1. Kynance Cove, Cornwall
Where is it? On the south coast of Cornwall, two miles north-west of Lizard Point
Why go? In the rush down the A3083 to Lizard Point, many people miss the discreet sign on the right, pointing them to Kynance Cove. It’s a shame because this dramatic spot is heavenly. The spectacular contrast between the white sand beach studded with outcrops, arches and caves and the colourful 200ft cliffs behind them is reason enough to visit; add in the brilliant turquoise tones of the sea on a sunny day, and you have arguably the best beach in Cornwall. If you’re on the north coast, Bedruthan Steps’ crags and peaks are equally dramatic.
Nice neighbours: Poldhu Cove, Kennack Sands
Getting there: 300 miles/six hours from central London
2. White Park Bay, Northern Ireland
Where is it? County Antrim’s northern coastline
Why go? A glorious, three-mile arc of white sand tucked into a secluded spot on the otherwise very rocky Giant’s Causeway – the first World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland. The discreet location also keeps crowds away, even on sweltering summer days. There’s a backdrop of ancient dunes, Elephant Rock (a rock that looks freakishly like an elephant in the right light), and you might even catch a glimpse of dolphins or porpoises.
Nice neighbours: Portrush, Portstewart, Cushendun
Getting there: 500 miles/ten-11 hours from central London
3. Porthdinllaen, North Wales
Where: In the Dwyfor part of the Llŷn Peninsula
Why go: It’s sandy, secluded bliss. There’s a beautiful walk to reach Porthdinllaen – a natural harbour and old fishing village tucked from view by sweeping hills. No matter how blustery the trip, it’s almost always calm in this sheltered little cove, where the few tourists treat themselves to a pint from the Tŷ Coch Inn – once named among the ten best beach bars in the world.
Nice neighbours: Porth Nefyn, Borth Wen
Getting there: 6 hours from central London
4. West Wittering, Sussex
Where is it? Halfway between Portsmouth and Bognor Regis
Why go? This Blue Flag beach is backed not by brash amusement arcades but a 20-acre expanse of grasses, wetlands and reedbeds filled with butterflies and birds. As if that weren’t enough, the gently undulating South Downs lie not far beyond. The sand dune spit of East Head, reached from the far western end of the West Wittering beach car park, makes for a great bit of exploration as an SSSI (site of special scientific interest), as do the shallow pools that emerge at low tide. Pack a picnic, and you’ve got the perfect day out from London.
Nice neighbours: East Wittering, Bracklesham Bay
Getting there: 90 miles/two+ hours from central London
5. Steephill Cove, Isle of Wight
Where is it? Just below Ventnor, on the southern coast of the Isle of Wight
Why go? It really is hidden. There’s no road access, so you’ll have to go on foot by winding down a narrow path – all of which means there’s no road noise, no pesky crowds and no shops selling awful souvenirs. Instead, you’ll find a charming, colourful bay with a slightly Mediterranean feel, fishing boats bobbing along peacefully, rock pools and fabulously fresh lobster. The beach itself is a mix of shingle and sand, and while it may not have the jaw-dropping, tropical-imitating ‘WOAH’ factor of some headline UK beaches, Steephill really does have its own unique charm. Spend five minutes here, and you’ll see why.
Nice neighbours: Ventnor, Bonchurch
Getting there: 100 miles/three-four hours from central London
6. Porth Joke, Cornwall
Where is it? Just outside West Pentire village, north coast of Cornwall
Why go? Known locally as ‘Polly Joke’, this handsome sandy beach sits between two bays. Although it’s only a few minutes walk from the nearby village of West Pentire, the spot feels super remote due to there being no facilities (it’s all al fresco here, baby). If you can, head there in late spring to see the nearby poppies in full bloom, where vibrant red flowers contrast with the blue of the sea: glorious.
Nice neighbours: Crantock beach, Hollywell Bay
Getting there: About five hours drive from London
7. Sugary Cove, Dartmouth
Where is it? On the mouth of the River Dart in Dartmouth, Devon.
Why go? We love Dartmouth, but sometimes peak tourist season can get a little too much. That’s easily solved; take a 20-minute walk from town to the secluded Sugary Cove, a glorious beach known only to the locals (and the more determined tourists) and accessed only by foot or boat. Traverse a beautiful track along the coastal path to a shingle beach where swimming is safe and dogs run free. Magic.
Nice neighbours: Castle Cove, Blackpool Sands
Getting there: 5 hours from central London
8. Man O’War Beach, Dorset
Where is it? On the Jurassic Coast
Why go? Thanks in no small part to its arresting array of limestone-carved arches and amazing views of them from the South West Coast Path, Dorset is a deserved chart-topper when it comes to outstanding beaches. For our money, Man O’War beach tops that list for being a respite from the crowds of more famous and more accessible spots (it’s a steep 800-metre-long footpath from the clifftop car park, with 150 steps), for being a great (and safe) swimming spot, for its appealing mix of sand and fine pebbles, and for its clean, shallow waters.
Nice neighbours: Lulworth Cove, Studland Bay, Chesil Beach
Getting there: 130 miles/three+ hours from central Londonv
9. Bamburgh, Northumberland
Where is it? 19 miles south of Berwick-upon-Tweed
Why go? If a pristine white sandy beach set beneath a properly perfect twelfth-century castle isn’t enough, there are also lovely views of the Farne Islands, the pretty Bamburgh village (a three-mile walk at low tide from the lighthouse at Harkness Rocks to Seahouses) and boat trips from there to the Farnes, where seals and seabirds make the most of the remoteness and serenity. Nearby, Ross Back Sands offers three more serene miles of unspoiled dunes and beach – and with a one-mile walk from the nearest car park, you’re likely to have it all to yourself.
Nice neighbours: Holy Island, Embleton Bay
Getting there: 340 miles/six hours from central London
10. Runswick Bay, Yorkshire
Where is it? Nine miles north of Whitby
Why go? Despite its glorious sweep, Runswick Bay is invisible until the last minute, when you crest an unassuming hill that leads down to it. From this point, surprises and hidden treasures unfold before you; the impossibly sweet village, comprising of 90 cute honey-coloured cottages capped with red tiles, doesn’t appear until you reach the bottom of the hill, packed in as it is under the shelter of the cliffs rising up Lingrow Knowle. Closer inspection of the beach and bay, stretching north to the head of Kettleness, reveals wooden huts, rock pools, picturesque staircases carved out of the cliffs and – at Kettleness – impressive fossils dating back 180 million years.
Nice neighbours: Sandsend, Whitby
Getting there: 275 miles/five+ hours from central London
What's your favourite beach? Add it in the comments below.
