The Best UK Beach Holidays 6m Lovat Jonathan 06/01/25 Whether you’re planning a relaxed beach break, a family holiday by the sea or a romantic coastal escape, there’s a perfect beach destination right here in the UK. Even during the colder months, the UK coastline thrills – with everything from wide, golden sands and gentle dunes to dramatic cliffs and hidden coves. From Cornwall’s welcoming charm to Norfolk’s unspoilt shores, these are some of the best UK beach holidays to inspire your next coastal escape. Where are the best seaside holidays in the UK? The UK has many excellent beaches, each with its own character: Cornwall – iconic surf spots, hidden coves and golden sands. Expect walking routes for days Norfolk – vast dunes, peaceful beaches and rich wildlife Devon & Dorset – popular for classic seaside towns and Jurassic Coast walks Wales – dramatic scenery and quieter, less commercial beaches Scotland – wild, white-sand beaches and breathtaking views While each has its appeal, Cornwall and Norfolk stand out for their diversity, accessibility and year-round coastal experiences – which is why you’ll find Lovat Parks located close to some of their very best beaches. What makes a good beach holiday? A great beach holiday is all about balancing your time in the natural beauty with activities and relaxation. Here are some key ingredients that make up the best UK beach holidays: Scenic beauty: Unspoilt shores, sweeping dunes and stunning cliff views. Family-friendly amenities: Shallow waters, cafes, kids’ play areas and fun activities like surf schools. Walkability: Coastal paths, nature reserves and hiking trails. Consider accessibility too – for example, is the sandy stretch flat or set among the dunes? Will you need a car to get there? Wildlife opportunities: From seals to dolphins, the UK coastline is rich in wildlife. Best UK beach holidays for families (Cornwall & Norfolk: our picks) With coastal locations in Cornwall and Norfolk, Lovat Parks offers family-friendly beach holidays that prioritise time together. The best family beaches in Cornwall and Norfolk Cornwall: Hayle Towans offers wide, open sands with plenty of room to play, while the famous Seven Bays near Padstow provide a different beach experience every day. Norfolk: A walk over the dunes to Waxham and Horsey Gap is well worth it. Sea Palling is perfect for traditional seaside treats, and Winterton-on-Sea combines beach walks with village charm. Across Cornwall and Norfolk, you’ll find spacious holiday homes ideal for families. Cornwall offers the widest choice, including lodges, safari tent glamping at Cornish Meadows and shepherd’s huts at Sun Haven. For touring caravans and tents, Waxham Sands in Norfolk sits right beside the dunes. The best UK beach holidays for walkers Coastal walks are one of the great joys of a UK beach holiday, and both Cornwall and Norfolk offer outstanding routes. Coastal walking in Cornwall Explore the iconic South West Coast Path, Padstow’s circular trails and dramatic headlands with sea views at every turn. Walking holidays in Norfolk Enjoy gentle coastal paths, dune-backed beaches and birdwatching in the Broads. Waxham and Horsey are particularly rewarding for peaceful, scenic walks. Here are 5 of the best short and circular routes in the Norfolk Broads. Taking the dog? For dog owners, Norfolk and Cornwall offer some of the most welcoming beaches in the country. Waxham Beach, Norfolk: a peaceful, dog-friendly beach that allows up to two dogs on leads and is famous for its grey seals. Mawgan Porth, Cornwall: dog-friendly year-round and easily reached on foot through River Menalhyl woodland. Pet-friendly accommodation is available across both counties, with plenty of space for you and your four-legged companion to relax after a day by the sea. Just the two of you? If you’re seeking a slower pace and a touch of romance, Cornwall and Norfolk are ideal UK beach destinations. Romantic things to do by the sea Sunset walks at Porthcothan Bay (Cornwall) Exploring Padstow’s harbour and food scene (Cornwall) Peaceful strolls through the Norfolk Broads followed by a cosy pub dinner (Norfolk) Make it a break to remember. Choose from luxury lodges, shepherd’s huts or properties with private hot tubs, perfect for unwinding together beneath the stars. And especially great if you prefer hot bubbles to salty seawater. The best UK beaches for wildlife lovers The UK coastline is rich in wildlife, and staying at a holiday park places you close to some of the best viewing spots. Norfolk: Horsey is renowned for seal watching, while nearby reserves offer exceptional birdlife. Cornwall: Godrevy Nature Reserve, St Ives Bay and surrounding headlands are ideal for spotting seals, seabirds and marine life. The best UK beaches for surfing Cornwall is the clear winner for surfing beaches. Check out Watergate Bay, Treyarnon Bay and the legendary Fistral Beach. These cater to all levels, with surf schools dotted across the Seven Bays near Padstow. Read more about Cornwall’s best surf spots. The most relaxing beaches in the UK For pure relaxation, quieter beaches make all the difference. Cornwall: Poldhu Cove and Constantine Bay offer calm, scenic settings Norfolk: Sea Palling delivers peace, space and big skies After a day by the sea, return to the comfort of your accommodation and let the rhythm of the coast do the rest. Browse getaways FAQs: Best UK beach holidays What is the best place for a beach holiday in the UK? Cornwall and Norfolk are two of the best UK destinations, offering sandy beaches, beautiful scenery and activities for all ages. When is the best time to visit UK beaches? Late spring and early autumn offer warm weather with fewer crowds, but UK beaches are enjoyable year-round. Are UK beach holidays worth it outside summer? Absolutely. Winter and shoulder-season beach holidays are ideal for walking, wildlife spotting and peaceful escapes. Where is the warmest beach in the UK? Cornwall is widely considered to have the warmest beaches in the UK due to its southerly location and mild Atlantic climate. Where is the nicest beach in the UK? Many people consider Cornwall to be home to some of the UK’s most beautiful beaches. Places such as Constantine Bay, Porthcothan Bay and Watergate Bay are regularly praised for their soft sands and clear waters. What is the nicest coastal town in the UK? The nicest coastal town in the UK often comes down to personal taste, but Padstow in Cornwall is frequently named as a favourite. It’s known for its picturesque harbour, excellent food scene and access to beautiful beaches. Which are the top 10 seaside towns in the UK? While lists can vary, the following seaside towns are regularly ranked among the UK’s favourites thanks to their beaches, scenery and character: Padstow, Cornwall St Ives, Cornwall Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk Whitstable, Kent Tenby, Pembrokeshire Salcombe, Devon Falmouth, Cornwall Bamburgh, Northumberland Lyme Regis, Dorset Aldeburgh, Suffolk You might also like… Where to wild swim in Cornwall? Norfolk’s best wild swimming spots Considering the UK for your next beach break? 20 reasons to go on holiday in the UK Link copied
