a solitary spot amid heather-covered mountains, is the only hotel on the island that can claim to be five minutes from the sea. The Georgian manse, a 20-minute drive to Luskentyre beach, is located overlooking a shell-sand beach of its own, along whose shores otter footprints are often found
Whiterocks, Portrush
Located on the beautiful location of the North Antrim coast, this amazing sandy beach is set in a secluded area below the road and the cliffs above. Home to the impressive Elephant Rock and surrounded by sand whiter than that at Naples Beach in Florida, Whiterocks Beach has an impressive array of wildlife who make this beach their home
Where to stay
The Royal Court Hotel’s clifftop accommodation overlooks the spectacular Whiterocks Beach and world-famous Royal Portrush Golf Club – home to The Open Championship 2019. Relax and soak up the most spectacular setting of any hotel in Northern Ireland
Silverdale Cove, Lancashire
While many beachgoers in Lancashire are tempted by the dazzling attractions of Blackpool, away from the seafront theme parks, Lancashire has plenty of tranquil coastal treasures to discover. Known for its amazing sunsets, Silverdale is more suited to exploring than sunbathing or taking a dip (it has sinking sands and rip tides), but there are great rock pools and a cave, plus the attractive village shares an arts-and-crafts trail with nearby Arnside
Where to stay
Pub with rooms the Silverdale Hotel is within walking distance of the beach. Doubles from £110 per night
Cuckmere Haven, Seaford, East Sussex
One of the best beaches near London, this is also one of the wildest beaches on the south coast, with superb views of the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs. At low tide, the adventurous can explore the foreshore eastwards all the way to the Birling Gap, or head
west for sea caves. This area was a favourite haunt of the Bloomsbury Set, with Charlestone House museum not far away. Be careful of currents by the river mouth and being cut off by tides if you explore the undercliff area
Where to stay
Further up the coast in Rye, check into The Gallivant, a beachfront hotel that takes inspiration from New England motels
Enjoy some of the world’s most beautiful sandy beaches, right here in the UK
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