12 June 2023 , 09:41
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Brits planning a staycation this summer will be spoiled for choice when it comes to breathtaking beaches.
With flight prices soaring in Europe, it's no surprise that UK holidaymakers are looking for a break closer to home.
In fact with golden sands, beautiful backdrops, waterfalls and crystal clear waters, some of the UK's shores very much hold their own against the Caribbean's best beaches.
For example, one beach in Cornwall has been leaving tourists 'speechless' with its gorgeous sands and waterfalls, while another has been dubbed the UK's answer to the Maldives thanks to its breathtaking scenery and relaxing atmosphere.
Of course with so many beaches to choose from, finding the best ones can feel like a daunting task.
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To give you a helping hand, we've picked out 10 spectacular UK beaches that worth having on your radar...
1. Rhossili Bay, Gower Peninsula
Rhossili Bay boasts postcard-worthy scenery (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Boasting three miles of powder fine sands and azure waters, it's no surprise that Rhossili Bay regularly features on guides to the UK's best beaches.
Located on the Gower Peninsula the best time to visit is at low tide when there's a vast expanse of sandy shore which is ideal for a leisurely stroll.
The beach isn't really suitable for laying out on a towel, but it's well worth visiting for a scenic stroll thanks to the lush green surroundings, wide array of birds to be found, and some Instagram-worthy backdrops.
2. Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall
A view of the beautiful Porthcurno beach (Getty Images/iStockphoto)It's easy to forget you're in Britain and not the Caribbean when relaxing on this beach's soft white sands, or paddling in the turquoise waters. It's therefore no surprise that it tends to be a hit with families (during the off-peak seasons, it's also dog-friendly).
The beach boasts some beautiful surroundings too, including nearby high cliffs where you'll find the iconic Minack Theatre.
It's also tipped as one of the beaches where the weather heats up the quickest if you're looking to make the most of the glorious sunshine when it makes an appearance in the UK!
3. Pentle Bay, Isles of Scilly
A view of Pentle Bay on the island of Tresco (Getty Images/Collection Mix: Subjects RF)White sands? Check. Crystal-clear waters? Check. Ridiculously pretty surroundings? Check.
Pentle Bay has been drawing in intrepid explorers for years thanks to its picturesque setting on the east coast of Tresco. As well as a long stretch of sand, the area boasts some low dunes and shallow waters.
4. Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Harris
Luskentyre beach on the Isle of Harris (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Located on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides, this beach's remote location means that it's unspoiled and you'll rarely find many other people wandering along the shores.
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It tends to be popular with birdwatchers thanks to the wide array of birds residing here, but the surrounding rocky landscape and lush green settings also make this a beautiful spot for a stroll.
It's easy to forget that you're not in an exotic tropical destination - although the chilly waters can sometimes be a stark reminder!
5. Kynance Cove, Cornwall
Kynance Cove beach, Lizard peninsula (Getty Images/iStockphoto)This beach on the Lizard Peninsula has long been a firm favourite with holidaymakers who flock here during the summer months to make the most of the Instagram-worthy white sands and those swim-friendly crystalline waters.
The cove is a National Trust site and there are facilities including a nearby car park, although it can get quite busy during the summer so if you're hoping to explore it in peace, it's worth considering a trip outside of the school holidays.
6. Woolacombe Sands, Devon
The beach at Woolacombe in North Devon (Getty)With its wide stretch of golden sands and clear waters that are ideal for swimming, it's no surprise that Woolacombe's beach has been a firm favourite with families for years.
As well as the sandy shore you'll find plenty of scenic walks nearby, rock pools for little adventurers to explore, and nearby villages with heaps of restaurants, cafes and shops.
7. Camusdarach beach, Scottish Highlands
Camusdarach Beach, Arisaig (Getty Images)Nestled away in Arisaig, this breathtaking beach is one for explorers thanks to its stretches of white sands, swim-friendly waters, rock pools and the coastal walks to be found in the region. The beach is fairly remote - although there is a car park - so if you prefer somewhere with bars and a vibrant atmosphere this one may not be for you.
8. Mudeford Sandbank, Dorset
Mudeford in Dorset (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Mudeford Sandbank has everything you could want for an idyllic beach day out; beautiful golden sands, swim-friendly waters, plenty of space and heaps of places to eat and shop nearby, not to mention it's easily accessible by car, ferry or train.
Oh, and if you're planning to bring along your dog, you may be interested to hear that Mudeford has previously been named the UK's best dog-friendly beach.
9. Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire
Barafundle Beach in Pembrokeshire (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Tucked away amidst dunes and pine trees, there's something storybook-worthy about this small bay. Add in the golden sands and clear waters, and it's no surprise that Barafundle Bay is often compared to hotspots in the Caribbean.
There aren't any facilities here due to its remote location, but it's well worth a day out for the views alone.
10. Durdle Door beach
Holidaymakers bask on the world famous beaches around Durdle Door and St Oswald's Bay (Getty Images/iStockphoto)With its iconic limestone rock arch and the surrounding chalk cliffs, Durdle Door beach offers up views quite unlike any other - so while it's not exactly white sands and palm trees, it has all of the charm that intrepid explorers often go seeking on the larger Caribbean islands.
The beach is open year-round and can get quite busy during the summer months - although it's worth noting that it doesn't have any facilities.
Think there's a UK beach that should have been on this list? Let us know in the comments below.