Top 10 beaches in the UK
Looking for the best beaches in the UK? This guide highlights 10 of the top seaside destinations across England, Wales, Scotland and the islands, including Fistral Beach in Cornwall, Brighton Beach, Rhossili Bay in Wales and Luskentyre Beach in the Isle of Harris. Whether you’re planning a coastal day trip or a longer seaside break, these are some of the most popular beaches to visit in the UK.
1. Fistral Beach, Cornwall
Ah, Cornwall. The sun’s out, the ice cream is flowing, and feel-good vibes are in the air. There’s nothing quite like it in the height of summer. As a region, Cornwall could have its own list of 10 best beaches (and it does!), but we’ll keep it to just one pick. So if you’re heading down to the south-east coast, make sure you visit Fistral Beach in Newquay. Famed for its fantastic surfing opportunities, this stretch of coast offers you a chance to test your wits against the waves!
How do I get to Fistral beach?
Newquay train station has direct or connecting services from major UK cities, including London, Bristol and Birmingham.
From the station:
- Tolcarne Beach: short walk
- Fistral Beach: walk through town
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2. Brighton Beach
A favourite for many Londoners as well as beach-goers across the UK, Brighton beach is so popular largely thanks to how easy it is to reach. In the height of summer, you’ll often see sun-seekers arriving in their droves at the train station early in the morning – but there’s also a certain charm to Brighton out of season. You can wander up and down the empty shingle beach, visit the arcade or enjoy some quality fish and chips without all the hustle and bustle of thousands of people around!
How can I travel by train to Brighton beach?
| Route | Journey time |
| London to Brighton | 1h 21m |
| Bristol to Brighton | 3h 33m |
| Bedford to Brighton | 2h 36m |
3. Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Harris
Yep, that’s really a place in Scotland. This one’s a little more difficult to reach if you live in the south since Luskentyre beach is located on the Isle of Harris, so you’ll either need to take a connecting flight from Glasgow, Inverness or Edinburgh or hop on a ferry from Uig. Even so, make sure you put this beach on your bucket (and spade) list, the bright blue waters and golden sands are reminiscent of something you’d find in the Mediterranean, it’s maybe just the temperature that’ll feel a bit different!
4. Rhossili Bay, Wales
Voted as Wales’ best beach in 2018, and located within the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Rhossili Bay is a sight to behold. Just a short journey away from Swansea, this idyllic stretch of coast is thankfully a little easier to reach than the Isle of Harris! Make sure to try out the walking routes marked along the coast nearby, as it’s not just the sand that looks lovely around here.
How do I get to Rhossili Bay?
- Nearest station: Swansea
- Onward journey: take a scenic 1h bus to the beach
5. Bournemouth Beach
Imagine Brighton with a sandy beach, and you’ll probably be getting an idea of what Bournemouth has to offer. Both destinations mix old seaside charm with a cosmopolitan, bustling city centre scene – if your plans get rained out, at least there’s plenty of opportunities to go shopping nearby!
Getting there: Take the train to Bournemouth, then have a nice stroll from the city centre to the beach.
6. Blackpool Sands, Dartmouth
Set just a short drive to the south of Torquay, this family-friendly beach is perfect for catching some of that holiday atmosphere without hopping on a plane. A relatively short stretch of shingle, be ready to share the space with other beach-goers in peak season!
How can I travel by train to Blackpool Sands?
- Nearest station: Paignton
- Final leg: onward transport required (taxi or local bus)
7. Weymouth Beach, Dorset
Offering three whole miles of glorious sand, this award-winning beach in Weymouth certainly won’t have you feeling bored at any point! With classic seaside attractions including Punch and Judy shows, donkey rides and fish and chips, there’s always something going on if you’re visiting with family.
How do I get to Weymouth Beach?
- Nearest station: Weymouth
- Onward journey: 9-minute walk to the beach
8. Barafundle Bay, Wales
You can’t spell Barafundle without ‘fun’! (sorry, we had to). Nonetheless, this little gem near Pembroke in Wales is well worth a visit. A classic hidden cove, there are no facilities for at least a half-mile walk, so if you like your sandy beaches without all the fuss and distractions, this is the place for you.
How can I reach Barafundle Bay by train?
- Nearest train station: Pembroke
- Additional transport: taxi from station to beach
From Pembroke station, taxis are typically required to reach the beach.
9. Crosby Beach, Liverpool
Offering something a little different, Crosby Beach in Liverpool is the homeplace to Artist Antony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’ – a collection of eery human sculptures looking out onto the horizon. As the tide pulls in, you’ll see these sculptures disappear below the waves, which makes for some fantastic photo opportunities.
How do I get to Crosby Beach?
- Nearest station: Hall Road
- Final leg: 5-minute walk to the beach
10. St. Brelade's Bay, Jersey
Often voted as one of the top three beaches in the UK, this sandy haven on the Island of Jersey is a favourite amongst families. Stroll along the coast past the palm trees before taking a dip in the clear blue sea, or, try out watersports if that’s more your thing!
How can I travel to St. Brelade's Bay?
Nearest airport: Jersey Airport, then taxi or bus to St. Brelade's Bay
Ferry option: direct ferries to Jerset from UK mainland (St. Helier), then onward to St. Brelade's Bay
So there you have it, folks. What are you waiting for? Get out there and check out these awesome beaches for yourselves! Travelling from London? Check out our guide to the best beaches near London to reach by train.
With some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, Norfolk is another great destination for your summer holiday. Read our guide to the top 5 Norfolk beaches by train for more inspiration. You can also discover top destinations, travel tips, money-saving ideas and much more in our summer train travel guide.