Staycations have soared in popularity in recent years, especially as the cost of living continues to rise. But those choosing to stay closer to home needn't feel hard done by, as Britain boasts a wealth of stunning coastline and gorgeous beaches. Speaking to Express.co.uk, several travel experts have put forward their top picks for the finest beaches the UK has to offer, from well-known favourites such as Brighton Beach to hidden treasures like the Bay of Skaill on Orkney.
Camber Sands
Mark Hutchins, travel expert and founder of Beach Stays, recommends Camber Sands in Sussex, one of the region's few sandy beaches. He said: "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 runs for several miles, faces south over the Channel, and is wide enough that it rarely feels busy even when it is. It is popular with kitesurfers and windsurfers, and the medieval town of Rye is ten minutes away.
Llangrannog
Mark also praised Llangrannog Beach in Wales. He said: "Llangrannog, on Wales' Ceredigion coast, sits 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, and 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 here in 1944, and Edward Elgar once spent a holiday in the village.
Yaverland Beach
The Isle of Wight's Yaverland Beach features among the shores recognised in TripAdvisor's 2026 'Best of the Best' award, and as the sunniest spot in the UK, it's an ideal escape for those looking to leave behind grey skies. Lee Hudson, Commercial Director at Red Funnel and Board Director for Visit Isle of Wight, said: "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 Yaverland ranked in Tripadvisor's 2026 'Best of the Best' awards." He added that with 11 more beaches rated 'excellent' for water quality, it's ideal for swimming, paddleboarding or simply unwinding by the sea.
Bay of Skaill
Scotland might not be the first destination that springs to mind for a beach getaway, but the Bay of Skaill on Orkney offers breathtaking spots. Laurie Thomas from Explore Worldwide says: "Westray is home to several beautiful beaches and is ideal for beachgoers as well as nature enthusiasts. My personal favourite is the Bay of Skaill, a white sandy beach near Westray Airport, which offers stunning views and good bird watching opportunities." The beach is also located next to Skara Brae, Europe's most complete Neolithic village, and surrounded by Primula Scotia, Orkney's most famous flowering plant. There are over 23 species of marine mammals recorded in Orkney waters, including grey seals, harbour porpoises, Risso's dolphin, minke whales, orcas and humpback whales.
Weymouth Beach
Consistently rated as one of the finest beaches in the country, Weymouth Beach is a firm favourite, particularly among families. Dawn Rondeau-Irvine, Chief Operations Officer of We Are Weymouth, says: "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 stretch of beach.
Brighton and Shoreham-by-Sea
Brighton is one of Britain's most visited coastal spots. 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." For a quieter alternative, Shoreham-by-Sea, just seven miles away, offers a more relaxed feel. Mel adds: "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."
St Ives and Gwithian Beach
Cornwall offers St Ives and Gwithian Beach. Mel says: "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, delivers the same crystal-clear waters and golden sands but on a much larger, more open scale, backed by rolling dunes and wild grassland, with views of Godrevy Lighthouse.
