By Parkdean Resorts on 18/03/2019
Whether you’re planning a UK beach holiday this summer or you’re just looking for inspiration for your next family day out, this definitive list of Britain’s best beaches for 2019 should help you on your way to finding sun, sea and sand. Chosen by millions of contributors, TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards aim to recognise the world’s most amazing places. Grab your sun hat, feel the sand between your toes and come with us on a journey across the UK to explore the country’s best beaches.
1. Bournemouth Beach, Dorset
Holding onto its title as Britain’s best beach consecutively, this multi award-winning beach is so loved, it even won a spot in the Travellers’ Choice Awards list of top beaches in Europe! Stretching for 7 miles, Bournemouth Bay encompasses a number of stunning sandy beaches – with Bournemouth Central Beach found directly by the pier. Thanks to its unique microclimate, this beach enjoys the warmest water temperatures in the UK. You’ll find brilliant facilities nearby – and if you fancy a taste of the high life, don’t forget to check out ‘Millionaire’s Row’ in Sandbanks at the western edge of the bay. Lined with glitz waterfront mansions, it’s one of the UK’s most exclusive (and expensive) neighbourhoods.
Are dogs allowed on Bournemouth Beach? While dogs aren’t allowed on central Bournemouth Beach between May and September, you’ll find plenty of dedicated dog walking areas a short stroll along the shore in either direction.
Where to stay near Bournemouth Beach: Under 30 minutes’ drive from Sandford Holiday Park, a stay here means you’ll get to experience the best of both coast and country in beautiful Dorset.
2. Luskentyre Beach, Outer Hebredies
Regularly named a one of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches, Luskentyre is somewhat of a hidden gem on the Isle of Harris in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. While challenging to get to, the reward is worthwhile for those that persevere. On a sunny day its shallow clear waters and impossibly white sand light up the shore and turn it into a Caribbean vista. Don’t be fooled by its tropical illusion though, the water is still very cold! Keen photographers will be in heaven here, while visitors can enjoy paddling and walking along the shore.
Are dogs allowed on Luskentyre Beach? Luskentyre Beach welcomes dogs year-round, just be sure to keep the shore clean and tidy to preserve its beauty for future visitors.
Where to stay near Luskentyre Beach: You’ll find local accommodation available on the Isle of Harris if you decide to make the trip. If you’re staying at Grannie’s Heilan’ Hame and Nairn Lochloy Holiday Park and planning a tour of Northern Scotland, Ullapool is just over an hour away - where you’ll be able to catch a ferry to Harris.
3. St. Brelade’s Bay Beach, Jersey
Third on 2019’s list is St. Brelade’s Bay Beach in beautiful Jersey, across the Channel. As one of this tiny island paradise’s most popular beaches, St. Brelade’s Bay offers a pristine sheltered sandy cove, popular for swimming and sunbathing in the summer months. And thanks to Jersey’s warmer climate, it enjoys more sunshine than anywhere else in Britain! With plenty of eateries, cafes and shops lining its shore, the holiday atmosphere continues into the evening too.
Are dogs allowed on St. Brelade’s Bay Beach? Dogs are welcome on the beach all year, however, they must be kept on a lead during peak hours between May and September.
Where to stay near St Brelade’s Bay: You’ll find plenty of local accommodation on offer on the Visit Jersey website.
4. Woolacombe Beach, North Devon
Number 4 on the list is no stranger to winning awards. Woolacombe Beach on North Devon’s coast is regularly regarded as one of the country’s best. This wide and sandy beach joins with Putsborough Beach to the south of the bay, forming a 3 mile long unbroken stretch of sand. Each end of the bay has its own atmosphere, with Woolacombe offering plenty of seaside fun and nearby facilities, while Putsborough serves up peace and quiet in abundance.
Are dogs allowed on Woolacombe Beach? The north end of Woolacombe Beach operates a seasonal dog ban between Easter and October, however, further down the beach, dogs are allowed year-round. For more information on zones, check signage or enquire at the tourist information centre in Woolacombe.
Where to stay near Woolacombe Beach: Make the most of Devon’s North Coast with a stay at Ruda Holiday Park – just a few minutes’ drive from Woolacombe Beach. Ruda Holiday Park also enjoys prime position on Croyde Bay, one of the UK’s top surfing beaches!
5. Barafundle Bay Beach, South Wales
Hidden from plain sight, beautiful Barafundle Bay on Wales’ Pembrokeshire Coast is a worthy winner of its spot on this year’s list of Britain’s best beaches. Off the beaten track, Barafundle is only accessible via a half mile walk from the car park in Stackpole. What this beach lacks in facilities it more than makes up for in beauty. With pristine soft sands and breathtaking clear waters, it’s well worth the journey. It’s a great spot for swimming, while low tide reveals plenty of sand for sunbathing and beach games.
Are dogs allowed on Barafundle Bay Beach? Dogs are welcome on Barafundle Beach year-round, meaning the whole family can enjoy the secluded sands.
Where to stay near Barafundle Bay Beach: Situated on an equally spectacular beach just 40 minutes’ drive away, you’ll find Pendine Sands Holiday Park – ideally located for exploring the best of the Permbrokeshire and Carmathenshire Coast.
6. Filey Beach, North Yorkshire
Sandwiched between lively Scarborough and picturesque Flamborough Head, you’ll find the silky sands of Filey Beach. Stretching a staggering 5 miles along the bay, it’s ideal for walkers – while beach bums will find plenty of room to spread out on sunny days. At the north end you’ll find Filey Brigg headland where little explorers will love sifting through the rock pools. Further along the bay, next to the town of Filey, you’ll also find a promenade offering plenty of seaside eateries, cafes and amusements. Or to escape the crowds, keep heading south to discover quiet and untouched stretches of shoreline.
Are dogs allowed on Filey Beach? Yes, however, a seasonal dog ban operates on certain sections of the beach between May and September – check local signage for more information.
Where to stay near Filey Beach: Cayton Bay Holiday Park is located just over 10 minutes’ drive from Filey Beach and is the ideal base for exploring the best of the Yorkshire Coast.
7. Rhossili Bay, South Wales
A frequent winner when it comes to Britain’s best beaches, Rhossili Bay Beach is a favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. Stretching three miles along the Gower Peninsula, the surrounding hills offer breathtaking views over its sands. It’s a great spot for surfing when the conditions are right, but it’s also popular with walkers and sunbathers. Make sure you hang around for low tide, when you’ll be able to see the historic remains of the Helvetia shipwreck poking through the sand – washed ashore in 1887!
Are dogs allowed on Rhossili Bay Beach? Yes, dogs are welcome year-round on Rhossili Bay Beach, meaning your four-legged friend can join in the family fun.
Where to stay near Rhossili Bay: Just over an hours’ drive from both Trecco Bay and Carmarthen Bay Holiday Parks in South Wales, Rhossili is well worth a day trip.
8. Gorleston Beach, Norfolk
Just minutes to the south of lively Great Yarmouth and its bustling promenade you’ll find the more relaxed affair of charming Gorleston-on-Sea. This Victorian seaside town is home to a spectacular sandy beach, offering over 2 miles of powder soft sands to explore. To the north, the beach is wide and offers plenty of amusements and eateries nearby – just a stone’s throw from Gorleston Harbour. Further south the beach narrows and becomes wilder, backed by grassy dunes and cliffs – ideal for walkers.
Are dogs allowed on Gorleston Beach? Dogs are allowed on Gorleston Beach However, a seasonal dog ban operates between May and September on the northern section of the beach. Dogs are welcome year-round further south amongst the groynes.
Where to stay near Gorleston Beach: You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding a holiday park on the Norfolk Coast, with 6 to choose from on the eastern shore alone!
9. Perranporth Beach, North Cornwall
In ninth place is Perranporth Beach on Cornwall’s glittering north coast. Just a few minutes’ drive from Newquay and neighbouring some of Cornwall’s best beaches, Perranporth Beach has an enviable trophy cabinet – and it’s not hard to see why! The west-facing beach attracts Atlantic waves for ideal surfing conditions, however, calm days also offer great swimming and snorkelling – making it a popular spot for families. Walkers will enjoy the beach a low tide, when it’s connected with neighbouring Penhale Sands, opening up the bay into an enormous stretch of sand. Don’t forgot to stop off for lunch at The Watering Hole too, serving up tasty snacks and refreshing drinks right on the beach.
Are dogs allowed on Perranporth Beach? Perranporth Beach welcomes dogs year-round, however, dogs must be kept on a lead during July and August between 9AM and 5PM.
Where to stay near Perranporth Beach: Peaceful Holywell Bay Holiday Park is the place to stay if you’re planning on visiting Perranporth. You can even reach it on foot, following the South West Coastal Path over the headland.
10. Newborough Beach, North Wales
Last, but certainly not least, is beautiful Newborough Beach on the southern corner of Anglesey in North Wales. Known as Traeth Llanddwyn by the locals, this 3 mile long sandy bay stretches between Llanddwyn Island and the southernmost point of Anglesey. For the most spectacular views, a walk out to the lighthouse on Llanddwyn Island is a must, just make sure you avoid the peak of high tide, when the island is cut off from the mainland.
Are dogs allowed on Newborough Beach? Restrictions apply to the right side of the beach during summer months, however, turn left out of the parking area and your dog can enjoy the sands year-round.
Where to stay near Newborough Beach: Under an hour’s drive away, Ty Mawr Holiday Park is the ideal base for exploring the best of North Wales, including Anglesey and Snowdonia National Park.
Did your favourite beach make this year’s list? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter, we’d love to hear your recommendations.