The best UK beaches to enjoy this summer
Following Thursday's announcement that Portugal is set to be removed from the UK government's 'Green List', British holidaymakers are finding themselves increasingly limited when it comes to choosing a destination for an international break.
However, with experts predicting one of the hottest UK summers in a decade, it looks like there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy some of the many great beaches the country has to offer, and from paradisical Cornish coves to a secluded bay in southwest Wales, we've put together 7 of the best best UK beaches.
Durdle Door, Dorset
Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall
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Incredibly beautiful, this Cornish beach features spotless sand and turquoise-hued waters that would suggest a considerably more tropical location than southern England, whilst the surrounding cliffs provide a perfect shelter from the coastal winds. In addition, it boasts a natural paddling pool that's perfect for children and the spectacular Minack, a clifftop open-air theatre that hosts regular shows and performances.
Sandwood Bay
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Often considered the UK's most beautiful beach, it's also one of the most difficult to visit. Sandwood Bay is located by the remote village of Kinlochbervie in North West Scotland and once you have got there you still need to partake in a four mile walk to make the beach. For those adventurous beach seekers making the trip they will be greeted by one of the most pristine and unspoilt beaches in the UK, and possibly further afield.
Durdle Door
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This iconic limestone arch on Dorset's rugged Jurassic Coast is not situated on a single beach but in fact at the intersection of two: St Oswald's Bay and Man O'War Cove. Both beaches are accessed via a series of cliffside steps and are spacious and sheltered from the wind whilst also offering stunning views of one of England's most beautiful natural landmarks.
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Hunstanton, Norfolk
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Situated on Norfolk's beautiful coastline, the seaside town of Hunstanton is the perfect destination for a family break, due to its wealth of amenities and attractions (which include an aquarium that houses a seal rescue centre), its picture-perfect beach, a mysterious shipwreck and its famous 'striped' cliffs (caused by layers of different coloured rocks) a truly spectacular sight!
Three Cliffs Bay, South Wales
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Located a short drive from Swansea on the southern coastline of the scenic Gower Peninsula, this secluded bay remains relatively uncrowded even during the height of summer due to the fact that it can only be accessed by scaling a series of rolling sand dunes. However, for those who take on the relatively challenging hike, the rewards are well worthwhile: a stunning, sandy bay backed by verdant cliffs and the crumbling remains of the 12th century Pennard Castle.
Kynance Cove, Cornwall
Walberswick Beach, Suffolk
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Sandwiched between the charming village of Walberswick and the River Blythe, this pretty beach is often overlooked in favour of nearby Southwold, giving it a considerably more 'wild' and secluded atmosphere to its popular neighbour. A blend of sand and shingle backed by scenic, grass-topped dunes, it is remarkably tranquil and scenic and forms part of the 1,000-acre Suffolk Coast Nature Reserve which is home to a diversity of flora and fauna including, otters, deer and a variety of rare bird species.
Kynance Cove, Cornwall
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Cornwall is home to no shortage of picturesque beaches, but few are as beautiful as Kynance Cove, a secluded arc of extraordinarily white sand, punctuated with mossy outcrops and fringed by the most azure waters you will find north of the Mediterranean! Its location on the Lizard Peninsula (the southernmost point of the British mainland) means it enjoys the warmest climate in the country, whilst its cliffside cafe serves delicious ice cream and is the perfect place to relax and enjoy stunning views when the tide envelopes the beach during the late afternoon.
GO TO CORNWALL
The perfect destination for a summer break, Britain's southernmost region boasts endless stunning beaches, postcard-perfect villages, and, during the summer months, plenty of sun!
PLAN YOUR SUMMER BREAK