The Best Beaches in England

The essence of a beach lies in its natural charm and the array of activities it offers. Imagine walking on soft sand, feeling the gentle caress of sea breezes, and hearing the rhythmic dance of waves. It’s a sensory haven where the ocean meets land.

From exploring tide pools brimming with marine life to the calming practice of beach yoga, there’s an activity for every pace and interest. Engage in dynamic sports like beach volleyball or frisbee, or indulge in creative pursuits such as painting rocks and shells. For those seeking tranquility, meditation and beach walks offer peaceful retreats.

England boasts a stunning coastline, offering an array of beaches that capture the essence of nature’s beauty. They mirror England’s rich heritage, blending natural splendor with cultural vibrancy.

Durdle Door, Dorset

Durdle Door is a natural limestone arch standing majestically on the Jurassic Coast, framing the blue sea. Formed by erosion, it’s one of England’s most recognizable landmarks. This picturesque area offers a pebble and sand beach perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

Accessing Durdle Door requires a bit of a walk, including descending steps, but the stunning views are well worth the effort. It’s a photographer’s paradise, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light plays beautifully through the arch.

While there are no facilities directly at the beach, nearby Lulworth Cove offers amenities including parking, shops, and cafes. Please note, the area around Durdle Door can be busy during peak times, so plan your visit accordingly to enjoy its natural splendor at a more peaceful time.

Holkham Beach, Norfolk

This beach is famed for its vast, golden sands and scenic dunes. It’s part of the Holkham Nature Reserve, offering a rich diversity of wildlife and landscapes. The beach is extensive, providing a sense of openness and space, perfect for long walks or picnics.

Visitors can enjoy various activities at Holkham Beach, from walking through enchanting pine forests on boardwalks to swimming in the shallow waters. The beach is also a popular spot for horse riding, offering an exhilarating experience with the wind in your hair as you gallop along the shoreline.

It’s an important site for birdwatching, especially for wintering birds and ground-nesting species like Little Terns, Ringed Plovers, and Oystercatchers. The extensive dune system also boasts colorful flora and attracts numerous butterflies in the summer.

For those interested in filming locations, Holkham Beach has been used for movies and TV shows like “Shakespeare in Love”, “All is True”, and “The Crown”, thanks to its stunning natural beauty and expansive sandy beach.

Nearby, visitors can explore Holkham Hall, a magnificent 18th-century estate with beautiful grounds and an art collection.

Fistral Beach, Cornwall

Fistral Beach in Cornwall is a must-visit for surf enthusiasts. Known as the UK’s surfing capital, Fistral Beach boasts consistent waves ideal for both beginners and seasoned surfers. The beach is sandy and spacious, making it perfect for sunbathing and building sandcastles when you’re not riding the waves.

Surf schools and rental shops are available for those looking to learn or needing equipment. Fistral Beach also hosts major surfing competitions, drawing enthusiasts from around the world. Beyond surfing, there’s a vibrant atmosphere with cafes, restaurants, and shops nearby, ensuring a lively beach experience.

Accessibility is straightforward, with a car park nearby. Fistral Beach also caters well to families and is dog-friendly, allowing pets year-round. So whether you’re looking to catch some waves or just soak in the lively atmosphere, Fistral Beach is an ideal destination.

Great Bay, St. Martin’s, Isles of Scilly

Great Bay on St. Martin’s in the Isles of Scilly is a hidden gem, offering an escape into pristine nature. This beach is known for its white sands and crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and swimming.

The beach is relatively untouched and remote, giving visitors a sense of having their own private paradise. Due to its location on an island, getting there is an adventure in itself, usually involving a boat trip.

The area surrounding Great Bay is picturesque and tranquil, perfect for those seeking a peaceful getaway. The Isles of Scilly themselves are a cluster of islands off the southwestern coast of England, known for their outstanding natural beauty and unique ecosystem.

On St. Martin’s, besides the beach, visitors can enjoy local artisan shops, cozy cafes, and beautiful walking trails along the coastline.

Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall

Porthcurno Beach, nestled in the southwestern corner of Cornwall, is a mesmerizing retreat, often celebrated as one of the UK’s most beautiful beaches. Its golden sands and vibrant turquoise waters create a stunning contrast against the granite cliffs that shelter it from the wind.

This serene location is perfect for families, with safe, shallow waters ideal for paddling and playing. The presence of intriguing rock pools adds an element of adventure, particularly for young explorers.

The beach isn’t just about natural beauty; it’s steeped in history and culture. The iconic Minack Theatre, carved into the cliffside, stands nearby, offering mesmerizing plays against the Atlantic Ocean’s backdrop.

Additionally, the beach’s role as a pivotal point for transatlantic telegraph cables in the 19th and 20th centuries is explored in the Telegraph Museum Porthcurno, a short walk from the beach.

For the active, the South West Coast Path provides excellent walking opportunities. Moreover, the beach’s flora and fauna, including occasional sightings of seals and dolphins, make it a haven for nature lovers.

Facilities include public toilets, a café, and a seasonal RNLI lifeguard service. While Porthcurno welcomes dogs, restrictions apply during the summer months.

West Mersea Beach, Essex

West Mersea Beach is a delightful destination on Mersea Island, Essex, known for its tranquil atmosphere and picturesque setting. The beach is a popular spot for stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking, thanks to its calm, shallow waters.

It offers a nice mix of sandy areas, particularly towards the end of the beach huts, and it’s less crowded there. The Victoria Esplanade Car Park is the best spot for parking, with reasonable rates for different durations.

The beach is equipped with facilities like toilets and a cafe, although they are a bit spread out. For those who love walking, there are several paths leading to quieter spots on the beach.

The West Mersea Holiday Park and Waldegrave Holiday Park are great options for those looking to stay on the island, and the area is also known for delicious seafood offerings at local restaurants.

Final Thoughts

England’s coastline is a tapestry of stunning landscapes, each beach offering its unique charm. From serene sands perfect for relaxation and family fun to exhilarating water sports and rich wildlife, these beaches cater to a variety of preferences.

They are not just stretches of land by the sea; they are experiences, offering historical insights, cultural events, and natural splendors. Visitors leave with not just memories of the sun, sea, and sand but also of the vibrant life that flourishes in and around these areas.