From sweeping stretches of golden sand to charming seaside towns, the UK is home to some of Europe's most rewarding coastal escapes. Whether you're planning a coastal day out, searching for beaches near London or looking for inspiration for UK seaside holidays, there's no shortage of scenic shorelines to discover.
We’ve created this handy guide featuring the perfect destinations for those memorable coastal getaways UK travellers return to year after year.
West Wittering Beach, West Sussex
West Wittering Beach is often crowned as one of the best beaches in South East England – and for good reason! Located in West Sussex, this Blue Flag beach is famous for its golden sands, rolling dunes and crystal-clear waters. There’s a Beach Café for a bite to eat, a grassy area perfect for picnics and plenty of parking.
The beach has lots of space, even during peak summer months, making it a favourite with families, dog walkers and water sports enthusiasts. Windsurfing and paddleboarding are particularly popular here, while the surrounding landscape provides stunning views across Chichester Harbour.
Whitby West Cliff, North Yorkshire
Combining dramatic coastal scenery with historic charm, Whitby West Cliff is one of the UK's most distinctive beach destinations. The expansive sandy shoreline sits beside the famous Yorkshire seaside town of Whitby, known for its maritime heritage, atmospheric abbey ruins and bustling harbour.
At low tide, visitors can enjoy a long stretch of sand ideal for sunbathing, walking and fossil hunting. You’ll also find a range of attractions just beyond the beach, from outdoor crazy golf to go-karting. With plenty of activities for the whole family, it’s the perfect beach for an action-packed day out.
Tankerton Beach, Kent
Tankerton Beach is one of the most charming pebble beaches in Kent, UK. Situated near Whitstable on the north Kent coast, it offers a quieter alternative to some of the region's busier seaside resorts. The beach is particularly famous for ‘The Street’, a natural shingle spit that emerges at low tide and stretches out into the sea, creating a unique walking experience.
Colourful beach huts, calm waters made for splashing and scenic coastal paths make the beach perfect for relaxing days out, active family trips and everything in between. Visitors can also enjoy Whitstable's renowned seafood scene and quaint coastal atmosphere nearby.
Sea Palling Beach, Norfolk
A hidden gem among thebeaches of Norfolk, UK, Sea Palling offers everything you need for a relaxing coastal day out. The wide sandy beach is protected by offshore reefs, creating calm, shallow waters that are ideal for families with young children. Backed by dunes and open countryside, the area feels peaceful even during the height of summer.
Visitors can spend time swimming, walking or simply enjoying the glittering views across the coastline. For those looking for quiet beaches in the UK, Sea Palling provides a tranquil, peaceful setting while offering useful amenities and nearby attractions.
Sandbanks Beach, Dorset
Sandbanks Beach is frequently ranked among the finest Dorset beaches in the UK, renowned for its sweeping golden sands and excellent facilities. Located at the entrance to Poole Harbour, the beach enjoys stunning views across the coastline and offers safe swimming conditions, making it particularly popular with families. It’s also a celebrity hotspot, known to have a few famous residents – so keep an eye out while you’re there!
Watersports enthusiasts can enjoy paddleboarding, sailing and kayaking, while others may prefer relaxing by the sea. As a Blue Flag beach and one of the standout destinations among the south coast beaches that UK travellers return to every summer, Sandbanks continues to attract visitors from across the country.
Cromer Beach, Norfolk
Cromer Beach perfectly captures the charm of a traditional British seaside holiday. Situated on Norfolk's north coast, this wide sandy beach is backed by colourful cliffs and the town's iconic Victorian pier. Families can spend the day building sandcastles, exploring rock pools and enjoying the classic seaside atmosphere, while walkers will appreciate the stunning coastal views.
Cromer is also famous for its locally caught crab, which can be sampled in many of the town's cafés and restaurants. Alongside destinations such as Sea Palling, Cromer helps showcase why the Norfolk beaches on the UK’s coastline remain one of the country's most rewarding destinations for summer adventures.
Honourable Mention: Jersey
Although not part of mainland Britain, Jersey deserves recognition as one of the most beautiful coastal destinations in the British Isles. The island is home to expansive sandy beaches, sheltered bays and crystal-clear waters that feel surprisingly Mediterranean on sunny days. Visitors can enjoy everything from coastal walks and wildlife spotting to surfing and family beach days.
Jersey's combination of stunning scenery, rich history and excellent food makes it a standout option for anyone planning coastal getaways that UK travellers often overlook. And the best part? It’s easy to get to with DFDS’ ferry routes to Jersey. Simply hop onboard, glide over the Channel, and you’ll arrive ready to explore Jersey’s best beaches.
