Britain has beautiful coastlines with hidden coves, white sand and large bays! Discover our top 7 recommendations for coastal escapes! Read now!
In an increasingly connected world, it's hard to believe there are still places that remain under the radar—yet they exist. Even more remarkable, these stunning destinations are nestled along the British coastline, waiting to be explored.
For those in the UK dreaming of an overseas escape, our beautiful island offers unexpected paradises: clear seas, white sands, hidden coves, dramatic bays, and breathtaking beaches. While global adventures will resume soon, for now, here are the UK's best-hidden beaches to satisfy your wanderlust.
The Isle of Mull boasts scenery that will steal your breath away—from the dramatic ridges of Ben More to the incredible basalt crags of Burg. But it's the blinding white sands, rose-pink granite, and emerald waters of Langamull Beach that might make you mistake this Scottish escape for a Caribbean getaway. As one of Mull's best-kept secrets, pack your backpack with quick-dry towels and enjoy a secluded stroll to the water, with spectacular views all the way. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of the Isle of Skye.
Nestled between the deep-striped cliffs of Stackpole and surrounded by vibrant emerald fields, this secluded bay resembles a forgotten beach on a Greek island. Every detail is designed to impress, including the journey: a gravel path dividing green fields leads through pines, under rocky cliffs, and over steep dunes, eventually revealing this shimmering bay—a remote and picturesque retreat far removed from everyday hustle and bustle. It's no surprise that this hidden gem has been named one of the world's best beaches by both Passport Magazine and the Good Holiday Guide.
With towering burnt-orange cliffs and endless clear waters, West Bay feels less like Dorset and more like the Algarve. This coastline is dotted with sea-carved bays, crumbling cliffs, and expansive beaches rich in fossils. Whether you lay a picnic blanket beneath the sunlit cliffs or fill your everyday bag with supplies to explore Iron Age hill forts, chalk figures, fairy-tale castles, and impressive stately homes, Dorset deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.
Just over a mile north of Lizard Point, Kynance Cove is a showstopper at both low and high tide. With rocky islands standing just off the coast, searingly white sands, and tropical blue seas, a postcard of Kynance Cove could easily be mistaken for Sardinia. Beyond the serpentine cliffs, when seas are calm, there's no better place for a wild swim. At low tide, a plethora of sea caves, craggy islands, and rock towers await exploration.
Hidden behind a belt of pine trees at the end of a long wooden boardwalk on the North Norfolk coast, Holkham Beach resembles a South African shoreline with its rolling dunes, sprawling sands, and a vast lagoon that fills with high tides to create a stunning shallow pool. This beach proves you don't need a plane ticket to explore some of the world's most unspoiled shores. And the beach is just the beginning: follow the dunes east to discover untouched coastline stretching from Scolt Head Island to Gun Hill, or venture a mile inland to the grounds of Holkham Hall, offering everything from high-wire courses to mountain bike rentals.
Along a stretch that includes the Durdle Door and Man O’War Beach, the white pebble beaches and turquoise waters of Lulworth Cove stand out. This area showcases some of the UK's most breathtaking views, shaped over millions of years into curved bays, hidden caves, and mesmerizing rock formations—most notably Stair Hole, with its natural caves, arches, blowholes, and twisted rocks.
When seeking the most iconic and beautiful beaches in the British Isles, look no further than Harris. Each beach appears as if plucked from a scene in "Game of Thrones," especially Luskentyre Beach, where the sea blends addictive blues and greens, the white sands are dazzling, and the surroundings are often deserted. There's nowhere else on our shores that more closely resembles the Maldives—though we recommend packing a wetsuit. If you're eager to explore beyond Luskentyre's picturesque views, continue along the coast to discover Scarista Beach, another of Scotland's hidden jewels.
Britain has beautiful coastlines with hidden coves, white sand and large bays! Discover our top 7 recommendations for coastal escapes! Read now!