UK’s best beaches named: Northumberland coastline & Welsh ‘jaw-dropping’ beach included

Whether it’s to take your dog for a walk or brave a dip in the water, a visit to the beach is always a treat. Although the weather is unpredictable, especially near the sea, the UK’s beaches are marvellous sights to behold. From white sands to pebble shores, each one is different, and those living outside of Britain seem to think so too.

Travel and Leisure has listed the 18 best beaches in the UK, from the sandy headlands of the Gower Peninsula in South Wales to the singing sands of Antrim in Northern Ireland, there is something for everyone.

Interestingly, Holkham Beach in Norfolk tops the publication’s list.

Known for making an appearance in Shakespeare in Love, featuring Gwyneth Paltrow, the beach is enormous and windswept, backed by a grassy nature reserve filled with wondrous walking trails.

Northumberland’s best beach is next on the list, which, according to Travel and Leisure, is Bamburgh Beach.

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Overlooked by a magnificent castle, the beach is popular with families, dog walkers, and horse riders – there is space for all on its broad sands and dunes.

Much more suited to walking than sunbathing, Northumberland’s windy coastline stretches from Berwick in the north to Amble in the south.

Another of the region’s beaches is also listed by Travel and Leisure: Druridge Bay.

Splattered with rocky dunes, this wild beach is perfect for hikers and bird watchers with a desire to gulp in the unspoiled, fresh North Sea air.

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Third on the list is Whitepark Bay in Antrim, Northern Ireland.

Famous for its singing sand, which makes whistling sounds as you walk along the shore, this beach sits on the same coastline as the infamous Giant’s Causeway, Ireland’s first World Heritage site.

Next, Travel and Leisure takes the reader to Kynance Cove in Cornwall, home to white sands, hidden coves, and clear turquoise waters.

Only an hour’s drive away from Penzance, Kynance Cove is a popular summer destination, but it’s just as beautiful in winter.

The 18 best beaches in the UK

Holkham Beach, Norfolk, England

Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland

Whitepark Bay, Antrim, Northern Ireland

Kynance Cove, Cornwall, England

Scarista Beach, Lewis and Harris, Scotland

Compton Bay, Isle of Wight, England

Whitby Sands, North Yorkshire, England

Oxwich Bay Beach, Wales

Pentle Bay, Tresco, Isles of Scilly

Llanddwyn, Anglesey, Wales

Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall, England

Durdle Door, Jurassic Coast, Dorset, England

Three Cliffs Bay, Wales

Whitstable Beach, Kent, England

West Dunes, Camber Sands, England

Hunstanton Beach, Norfolk, England

Cuckmere Haven, Seaford, East Sussex, England

Druridge Bay, Northumberland, England