15 Essential Beaches in England to Discover

One of the splendid aspects of visiting an island is the opportunity to enjoy coastal experiences. England, as part of the broader Great Britain, is no exception. With a wealth of exceptional beaches along its shorelines, visitors are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting sandy bays to explore.

1.) Camber Sands

Located just south of the charming town of Rye, Camber Sands is a sandy haven that offers breathtaking views. Spanning miles, this pristine beach is an ideal destination for a morning adventure, ideally paired with an afternoon visit to Rye.

2.) Bournemouth Beaches

Renowned for its award-winning coastline, Bournemouth features some of the best beaches in England, especially appealing for those seeking sandy shores within easy reach of the city. The beach stretch extends a remarkable 7 miles, offering a plethora of opportunities for watersports, ranging from kayak rentals to paddleboarding, and including exhilarating experiences like ziplining on the pier.

3.) Fistral Beach

Known for its excellent surfing conditions, Fistral Beach is among the top beaches in England for surfers. However, its inviting sandy shoreline and picturesque coastal trails along the South-West Coast Path make it an attractive destination for non-surfers as well.

4.) Watergate Bay

Situated close to Newquay, Watergate Bay is another fantastic beach particularly suited for surfing. The stunning sandy shoreline serves as a wonderful weekend getaway destination.

5.) Bamburgh Beach

Bamburgh Beach was an unexpected delight! Initially, our visit was focused on the stunning Bamburgh Castle, and we were captivated by the beautiful, unspoiled beach that lies adjacent to it, making it one of the finest coastal locations in Northern England.

6.) Southwold Beach

The charming seaside town of Southwold provides a delightful escape while exploring Suffolk. Visitors can relax on the sandy beach and rent colorful beach huts, making it an ideal choice for a leisurely day.

7.) Silverdale Cove

Located along Lancashire’s picturesque coastline, Silverdale Cove is more of a hiking destination than a typical beach. Despite its smaller size, the coastal scenery is magnificent, making it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

8.) Wells Beach

Wells Beach, situated in Norfolk, is an ideal summer destination renowned for its beautiful shoreline, perfect for kayaking or a leisurely stroll. The surrounding pine trees and nearby bird sanctuary make it suitable for nature enthusiasts, as well.

9.) Brighton Beach

Brighton Beach is a well-known seaside destination in Southern England, noted for its pebble shore and associated with the iconic Palace Pier and Ferris wheel. A favorite for day trips from London, Brighton Beach boasts historical landmarks, including the stunning Brighton Pavilion.

10.) Whitby Beach and Robin Hood’s Bay

Situated along the picturesque North Sea coastline, Whitby Beach is a must-visit destination while exploring the historical town of Whitby and the adjacent Robin Hood’s Bay.

11.) Porthmeor Beach

Porthmeor Beach, located within St Ives in Cornwall, is one of the premier beaches in England that should be explored during a trip to Cornwall. The inviting waters and sandy bay make this a delightful spot for summer visits.

12.) Weymouth Bay Beach

Known to be a favored location amongst King George, Weymouth is a traditional English seaside town, ideal for exploration along the southern coast.

13.) Isle of Wight Beaches

The Isle of Wight features numerous bays and beaches, with Ventnor Beach being particularly family-friendly with its combination of smaller sandy bay and pleasant waters.

14.) Bigbury Beach

Bigbury Beach, situated at Bigbury-on-Sea on Devon’s south coast, is heralded for its natural beauty as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

15.) Blackpool Beach

Blackpool often faces a fair share of stigma regarding its status as a tourist destination. However, it remains an iconic traditional seaside town in Northern England, offering a charming beach experience alongside plenty of fun activities.