Travel experts have shared their top recommendations for the best beaches in the UK, ranging from well-known hotspots like Brighton Beach to lesser-known gems such as the Bay of Skaill on Orkney. The insights come as staycations continue to rise in popularity amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Camber Sands: A Sandy Escape Near London
Mark Hutchins, travel expert and founder of Beach Stays, recommends Camber Sands in Sussex, one of the region's only sandy beaches. He notes: "Camber Sands is just an hour and a half from the capital on the East Sussex coast near Rye and is one of the only genuinely sandy beaches in the region, with rolling dunes that form the only sand dune system in the county." The beach stretches for several miles, faces south over the Channel, and is wide enough that it rarely feels busy. It is popular with kitesurfers and windsurfers, and the medieval town of Rye is just ten minutes away.
Llangrannog: A Welsh Gem with Literary Links
Hutchins also praises Llangrannog Beach on Wales' Ceredigion coast. He describes it as a spot where "the River Hawen falls as a waterfall through the centre of a small village before reaching the sea, with a distinctive wave-worn rock, Carreg Bica, rising from the shoreline." At low tide, a second hidden cove opens up beyond it. The village holds a Blue Flag, sits on the Wales Coast Path, and has strong literary connections with Dylan Thomas, who drank at the Ship Inn in 1944, and Edward Elgar, who once spent a holiday there.
Yaverland Beach: Isle of Wight's Sunny Award-Winner
The Isle of Wight's Yaverland Beach was featured in TripAdvisor's 2026 'Best of the Best' award. Lee Hudson, Commercial Director at Red Funnel and Board Director for Visit Isle of Wight, highlights: "The Isle of Wight is a compelling option for a UK staycation. Thanks to its unique microclimate, it's officially the sunniest spot in the UK and home to one of the world's best beaches." With 11 more beaches rated 'excellent' for water quality, it is ideal for swimming, paddleboarding or simply unwinding by the sea. Hudson adds that travellers can take a one-hour scenic ferry journey from Southampton across the Solent, avoiding traffic and busy airports.
Bay of Skaill: Orkney's White Sandy Beach
Scotland's Bay of Skaill on Orkney offers a unique beach experience. Laurie Thomas from Explore Worldwide says: "Westray is home to several beautiful beaches ... My personal favourite is the Bay of Skaill, a white sandy beach near Westray Airport, which offers stunning views and good bird watching opportunities." Visitors can see Arctic Terns, Sand Martins, and Eider Ducks. The beach is next to Skara Brae, Europe's most complete Neolithic village, and is surrounded by Primula Scotia (Scottish Primrose). Thomas notes: "There are over twenty-three species of marine mammals recorded in Orkney waters, drawn by nutrient-rich currents ... including grey seals, common seals, harbour porpoises, Risso's dolphin, minke whales, orcas and humpback whales." Basking shark sightings have also increased recently.
Weymouth Beach: History and Family Fun
Weymouth Beach consistently ranks among the best in the country, especially for families. Dawn Rondeau-Irvine, Chief Operations Officer of We Are Weymouth, explains: "What people don't always expect is the history. Weymouth was where George III came to sea bathe in the 1780s, effectively putting the British seaside holiday on the map." The Georgian seafront is largely intact, offering a historically significant backdrop for sandcastle-building.
Brighton and Shoreham-by-Sea: Bustling and Quiet Alternatives
Mel Savage from Ripe Motorhome Insurance recommends Brighton, saying: "Few places capture the British seaside quite like Brighton. Its iconic pier, lively promenade and endless food and drink spots make it a magnet for visitors, especially with its popularity on TikTok." However, she also suggests Shoreham-by-Sea, just 7 miles away, as a quieter alternative. "While it shares Brighton's coastal charm, it swaps the crowds for a calmer, more local feel. The wide shingle beach is backed by views of the South Downs, giving it a more scenic and less built-up backdrop," she adds.
St Ives and Gwithian Beach: Cornish Beauty with Space to Breathe
Mel Savage also recommends St Ives and Gwithian Beach in Cornwall. She notes: "With turquoise waters and postcard-perfect views, St Ives is often compared to Mediterranean destinations. Its beauty makes it one of the UK's most sought-after seaside spots, but that popularity means it can feel busy and cramped during peak months, with up to 740,000 visitors each year." Gwithian Beach, just around the bay, offers the same crystal-clear waters and golden sands but on a larger, more open scale. Backed by rolling dunes and wild grassland, it feels more rugged and untouched, ideal for surfing, walking, or taking in views of Godrevy Lighthouse.
