What do the best beaches in the UK all have in common? Stunning views, miles of fine golden sand and glorious peace and quiet. Here are three of the best UK beaches and what makes them so special. Just don’t tell everybody! 

Stay away from the crowds as you relax to the sound of the waves on the shore and admire the unspoilt natural beauty of these three top British beaches.  

1. The Romantic Hideaway: Carrick Shore, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland

Carrick Shore is a small sheltered bay with a hidden sandy beach offering crystal clear views for miles in Scotland’s beautiful Dumfries and Galloway. 

A haven of peace and tranquillity, Carrick Shore is often deserted due to its remote location in a rural setting, so you could have the whole beach to yourself.

Stunning views can be seen of the surrounding cliffs and mountainous rocky headlands and when the tide is out you can walk across to pretty Ardwall Isle, the site of an ancient burial ground and chapel. The nearest town is Gatehouse of Fleet and to many Carrick Shore remains a relatively secret hidden beach.

Where to Stay in Dumfries and Galloway 

There’s a choice of traditional Scottish holiday homes for parties of one to thirteen in Dumfries and Galloway.

And you can read about more hidden and remote beaches in Scotland.

2. The Secret Paradise: Lankidden Cove Beach, Helston, Cornwall

At the southern-most point of the Lizard Peninsula is one of the best UK beaches in South Cornwall, Lankidden Cove. At this south-facing cove, the water is a stunning turquoise and the sands are sloping and bejewelled with ancient red and green rocks.

Lankidden Cove hides an intriguing network of caves and gullies with faint traces remaining in the cliffs of an Iron Age cliff fort that once dominated the headland. The protruding rocks provide a perfect place to spot native basking sharks and visiting dolphins.

Lankidden Cove is reached by walking for about a mile along the coastal path from Kennack Sands, the nearest town being Penryn. The limited access ensures the cove remains deserted for much of the time.

Find out how to walk to Lankidden Cove.

Where to Stay in South, Cornwall 

Deepest South Cornwall has a fascinating array of Cornish holiday homes to choose from including lighthouse cottages and traditional holiday cottages in Helston itself.

Discover more of the quietest beaches in Cornwall.  

3. The Golden Stretch: Filey Beach, North Yorkshire.

Filey Beach in North Yorkshire is a semi-circular bay with white cliffs and beautiful views. This beach is a delightful five-mile stretch of unspoilt golden sand that was last year named the best beach in the UK for children.

A perfect choice for families, there's plenty of space to run about, a children's playground and lovely cafes on the promenade. Filey Beach is easily accessible, quiet and clean with pristine sand and clear aquamarine water.

Explorers will love the unique sculpture trail, the remains of an ancient Roman signal station and the coastal walk from Cleveland Way down to Bempton.

See more of Yorkshire’s best-loved beaches.

Where to Stay in Yorkshire

North Yorkshire has a wonderful variety of holiday cottages, converted barns and farm cottages.

Discover which beaches were last year voted the best beaches in Britain.