On a sunny day, there are few things better than a trip to the beach. Sandcastles, jumping over waves, and collecting shells are all perfect summer activities whether you're visiting with friends, the whole family, or just by yourself.
England may not seem like a typical beach destination, but did you know there are around 1,500 beaches and coves around the UK and Ireland? And many of the best ones are right here in England.
If you're looking for somewhere sandy (or pebbled) to spend the day, here are 10 of the best beaches in England.
1. Blackpool Sands, Devon
Blackpool Sands lies on the south coast of Devon and is one of the most picturesque beaches in the area (which is saying something because Devon has a beautiful coastline). Woolacombe Beach is often considered one of the best beaches in Devon, but Blackpool Sands offers something a little different.
I would forgive you for thinking this beach is in the South of France. Despite the name 'Blackpool Sands' and how it looks upon approach, this beach isn't made of sand. Instead, it's tiny shingle pebbles. The benefit is that you won't find them under the car seats months later like you would with regular sand.
The water is incredibly clear here, and the beach is one of the cleanest you'll find, made possible by the small entry fee you have to pay to visit. There's a pontoon just offshore for diving, kayak rental for adventurers, a cafe called Blackpool Sands Beach Shack serving locally roasted coffee and lots of snacks, and plenty of facilities making it easy to spend the whole day there.
2. Camber Sands, East Sussex
There are no beaches in London, so if you're in the city and looking to head to the coast, Camber Sands could be an excellent choice. Camber Sands is located near the town of Rye. Although the Sussex coast is mostly pebble beaches, Camber Sands is a pleasant surprise since it's covered in unspoiled golden sand.
The dunes make it particularly stunning and are why this beach has been used as a film set many times to capture a desert look. Spend the day here, but plan for a half day to explore the neighboring town of Rye. You can bring your favorite canine along, but they must be on a lead and avoid the restricted zones.
If you are planning a whole day here, keep in mind there are few options for food, so dig out that cool bag and make sure you bring plenty of water and snacks.
3. Bamburgh Castle Beach, Northumberland
The first northern beach on the list! Historic Bamburgh Castle backs onto the beach, where you'll find immaculate sand and many dunes. It's a beautiful spot to visit any time of year, as in the colder months, you'll still enjoy looking out at the coastline and getting your hair whipped around in the windy weather. Summer is the best time to go, even though the water remains freezing all year round — a little cold water paddling never hurt anyone!
There's a reason Bamburgh Castle Beach is one of the best beaches in Northumberland. This beach is very long and wide, so there's plenty of room to pitch up for the day and help the kids work on their best sandcastle, even when it's busy.
4. Shell Bay, Dorset
Dorset is another of England's most visited destinations in the summer months because the southwest always gets the ideal beach weather. The National Trust owns the Studland peninsula, so immediately, you know this area will be memorable. Its shining star is Shell Bay, which can be reached by driving from Swanage (a great place to base yourself if you're keen to see the coastline here) or taking the ferry from Sandbanks, which means you cut out quite a bit of driving if you're coming from Poole or Bournemouth.
With lots of dunes, clear water, and a long stretch of golden sand to lie out on, it's a great spot to pitch up for the day.
This stunning beach is perfect for trips with friends or couples. Families will love it too, but remember that one section of this beach is designated for naturists, so you may see more than you bargained for. Don't worry; it's signposted.
5. West Wittering, West Sussex
West Wittering is another sandy gem on the south coast popular with city tourists looking to find a patch of beach to spend the day. It's all kitted out for a day at the beach with lots of toilets, water fountains, a beach cafe, and even shower blocks if you get too sandy for the drive home!
West Wittering is just a short drive from Chichester station, and it's a brilliant spot for windsurfing and other water sports. The currents can get choppy, so keep an eye out for any warnings.
West Wittering is also a great bird-spotting destination, so watch out for red kites while you're there, and if you want a break from sunbathing, take a walk into the salt marshes to spot more local wildlife.
If you get really hungry, East Wittering is close by and offers a great range of restaurants and bars to keep you fuelled.
6. Brighton Beach, East Sussex
Some of the most well-known beaches in England, such as Blackpool Beach and Brighton Beach, aren't known for their sandy sunbathing spots but for their nostalgic seaside town vibes.
We've included Brighton Beach here as it's a favorite for anyone in East Sussex who wants to head to the coastline but still have lots of unique activities nearby to entertain the family. The Palace Pier is famous in Brighton, but if you head down onto the pebble beach below, you'll find miles of south coast shoreline waiting to be enjoyed.
From traditional English fish and chips to a zip line along the shore to an amusement park on the pier, there are lots to do on a beach day in Brighton. Rent one of the iconic colorful deck chairs, or bring something comfy to sit on, and you'll have a brilliant day out.
7. Shanklin Beach, Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight is one of the most popular summer destinations in the UK because of its location in the English Channel. Year-round, it offers beautiful weather, quaint villages, and an island lifestyle for those who base themselves there. Still, in summer, it's a tourist hot spot.
It has some of the best beaches, and Shanklin Beach is one of the most popular. If you're visiting the island, you'll get the ferry from Portsmouth to Ryde, then hop on a train to Shanklin. The beach there is stunning, with golden sands to lie out on and a traditional English seaside promenade evoking nostalgia and offering lots to do.
Walk to the park marking the location of the pier that was destroyed in a storm in 1987, spend some time in the amusement arcade, browse the cute seaside shops for treasures, try your hand at crazy golf, or lie on the sandy beach until it's time for ice cream.
8. Holkham Beach, Norfolk
Holkham Beach in Norfolk is a picturesque area on the Holkham Estate and Nature Reserve, offering 4 miles of gorgeous sand beach surrounded by pine trees and dunes. So picturesque that it was featured in All Saints 'Pure Shores' music video once upon a time.
It's known as one of the best beaches in England, and thankfully due to its location, it lacks the summer tourist flood some of the south coast beaches get.
This one is the perfect day out for families with different interests. Spend time on the beach before heading out on one of the many well-marked walking trails in the nature reserve of salt marshes, forests, and many other unique landscapes.
9. Pentle Bay, Scilly Isles
The Scilly Isles are a little sliver of paradise in England. In this archipelago off the Cornish coast, Pentle Bay is the island's most beautiful beach, with stunning white sand you won't believe is part of the UK and a secluded feel. Its turquoise waters give it a tropical vibe, and you can swim in the water, which isn't quite as cold as the rest of the country. Still, you might want a wetsuit!
The Scilly Isles are a popular destination for those who love water sports, bird watching, and history. Still, if all you want to do is lie out on the beach for the day, Pentle Bay could give you precisely what you want. Despite its beauty, it's still relatively quiet there due to its remote location. If you put in the effort to get there, you'll find a gorgeous sandy beach that you might have all to yourself.
10. Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall
We'd say Porthcurno Beach is one of the best beaches in the world. It's well-established as one of the best beaches in England if you're looking for a fantastic sand beach with blue waters in an area that tends to get the best weather in the UK. For all this, Porthcurno ticks many boxes.
The beach is about a 20-minute drive from Penzance, and its claim to fame is its feature in the TV show Poldark. It's no wonder the small but perfect beach is so popular, as, at the right time of year, you can sometimes spot dolphins and basking sharks off the coast.
This is a fantastic beach for the whole family (except your dog if it's between certain months — check if dogs are allowed before you go), as lifeguards are on duty throughout summer. If you want something unique nearby, the Minack Theatre is an absolute must; an open-air theatre built into the cliffs. Porthcurno offers a magical day out that you won't forget.
A trip to the beach is always a great day out, so if you're planning a beach day, make sure you choose one of the best beaches in England — there are so many!
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