The most picturesque 'secret' beaches in the UK revealed
With staycations, rather than holidays abroad, on the agenda for many of us this year, hotels and holiday rentals at the UK's most-popular beauty spots and beaches are booking up fast.
Fortunately, if you're keen to hit the coast and avoid the crowds, there exist more than a dozen picturesque – but largely-secret – sandy locations that you'll be desperate snap for social media.
Doing all the hard work for us, shopping website OnBuy has scoured Instagram tags to round up the UK's best "secret" beaches.
The team looked up the prettiest coastal spots with the fewest hashtags, suggesting that they are hardly known about.
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Read more: The UK's most Instagrammable locations revealed
However, as you will see, this doesn't mean that these secluded locations aren't worth your time – as they boast stunning scenery to rival more famous seaside draws, like Brighton Beach, Newquay's Fistral Beach and East Sussex's Camber Sands.
Here are the country's hidden gems that are perfect for a sunbathe and swim...
Traeth yr Ora – Anglesey, Wales
In first place is Traeth yr Ora in Anglesey, Wales, which has merely 160 hashtags to its name on Instagram.
Try and visit at low tide and you'll be able to stretch your legs with a walk along the golden sand.
You'll also be treated to an impressive view of Dulas Island and its famous tower – a perfect setting for a picnic.
Horden Beach – Durham
Coming in second place is Horden Beach in Durham, with only 447 hashtags.
It was previously known as one of the most polluted beaches in Europe, however it is now a peaceful natural haven for rare butterflies ad wildflowers.
There is also a pretty backdrop in the form of the Blackhall cliffs, and you can make your visit part of a stroll along Durham's Heritage Coast.
Porthdinllaen Beach – North Wales
The Porthdinllaen Beach in Llŷn Peninsula, North Wales, has just 456 hashtags, bringing it in at third place.
It has a panoramic view around a sandy bay, which makes up part of a stretch of coast owned by the National Trust.
It's also next to the historical fishing village Porthdinllaen.
Sugary Cove – Dartmouth
Placing fourth is Sugary Cove in Dartmouth, which has 568 hashtags.
The quiet sandy beach sits a short walk from Dartmouth Castle.
However, thanks to the lovely natural greenery in the area, it's very easy to miss!
Haverigg Beach – Cumbria
Position number five goes to Haverigg Beach in Cumbria, with 614 hashtags.
It has Blue Flag status, meaning it is well-managed with excellent water quality and has a focus on the environment.
The sandy beach juts out towards the Irish sea, and also features some spectacular views over the Lake District.
It is an ideal place to bring your dog, since there are usually no restrictions on pets.
The rest of the top 15 most Instagrammable secret beaches in the UK include:
6. Bossington Beach – Somerset – 884 hashtags
7. Llanddwyn Beach – Anglesey, Wales – 963 hashtags
8. Ross Back Sands – Northumberland – 1,065 hashtags
9. Aberlady Bay – East Lothian, Scotland – 1,829 hashtags
10. Winterton Beach – Norfolk – 2,061 hashtags
11. Dunwich Beach – Suffolk – 2,570 hashtags
12. Church Ope Cove – Isle of Portland, Dorset – 2,720 hashtags
13. Traigh Selbost – Isle of Harris, Scotland – 2,998 hashtags
14. Kingsgate Bay – Isle of Thanet – 4,382 hashtags
15. Steephill Cove – Isle of Wight – 4,650 hashtags
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