England’s beaches are not just rocky shores in the rain and wind; the United Kingdom has thousands of miles of coastline with diverse landscapes, so you can find white sandy beaches with sparkling blue water right in England.
Prepare for surprises with tropical beach scenery at England’s most unique beaches.
Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall
Is this an island in Greece or a small bay in Cornwall?
Nestled between two rocky headlands, this small sandy bay is bathed in stunning emerald green waters, making you feel like you’re on a beautiful island in Greece. At low tide, you can paddle through shallow pools or walk along the sand to explore other beaches around the bay. Right on the beach is the impressive Minack Theatre, carved into the granite cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Rest at Trereife House in Penzance, just a 20-minute drive from Porthcurno Beach, a historic estate that has existed since the reign of Queen Elizabeth I
Achmelvich Beach, Scotland
Explore the blue sea, pure white sand and adorable little dolphins of the Scottish Highlands.
Located in a remote and fascinating area in the Highlands, a wide crescent-shaped strip of sand suggests a beautiful tropical beach in the Philippines. And the beach is still beautiful even when the sky turns gray, with cute dolphins splashing in the waves. Just a 15-minute drive to the beach, Mountview Pod is a cozy wooden cabin overlooking Loch Inver, with a balcony and BBQ grill.
Luskentyre Beach, Outer Hebrides
Luskentyre, a far-out beach in the Outer Hebrides, is like a Caribbean beach in a temperate zone.
At the end of a winding rocky road along the wild coastline of Harris Island, Luskentyre is often said to be a Caribbean beach in a temperate zone. Come here at low tide, when the smooth white sand glistens in the sun and is gently washed by the waves, while behind it are small sand dunes and soft grass swaying in the wind. When you visit here, you will rarely encounter anyone, except for two familiar “residents” of the beach – two white wild horses. Stay overnight on the beach at Harris White Cottage.
Rhossili Beach, Wales
With a long stretch of sand 3 miles long and many surfers, Rhossili Beach can easily be mistaken for a beach in Australia.
Often recognized as the most beautiful beach in Europe and one of the best beaches in the world, Rhossili is located on the Gower Peninsula. With a 3-mile long golden sandy beach, perfect waves for surfing, and green meadows, anyone can mistake it for a paradise beach in Australia. A favorite place of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, this romantic bay has deep blue water on a backdrop of “midnight blue” sky at sunset. More impressively, at low tide, you can also see the wreck of the Helvetia ship sunk in 1887. Stop at the cute red Western House when you arrive, just a short drive from Rhossili Bay.
Man O’War Beach, Dorset
The deep blue sea brings an impressive beauty to this Dorset beach.
Man O’War Beach has a Mediterranean feel with hills and boulders named after the Man O’War jellyfish – not because there are many jellyfish here – but because of the unique jellyfish shape of the beach. Approaching the water’s edge, you will often see some divers around the rocks in the pounding waves. Wander around to admire the entire serene landscape and the horseshoe-shaped bay. Stop at the Lulworth Lodge Hotel, a 6-minute drive or 1-hour walk from the beach, to hear the sound of the waves from your suite!
Brancaster Beach, Norfolk
Stroll along the Brancaster Beach for miles of shimmering golden sand.
This beach stretches for miles along the Norfolk coast and even further out when the tide is out, with golden sand that spreads far beyond the eye can see, reminiscent of New Zealand. It is also a nature reserve, famous for the diverse wildlife, such as migrating birds that can be seen in the sky amongst the clouds. This is a great place to leisurely walk, explore the creeks, rock pools, and marshes before stopping to admire sunset from the lush green meadow. Stay in a rustic wooden suite with vintage decor and a maritime theme at The Ship Hotel, just a 20-minute walk from the beach.
Whiterocks Beach, Portrush, Northern Ireland
Explore the stunning caves and rock formations on this beautiful Northern Ireland beach.
Located on the Causeway Coastal Route of Northern Ireland, this beautiful beach is supported by white limestone cliffs that stretch from Curran Strand to Dunluce Castle. The terrain here is reminiscent of the Canary Islands, with steep cliffs facing the sea. The sea waves hitting the cliffs create a system of ancient caves and rock formations, waiting for visitors to discover. This is also a very popular spot for surfing, windsurfing, and kayaking – equipment for these sports can be rented right at the beach. Check-in at Antrim House B&B, just a 2-minute walk from the beach, with classic sea-facing suites.