The Best UK Beach Holidays

At Lovat Parks, we believe the UK coastline offers some of the most beautiful and diverse beach destinations, many of which remain hidden gems. Often overshadowed by foreign holidays, the UK’s beaches are incredibly diverse, catering to everyone from families and walkers to couples, dog owners, nature lovers, and surfers. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing retreat, an adventurous break, or a family-friendly holiday, there’s a perfect beach destination right here in the UK.

Even during the colder months, the UK coastline still offers plenty to explore, from scenic coastal walks and thrilling wildlife spotting to peaceful retreats. With many of our locations just a short drive from your home, why not consider the best UK beach holidays for your next holiday by nature? In this guide, we’ll help you discover the ideal beach holiday and its proximity to our holiday parks, whether you’re after adventure, relaxation, or some family fun.

What makes a good beach holiday?

A great beach holiday is all about finding the perfect balance of natural beauty, activities, and relaxation. Whether you’re after long stretches of sand, dramatic cliffs, or secluded coves, the UK has something to suit every taste. 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 await outdoor enthusiasts. 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. Our Big 5 can help you spot the 
• Accommodation options: We’ve got you covered with holiday lodges, caravans, and glamping, all set in unrivalled coastal locations across our holiday parks.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, nature lover, or simply looking for some family time by the sea, you’ll find the ideal beach location in the UK with us. 

Best Beach Holiday for Families

With a range of coastal locations in Cornwall and Norfolk, our holiday parks offer a variety of accommodation and nature-based activities by the sea, making them ideal for families with young children, teenagers, or even multigenerational families.

Things to Do

You won’t find entertainment centres at our parks, but you will find plenty of sea-inspired activities, including free bodyboard hire and adventure sets, designed to help you and your family prioritise exploring our beautiful coastlines. After long days out exploring, rinse o

Nearest Beach

Many of our parks are located just a short drive from some of the best family-friendly beaches in the UK. In Cornwall, you’re never far from one, as you’d expect. You’ve got Seven Bays within a drive from Padstow and Hayle Towans in particular offers plenty of space for children to play and explore. At Waxham Sands, our park in Norfolk, you’ll find Waxham and Horsey Gap just a short stroll across the sand dunes behind the park. The next closest is Sea Palling, perfect for hot doughnuts and amusements. For a glimpse of one of the region’s most famous seaside towns, head to Winterton, near Great Yarmouth, where you can enjoy a lovely beach walk before exploring the sights around town.

Family Accommodation

Our parks in Cornwall and Norfolk both offer spacious holiday homes, perfect for families. Cornwall has a bit more in terms of choice as we offer lodges and safari tent glamping at Parbola and shepherd’s huts at Sun Haven. If you would prefer to bring your own tourer or tent, head to Waxham Sands in Norfolk to pitch up beside the sand dunes. 

Best Beach Holiday for Walkers: 

For those who enjoy long coastal walks, our coastal holiday parks offer the perfect base for exploring the UK’s most beautiful coastlines by foot. Many of our parks are situated in areas of outstanding natural beauty, with miles of scenic walking paths that cater to all levels of ability.

Things to Do

In addition to coastal walks, our locations offer a variety of outdoor activities, including cycling, bird watching, and exploring local nature reserves. Cornwall boasts the iconic Camel Trail, which stretches over 18 miles of stunning coastal scenery. In Norfolk, swap the beach for bird watching at the Broads. While not directly on the coast, Green Hill Farm in the New Forest is worth an honourable mention, as it’s just a short drive from Milford on Sea and Mudeford Quay, both offering fantastic walking opportunities with breathtaking views.

Coastal Walks

We’re located near some of the best walking trails the UK has to offer. For inspiration, take a look at our guide to the South West path in Cornwall, Padstow’s circular trails and Norfolk’s best coastal paths for where to head first.

Best Pet-Friendly Beach

When it comes to proximity to a dog-friendly beach, Waxham Sands in Norfolk is unbeatable. Just a short stroll through the sand dunes from the back of our park leads you to the peaceful Waxham Beach, near Horsey Gap. Here, up to two furry friends are welcome on leads, allowing them to enjoy the beach while respecting our playful grey seal neighbours. After a leisurely walk through the dunes, return to our holiday park, where our comfortable holiday homes provide the perfect retreat after a day of seaside adventures. But our parks and their proximity to dog friendly beaches doesn’t stop there. Mawgan Porth Beach in Cornwall is dog-friendly year-round and located along the South West Coast Path, perfect for dog walks. From our Sun Haven park, enjoy a 15 minute stroll through the River Menalhyl woodlands to reach the beach.

Pet-Friendly Accommodation

We have pet friendly accommodation available in Norfolk and Cornwall, so your four-legged companions are more than welcome to join you on your coastal adventure. Both our Cornwall and Norfolk parks provide spacious holiday homes, ideal for those travelling with dogs. Cornwall offers a wider range of options, including lodges and safari tent glamping at Parbola. If you prefer to bring your own tourer or tent, Waxham Sands in Norfolk is the perfect place to pitch up next to the sand dunes and explore with your dog.

Best Beach Holiday for Couples

With stunning coastal locations, our parks are ideal for couples seeking a peaceful and intimate getaway. From serene beaches to romantic walks at sunset, we offer the perfect backdrop for relaxation and romance.

Things to Do

Whether you’re strolling along Porthcothan Bay at sunset, taking a Rick Stein cooking class in Padstow, or exploring the charming harbour of Polperro near Penmarlam Lodge Retreat, there’s plenty for couples to enjoy in Cornwall. In Norfolk, you can explore the famous Broads for romantic walks, followed by a cosy, candlelit dinner at the Greyhound pub in a charming village.

Places to Eat and Drink

From seaside pubs with pub pit stops in Norfolk to no end of Rick Stein restaurants in Padstow, there are plenty of options for just the two of you. During our peak season, indulge at Craftworks, our on-park eatery set in a safari tent, complete with twinkling lights that create the perfect romantic atmosphere.

Romantic Accommodation

We offer several luxurious lodges in Cornwall, ideal for couples looking for a peaceful retreat with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy time together. Many locations also have lodges with hot tubs, so you can enjoy a relaxing soak while stargazing together. Staying in Cornwall, we also have shepherd’s huts available at Sun Haven near Mawgan Porth, providing a modern twist on a classic favourite.

Best Beach Holiday for Wildlife Spotting

For nature enthusiasts, Lovat Parks offers some of the best UK beach locations for wildlife spotting. Whether you’re interested in seal watching, bird spotting, or simply exploring coastal nature reserves, there are plenty of opportunities to get up close to the wildlife along the UK coastline.

Things to See

The UK coastline is home to a wide range of wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and rare bird species. If you’re visiting Norfolk, make sure to visit Horsey, a short walk from Waxham Sands, and spot the seals or enjoy bird watching in local reserves. In Cornwall, you’ll find the Seal Life Sanctuary and Birds of Prey centres, perfect for a rainy day. However, we’ve also been lucky enough to spot seals at St Ives beach. Godrevy Nature Reserve boasts spectacular cliffs and a long, sandy beach, ideal for surfers. Explore the surrounding headland, hidden coves, and scenic trails, with a welcoming café to enjoy after your adventure near our Parbola holiday park.

Scenic Accommodation

Our parks in Cornwall and Norfolk provide spacious holiday homes, making them perfect for families eager to explore nature. In Cornwall, you’ll find a variety of options, including lodges, safari tent glamping at Parbola, and shepherd’s huts at Sun Haven. For those who prefer to bring their own tourer or tent, Waxham Sands in Norfolk offers a beautiful spot to pitch up beside the sand dunes, providing easy access to the stunning natural surroundings.

Best Beach Holiday for Surfing

For surfers, Lovat Parks offers easy access to some of the best beaches in the UK for catching the perfect wave. In particular, our Cornish holiday parks are located near renowned surf spots that cater to all levels of surfers, from beginners to seasoned pros.

Where to Surf

In Cornwall, beaches like Watergate Bay and Treyarnon Bay are ideal for surfing. These spots offer great conditions and less crowded waves, making them perfect for those looking to enjoy a day on the water. Then of course, there’s Fistral Beach, the home of British surfing. But if you’re a beginner, you’ll find no end of choice of surf schools dotted around the famous Seven Bays near Padstow.

Local Accommodation

Our Cornish holiday parks are ideally located for easy access to these top surf beaches. A special shout out to Sun Haven for its access to Fistral Beach’s west facing Atlantic Swells. Padstow also

Best Beach Holiday for Relaxation

When we think of relaxation, we often think of peace and quiet—a moment to breathe deeply and let go of life’s daily stresses. At Lovat Parks, we invite you to immerse yourself in the soothing embrace of nature, where the sound of waves becomes a melody for the soul. Our peaceful, coastal holiday park retreats are crafted for those seeking the ultimate unwinding experience, whether it’s by basking on tranquil beaches or sinking into the comfort of cosy accommodation in either Norfolk or Cornwall.

Things to Do

With quieter beaches like Poldhu Cove and Constantine Bay in Cornwall, or the peaceful Sea Palling in Norfolk, you’ll find the perfect spot to recharge. After a day spent by the sea, return to a space where you can unwind further, curl up with a book, or simply let the echoes of the waves linger in your mind as you drift off to sleep.

Book Your Next Beach Holiday with Lovat Parks

from serene and secluded coves to wide-open sands perfect for family fun. Whether you’re dreaming of exploring Cornwall’s rugged coastline or Norfolk’s gentle seaside charm, we’re here to help you find your perfect slice of paradise.

Top Beach Recommendations

Norfolk

• Sea Palling – Quiet and peaceful with soft, golden sands, perfect for long, relaxing walks.
• Waxham – A hidden gem a hop across the sand dunes, ideal for spotting seals and enjoying the beauty of unspoiled nature.
• Horsey – Renowned for its stunning dunes and a haven for wildlife lovers.
• Winterton-on-Sea – A tranquil retreat with rolling sand dunes and a charming village feel.
• Great Yarmouth – A mix of lively entertainment and classic seaside fun for all ages.

Cornwall

• Hayle Towans – Endless stretches of golden sands backed by scenic dunes.
• Praa Sands – A family favorite with gently sloping shores and clear waters.
• Readymoney Cove – A small, sheltered beach with picture-perfect views.
• Poldhu Cove – Quiet and calm, ideal for a peaceful day by the sea.
• Maenporth Beach – Great for kayaking or simply soaking in the coastal views.
• Watergate Bay – Famous for its dramatic cliffs and excellent surfing conditions.
• Trevone Bay – A sandy haven with rock pools to explore.
• Harlyn Bay – Family-friendly with plenty of space to relax or play.
• Mother Ivy’s Bay – A hidden treasure of soft sands and crystal-clear waters.
• Constantine Bay – Known for its breathtaking scenery and world-class surfing.
• Treyarnon Bay – Perfect for swimming or simply unwinding as the tide rolls in.
• Porthcothan Bay – A peaceful escape surrounded by scenic headlands.

Why Choose Lovat Parks?

While our parks may not be directly on the coast, they’re perfectly positioned just a short drive from these incredible beaches. That means you can enjoy the best of both worlds—spend your days by the sea and return to the comfort of our well-appointed holiday parks in the evening. With a variety of accommodation options to suit couples or families, we provide a relaxing base for your adventures. So why not make this the year you explore the beautiful beaches that are right on your doorstep? From sunrise strolls to sunset picnics in the dunes, the coast is calling—and your perfect escape awaits. Book your beach getaway with Lovat Parks today and start making memories by the sea.

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