Best scenic beaches in United Kingdom, 2026
25 scenic beaches in United Kingdom that score highest on the OnlyBeaches Index for what matters to scenic travellers.How we rank →
1OBI 7.5+
Aberbach Beach
Fishguard, United Kingdom
A quiet, pebbly beach, ideal for peaceful walks and exploring marine life.
2OBI 7.5+
Aberfforest Bay
St Davids, United Kingdom
A remote pebble beach known for its beauty and tranquility, great for exploring.
3OBI 7.5+
Aberlady Bay Beach
Aberlady, United Kingdom
A scenic beach in Aberlady Bay, known for its beautiful sunsets and calm waters.
4OBI 7.5+
Abermawr Beach
Fishguard, United Kingdom
A remote pebble beach, perfect for watching the sunset and enjoying the natural scenery.
Abersoch Beach
Abersoch, United Kingdom
Popular beach with golden sand, vibrant village, and excellent watersport facilities.
6OBI 7.5+
Aberystwyth Beach
Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
Popular beach in Aberystwyth with golden sands and a great promenade.
7OBI 7.5+
Ainsdale Beach
Southport, United Kingdom
Large, sandy beach with wide dunes, perfect for families and dog-friendly walks.
Aldeburgh Beach
Aldeburgh, United Kingdom
Iconic shingle beach beside Aldeburgh’s historic seafront and fishing boats
Aldwyth Bay Beach
Aberlady, United Kingdom
A hidden beach with stunning views of the surrounding countryside and ideal for those seeking solitude.
Alnmouth Beach
Alnmouth, United Kingdom
Photogenic estuary-side village beach with broad golden sands.
Alum Bay Beach
Alum Bay, United Kingdom
Famous beach below the multi-coloured cliffs near The Needles, reached by chairlift or steep path.
12OBI 7.5+
Amble Links Beach
Amble, United Kingdom
Low-key sandy stretch between Amble and Warkworth with wide dune backing.
13OBI 7.5+
Anderby Creek Beach
Anderby Creek, United Kingdom
Highly valued quiet beach on the Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park stretch.
Angmering-on-Sea Beach
Angmering-on-Sea, United Kingdom
Small local beach identity between East Preston and Goring, often missed in broad datasets.
15OBI 7.5+
Anstey's Cove
Torquay, United Kingdom
Small limestone cove with a secluded feel close to Torquay
16OBI 7.5+
Appley Beach
Ryde, United Kingdom
Wide sandy beach backed by Appley Park and the landmark Appley Tower.
17OBI 7.5+
Arbroath Harbour Beach
Arbroath, United Kingdom
A hidden beach in the harbour area of Arbroath, perfect for a peaceful escape.
18OBI 7.5+
Ardersier Beach
Ardersier, United Kingdom
A quiet beach perfect for dog walking and enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the area.
Atherfield Bay
Atherfield, United Kingdom
Wild west-facing bay on the quieter dinosaur coast, better known to walkers and fossil hunters.
Atwick Beach
Atwick, United Kingdom
Small village beach north of Hornsea, good for solitude and simple shoreline walks.
Auburn Sands
Auburn, United Kingdom
Spacious low-profile beach between Wilsthorpe and Fraisthorpe that generic lists often skip.
22OBI 7.5+
Auldearn Beach
Inverness, United Kingdom
A peaceful and secluded beach ideal for long walks and enjoying the tranquility of the area.
23OBI 7.5+
Axmouth Beach
Seaton, United Kingdom
Quieter eastern continuation of Seaton’s beach zone near the Axe estuary.
24OBI 7.5+
Ayr Beach
Ayr, United Kingdom
A popular beach with great facilities, perfect for families and sunbathing.
Babbacombe Beach
Torquay, United Kingdom
Sheltered cove-style beach with a village feel and calm water