The Best UK Beaches That You’ve Never Heard Of

Having recently been voted the best beach in Britain, you might expect to find Holkham jam-packed with tourists. But, luckily for you, this pristine stretch of sand has managed to remain off the radar leaving its quiet and calming character intact. At the heart of Holkham’s alluring charm is a seemingly endless landscape of white-gold sand, which is a perfect canvas on which to soak up some summertime rays and will leave you feeling that you’re in an exotic paradise.

Don’t relax too much though, as once you’ve enjoyed the sand and the sun there’s plenty more to see. Four miles of mostly flat dunes make Holkham perfect for exploring the beautiful coast. The beach is also part of Holkham National Nature Reserve. One of the largest reserves in the UK, the site is bursting with rare species of flora and fauna.

If you’re looking for some rustic charm to accompany your seaside stay, be sure to try Sidney House Farm. The beautiful period farmhouse is surrounded by idyllic countryside, just a short drive away from the beach. Another nearby option for your beach adventure is The Three Horseshoes Warham, a traditional bed and breakfast with a local pub right downstairs! 

Nestled in a little-known corner of East Lothian, Seacliff beach is perfect for those looking to get off the beaten path and avoid the crowds. Its quiet, rolling dunes are ideal for surfers, dog-walkers and summer picnickers all year round.

Seacliff Beach is also steeped in local history. Overlooking the beach from its dramatic perch on the cliffs are the ruins of Tantallon Castle. Once the ancestral home of the local Red Dougal dynasty, the castle’s battlements offer a commanding position with which to take in the natural beauty of the Seacliff Beach area. Eagle-eyed visitors might also spot Seacliff House, a large stately home, which burned down in 1907 and has remained in ruins ever since.

Seacliff beach is only a 45-minute drive from the Scottish capital of Edinburgh. The No 11 offers luxury boutique rooms in the heart of Edinburgh, allowing you to seamlessly meld a beach break with a city break!

A popular destination with locals, the secluded charm of Oxwich Bay Beach in Swansea has yet to reach wider British vacationers. Those discerning beach-goers willing to buck the trend will find two and a half miles of rich unspoilt golden sand. While the hottest summer days draw locals to the beach, the bay retains a sense of peace and quiet that many British beach destinations can only dream of.

But Oxwich Bay Beach offers more than just relaxation, as the bay also has an adventurous side for those seeking some action. A slipway to the beach ensures the bay is a haven for water sports including diving, sailing, water-skiing and windsurfing.

Swansea offers the best accommodations for those looking to explore the wonders of the South Wales coast. Located in the heart of the city near great transportation links, the Grand Hotel Swansea has a wide range of rooms on offer. You can also opt for sea views at the Mirador Apartments, which offer a self-catered apart-hotel experience.

It’s an understatement to say that Kent is awash with great beaches and quintessential British seaside towns. But, the coastal county still has some secrets and the tranquil Botany Bay is certainly one of the best kept. One of Botany Bay’s most striking features is its abundance of stunning scenery. White cliffs provide a striking backdrop to the bay and dramatic chalk stacks are littered across the beach.

A trip to Botany Bay is very much shaped by the tides. At high tide during summertime, visitors can enjoy unspoilt stretches of sand along with glorious sunny weather of which Kent, the Garden of England, is renowned for. But at low tide, Botany Bay becomes truly magical, as the receding water reveals a hidden treasure trove of glorious rock pools. Low tide at Botany Bay is a good time for little explorers to learn about sea life and enjoy fossil hunting.

There is plenty of accommodations on offer for those looking for a seaside getaway at Botany Bay. Situated on a clifftop, the Botany Bay Hotel offers 30 rooms, some with fantastic views of the coastline.