Best beaches in United Kingdom, 2026
Top-rated United Kingdom beaches by water quality, conditions and crowd
The top 25 beaches in United Kingdom ranked by the OnlyBeaches Index — a 1-10 score that blends Purity, Conditions, Crowd and Vibe.How we rank →
1OBI 7.5+
Balcary Bay
Dumfries, United Kingdom
A remote and serene beach ideal for a peaceful retreat.
2OBI 7.5+
Balmedie Beach
Aberdeen, United Kingdom
A long sandy beach perfect for family outings and picnics.
3OBI 7.5+
Barmore Island Beach
Tarbert, United Kingdom
An off-the-beaten-path island beach, perfect for families.
4OBI 7.5+
Berwick Beach
Berwick-upon-Tweed, United Kingdom
A serene beach offering a quiet escape from the crowds.
5OBI 7.5+
Boscombe Beach
Boscombe, United Kingdom
Popular extension of Bournemouth with surf scene
6OBI 7.5+
Botany Bay
Broadstairs, United Kingdom
Iconic chalk stacks and one of Kent’s most photographed beaches
7OBI 7.5+
Bournemouth Beach
Bournemouth, United Kingdom
Iconic long sandy beach with vibrant seaside culture
8OBI 7.5+
Branksome Chine Beach
Poole, United Kingdom
Calmer alternative to busier Bournemouth beaches
Brighouse Bay
Dumfries, United Kingdom
A hidden gem with calm waters for swimming and surfing.
Brighton Beach
Brighton, United Kingdom
The county’s best-known urban seafront, central to Brighton’s visitor identity.
11OBI 7.5+
Buchan Ness
Peterhead, United Kingdom
Great beach for surfing and enjoying the wild coastline.
Burntisland Beach
Burntisland, United Kingdom
A charming, lesser-known beach ideal for families looking for tranquility.
13OBI 7.5+
Cala Beach
Tobermory, United Kingdom
A peaceful beach perfect for families and picnics.
Camber Sands
Camber (near border), United Kingdom
Rare dune-backed sandy beach on southeast coast
15OBI 7.5+
Camusdarach Beach
Dunvegan, United Kingdom
A peaceful beach with soft white sand and panoramic views.
16OBI 7.5+
Cellardyke Beach
Anstruther, United Kingdom
A charming beach offering calm waters and scenic coastal views.
Charmouth Beach
Charmouth, United Kingdom
Best-known fossil hunting beach on Jurassic Coast
Chesil Beach
Portland, United Kingdom
Legendary shingle barrier beach stretching for miles
19OBI 7.5+
Church Ope Cove
Portland, United Kingdom
Secluded historic cove beneath cliffs
20OBI 7.5+
Clovelly Beach
Clovelly, United Kingdom
Historic fishing village beach with a highly distinctive setting
21OBI 7.5+
Cocklawburn Beach
Berwick-upon-Tweed, United Kingdom
Expansive beach south of Berwick with dunes, rock pools, and open views.
Coral Beach
Portree, United Kingdom
Famous for its unique white sand and turquoise water.
Cove Harbour Beach
Dunbar, United Kingdom
A peaceful cove perfect for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.
Crombie Country Park Beach
Crombie, United Kingdom
A hidden gem perfect for a peaceful family day out.
Cromer Beach
Cromer, United Kingdom
Traditional seaside town beach with pier