By Parkdean Resorts on 09/06/2021
With summer around the corner and UK staycations on the rise, we at Parkdean Resorts ranked the UK’s favourite beaches by tone and texture to help you find the perfect location for your next beach holiday.
By analysing the shade of the UK’s top 50 beaches we’re able to rank the beaches by their sand tone, helping us define the top 15 UK beaches with the whitest sand, so you can find the staycation with your perfect shade of summer.
Sand colour is mainly determined by the material that the sand is made up of, the different rocks and minerals that are common around the coast of that particular beach. For example, beaches with quartz that contain traces of iron tend to give sand that classic yellow hue found on beaches like Whitby Sands. However, if the sand is made up of quartz without these impurities the sand appears whiter, such as those found in the south like Kynance Cove in Cornwall. This is why sands all over the UK tend to be entirely different shades.
The top 15 UK beaches with the whitest sand
Finding the whitest and brightest beaches across the UK means you’ll be able to find the perfect spot for a British beach getaway this summer. Parkdean Resorts is the ideal place to stay with so many coastal parks on offer - where you can days splashing in the sea and evenings soaking up the activities and entertainment on park.
1. Kynance Cove, Cornwall
Famous for its light sands, turquoise sea and adventurous stacking rocks, Kynance Cove in Cornwall, close to our Lizard Point Holiday Park offers the whitest and brightest sands in the UK.
A jewel in the Cornish Coast, Kynance Cove is more than a stunning coastline, with a beach full of history, caves to explore and surrounded by amazing wildlife in the open heathland.
2. Appletree Bay, Isles of Scilly
Another Cornwall favourite, Appletree Bay finds itself nestled on the majestic Isles of Scilly - reachable by boat or plane from the Cornish mainland. With its crystal clear seas and pearly beaches, your UK staycation could have you feeling like you’re on a Mediterranean break.
Home to iconic views, uninterrupted beach and peace and quiet, a visit to Appletree Bay may be the moment of calm you are looking for.
3. St Ives, Cornwall
Known for its incredible art scene and swimmer-friendly bays, St Ives in Cornwall is the beach with the third-whitest sand in the UK, perfect to visit whilst holidaying at our Sea Acres Holiday Park.
Soak up the seaside town atmosphere where you won’t be short of beach treats, with plenty of space to swim safely or even partake in a family sand castle competition.
4. Studland Bay, Dorset
If Dorset takes your fancy more, Studland Bay is home to one of the whitest beaches in the UK and is easily accessible from our Sandford Holiday Park. The perfect place to stay for a holiday on sea, sand and land!
Studland Bay is home to stunning beaches and landscapes, with iconic rock formations and lowlands that inspired the great works of Thomas Hardy.
5. Bournemouth, Dorset
Also close to Sandford Holiday Park are the beautiful white beaches of Bournemouth. Surrounded by incredible cafés, museums, galleries and play areas, these beaches are the perfect spot for some staycation adventures.
Have your buckets and spades at the ready for Bournemouth beach with 7 miles of soft white sand and iconic coastline to explore. Why not treat yourself to a beach hut for the day and make the most of it?
6. Whitby Sands, Yorkshire
The beautiful Whitby Sands comes 6th in the UK’s whitest beaches, spoiling you for choice if you holiday at our incredible Cayton Bay Holiday Park.
From action packed days on the park to a paddle in the sea or exploring Whitby, choosing a staycation around Whitby Sands will leave you spoilt for choice on holiday.
7. West Wittering, West Sussex
Not only is it one of the whitest beaches in the UK but coastal and countryside proximity makes it ideal for a family day away.
Home to iconic views of the Isle of Wight, soft sands and plenty of space for safe paddling, a visit to West Wittering is worth your while.
8. Brancaster, Norfolk
If a Norfolk holiday takes your fancy, Brancaster beach near Manor Park Holiday Park sits on the Norfolk Coast path in between two villages.
For some added adventure you can spot the SS Vina, a shipwreck visible from the coast. But don’t attempt to walk out to it as the tides change quickly at Brancaster beach.
9. Fistral Beach, Cornwall
The glorious sands of Fistral Beach can be found near Crantock Beach Holiday Park. The ultimate beach holiday park, overlooking Crantock Beach itself, close to the South West Coastal Path and the bustling life in Newquay.
One of the most popular surfing destinations, Fistral Beach is surrounded by beautiful cliffs and sand dunes - not to be missed.
10. Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland
Close to Eyemouth Holiday Park on the beautiful Berwickshire Coast, Bamburgh Castle beach is a picturesque place for walks with the iconic view of the Norman stronghold as well as interesting rock paintings and formidable lighthouses.
Although this stunning beach comes tenth in our whitest sands, be warned, the water doesn’t warm up enough for a swim, so like the surfers you may have to suit up.
11. Embo Beach, Sutherland
Embrace the sea air and soft sands of Embo beach whilst on staycation at Grannie’s Heilan' Hame Holiday Park. The perfect way to holiday by the beach, castles, wildlife, waterfalls and Scottish Highlands.
Whilst adventuring Embo beach don't miss out on exploring the rock pools and wildlife, you never know what shell treasure you may find!
12. Compton Bay, Isle of Wight
Make the most of Compton Bay beach with a stay at our Thorness Bay Holiday Park, allowing you to enjoy a woodland escape, with breathtaking sea views and the 12th whitest beach in the UK so close!
The ideal spot for surfing, exploring and even fossil hunting, a day out at the hidden gem of Compton Bay could result in finding dinosaurs.
13. Watergate Bay, Cornwall
You’ll be spoilt for choice for the UK’s beautiful beaches with a staycation at Newquay Holiday Park, including Watergate Bay Beach.
With two miles of glorious sands you will have an unforgettable time here, from dreamy picnics on the beach to watching surfers' antics or exploring the dunes.
14. Blackpool Sands, Devon
Enjoy Mediterranean vibes at Blackpool Sands Beach thanks to its evergreen border and beautifully scented pines.
Close to Challaborough Bay Holiday Park this impeccable beach is well worth a visit but do not be fooled by the sands, this is actually a stunning pebble beach with some of the whitest stones imaginable.
15. Walberswick Beach, Suffolk
Walberswick Beach is the perfect place for a family seeking adventure, close to Kessingland Beach Holiday Park.
From the sand dune backed beach surrounded in nature to the excitement of crabbing and heaps of wildlife. This glorious beach features beautiful shallows making the perfect family friendly day out.
Have the UK’s whitest beaches helped you find your favourite new holiday spot? Book your next UK beach holiday for a staycation you and the family will never forget.