Thank you for subscribing!
Must-visit beaches in Scotland, England and Wales made the list
Britain’s best beaches have been revealed, with a popular beauty spot taking the top spot.
New rankings have named the UK’s standout seaside destinations, and British holidaymakers may want to head to Sandbanks Beach in Dorset this bank holiday weekend.
This is according to data by travel experts at Skyscanner, who rated more than 100 beaches across the UK and the world.
It considered factors such as activities, amenities, safety, weather, beach type and the best time of year to visit, alongside traveller reviews, searches and ratings.
Top 10 beaches in the UK
TRAVEL NEWS
Sandbanks Beach takes the crown with its long, sloping stretch of sand overlooking Poole Bay. The Dorset beach is particularly popular with families and watersports enthusiasts, while its Blue Flag status adds to its appeal.
With an average peak-season air temperature of 20.8°C and a TripAdvisor rating of 4.6 out of five, it offers plenty for visitors looking for a traditional British seaside day out. It is also relatively easy to reach, sitting around 25 minutes from Bournemouth Airport.
Botany Bay in Kent takes second place, offering a very different coastal landscape. The beach is framed by distinctive white chalk cliffs and golden sand, while its average peak-season sea temperature of 22.5°C is the warmest on the list.
At low tide, visitors can explore rock pools, while the nearby Viking Coastal Trail offers scenic views along the Kent coastline. Its 4.6 rating also makes it a popular choice with beachgoers.
St Andrews West Sands takes third place, despite having the coolest average peak-season air temperature of the top three at 15.8°C.
The two-mile stretch of golden sand is just a short walk from St Andrews and is particularly good for long coastal walks, beach games and taking in the scenery. It has an impressive 4.7 TripAdvisor rating from 797 reviews.
The ranking forms part of Skyscanner’s new Paradise Guide, an interactive tool designed to help travellers find beaches based on their individual preferences, budget and travel plans.
