While it might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of beautiful beaches, there is no denying it, some of the best beaches in England are also some of the most stunning coastlines in the world.
Some of which could rival some of the faraway shores or popular European destinations that many of us flock to year after year. With more people wanting to try a staycation this year or with more of us having found a new motivation to explore the UK, you may be wondering what are the best beaches in England to discover.
With that in mind, there are the most beautiful beaches in England.
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Top 10 beaches in England
Blackpool sands
While it may be named after a Northern powerhouse, Blackpool Sands is actually in South Devon and is one of the best beaches south west England has to offer.
You drive through beautiful roads lined with pine trees to reach the sweeping bay. It looks like something that could be found on the Amalfi Coast in Italy. Despite the name including the word sands, much of the beach is actually made up of shingle. This makes the sea look crystal clear and gives the general appearance of cleanliness and beauty.
There are also plenty of activities to do there with rafting and kayaking available in the summer. There are also lifeguards on patrol at the beach in summer, although the sheltered bay is a great option for younger families.
As well as being one of the best beaches in south west England, it has been awarded many times as being one of the best beaches in the UK and is definitely worthy of a visit.
Seven Sisters
With a rugged backdrop of white cliffs, Seven Sisters is a unique-looking beach that has its own beauty and is one of the South England beaches which is really gaining in popularity. Plus it’s just a 2 hour drive from the Capital, making it one of the best beaches near London.
Offering scenic views, crystal blue oceans, and beautiful stretches of coast, Seven Sisters is a great beach suitable for all ages. Although bear in mind that when you access the beach at Cuckmere Haven, you can only walk across the beach and along the base of the cliffs at low tide.
Based in East Sussex there is plenty to do in the surrounding areas, however, the beach itself is a safe and beautiful scenic place to be. One thing you may want to do while visiting the beach is to go hiking in the surrounding cliff areas which are part of the National Trust Birling Gap property. The cliffs are also part of South Downs National Park which is the newest national park in the UK and has so much more to see and explore too.
Formby Beach
A National Trust beach, Formby is a popular location and one of the best beaches north west England has to offer.
Located north of Liverpool, Formby Beach is one of the nicest stretches of beach you will find in the area and the long sandy beach is backed with sand dunes. The Formby National Trust area is also home to the Formby Red Squirrel Reserve where you have the opportunity to spot a red squirrel.
The beach is large and expansive overlooking the Irish Sea. it is a great place for a day out, a walk along the beach itself, or to enjoy the surrounding town. Formby is a lovely location in Merseyside, with the city of Liverpool not too far away. A great place to visit that the whole family will enjoy.
Holkham Beach
The Norfolk coastline is fabulous, filled with rugged, wild shores and some of the best beaches in East Anglia. The one that has to be mentioned is Holkham Beach.
It is wild and free and has been described as almost lunar-like. The golden sands are backed with pine trees and forested areas and deep, white, wind-swept sand dunes. It really is picturesque and serene, but with a wild edge to it.
The beach is part of the Holkham estate and nature reserve, in the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty so it is truly unspoilt with natural beauty.
It’s also very near the lovely seaside town of Wells-next-to-the-Sea and not far from the popular seaside destination of Cromer.
Durdle Door, The Jurassic Coast
One of the most famous and also best beaches south England has to offer, this stunning shingle beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in England thanks to the iconic rock arch.
Durdle Door is part of the Jurassic Coast and if you want to go fossil hunting then the Jurassic Coast is the place to do it. People have been finding fossils here for decades and with imprints of historical Jurassic history, it is worthwhile for a visit just for that.
But Durdle Door is iconic. It is the name of the limestone arch which sits between two beaches, St. Oswald’s Bay and Man O’War Cove. It may take a bit of a climb and trek to get there, but it is so worth it when you arrive. It is one of the most notably recognisable coastlines in England.
Just make sure to arrive early in the summer months as it can get pretty crowded!
Southwold
The beach at Southwold runs from the town and out towards the estuary where it’s called Denes Beach. The stretch of beach is one of the most beautiful places on England’s coast and one of the top beaches in England.
It has white picket fenced cottages and colourful beach boxes that go along the coast. One of the largest sandy beaches in England, it is one of the best spots to visit in Suffolk.
There are plenty of things to do in Southwold with wonderful shops, fabulous bars, and restaurants that you can discover. Don’t miss the other beautiful coastal towns of Aldeburgh and Thorpeness south along the coast and Lowestoft which is north of Southwold.
Whitstable Beach
Whitstable is a popular tourist and holiday location in Kent and for good reason, it’s one of the best beaches in south east England.
Not only does the town have a lot to offer for holidaymakers and visitors, but the beach is stunning. It isn’t the traditional white sandy beach, but rather pebbles that are perfectly formed. Here you will find that because of the pebble beach the water is really clear. It is also a calm beach area, so safe for families to enjoy.
Along the beach, you will also find locally sourced oyster stalls which is a great way to enjoy the delicacy, don’t miss the famous pink frontage of Wheelers Oyster Bar.
Filey Brigg
One of the most underrated and also prettiest beaches in England, Filey Bay is home to the huge sweeping sandy beach at Filey.
The Yorkshire coastline is rugged and beautiful as it is but this beach is really one of the best beaches on the Yorkshire Coast. The best part of this sandy beach is the potential opportunities to spot wildlife and also being able to explore The Laura – the wreak of a steamship which ran aground in 1897. The wreck is found on the Reighton Sands area of the Bay.
There is a sculpture trail along the stretch of coast as well as plenty of rock pools waiting to be explored. There is also a natural pier of stone that goes into the ocean. Perfect for spotting wildlife in the sea.
Filey is a popular area for holiday parks, camping and family getaways and access to the beach can be reached from the campsite and holiday park above.
Sandbanks
Heading back down south to this Dorset beach England is famous for and also one of the UK Blue Flag Beaches.
Sandbanks Beach, Poole is a stretch of white sandy beach on a small peninsula at Poole Harbour that is occupied by the rich and famous. In fact, it’s reported to have some of the most expensive properties, as well as the fourth highest land value by area in the world.
Sandbanks Beach is a huge stretch of sand and the beach itself has been hailed as one of the safest beaches and stretches of coast for families, winning the Blue Flag award for 31 consecutive years so it is the ideal spot for a holiday in England or a local day trip out someplace new.
Pedn Vounder Beach
On one of Cornwall’s most remote parts you will find this stunning beach and you’d be forgiven for wondering if these turquoise waters look more like Thailand or the Philippines.
It is on Cornwall’s north coast and is very much unspoiled as it is a quiet sandy cove, making it the best option on this list if you’re looking for quiet beaches in England.
A beautiful and small serene beach it really does have a lot to offer and is worth making the trek to find it, just wear good footwear for the walk down. You might require a low tide from Porthcurno to reach it, so keep that in mind if you are planning a trip there. At low tide, you’ll also have a chance to see the sand bar appear.
A stunning location and although Cornwall is well known for beautiful beaches, it is always worth trying to find ones that are not as populated with tourists.
Summary: Top 10 Beaches in England
Hopefully this list of the top beaches in England and also the most beautiful beaches in England will give you plenty of inspiration for a seaside getaway right here in England.
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