The best UK beaches for every group

Best UK beaches for families

• Woolacombe Beach, Devon – Lifeguards, golden sand and safe swimming.
• Scarborough South Bay, Yorkshire – A traditional seaside town with arcades.
• Blackpool Sands, Devon – Blue Flag beach with calm waters and facilities for kids.

Best UK beaches for young groups

• Kynance Cove, Cornwall – Turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs, perfect for Insta shots.
• Durdle Door, Dorset – Iconic natural arch with stunning sunset views.
• St Ives Bay, Cornwall – Beautiful sandy stretch close to the buzzy town centre.

Best UK beaches for dogs

• Holkham Beach, Norfolk – Wide open sands and plenty of space to run, on two or four legs.
• Saunton Sands, Devon – Dog-friendly year-round with endless shoreline.
• Embleton Bay, Northumberland – Peaceful, dog-friendly beach with castle views.

Best UK beaches for activities

• Fistral Beach, Cornwall – The UK’s surfing hotspot.
• Rhossili Bay, Wales – Vast, dramatic sands, ideal for long walks or kite flying.
• Bournemouth Beach, Dorset – Golden sands with lively nightlife and attractions nearby.

Top coastal walks in the UK

A UK seaside break isn’t just about the beach – the clifftop paths and coastal trails are just as special. They’re great for blowing away any cobwebs, or letting the kids blow off steam. Here’s our round up of the best UK coastal walks:

St Ives to Zennor, Cornwall

A stunning section of the South West Coast Path, this 6.5-mile walk takes you from St Ives, along rugged cliffs with beautiful sea views. Expect wildflowers, seabirds and plenty of photo stops before finishing in the pretty village of Zennor.

Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door, Dorset

A short, but spectacular 2-mile coastal walk that shows off the best of the Jurassic Coast. Start at Lulworth Cove and follow the cliffs to the iconic limestone arch of Durdle Door.

Rhossili Bay to Worm’s Head, Wales

This 5-mile return walk, in the Gower Peninsula, takes in one of the best beaches in the UK. Walk along the sands of Rhossili Bay before heading towards Worm’s Head, a tidal island accessible at low tide.

Bamburg to Seahouses, Northumberland

A 3-mile beachside walk with incredible views of Bamburgh Castle. Stroll along wide golden sands, spot seabirds and finish up with fish and chips in Seahouses.

Old Harry Rocks, Dorset

A circular 3-mile walk from Studland village to the chalk sea stacks of Old Harry Rocks. The views across the Isle of Purbeck coastline are breathtaking, and it’s a great short hike for families.

Cemaes to Cemlyn Bay, Anglesey

This 5-mile circular route along the Anglesey Coast Path gives you the chance to spot wildflowers, seabirds and seals near Cemlyn Bay lagoon.

Sandwood Bay Walk, Sutherland, Scotland

This 9-mile return walk takes you to one of Scotland’s most remote and unspoilt beaches. The trails heads across moorland and dunes before revealing the wild, dramatic Sandwood Bay.