Best UK coast spots, according to hikers who have visited them all
In the year I spent walking around the coast of Great Britain, I met hundreds of people. With some, I exchanged just a few words at the top of a hill. Others have become close friends.
Among them, there is one special group — other coast walkers. Connected via social media, this small, friendly community has walked the same trails, marvelled at the same views and experienced the same relentless wind, rain and mud.
They know about path closures, can recommend the best West Coast wild camp spots, where to buy a replacement gas canister in Lowestoft and which Cornish village serves the best cream tea. They remember the uninspiring trudge into Middlesborough where the only view is a ten-foot fence, separating the path from the railway line, and know how it feels to push through chin-height bracken on the John o'Groats trail, picking off ticks as you go.
Every walker has their own route, their own reasons for setting out and their own highlights and hardships. Some, like me, do it in a single effort. Others carve the coast into sections, using their holiday or retirement to tackle a chunk at a time.
Artist, Blue Wilson started walking in 2020. So far, she's walked nearly 4,000 miles, raising more than £5,000 for marine conservation charities. "It'll take as long as it takes," she says. "It's not a race, it's an adventure. I discover beautiful places I'd never normally get to because they're not accessible by car."
Blue began walking as a way to reset her mental health, taking on the Cleveland Way and the Tabular Hills. Buoyed by how it made her feel and realising what she was capable of, she set out to walk the entire coast, using her annual leave to complete another stretch. Her route includes Northern Ireland as well as all other 'walkable islands'. She won't take ferries, instead walking upriver to the closest crossing point.
For Blue, reaching the start of the South West Coast Path was especially significant. "I've dreamed of completing it for so long. Knowing I'd walked every inch of coastline just to get to the start line made it all the more special."
The vastness of Scotland made an impression too. "We're a tiny island, but up there, there's all this space which seems to go on forever. The North Coast of Scotland has beaches unlike any other. Sandwood Bay was like another world.
"Orkney is magical too," she goes on. "Bits of its coastline are flat and rugged, in other parts, you'll find huge great cliffs." For Blue, travelling on foot is what adds meaning. "There are places on the coast that were already important to me. To have walked to them makes them even more special."
David Williams is a seasoned walker. As well as section walking the coast of Great Britain, he mixes it up with other long-distance hikes. He's currently preparing for The Great Outdoors Challenge — a backpacking traverse across Scotland.
Made redundant from teaching in 2021, David had been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. With time on his hands and an incentive to improve his health, David loaded his backpack and set out to walk the South West Coast Path.
Along the way he met people walking Lands End to John o' Groats, sparking in him the idea for his next challenge. And so it continued. "I thought I knew the coast. I've been to Brighton, walked over Beachy Head and lived near the sea in Arnside, Cumbria, but I realised I hadn't seen much of it."
David's approach is 'totally random'. He picks a section he likes the sound of and that he can complete in about a week. He has a hankering for Scotland, especially in winter. Since 2021, he's covered about 3,200 miles, wild camping almost every night. He reckons he'll do 5,500 all in. "It's difficult to pick a favourite, but the section between Robin Hood's Bay and Ravenscar has something special about it.
"As an artist, the composition of the landscape is just right. The path from Lulworth Cove to St. Alban's Head and its tiny church is lovely too. The walk takes you across the army ranges (but check for opening times) which offer superb scenery and feel less spoilt."
It took James Lloyd just 385 days to complete his 6,600-mile coastal loop, but getting to the start line was a longer journey. He says: "I buried the idea for several years, thinking I was running away from a difficult break-up and poor mental health. But once I recovered, the coast was still calling. I realised I wasn't running away from anything, but towards a life more suited to who I am."
Not content with simply walking, James drew the coast as he travelled. He climbed the three peaks, walked non-stop for 24 hours over the summer solstice and raised more than £21,000 for mental health charity, Mind. He also met his now partner, in the Norfolk cafe where she was working.
"My favourite places are well-cemented in my brain," he says. "The Assynt, in Scotland is pretty inaccessible in parts, so the wildlife has its guard down. I saw dolphins and otters, even sea eagles. Torridon was amazing too. I arrived in the dark and rain but the next morning, the skies were blue and the sea loch was like a millpond, perfectly reflecting the mountains.
"Scotland's east coast blew me away," he continues. "I saw gannets at Troop Head and puffins at Fowlsheugh. The cliffs were heaving with birdlife, it was like watching parliament in session."
When we speak, James is just back from a day on Snowdon where he's training for his next challenge. The Mountains for Mind project will see him run 60 miles over 47 Welsh summits in under 24 hours. Yet the year he spent walking is still uppermost in his mind. "Wherever I was," he continues, "I tried to make that my favourite place. I wanted to appreciate that moment rather than wishing I was anywhere else."
Since finishing their coastal walk, Antony and Sally Brown have added another two grandchildren to their family. They set off from Bude in May 2023 — marking Sally's 60th year — and finished almost exactly a year later, having raised £17,000 for RNLI, Mind and Cornwall Air Ambulance.
For them, this was a long-held dream and years in the planning. They bought a motorhome (named Nancy), recruiting friends and family to act as drivers for a week at a time. Every Friday, they'd aim to finish somewhere near a local parkrun so Antony could add a weekly 5 km to his mileage (and Sally could lie-in).
"Wales took a few days to get going," says Antony, "but it quickly won us over. One day we were on Barry Island with its bucket and spade shops, and the next we were in Mumbles which felt Mediterranean with its smart outdoor cafes. We loved them both."
"Further along," he continues, "we discovered the Ceredigion coast and gorgeous, tiny places like Mwnt.'
In Yorkshire, they remember Flamborough Head with its 'drinking dinosaur' and the hundreds of seals covering the beach. "We nearly cheated and took a shortcut, but thank goodness we didn't or we'd have missed it," says Antony. "The seaside towns on the South Coast were lovely too," Sally continues. "Southsea, Leigh on the Solent…I kicked myself for not taking the kids there when they were little."
Scotland's Cowal Peninsula particularly stood out. "It looks like a bunch of bananas on the map," says Antony. "We thought it might get monotonous with its ins and outs, but it was idyllic, every loch was different."
Like the other walkers, Sally kept a diary. "Every day, I wrote down how far we'd walked, what the weather was like, what we had for dinner and how I was feeling. I still haven't written the entry for the last day," she says. "Maybe I don't want it to end."
UK's best coastal spots, from those who have visited them all
Sandwood Bay, Scotland
Robin Hood's Bay and Ravenscar, North Yorkshire
Lulworth Cove
Troop Head, Scotland
Fowlsheugh, Scotland
Assynt, Scotland
Torridon, Scotland
Mumbles, Wales
Ceredigion, Wales
Mwnt beach, Wales
Flamborough Head, Yorkshire
Leigh-on-sea, Essex
Scotland's Cowal Peninsula
Holkham Beach, Norfolk
The salt marsh, sand dunes, pine woodland, sandy beach and grazing marsh that make up Holkham is a National Nature Reserve – best known for its stunning panoramic views and varied wildlife.
Where to stay: The perfectly polished Victoria Inn has 20 rooms with a posh contemporary-cottage feel. Stroll through the walled rose gardens, feast on the restaurant's fresh shellfish and walk the few minutes to the golden sands of the beach.
Holkham
The salt marsh, sand dunes, pine woodland, sandy beach and grazing marsh that make up Holkham is a National Nature Reserve – best known for its stunning panoramic views and varied wildlife.
For more info visit holkham.co.uk
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Porthcurno, Cornwall
With soft white sand and turquoise sea, this west Cornwall beach is practically paradise. What's more, it's set beneath the world-famous Minack Theatre – perched high on the cliffs above.
Where to stay: Situated on the westerly point of Cornwall, Land's End Hotel sits upon Granite Cliffs overlooking the Longships Lighthouse and Atlantic Ocean. A restaurant serving local specialities is available on site, as well as a bar. The centre of Sennen is just a mile from the hotel.
Studland, Dorset
A four mile stretch of sandy beach and heathland off the Isle of Purbeck: Here you can take part in some adrenaline-fuelled watersports, walk through woodland or simply gaze across the sea towards the Isle of Wight.
For more info visit nationaltrust.org.uk
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Saunton Sands, North Devon
These three miles of stunning golden sand, between the villages of Braunton and Croyde, are host to some of the UK's best surf. Popular with families too, this is a fantastic swimming spot backed by the Braunton Burrows, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Where to stay: On a cliff top overlooking Braunton Burrows, The Saunton Sands Hotel features a spa, two swimming pools and a well-known restaurant. With views of Saunton Beach, its elegant rooms have a modern feel, the restaurant offers formal dining and a seasonal menu, and the casual Beachside Grill has wonderful views.
Saunton Sands, North Devon
These three miles of stunning golden sand, between the villages of Braunton and Croyde, are host to some of the UK's best surf.
For more info visit sauntonbeach.info
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Formby, Lancashire
For miles of stunning coastal scenery, rare wildlife and bracing coastal walking, Formby's your beach. Its dramatic sand suns, surrounded by sweeping coastal pinewoods, make for an excellent back drop to your picnic.
For more info visit nationaltrust.org.uk
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Studland Beach, Dorset
Studland is a four-mile stretch of sandy beach and heathland off the Isle of Purbeck. Here you can take part in some adrenaline-fuelled watersports, walk through woodland or simply gaze across the sea towards the Isle of Wight.
Where to stay: Knoll House is a hotel in Studland that boasts a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and tennis court. From the sea views to the hot tub, this small hotel makes a quaint base for a staycation of exploring.
Blackpool Sands, South Devon
Not to be confused with the other Blackpool, this South Devon beach has a turquoise blue sea and is set in a sheltered bay, surrounded by evergreens. Here you can hire a kayak or paddleboard and swimming in stunning clean water.
For more info visit blackpoolsands.co.uk
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Blackpool Sands, South Devon
Not to be confused with the other Blackpool, this South Devon beach has a turquoise blue sea and is set in a sheltered bay, surrounded by evergreens. Here you can hire a kayak or paddleboard and swimming in stunning clean water.
Where to stay: With a magnificent location, looking out over the harbour and the River Dart, right in the heart of Dartmouth, the 17th-century building of The Royal Castle Hotel offers bright, airy rooms, and a stylish restaurant.
Crantock Beach, Cornwall
Great for sandcastles and surfing alike, this expanse of golden sand, backed by dunes, sits at the Mouth of the Gannel estuary and is presided over by the National Trust. For far reaching views, follow the South West Coast Path.
Where to stay: Boasting a spa bath, Sunnyside Cottage, set in Crantock, features three bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen and a garden with a barbecue.
Summerleaze, Cornwall
One of Bude’s best-loved beaches, Summerleaze offers a thoroughly British seaside scene for a sandy beach holiday. At low tide a paddling pool emerges, as does an expanse of golden sand for walks along the coast.
Where to stay: The Beach balances style and charm with slick contemporary rooms and a traditional Victorian terrace overlooking Summerleaze beach. The restaurant showcases the best of Cornish produce, while the beach bar comes to life with live music on Sunday afternoons.
Botany Bay, Kent
Budding geographers will appreciate the chalk stacks and white cliffs of Botany Bay – a beach famed for its fossil hunting and rock pools. Smugglers were once rife here, however now you're more likely to see people relaxing on the sand.
For more info visit visitthanet.co.uk
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Botany Bay, Kent
Budding geologers will appreciate the chalk stacks and white cliffs of Botany Bay – a beach famed for its fossil hunting and rock pools. Smugglers were once rife here, however now you're more likely to see people relaxing on this sandy UK beach.
Where to stay: Boasting picturesque views of the English Channel and the North Sea, the charming Botany Bay Hotel enjoys an elevated position on the cliff tops in Kingsgate, near Broadstairs.
Bamburgh, Northumberland
Perched proudly on a grassy hill above the sands of Bamburgh is one of the country's most iconic castles. To the other side are the world famous Farne Islands – so you won't be short of things to see on this Northumberland beach.
For more info visit bamburgh.org.uk
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Watergate Bay, Newquay
One of Cornwall's best-known beaches, Watergate Bay is a popular surf spot but is also home to many different sporting events including the annual Polo on the Beach.
For more info visit www.watergatebay.info
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Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland
Perched proudly on a grassy hill above the sands of Bamburgh is one of the country's most iconic castles. To the other side are the world famous Farne Islands – so you won't be short of things to see on this sandy beach in Northumberland.
Where to stay: In the charming village of Bamburgh, The Sunningdale is just five minutes walk from a magnificent castle and scenic coastline. It offers a restaurant that uses local produce and bright rooms, many of which enjoy splendid views of Bamburgh Castle, the village or local farmland.
Porthcurno, Cornwall
With soft white sand and turquoise sea, this west Cornwall beach is practically paradise. What's more, it's set beneath the world famous Minack Theatre – perched high on the cliffs above.
For more info visit visitcornwall.com
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Compton Bay, Isle of Wight
Compton Bay on the southwest of the island is popular with families, surfers and dog walkers, as everyone is welcome on the beach between Hanover Point and Brook Chine. Rising behind the coast, there are walking opportunities across acres of open downland, with stunning views out to sea from this sandy UK beach.
Where to stay: The super chic, North House has a restaurant, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a bar and garden in Cowes. The concierge are incredibly helpful and the decor is totally dreamy, a sight for sea-stung eyes.
Watergate Bay, Newquay
One of Cornwall's best-known beaches, Watergate Bay is a popular surf spot but is also home to many different sporting events including the English National Surfing Competition.
Where to stay: Set just 200 yards from the beach, Beachcombers Apartments provide modern self-catered accommodation just four miles from lively Newquay. A 10 mile drive through scenic countryside brings guests to Padstow’s pretty harbour.
West Wittering, West Sussex
The whole of this sandy beach is accessible to dogs from the end of September to the beginning of May. At other times, all zones are open except between groynes 14A and 18, the area in front of the beach huts. It's a great place to take the dogs to stretch their legs – and yours. A family-friendly spot with gorgeous sand, this is one to sink your toes in.
Where to stay: Set in West Wittering, Willow House B&B has a terrace and garden views and offers guests a charming welcome and down-to-earth accommodation just a few miles from the sea.
Watergate Bay, Newquay
One of Cornwall's best-known beaches, Watergate Bay is a popular surf spot but is also home to many different sporting events including the annual Polo on the Beach.
Where to stay: Set just 200 yards from the beach, Beachcombers Apartments provide modern self-catered accommodation just four miles from lively Newquay. A 10 mile drive through scenic countryside brings guests to Padstow’s pretty harbour.
Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire
A spectacular beach in Wales, Barafundle Bay caught everyone's attention when it was named one of the best beaches in the world. You can reach it by walking a scenic half-mile route from Stackpole Quay and once you land on the sandy beach, you'll find turquoise water. The crescent of sheltered cove is ideal for swimming, while the Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers plenty for walkers.
Where to stay: At sunset, the Ferry House Inn and its shore-side location are bathed in a golden glow that will set the tone for your stay here. There's a cosy bar and seasonal restaurant on site.
West Wittering, West Sussex
The whole of this sandy beach is accessible to dogs between the end of September and beginning of May. At other times, all zones are open except between groynes 14A and 18, the area in front of the beach huts. It's a great place to take the dogs to stretch their legs – and yours. A family-friendly spot with gorgeous sand, this is one to sink your toes in.
Where to stay: Set in West Wittering, Willow House B&B has a terrace and garden views and offers guests a charming welcome and down-to-earth accommodation just a few miles from the sea.
Rhossili Bay, Gower Peninsula
Remote Rhossili Bay has a long list of accolades and has been named the ‘best beach in Europe’ and ‘top ten beaches in the world’. One visit here and it’s easy to see why it's an award-winning sandy beach. The steep, winding walk down to the coast from Rhossili village is stunning, with panoramic views over three miles of golden sand, and on clear days, to the coastline of North Devon.
Where to stay: Featuring sea views, Creek Cottage sleeps four and provides the perfect base for your next sandy beach break. Enjoy a fully-equipped kitchen, dining room and cosy living room, where you can spread out and relax after a day building sandcastles.
Whitby Sands, North Yorkshire
Just a few minutes’ walk from the town of Whitby itself, Whitby Sands is perfect for sandy beach fans, with bright beach huts and sandcastle-building opportunities in sprawling supply. Fish and chips on the beach is a must here too - the battered cod at Magpie Cafe is so good that you'll often fins queues all along the street.
Where to stay: Just 10-minutes walk from Whitby Sands itself, Bagdale Hall & Annexe is an atmospheric Georgian townhouse with easy access to the North York Moors National Park.
Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Harris
Visit Luskentyre out of season and you might be lucky enough to have this bright-white sandy beach all to yourself. A short drive north of Scarista, it's one of Harris’s biggest beaches, attracting seaside lovers to relax on the sand and soak up the Caribbean-like views.
Where to stay: Kirklea Island Suites is situated in Tarbert and offers self-contained units each featuring a patio, seating area, kitchen and coffee machine. Don't fancy cooking? There's an on-site restaurant that serves all three meals, too.
Scarista Beach, Isle of Harris
One of the most impressive beaches in the Hebrides, even on a cloudy day Scarista Beach will take your breath away. This sandy beach is simply spectacular when the sun appears, with its flour-soft sand and turquoise water. While it's a remote one, you'll find some top foodie trips nearby.
Where to stay: With its own sun terrace and garden, Harris White Cottage in the Isle of Harris region occupies a beachfront location second-to-none.
Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire
Yet another spectacular beach in Wales, Barafundle Bay caught everyone's attention when it was named one of the best beaches in the world. You can reach it by walking a scenic half-mile route from Stackpole Quay and once you land on the sandy beach, you'll find turquoise water. The crescent of sheltered cove is ideal for swimming, while the Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers plenty for walkers.
Where to stay: At sunset, the Ferry House Inn and its shore-side location are bathed in a golden glow that will set the tone for your stay here. As well as a cosy bar and seasonal restaurant, there is also a bowling alley on site.
Durdle Door, Dorset
Around 10,000 years ago, water broke through a stack of rocks on the Jurassic Coast and started to create one of the most incredible formations in the UK. Today, Durdle Door is an iconic archway with a sandy beach that you'll find on many postcards of Britain.
Where to stay: Lulworth Lodge, just a five-minute walk from Lulworth Cove, is a coastal lodge around an eight-minute drive from Durdle Door. There are 12 stylish rooms, including two that welcome dogs. The restaurant serves up fresh local fish and the outside deck is perfect for soaking up the summer sun with some fizz.
Formby Beach, Merseyside
One of the National Trust’s fastest-changing shorelines, family-friendly Formby beach has a network of dunes which move at an alarming four metres a year. Look out to the sea for amazing views across the Irish Sea and spot some wildlife in the woodlands that back the beach, too. You might be lucky enough to see some red squirrels.
Where to stay: A 20-minute drive away from the golden sands of Formby Beach, this grade 2 listed apartment on Southport Promenade is also just 750 yards from Southport Beach. The chic three-bedroom apartment provides the perfect sanctuary to rest your salty feet.
Whitby Sands, North Yorkshire
Just a few minutes’ walk from the town of Whitby itself, Whitby Sands is perfect for sandy beach fans, with bright beach huts and sandcastle-building opportunities in sprawling supply. Fish and chips on the beach is a must here too - the battered cod at Magpie Cafe is so good that you'll often fins queues all along the street.
Where to stay: Just 10-minutes walk from Whitby Sands itself, Bagdale Hall & Annexe is an atmospheric Georgian townhouse with easy access to the North York Moors National Park.
Portstewart Strand, County Londonderry
In between the mouth of the River Bann and Portstewart are rolling dunes and pristine sands. And designated drivers rejoice: the two-mile stretch is one of the last places in Ireland where cars are still allowed to drive straight onto the beach. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s incredibly popular with families who want to picnic on the shores.
Where to stay: Situated on the stunning coast of North Antrim in the seaside town of Portstewart, Me & Mrs Jones Hotel offers a boutique restaurant & bar serving highly renowned dishes and drinks for all tastes.
Scarista Beach, Isle of Harris
One of the most impressive beaches in the Hebrides, even on a cloudy day Scarista Beach will take your breath away. This sandy beach is simply spectacular when the sun appears, with its flour-soft sand and turquoise water. While it's a remote one, you'll find some top foodie trips nearby.
Where to stay: With its own sun terrace and garden, Harris White Cottage in the Isle of Harris region occupies a beachfront location second-to-none.
Durdle Door, Dorset
Around 10,000 years ago, water broke through a stack of rocks on the Jurassic Coast and started to create one of the most incredible formations in the UK. Today, Durdle Door is an iconic archway with a sandy beach that you'll find on many postcards of Britain.
Where to stay: East Burton Farmhouse is a delightful 17th century thatched cottage located down a quiet country lane just a mile away from the traditional Dorset village of Wool. The property - which sleeps six - boasts a spacious family room with wood burning stove and french doors leading outside to the garden; there's even an air hockey table for guests to enjoy.
Rhossili Bay, Gower Peninsula
Remote Rhossili Bay has a long list of accolades and has been named the ‘best beach in Europe’ and ‘top ten beaches in the world’. One visit here and it’s easy to see why it's an award-winning sandy beach. The steep, winding walk down to the coast from Rhossili village is stunning, with panoramic views over three miles of golden sand, and on clear days, to the coastline of North Devon.
Where to stay: Featuring sea views, Creek Cottage sleeps four and provides the perfect base for your next sandy beach break. Enjoy a fully-equipped kitchen, dining room and cosy living room, where you can spread out and relax after a day building sandcastles.
Formby Beach, Merseyside
One of the National Trust’s fastest-changing shorelines, family-friendly Formby beach has a network of dunes which move at an alarming four metres a year. Look out to the sea for amazing views across the Irish Sea and spot some wildlife in the woodlands that back the beach, too. You might be lucky enough to see some red squirrels.
Where to stay: A 20-minute drive away from the golden sands of Formby Beach, this grade 2 listed apartment on Southport Promenade is also just 750 yards from Southport Beach. The chic three-bedroom apartment provides the perfect sanctuary to rest your salty feet.
Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Harris
Visit Luskentyre out of season and you might be lucky enough to have this bright-white sandy beach all to yourself. A short drive north of Scarista, it's one of Harris’s biggest beaches, attracting seaside lovers to relax on the sand and soak up the Caribbean-like views.
Where to stay: Kirklea Island Suites is situated in Tarbert and offers self-contained units each featuring a patio, seating area, kitchen and coffee machine. Don't fancy cooking? There's an on-site restaurant that serves lunch and dinner, too.
Portstewart Strand, County Londonderry
In between the mouth of the River Bann and Portstewart are rolling dunes and pristine sands. And designated drivers rejoice: the two-mile stretch is one of the last places in Ireland where cars are still allowed to drive straight onto the beach. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s incredibly popular with families who want to picnic on the shores.
Where to stay: Situated on the stunning coast of North Antrim in the seaside town of Portstewart, Me & Mrs Jones Hotel offers a boutique restaurant & bar serving highly renowned dishes & drinks for all tastes.
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Compton Bay, Isle of Wight
Compton Bay on the southwest of the island is popular with families, surfers and dog walkers, as everyone is welcome on the beach between Hanover Point and Brook Chine. Rising behind the coast, there are walking opportunities across acres of open downland, with stunning views out to sea from this sandy UK beach.
Where to stay: Villa Rothsay Hotel in Cowes is a boutique hotel housed in a Victorian villa. It offers views of the Solent, a comfortable drawing room and an honesty bar with Isle of Wight gin and tonic.
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