A beach within reach

By Parkdean Resorts on 27/03/2023

As we head into spring, it’s fair to say that we’re all very much in need of some vitamin D after the long winter months.

However, with value for money being more important than ever, we know that even the people who holidayed in the UK annually will be looking to boost their staycation tally this year. The popularity of UK holidays has continued to soar over the past 12 months, with searches for ‘staycation breaks’ rising by 233%. And with searches for ‘UK staycation deals’ increasing by 91%, it’s clear to see that Brits are looking to get their money’s worth when holidaying this year.

Spring in the UK is home to some of the most beautiful coastal weather, and relaxing on the beach and enjoying the views doesn’t have to be reserved for foreign travel. Due to this, we’ve revealed the UK beaches that are expected to see the first of the spring sun this year to give you some inspiration when booking - because UK holidaying should never mean that you compromise on quality!

We’ve also analysed the terrain of the world’s most popular beaches to reveal the top UK beach destination dupes, so you don’t even have to get on a plane to visit these showstopping destinations! Not only have we colour matched the sand but we’ve also analysed the rocky shorelines and vegetation in each location.

But which UK beaches are the warmest in spring?

If you’re planning on taking a UK break during Spring (21st March - 21st June), these are the beaches that get the warmest, the quickest - with the best average and high temperatures.

1. Camber Sands experiences highs of 19°C and is the UK’s answer to this US state park

Taking the top spot as the first beach to experience spring sun is Camber Sands in East Sussex! With 7 miles of glorious golden sand, this beach sees highs of 19°C throughout the spring months, making it the perfect place to experience the first of the UK sun.

With an average of just 7.7 rainy days and approximately 7 sunlight hours each day in spring, Camber Sands makes a perfect destination dupe for Oregon’s State Park, Nehalem Bay. With both beaches boasting beautiful shore pines and rolling hill views, Camber Sands is a ringer for the US bay - the only difference is 4,991 miles of air travel and over £3,000 in cost!

Visiting Camber Sands proves that you don’t need to fly to the US for beautiful sea views and picture perfect terrain - both locations boast excellent cycling trails and beachside camping, but when looking for a more family-friendly seaside escape nearby, Camber Sands Holiday Park is on the doorstep of the UK beach. Here you can head down to the shore and see one of the largest dune systems on the South Coast with your own eyes!

2. Dungeness Beach, Kent is closest to Taiwan’s unspoilt coastline with highs of 18.6°C!

This dog friendly beach in Kent is a great spring find! With highs of 18.6°C, Dungeness Beach is technically classed as a desert due to its vast size. With unique structures such as two lighthouses and unused fishing boats, this beach makes for a special seaside experience that really feels like you’re far away from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life.

Surprisingly, Dungeness Beach has a similar aesthetic to Taiwan’s unspoilt coastline and is almost identical to Sunrise Crescent Bay in Qixingtan. Both destinations exude a wild and remote feeling and feature golden grey pebbles and coastal views for miles.

Sunrise Crescent Bay is located to the north of Hualien City and has previously been dubbed one of the ‘best pebble beaches in the world’. The crescent-shaped coast is a stunning location to stargaze and watch the sunrise - yet Dungeness Beach has exactly the same qualities! So, if you’re travelling in the UK you can save yourself 7,990 miles of commute and over £6,000!

As there’s so much to explore at Dungeness Beach, you’ll definitely want to come back for more. Enjoy a stay at the nearby Romney Sands Holiday Park to extend the fun.

3. Studland - Shell Bay in Dorset is identical to France’s Carnon-Plage beach and boasts 18.1°C highs

With highs of 18.1°C in spring, Shell Bay Beach in Dorset makes a beautiful spot for a UK spring staycation. Shell Bay Beach is a natural haven and the perfect escape from the stresses of the real world. With 4 miles of golden sands, gorgeous waters and a gently sloping beach, Shell Bay Beach is a great destination for a family-friendly adventure.

If you need further proof that you don’t need to venture outside of the UK this year, take a look at just how much of a dupe Shell Bay Beach is for Carnon-Plage Beach in France. Dubbed as the ‘lesser-known’ area of the Riviera, Carnon-Plage Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Montpellier, but is tucked away from the coastal tourist trap.

If it’s golden sand you’re after and rolling heathland with a remote feel - Shell Bay Beach is the perfect dupe. The beach is partly owned by the National Trust and retains its wilderness with the rear of the beach being a protected nature reserve. The southern end of Shell Bay Beach even has a designated naturist section for those feeling brave! A trip to Shell Bay Beach over Carnon-Plage Beach could save you £2,100 and more than 565 travel miles.

Shell Bay Beach is also just over a half an hour drive from pet-friendly Sandford Parkdean Resorts, making it the ideal destination for your spring family getaway!

4. Kynance Cove is Cornwall’s answer to the Dominican Republic (and it has highs of 16.6°C in spring!)

When looking for a spring staycation, Kynance Cove in Cornwall is a must. With highs of 16.6°C, this gorgeous beach boasts turquoise waters and white sands that are usually found in the far-flung Dominican Republic.

This eco-friendly beach might sell Cornish pasties on its shores but as you sit back, relax and enjoy your pastry fix, you’d be mistaken for thinking you’re in the Caribbean. The rugged and rolling coastline of Kynance Cove is akin to Sosua Beach in the Dominican Republic. Both beaches have a horseshoe shape, white sand and turquoise waters, but with a whopping £4,216 price difference, Cornwall really is a no-brainer this year!

When looking for a staycation in Cornwall, look no further than Lizard Point Holiday Park. With indoor and outdoor pools, brand-new accommodation and just a 10 minute drive from the beach, Lizard Point is located perfectly for a coastal break.

5. Porthcurno Beach in Cornwall is just like the Virgin Islands and even experiences highs of 16.1°C in spring

Porthcurno Beach in Cornwall rounds off the top five, making Cornwall the stand-out destination for staycation travel this spring! With highs of 16.1°C, Porthcurno Beach is a stunning oasis, with white sands and fantastic scenic views - it’s also the beach most similar to the Virgin Islands.

Cinnamon Bay Beach is located on the beautiful island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands National Park and has been described as one of the most pristine beaches located in the park. With half a mile of white sandy beach - it really is a picture perfect destination.

Side-by-side, Porthcurno Beach features similar swatches of white sand, turquoise blue sea and luxurious green hills - the coves are even similar in shape and the views out to sea are simply stunning from both beaches.

However, a trip to Porthcurno Beach could save you over £3,700, when compared to a trip to Cinnamon Bay Beach! Again, Lizard Point is the perfect Cornish escape.

UK Beaches in Spring

While we’ve identified the best affordable dupes and the beaches which are the first to experience the joys of the spring sun, every beach around the UK boasts wonderful weather in the springtime. From Kinghorn Harbour Beach in Scotland with highs of 15.7°C, to Three Cliffs Bay in Wales which experiences highs of 16.1°C - a UK staycation is never to be overlooked.

Spring really is the most affordable season to book a break with Parkdean Resorts, so if you’re looking for a Beach Within Reach, take a look at our last-minute holidays now!