Top ten beaches

 The beach can be where some of our most precious memories are made. There are endless rock pools to explore, shells to be collected and sandcastles to be created and conquered.

With over 700 miles of coastline around England, Wales and Northern Ireland, we care for some of our most spectacular places, including many of the most breathtaking beaches.

From secluded coves to open, sandy bays, here are some of the best of our beaches to relive special moments and create hundreds of new ones.

  • Evening light on dune grasses, Studland beach © Nick Meers

    Studland Beach, Dorset

    Studland’s scenic four mile stretch of golden sand marks the start of the South West coastal path there are plenty of opportunities to go walking, whether you prefer a short sandy stroll or fancy making a day of it. In the summer the beach comes alive, with many taking to the seas in the boats available to hire. This bbq-friendly beach is perfect for picnics, and the heathland nearby is brimming with wildlif...

  • The beach at Kynance Cove in Cornwall offers beautiful views © John Millar

    Kynance Cove, Cornwall

    This secluded cove is a situated on the Lizard peninsula. The area around the beach is renowned for its distinctive geology and rare wildlife, where the call of the rare Cornish Chough can often be heard. At low tide you can descend the steps down to the sand and picnic on the shore surrounded by the multicoloured rocks which rise up to the cliffs above.

  • Only for the brave! © ©NTPL/Joe Cornish

    Formby, Liverpool

    The sweeping sands of Formby beach entice people from miles around to come and enjoy a bracing day out. With plenty of space for everyone, families can run and play to their hearts content. Spectacular sky scapes can be glimpsed at sunset and if you stand atop a sand dune the beach stretches as far as the eye can see. A closer look reveals thickets of pine woodland, home to local celebrities, the red squirrels.

  • The two-mile strand of glistening golden sand has a fine reputation © Chris Hill

    Portstewart Strand, Co. Londonderry

    Showcasing a glorious two-mile stretch of golden sand known locally as ‘The Strand’, Portstewart is a much loved regional treasure. There is lots of open space to take family picnics while you spend a day making sandcastles in the sunshine to your hearts content. The grass-topped sand dunes also offer curious minds a wealth of opportunities for spotting wildlife.

  • The two-mile strand of glistening golden sand has a fine reputation © John Millar

    Rhossili Bay, South Wales

    With some of the most splendid views on the Welsh coast, you won’t want to miss this magnificent three mile long beach. If you stand atop Rhossili Down, you can see not only the peninsula, but the coast of West Wales and the North Devon coast visible on the horizon. At low tide, the beach has secrets of its own to reveal as the remains of the Helvetia, shipwrecked in 1887, can still be seen lying in the sand...

  • The hike up Potters Hill gives you a fantastic view of Woolacombe Beach © Fay Langston

    Woolacombe beach, Devon

    This beautiful three mile stretch of coastline has plenty of things to see and do for all. Rolling hills provide a wonderful backdrop to a beach where many come to swim and surf on sunny days. In the summer holidays you’ll find National Trust beach rangers on hand to show little ones how to go on rock pool safaris and build the best sand castles for miles around.

  • visitors enjoying midsummer sunshine and calm seas at barafundle bay © Mike May

    Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire

    Set amongst grand limestone cliffs, this secluded beach is the perfect place to get away from it all. To reach this hidden gem, follow a cliff path walk along Stackpole Quay, where you can see the green-topped sand dunes and lush woodland scattered throughout the area. The blue waters are popular with families for swimming, and kayaking expeditions often launch from the beach to explore the manysmall coves and cre...

  • visitors enjoying midsummer sunshine and calm seas at barafundle bay © Sue Brackenbury

    Porthcurno beach, Cornwall

    The flawless sands of Porthcurno beach are a holidaymaker’s haven. The aquamarine waters and soft white sands make this beach a perfect place to relax. From the cliffs above, you might catch a glimpse of the dolphins and the fantastic birdlife from the nearby Mayon Lookout. On sunny days, this sun-kissed beach is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy authentic Cornish ice cream. The shores are perfect for pa...

  • Compton Bay © National Trust/Sue Oldham

    Compton Bay, Isle of Wight

    This spectacular spot along the Isle of Wight coastline showcases the some of the best beach side scenery around, surrounded by distinctive chalky white and golden cliffs. To take in the views, walk along the Tennyson Trail which meanders around the bay, while the surrounding Compton Downs are a honey pot of diverse flora and fauna and one of the best places to see butterflies for miles around.

  • Marloes Peninsula from the SE, Trehill and West Hook Farms © Sid Howells

    Marloes Sands, Pembrokeshire

    Winding its way along the Marloes peninsula, the beach is renowned for its natural beauty. The geological scenery unfolds in jagged layers of sandstone rock and is overlooked by an Iron Age fort. The beach is off the beaten track, but once you immerse yourself in its spectacular scenery you’ll find that it is well worth the walk. The sheltered waters off the beach are ideal for swimming and surfing.