A new study analysing online searches for 928 beaches along British shores has revealed the country's most secluded coastal spots. Some beaches were Googled as little as 10 times per month, offering a quiet alternative to crowded summer hotspots.
Among the hidden gems is a beach described as a combination of sand and pebbles, featuring a ruined cottage, bluebell fields, wildlife marsh, and a loop trail. Da Lang Ayre in Northmavine, Shetland, is only accessible by sea swim or a long walk over Ronas Hill, but rewards visitors with a mile-and-a-half stretch of red shingle. Gansey Bay on the Isle of Man, popular with surfers and dog-friendly all year, also received minimal searches.
Notably, no English beaches made the list of secluded spots, attributed to England's higher population density. The list instead includes locations in Wales, Scotland, the Isle of Man, Guernsey, and Northern Ireland. Brown’s Bay in County Antrim, with 20 monthly searches, is a sheltered horseshoe-shaped bay.
Separately, a study has identified 20 'no-go' beaches in the UK where swimming is not advised due to sewage and dump waste pollution. These beaches have been rated 'poor' for water quality by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Examples include Littlehaven Beach in South Shields, along with popular spots like Lyme Regis, Ilfracombe, Weston-super-Mare, and Blackpool.
