Where to go to the sea in Britain: 8 beaches for swimming and walking

For lovers of the classics: Bigbury Beach, Devon.

A beautiful, tranquil, postcard-perfect golden sand beach. Located in the South Devon National Landscape and considered one of the most convenient locations for swimming and water sports from kayaking to wind and kite surfing.

The main feature is Burgh Island. At low tide it can be reached on foot via a sandy causeway; at high tide it is completely covered by the water and guests are transported by the famous sea tractor, a tall sea tractor on wheels: a fare of £2 one way for restaurant guests and visitors to the island.

Agatha Christie made Burgh Island her residence and even wrote two novels — including the famous “And No One Became” (also known to Russian-speaking readers as “Ten Negroes”) and “Evil in the Sun” from the Poirot series. Now her cottage belongs to the Burgh Island Hotel. The hotel itself is one of the notable monuments of British Art Deco, built in 1929. Churchill, Edward VIII and The Beatles all stayed here.

The easiest way to get there is by car, the nearest train stations are Plymouth and Totnes, further afield you will need a bus link or cab. Another beautiful option is to walk along the South West CoastPath.

Quiet time: Sandwood Bay, Scotland

It’s a bit far, we agree. But it’s perfect for forgetting civilization for at least a couple of hours. There are no crowds here: the beach is located in the very north-west of mainland Scotland, it is impossible to get here by car, and the easiest walking route starts at the parking lot in Blairmore and takes about 6.5 km one way.

But Sandwood Bay regularly features in lists of the world’s most beautiful beaches: there are dunes, the freshwater lake Sandwood Loch behind them, high cliffs and the sea pillar Am Buachaille, a ‘shepherd’ that stands in the sea at the southern edge of the bay.

Gothic lovers are also welcome here: before the Cape Wrath lighthouse was built in 1828, this part of the coast was dangerous for ships, and the beach itself was known as a “ship graveyard”. Hence the local legends of Viking boats and treasure supposedly buried in the sand. There are stranger stories, too, such as a mermaid who, according to local legend, was seen on the cliffs in 1900.

As you’ve already realized, Sandwood Bay doesn’t have the usual resort infrastructure: everything you need for the day is best taken with you, including water, food, warm clothes and wind protection. Swimming is possible, but with great caution: the route guides warn separately about strong back currents due to the proximity of Atlantic waters.

Closer to London: West Wittering, West Sussex

A wide sandy beach at the entrance to Chichester Harbor with a classic resort feel. The beach is managed by the West Wittering Estate – and that’s why it looks more well maintained than others in the area. The site consistently wins awards for good water quality, safety and cleanliness.

The main natural feature is East Head, a sand and pebble spit and dune system at the eastern edge of the beach, one of the last remaining stretches of natural coastline in West Sussex. It’s a good place to walk, watch yachts in the harbor, and if you’re lucky, seals. The sandbar is also literally moving: its shape is constantly changing due to tides, storms and coastal protection works.

West Wittering is convenient for swimming due to its shallow waters and sandy bottom – but the water is still open, so it’s best to stick to the area with lifeguards. Unlike Sandwood Bay, it’s a popular spot – so in summer it’s best to arrive early in the morning and book parking at least a day in advance.

If you get hungry or bored after a swim, you can go on to Chichester, which has a cathedral, gallery and good pubs – as well as the Chichester Harbour National Landscape for hiking. The easiest way to get to the beach from London is by train to Chichester and then bus or cab to West Wittering; by car the whole journey usually takes about two hours.

Caves and goblins: Boggle Hole, Yorkshire.

The beach is not for those who… don’t like beaches. This secluded cove on the North York Moors coast is an archaeologist’s and storyteller’s dream. Ammonites, belemnites and other traces of the ancient sea can be found in the local Jurassic rocks. At low tide, a wide stone platform opens up here: soft rocks have been washed out faster over the centuries, while hard rocks remain, and so curved stone ridges, or scaurs, have appeared. Between them there are natural “aquariums” with small sea creatures, algae and shells. In general, swimming here is not the main thing, Boggle Hole is designed for walking. It is better to plan your visit according to the tide table and don’t forget to bring rubber boots.

Legend has it that boggles – North English spirits or goblins – once lived in the caves here. Mischievous, but not necessarily evil – it was thought they could even heal children. In the 18th century, smugglers used the secluded spots along the coast to hide goods in the caves.

Close by is Yorkshire’s most beautiful fishing village Robin Hood’s Bay. Inside the former mill is a pirate-themed hostel and cafe with coffee and sweets to relax in.

For surfers and dog walkers: Rhossili Beach, Wales

A beach that is part of the Gower National Landscape, the first area in the UK to be awarded status for Outstanding Landscape Beauty in 1956. It’s called the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s a stunning mix of coastal cliffs and light sand, grassy bluffs and dunes, salt marshes and cliffs.

Even in good weather there is no sense of crowds: the shore is so long that there is room for everyone. Rhossili is very popular with surfers due to the Atlantic swell. And there are no pet restrictions on the beach – dogs are allowed here all year round, unlike many other places in Britain.

At low tide you can reach the famous Cape Worm’s Head (Worm’s Head or sea serpent) If the way back is cut off by the tide, you should not even try to swim back – it is very dangerous. Another historical point is the remains of the Norwegian ship Helvetia, which was wrecked in 1887. In good weather, you can see sea birds, gray seals, and sometimes dolphins in the surf on the rocks.

Rhossili Beach is accessed by steps from the parking lot in Rhossili village and there are regular buses from Swansea. For swimming, it is best to choose calm weather and be aware that there may be strong back currents in some areas: this is a place for active and even extreme recreation.

Clear water and chalk cliffs: Botany Bay, Kent

Another affordable option for Londoners with a wide sandy bay and white chalk cliffs – they make the beach one of the most Instagrammable. It’s also the cleanest: Botany Bay is very sensitive about water quality. In 2026, it received the Blue Flag, an international award given to beaches with a high level of safety, environmental management, infrastructure and an “excellent” water rating. Along the coast you can walk to neighboring Kingsgate Bay and Joss Bay – the latter known as one of the best beaches in Kent for beginner surfers. In the other direction is Broadstairs with its Victorian feel, a favorite resort of Dickens. It has a gastropub named after him, a museum and the famous house where ‘David Copperfield’ was written.

The chalk cliffs, no matter how beautiful they look, should not be sat close to: they are prone to collapse, especially after rains and storms. Alas, there are restrictions for dog owners: from May 1 to September 30, dogs may not be allowed on the beach between 10:00 and 18:00.

The most convenient way to get there from London is by train to Broadstairs from St Pancras station. From there, Botany Bay can be reached by cab, bus or coastal walk if you want to start the day with a stroll.

A purely English resort: Sandbanks, Dorset.

Soft golden sand, gentle entrance to the water, café, playground, mini golf and volleyball nets – you can’t get much more comfortable than this. The beach is located on a narrow peninsula at the entrance to Poole Harbor, between the open sea, the bay and one of the most expensive residential areas in Britain. Sandbanks was also awarded Blue Flag status in 2026 and has been awarded it every year for 39 years running – which is saying something.

Today the area is often associated with luxury, but originally it was a vulnerable sandy area at the entrance to the harbor. In the late 19th century, a causeway was built here and then the land was put up for sale – at £125 per plot. Next to the beach is the Haven Hotel, built in 1880: this is where Guglielmo Marconi conducted his early experiments and established radio communication across the Channel between England and France in 1899.

In addition to swimming, you can try sapsurfing, kayaking or windsurfing, as well as walk to the prestigious Canford Cliffs or take a ferry ride to Brownsea Island, home to red squirrels. The easiest way to get to the beach is by car (about two and a half hours from London), you can take the train to Bournemouth or Poole and then take a bus or cab.

Pirate Bay: Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales

A beach that is often described as “almost Caribbean”. In fact, its main charm is not in its resemblance to the tropics, but in its savage nature. To drive up here, from the nearest parking lot at Stackpole Quay you have to walk about 800 meters and then walk down to the water.

The beach is part of the Stackpole Estate, a nature reserve with woodland, limestone cliffs and dunes. Nearby are Bosherston Lily Ponds – lily ponds, particularly beautiful in summer. Barafundle itself faces east and is relatively sheltered, so not only is it a good place to walk, but it is also pleasant to swim in calm weather. The quality of the water is tested under the Welsh bathing waters system, and last year the beach was awarded an excellent classification.

After a swim, you can head further along the Pembrokeshire Coast to see the cliffs and seabirds. There is almost no infrastructure on the beach itself, so food, water, towel and sunscreen are best carried with you. The beach is also unfortunately not suitable for baby carriages and wheelchairs, with an uneven path and steps leading up to it.

The most convenient way to get here is by car to Stackpole Quay. Buses and large vehicles are not allowed here. The nearest train station is Pembroke, about 10 km away; further on you will need a cab or Coastal Cruiser bus.