Exmouth Beach in East Devon has been named the best beach in the UK for 2026 by the Automobile Association (AA), topping a list of ten coastal destinations across the UK and Ireland. The beach achieved an overall score of 76.42 out of 100, with a perfect 100 for water quality and an average review score of 4.7 on Tripadvisor.
How the AA Ranked the Beaches
The AA compiled its ranking based on monthly Google searches, review scores, car park costs, July sunshine hours, and water quality and temperature. The association also assessed safety, including lifeguard presence and proximity to lifeboat stations. Exmouth Beach recorded 27,100 monthly Google searches and offers parking at £5 per day.
What Exmouth Beach Offers
The beach features a 2-mile stretch of flat, golden sand and is a hub for water sports such as paddleboarding and kayaking. Visitors can enjoy peaceful coastal walks or more challenging clifftop hikes. The beach also serves as the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast, which spans 95 miles and is popular for fossil hunting, particularly at Charmouth Beach and Lyme Regis in Dorset.
Exmouth town centre is a 10-minute walk from the beach, offering high street brands, independent boutiques, art galleries, and gift shops. One Tripadvisor reviewer said: "Family and friends day out. What a lovely place, fantastic beach, great gentle walking on the esplanade. Well kept areas and spotlessly clean. Would definitely recommend."
AA's Top 10 Beaches for 2026
- Exmouth Beach – England
- Frinton-on-Sea – England
- Whitley Bay Beach – England
- Port Eynon – Wales
- Cromer Beach – England
- Dovercourt Bay Beach – England
- Borth Beach – Wales
- Fenit Beach – Ireland
- Hayling Island Beach – England
- Dawlish Warren Beach – England
