April 6, 2026
When the sun’s out there is no better place to be than the beach. Spending time by one of mother nature’s wonders can leave you feeling revitalised and relaxed. Stepping aboard a plane to an exotic destination may not be on the cards right now, but some of the magnificent UK coastlines will almost make you feel like you’ve left the country.
Uk Beach Holidays
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From the spectacular Durdle Door in Dorset to the surfing hotspots in Cornwall, get ready to pack your parasols, towels and flip flops. Here are some of the best UK beach breaks ideal for a coastal holiday.
Camber Sands Beach – Sussex
The only dune system in East Sussex, Camber Sands stretches along four miles of coastline. The fine golden sands edged with waving marram grass is the closest you’ll get to an Arabian desert. A summer hotspot for sunbathers, in windy conditions it’s a kite surfers’ paradise. No surprise many a desert movie has been shot there like the British classic Carry on Follow that Camel.
Read More: Day Trip to a West Sussex Vineyard
Where to stay in Camber Sands
The Gallivant
A chic hotel opposite the beach. The rustic charm of The Gallivant brings elegant rooms with homemade cake and luxury toiletries.
Check availability and book The Gallivant
The George in Rye
Located in the centre of Rye is a Grade II listed building dating back to 1575. The stylish hideaway offers elegant and well-designed rooms.
Check availability and book The George in Rye
For the best travel deals to Rye check Omio and Europcar for car hire deals
Porthcurno Beach – Cornwall
Located in the far west of Cornwall Porthcurno beach has won many awards for its paradise-like location. Known for its beautiful cliffs, fine soft sand and turquoise waters, it’s also home to the internationally renowned 1920s Minack Theatre. it’s an oasis of stunning natural beauty. An oasis of impressive natural beauty.
READ MORE: Family Friendly Luxury Stay in Cornwall
Where to Stay near Porthcurno Beach
The Idyllic Cornish House
The beautiful Cornish cottage comes with 2 bedrooms and is located in Porthcurno. Ideal for a relaxing holiday, with family or friends.
Check availability and book The Idyllic Cornish House
The Rest House
The one bed a Grade II listed studio barn in the village of St Levan just outside of Porthcurno. Beautifully restored and converted, Rest House forms an idyllic retreat in one of Cornwall’s most beautiful coastal locations and is perfect for couples seeking time away for relaxation, peace and quiet
Check for availability and book The Rest House
For the best travel deals to Porthcurno check Omio and Europcar for car hire deals
There is also an option of a guided 5-day tour to Devon and Cornwall from London.
Durdle Door And LulWorth Cove – Dorset
A must-see for anyone visiting the region. One of the UK’s most popular coastal landmarks, it looks incredible year-round. The natural limestone arch is not far from Lulworth Cove. There is plenty to do rock pooling to camping, nature walks to simply enjoying the stunning views.
READ MORE: 10 Beaches Near London By Train
Where to stay Near Lulworth Cove in Dorset
Lulworth Lodge
Built on the site of Lulworth’s original watermill. The affordable UK beachside hotel features 12 simple, stylish bedrooms two of which are dog friendly and its own bistro.
Check availability and book Lulworth Lodge
Limestone Hotel
This chic Jurassic Coast country house hotel is a 12-minute walk from the beach at Lulworth Cove and 2 miles from the natural limestone arch of Durdle Door.
Check availability and book Limestone Hotel
For the best travel deals to Lulworth Cove check Omio and Europcar for car hire deals
Alternatively book a 3-day Stonehenge, Bath and South West Coast Tour.
Holkham Beach – Norfolk
One of the country’s most unspoilt and beautiful stretches of UK beach. Four miles of golden sands are edged by grassy dunes, creeks and saltings home to many rare flora and fauna species. Part of Holkham National Nature Reserve, one of the UK’s largest nature reserves it’s a stunning part of the country to visit.
Head there and follow in the footsteps of Gwyneth Paltrow, who walked across its sands at low tide in the closing scenes of the movie Shakespeare in Love.
Read More: Nature Reserves In London
Where to stay near Holkham
The Victoria Inn
Located in Holkham this smart gastropub has 20 rooms. It’s dog friendly and also offers family rooms.
Check availability and book The Victoria Inn
The Hoste
A boutique hotel only a 15 minutes drive from the beach has its own private 20-seat cinema room, a gym, a beauty spa, and an award-winning restaurant.
Check availability and book The Hoste
For the best travel deals to Norfolk check Omio and Europcar for car hire deals
Portstewart Strand – Northern Ireland
The two-mile stretch of sand in County Londonderry is a Blue Flag Beach. Explore the 6000-year-old sand dunes which reach heights of 100ft and more, as well as swim, surf and fish. You can also drive your car right onto the beach, which saves lugging all the beach gear.
Easy to understand why it’s one of the most visited beaches in Northern Ireland with Basalt cliffs on one end and the River Bann on the other. You’ll also find it features in scenes for the TV Series, Games of Thrones.
Where to stay in Londonderry
Me and Mrs Jones
A stylish boutique hotel in Portstewart with glamorous rooms a wine bar and a restaurant.
Check availability and book Me and Mrs Jones
Bushmills Inn
A former coaching inn dating back to the 1600s is traditional yet luxurious. It blends stunning architecture, beautiful grounds, unique rooms and modern facilities.
Check availability and book Bushmills Inn
For the best travel deals to Northern Ireland check Omio and Europcar for car hire deals
Alternatively, book a 5-day tour of Northern Ireland taking in the Giant Causeway too.
Whitby Sands – North Yorkshire
From the west pier in Whitby and heading towards the pretty fishing village of Sandsend is the beautiful open and spacious Blue Flag Whitby Sands. There are lots of things to explore and enjoy at the traditional British seaside from building sandcastles to 99s and amusement arcades.
The stunning coastline also features the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, an otherworldly ruined abbey atop of East Cliff. In the novel, it’s this abbey Dracula bounds up the famous 199 steps disguised as a hound of hell.
Where to stay in WHitby
Flying Scotsman Engine Shed
A converted Grade II listed industrial heritage building is now a beautiful self-catering apartment, with two bedrooms and two bathrooms it sleeps 5.
Check availability and book The Flying Scotsman
Raithwaite Estate
The 80-acre estate boasts landscaped grounds and offers an indoor pool, spa, sauna, gym, The Brasserie and Bar areas.
Check availability and book Raithwaite Estate
For the best travel deals to North Yorkshire check Omio and Europcar for car hire deals
From York, you can book a full-day North York Moors and Whitby tour.
Broad haven South – Pembrokeshire
This wide, sheltered, sandy UK beach is one of Pembrokeshire’s finest beaches in terms of water quality. Known for Church Rock which rises out of the water about 150 yards from the shore. It also has dramatic cliff views and is backed by dunes that lead from The National Trust owned Bosherston Lily ponds.
Enjoy the masses of soft sand at low tide. Explore the boulders and island on the west side to discover caves and springs gushing out of the cliffs. The clean stream emptying out of the lily ponds runs is perfect for small children to play in.
READ MORE: Multi Generational Breaks Abergavenny South Wales
where to stay in Pembrokeshire
The Grove of Narbeth
An award-winning hotel overlooking Narberth and the Preseli Mountains. The Grove is a luxurious 18th-century country house surrounded by meadows and has won recent National awards as the ‘Best place to eat and stay in Wales’. It’s around a 30-minute drive from the beach.
Check availability book The Grove of Narbeth
For the best travel deals to Pembrokeshire check Omio and Europcar for car hire deals
Alternatively, book a small group 5-day Wales and South West tour from London.
Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Harris
Luskentyre Beach is one of the largest and most spectacular beaches on the Isle of Harris. Hidden at the end of a winding road on the wild northwest coast of Harris, this long stretch of white sand is washed by shallow, dazzling azure water. You’ll almost believe you were in the Caribbean if it wasn’t for the weather (at times).
There are wonderful sand dunes and the island of Taransay, famous for being the setting of the BBC’s Castaway.
Where to stay on the isle of Harris
The Isle of Harris isn’t exactly overflowing with hotels, your best bet is to stay in a cottage or B&B
1 Luskentyre
Set in Tarbert and only a few steps from Luskentyre Beach, this 2-bedroom property offers accommodation with sea views.
Check availability and book 1 Luskentyre
Kirklea Island Suites
Kirklea Island Suites are a development of 4 luxury designer apartments owned by Hotel Hebrides. The 2-bed luxurious apartments are spread out over 90 square metres and each features a private entrance and landscaped garden.
Check availability and book Kirklea Island Suites
For the best travel deals to the Isle of Harris check Omio and Europcar for car hire deals
Alternatively, take a 3-day small-group tour from Inverness to Lewis, Harris, and the Outer Hebrides.
Let me know some of your favourite UK beach spots in the comments box below.
PIN AND SAVE FOR LATER
Kirsty says:
I’ve stayed at the George in Rye twice – it’s fab! As is Rye – gorgeous little town.
Sima Sthanakiya says:
I love it too. Mermaid Street is the prettiest.