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Growing up near Sheffield, I was far more familiar with rolling hills, green fields, and busy city streets than with beaches; they just weren’t part of my everyday life — in fact, I’d only visited a handful in the UK before moving down to the South Coast in 2002. Back then, I honestly didn’t think of the UK as a place for “proper” beaches at all.
Of course, I couldn’t have been more wrong. Over the years, I’ve discovered that the UK is blessed with a coastline that’s every bit as beautiful, dramatic, and family-friendly as anywhere in the world. Sure, we can’t always guarantee tropical sunshine, but what we do have are miles of golden sands, crystal-clear coves, and seaside spots perfect for everything from rock-pooling with the kids to building sandcastles or simply enjoying fish and chips with a view. So here are my picks for our favourite beaches in the UK.
Sandbanks
I really love Sandbanks. It really is one of those beaches that makes you feel like you’re on holiday without leaving the South Coast, with its golden sands and clear waters. It’s our go to beach on a hot day. If you get there early enough, you can park at the small car park off Shore Road and enjoy a quieter end of the beach. There’s a couple of cafes, toilets and an ice cream shop as well as having Tescos nearby if you want to grab a budget lunch. Sandbanks has the reputation for being upmarket but there’s still plenty of classic seaside charm, away from the fancy houses, and it really is one of the best beaches on the south coast, in my view.
Weymouth
Weymouth holds a special place in our hearts — it’s where Steve grew up and where we still have family, so it always feels a little like coming home. Weymouth Beach perfectly captures the classic British seaside vibe. Its wide, gently sloping sands are ideal for families, whether you’re building sandcastles, paddling safely in the shallow waters, or venturing a bit further out on a paddleboard. Backed by a historic Georgian seafront, the beach is picture-perfect. And because it’s a traditional seaside town, you’ve got all the classics: old-school ice cream, fish and chips (the kind that makes you feel slightly guilty but totally justified), Punch and Judy shows, deckchairs for hire, fresh seafood to buy directly from the incoming boats and the inevitable seaside arcade games that may or may not bankrupt you before lunchtime. A little further up the beach is the pebbly and wavy Overcombe beach which is perfect if you’re after a little more dramatic (and much quieter) beach trip. The views across the Jurassic Coast are stunning with the white cliffs and undulating hills. There’s also Bowleaze cove
Southsea
I’ve got a real soft spot for Southsea. It has that traditional seaside feel where you can mix a bit of time on the beach with plenty happening just behind it. The beach itself is mostly shingle — which I secretly prefer because, let’s be honest, sand gets everywhere. The real buzz is along the seafront: arcades, cafés, and the South Parade Pier where you can grab fish and chips, a slice of pizza for £2, or an ice cream. There’s even a little kiosk serving cockles, mussels, and jellied eels by the pot if you fancy something properly old-school. Since 2022, there’s been a lot of redevelopment here, with a new stretch of promenade gradually opening up that will soon let you walk all the way along the seafront to Clarence Pier and the Hovercraft station — where you can whizz across to Ryde on the Isle of Wight in just 10 minutes. Clarence Pier itself is packed with fairground rides, arcades, and everything you’d expect from a classic British seaside town. And if the retro seaside vibe isn’t your thing, you can now even book a seaside sauna — a new trend popping up along the coast that I’m surprisingly keen on.
Durdle Door
Durdle Door is less “bucket and spade” and more “wow, look at that view!” Famous for its dramatic limestone arch, this beach is all about the scenery. The walk down can be a bit of a workout (and getting back up even more so), but once you’re there, it’s worth every step. Facilities are limited, so it’s best to come prepared with snacks, drinks, and maybe even a picnic. Just don’t forget the camera.
Witterings
West Wittering is one of those beaches where you find a different side to the British seaside but feels every bit as quintessentially British as the classic seaside towns. The huge expanses of beach, shallow tidal pools for kids to splash in, sand dunes for exploring, as well as plenty of space to fly a kite or kick a ball around. It’s a firm family favourite thanks to its Blue Flag status and big skies, and while it can get busy on sunny weekends, there’s always enough sand to go around. There’s a large carpark behind the beach so parking has never been a problem for us and we always take a picnic as there aren’t loads of options to buy food, but that always keeps costs down anyway!
Lyme Regis
Lyme Regis strikes a lovely balance between sandy beaches and a charming seaside town atmosphere, and it feels quite different to places like Southsea or Weymouth. The beach is perfect for kids to paddle, build sandcastles, or try their hand at crabbing off the harbour wall, while grown-ups can stroll the promenade or poke around the little independent shops. When it’s time for a snack, there’s no shortage of options — from classic fish and chips or a cone of ice cream to a brilliant bagel hut that even hands out umbrellas with your order (purely to defend yourself from the ever-hopeful seagulls). In summer it’s lively but never overwhelming, more of a cheerful buzz than a crush of people. You can hire a beach hut and settle in for the day, head out on a paddleboard with an eye out for dolphins, or simply stock up on some traditional fudge for the trip home. Lyme Regis really has that timeless British seaside feel.
Mudeford
I love the vibe at Mudeford Beach. It is one of those places that feels effortlessly calm, even on a sunny weekend, where it always feels possible to find a good beach spot. I love the wide, sandy stretch and the line of pastel beach huts that give it a quietly charming vibe. The harbour adds a little energy without ever feeling crowded — I often watch paddleboarders drift past, or families crabbing from the quay while small boats head out to the channel. One of my favourite things is hopping on the short ferry to Mudeford Sandbank, where there are great views of Hengistbury Head and the Isle of Wight. Between easy walks along the shore and grabbing fresh seafood from the local huts, it’s a beach that feels both relaxing and authentic — the kind of spot I love returning to.
Brighton
When I lived in Sheffield, the closest I got to Brighton Beach was an Indie Club night by the same name! Brighton Beach is one of the UK’s most iconic seaside destinations, with its promenade, distinctive pebble shore, and the famous Brighton Palace Pier stretching proudly into the sea. The beach is fabulous year-round, although summer brings the quintessential British seaside vibe, and busy beaches! The pier itself is a Brighton landmark, offering everything from nostalgic arcade games to the irresistible scent of freshly fried doughnuts drifting from the pier’s food stalls. Whether you’re dipping your toes in the English Channel, or watching the sunset glimmer over the pier’s silhouette, Brighton Beach perfectly captures the carefree, colourful spirit of this beloved coastal city.
Highcliffe beach
Highcliffe Beach might not make it onto many “best beaches in Britain” lists, but honestly, we love it — and for good reason. First off, it’s never heaving with people. Even in summer, it has this slightly wild, open feel that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled on a bit of hidden coastline. Then there are the waves — yes, waves in Dorset! It can get a bit choppy, which just adds to that untamed vibe, and you’ll even spot a few brave surfers out there. Another big win: parking. There’s a big car park right at the top of the cliff, with an easy walk down to the beach, plus a little truck serving pizza and ice cream. And if you’ve been exploring the New Forest (as mentioned in my post on Autumn walks near Southampton), Highcliffe is just a short drive away — the perfect spot to round off the day.
final thoughts
The UK might not always win points for its weather, but when it comes to beaches, we’ve got some real gems. From lively city shores to the wild, windswept stretches of the Witterings, even this small selection of south coast beaches shows just how varied and beautiful our coastline can be. And the best part? You don’t need perfect summer weather to enjoy them — these beaches are just as stunning in the quiet of winter as they are under the summer sun.
Kitchen Family Travels 