The Top 5 Beaches in the UK – Find Your Perfect Bank Holiday Mini-Trip
As we enter august, everyone in the UK is looking forward to the summer bank holiday on Monday the 25th of August. A bank-holiday weekend is the perfect opportunity for a mini-getaway. While you may be considering jetting off for a couple nights, you could be neglecting the many idyllic holiday destinations right on your front doorstep. Much like supporting made in the UK business, traveling within the UK is a fun, easy and cost-effective way to boost local economy, help the environment, and celebrate our amazing country.
Choosing a holiday location inside of England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland instead of traveling abroad can save you money, reduce travel time and stress, and lower your carbon footprint!
Taking a more local holiday is a great way to fall back in love with the country, there are many local and reginal cultures and landscapes that differ wildly from one-another all within a few hours’ drive of each other. From family beach resorts, to romantic countryside get-aways, to bustling city breaks, the UK has more iconic holiday destinations than could possibly be condensed into one blog post, so for now, in no particular order are a few of our favourite UK beaches-
Bournemouth
Bournemouth boasts seven miles of idyllic coastline, so this location has is bound to have something for everyone. From high-end sea-view hotels, to cosy family run bead and breakfast spots, there is no shortage of places to book. The bay enjoys it’s own micro-climate and is home to some of the warmest sea temperatures in the UK. Ranked Number one beach in the UK on TripAdvisor in 2024, there are many reasons that Bournemouth is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the country.
Nestles beneath a stunning cliff line, this popular sand beach offers views of the Isle of Wight and Purbecks. Close by are a number of family attractions, restaurants and venues, so even in the event of sudden bad weather, you will still have plenty to see and do.
The Bournemouth Beach Office actually offers beach accessible wheelchairs to rent from their offices, assuring that the joy of this iconic UK beach is accessible to everyone.
Brighton
We may be biased as an East Sussex based company, but for many years, Brighton has been one of the most popular holiday locations for both Brits and international tourists.
Yes, pebble beaches are a divisive topic. While there are no sandcastles to be had on Brighton beach, if you are someone who prefers a sunbathe and a dip in the sea without being stuck with the gritty feeling of sand in your shoes for days afterwards, a pebble beach might ne the best option for you.
47 miles south of London, the city of Brighton and Hove has a lot to offer for holiday goers of all kinds. With the iconic Brighton Palace Pier holding arcades, fairground rides, and food. Brighton is the place to go if you are looking for the classic fish and chips by the seaside British holiday experience.
Mothecombe
Mothecombe is a hidden gem in south Devon. Popular with locals, but relatively un-known to tourists, making it the perfect place for a quiet beach day. The shallow waters of the low tide offer the perfect opportunity to paddle, swim, or even try out windsurfing or bodyboarding. For non-water related activities, you can always head up the South West Coast Path that offers stunning views of the local coast and countryside.
Although the lack of commercial attractions in this area might be off putting to some, the natural and historical beauty of Plymouth is perfect for anyone looking for a simple and quiet weekend, spending some time off-grid and reconnecting with nature.
Luskentyre
Rated the best beach in Scotland by TripAdvisor, Lushentyre is one of the largest beaches on the Isle of Harris. This spectacular coast boasts miles of white sand and refreshing water. The scenery is so iconic that it was used as the backdrop for for BBC’S Castaway.
Luskentyre is yet another amazing location for those seeking connection with UK nature and wildlife, as nearby activities include, hillwalking, cycling and much much more! Surrounded by vast sand dunes that block the views from the road, giving the beach an intimate and secluded feel. Despite it’s jaw-dropping views and scenery, Luskentyre is another relatively unknown spot, perfect for romantic getaways.
Rhosili Bay
Rated the top beach in Wales by TripAdvisor, 3 miles of golden sand and iconic landscapes. The Welsh coast path is a walkers dream, and Rhosili Bay beach is dog friendly all year round, making this the perfect spot for an active family weekend.
For the adventurous travellers, Rhosili Bay is an ideal spot for surfing and other sports, as the Atlantic swell provides the perfect conditions. And for people who prefer to keep dry, the many walking routes along the shore provide jaw-dropping views of Gower’s most famous landmarks. If you are particularly lucky, you may even spot seals or dolphins in surf here.
In conclusion-
We hope this list inspired you to stay a little closer to home this bank holiday weekend, you might be surprised that your dream holiday location is much closer than you thought. While you are there- make sure to support small and local restaurants and businesses, as that is the best way to immerse yourself in the many rich and diverse reginal cultures that the UK is home to.
