8 Finest Beaches in England

Discover the diverse and stunning beaches of England, which are pulsating with a multitude of types splashed with sand, pebbles, caves, and rock pools.

Content

What are the 9 Regions of England

Best Beaches in England

Beaches are a great passion of mine wherever I travel. I like to chase different beaches and they are equally so different. Don’t overlook England’s 1000s of km of sandy beaches that are so diverse and gorgeous each one in its own way, whatever the weather.

One has to be aware that some beaches though are not healthy to swim in, due to certain bacteria that are lingering in the seawater. Tests are done by giving a total count of E. Coli – (a fecal indicator detected and rated) by the government. St Annes Beach, in Lancashire, is one that should be avoided another being Plymouth Hoe East Beach, Devon. Before visiting do some research on the beaches.

1. Saunton Sands Beach

Long stretches of sand on the North Devon coast which is in the South West Region, is a hiker’s paradise from the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Braunton Burrows, (one of the largest sand dune systems) down to the water’s edge.

Bathe in the wide shallow extended water’s edge and cool off then meander up to the Beachside Grill Restaurant for that well-deserved snack and cappuccino.

Beginner and intermediate surfers plug the gentle waves. why not consider having surfing lessons? This can be very exciting and part of your adventure travel.

Numerous movies have been popular locations for filmmakers at Saunton Sands Beach. Robbie Williams ‘Angels’ music video (1997) was also filmed here.

3 Recommended Accommodation Stays around Saunton Sands Beach

• Saunton Sands Hotel which has an excellent rating and location
• The Gallery Lodges
• The Studio, is perfect for two and those who like to hike

2. Wells-next-the-Sea Beach 

This impressive beach is in Norfolk, in the East of England Region. A blanket of golden sand stretches far and wide, with brightly colored huts scattering the landscape of this clean, gorgeous beach.

Wells-next-the-Sea is part of the Holkham Estate, where diverse landscapes can be loved, deer observed, grand oaks, wildflowers, and hedgerows, and the pine forests which are the backdrop to the beach. Practice hiking before you venture to these implausible destinations, so you can truly capture what they have to offer.

Check the times of the tides and swim in the allocated areas. Download the app, Tides Near Me, which is really important if you love beaches. There are lifeguards at certain times of the year and certain rules do apply.

• when you leave, take your litter
• sit and play on the beach, not the dunes
• the use of drones, kite buggies, surfboards, sand yachts, and remote control cars/appliances/gadgets are not permitted
• please do not disturb the birds or any other animal on the beach
• barbeques, fires, stoves, and sky lanterns are not allowed
• picking of the wildflowers is prohibited

Recommended Accommodation around Wells-next-the-Sea Beach

• Blakeney House is a superb family-run bed-and-breakfast guesthouse
• Black Lion Hotel

3. Camber Sands Beach

One of my beloved unspoiled beaches in East Sussex which is in the South East region has the only sand dune system in that area. Stretches of soft white sand go for miles, whereas the neighboring beaches have pebbles.

The dunes are part of the SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and are managed to prevent problems with wind-blown sand. Even as history explains, during the Second World War, the dunes were used as a training area.

In certain located areas of the beach, you can observe kitesurfing, kite bugging, and kiteboarding. All three you can watch for hours, providing tranquil inexpensive entertainment.

Recommended Hotels near Camber Sands Beach

• Winchelsea Lodge with time to totally relax in the countryside
• The Gallivant upmarket, tranquil with excellent service
• River Haven Hotel is more central, and economical and allows you to be the tourist

4. Birling Gap Beach

The pebbled beach is not sandy, but totally enthralling, a wanderlust moment when seeing it for the first time. Running parallel alongside the World-famous Seven Sisters chalk cliffs, during low tide rock pools are revealed, and scatterings of patches of yellow sand.

Don’t be surprised if you spot some naked souls as Birling is also a naturalist beach. There is a cafe and shop which are open from around 10.00 am till about 16.00 pm. Perfect spot for swimming and spotting crabs and seeing fossils. Surfers love this beach!

It is situated south of East Dean and Friston, just off the A259 on the way to Eastbourne, in the South East Region. Have you been practicing your hiking? Such gorgeous hikes above the cliffs to relish.

• Birling Gap walk from the Tiger Inn
• Clifftop walk from Birling Gap to Exceat
• Bounding up to Belle Tout at Birling Gap

Recommended Hotels close to Birling Gap Beach

• The Grand Hotel Eastbourne is England’s only five-star seaside hotel
• The Devonshire Park Hotel Eastbourne, a divine luxurious boutique hotel
• Hydro Hotel is a four-star hotel with magnificent views

5. Holywell Bay

This secret unspoiled beach of Cornwall, near Newquay, (which is in the South West Region) is not as well known as the other beaches of Cornwell but radiates an astounding appeal. A broad elongated yellow sandy beach, higher waves that the surfers just love, and only during low tide on the northern end of the beach you can access the cave with remarkable rock formation which creates a series of basins.

If you are an adventure traveler, this beach is for you. Not only can you go for walks along the stretches of sand, but observe the aquatic life in the rock pools, swim or just relax in the sand observing the ocean in front of you. Very therapeutic!

Recommended Accommodation close to Holywell Bay

• Holywell Bay Holiday Park is more economical, adventurous, and close to the beach
• Meadow Lakes Holiday Park from park homes cottages, chalets, and the pleasure of caravanning
• Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa which overlooks the Fistral Beach

6. Kynance Cove

I call this a clandestine beach, which is not accessible by car but you need to walk for approximately 10 minutes before you discover this treasure. Intense crystal clear turquoise water and white sand, including circuitous rock formations and rock pools.

Explore and discover green and red rock formations, islands, and caves during low tide and encounter the untamed wilderness of this Cornwall Beach.

Recommended Accommodation near Kynance Cove

• Kynance Cove Cafe Cottage is one of a kind and right there. Richt next to the Cafe
• Housel Bay Hotel is not far from Kynance Cove
• Polurrian on the Lizard

7. Durdle Door

Durdle Door is in south Dorset on the  Lulworth Estate, owned by the Weld Family, and part of the Jurassic Coast that was designated England’s first natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001. The natural arch was created over time through sea erosion when the limestone was pounded by forceful waves creating the arch that is photographed by visitors from all over the world.

Be prepared as the only way you can access this shingle beach is via steep footpaths, but is not advisable to wear slip-slops, rather some good hiking shoes with a good grip, such as NORTIV 8 Women’s Hiking Shoes, which I highly recommend. Before venturing here get into your hiking.

Although at the base of the cliffs you will see numerous caves, do not go inside as numerous cliff falls do occur, even though the temptation to do so is great.

Numerous music videos and movies have over the years been filmed at Durdle Door as it provides the perfect backdrop.

Far from the Madding Crowd	Five On A Treasure Island
Wilde	Cliff Richard: Saviour’s Day

Recommended Hotels close to Durdle Door

• Limestone Hotel which is the closest hotel
• The Smuggler’s Inn
• Kingston Country Courtyard

8. Treyarnon Bay

Located in North Cornwall, Treyarnon Bay has the cleanest, crystal clear, and hygienic waters in England. Soft sand and a fabulous tidal pool along the coastal path can be discovered for swimming and paddling and rocks allow further unearthing as you explore.

Bodyboarders and surfers love the Atlantic swell, but so do the individuals who just would like to swim. Parking is close and inexpensive for the day, so no need to hike far to appreciate what the beach has to offer.

Recommended Hotels close to Treyarnon Bay

• Padstow Harbour Hotel is a gorgeous 4-star boutique hotel
• Airbnb choices I would suggest

Don’t be put off by everyone saying that England’s weather is all bad, therefore what is the point of going to the beach. England’s beaches can be warm, soft sand, beautiful water for swimming, and quite spectacular! Safe and an adventure to visit. Go explore and see for yourself.