Britain’s 10 best beaches

Fri 23 Jun 2017

This article was originally posted by GB Mag, an online magazine for international students helping and inspiring you to make the most of your time in the UK.

OK, beaches probably aren't the No. 1 reason to visit the UK. But when the days start to heat up Brits love nothing more than a day at the seaside. But which beach should you visit and what will you find when you get there?

Here is our list of the UK's top 10 stretches of sand:

1. Bournemouth, Dorset

This seven mile stretch of sand is one of the best city beaches in the UK and has views of the Isle of Wight. It is nestled beneath a cliff which creates a micro climate that delivers some of the warmest water termperatures in the country. 

2. West Witterings Beach, West Sussex

Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, this large, sandy beach is a favourite with everyone from swimmers to kite surfers. It is patrolled by lifeguards in the summer months and the cleanliness of the water is consistently excellent. It does get quite crowded in peak season so arrive early to grab your spot. 

3. Abereiddi Blue Lagoon, Pembrokeshire

Okay this is not a beach, but it is definitely worth a visit. The Blue Lagoon is an old quarry with a tidal channel to the sea which provides fresh water in an enclosed place to swim. It is a nice walk into the lagoon and a perfect spot for a picnic.

4. Holy Island, Northumberland

Holy Island is cut off from the mainland twice a day by the tide, so be careful when you visit. It has everything you could want from a British beach location: a castle, a ruined priory, wildlife including grey seals and a beautiful, often deserted beach.

5. Holkham, Norfolk

Holkham beach has amazing sand dunes and is bordered by a pine forest, making for a picturesque day out. In fact Holkham is so nice its visitors include the Queen and her corgis.

6. Croyde Bay, North Devon

This is where you go to surf! There are great surf schools for beginners and tons of surf shops in this village by the sea.

7. Great Bay, St Martin's, Isles of Scilly

You can only reach this beach by foot, which means many visitors are locals rather than tourists. It is worth making the trek because the white sands and clear blue water are spectacular. 

8. Blackpool, Lancashire

Blackpool is one of the UK's traditional seaside towns. It's a place to eat ice cream and fish 'n' chips, ride a donkey on the beach and send a postcard to your family. If you want to look like a local make sure you eat your fish 'n' chips in a deckchair. 

9. Sinclair’s Bay, Caithness

This is a deserted beach guarded by two 16th-century castles. It is home to porpoises and whales, depending on the season, and is a very romantic location for a summer stroll.

10. Porthcurno, Cornwall

This is a top choice for those who like to spend the day doing activities. Take a stroll along a beach comprised of sea shells, hike along one of the cliff-top paths or visit the rock pools to discover marine life.

http://greatbritishmag.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/britains-10-best-beaches/