While summer may feel like a distant memory, it’s undeniable that the UK is home to some beautiful beaches – even when the temperature plummets.
Sea air is known to have plenty of health benefits and visiting British seasides off-season is a great way to explore what’s on your doorstep without the crowds that summer brings.
New research by Millets has found the best UK beaches to visit outside of summer. Surprisingly, many of them are in the north.
So, pack your crabbing bucket and wellies as we reveal the best seaside spots to visit this autumn.
Sandsend Beach, North Yorkshire
The top spot went to Sandsend Beach, a sand and shingle beach located between Whitby and Staithes in God’s Own County.
The beach is a long stretch of golden sand backed by cliffs and dunes, perfect for dog walking and beachcombing.
The top spot went to Sandsend Beach, a sand and shingle beach located between Whitby and Staithes in North Yorkshire
From the beach, you can see distant views of Whitby Abbey, which is especially beautiful at sunset.
You can walk along the three-mile stretch of sand to the iconic seventh-century Whitby Abbey, which was the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula – making it an excellent place to visit at Halloween.
Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland
Bamburgh Beach in Northumberland is located beneath the 3000-year-old Bamburgh Castle
Slightly further up north is Bamburgh Beach in Northumberland, located beneath the 3000-year-old Bamburgh Castle.
The beach offers stunning views of the Farne Islands and the North Sea, making it perfect for an autumn walk.
It is a popular spot for families, dog walkers and surfers, with dunes offering opportunities for exploring rare flora and fauna.
If you are brave enough for a dip, the bathing water is classified as excellent – – the highest and cleanest rating designated by the Environment Agency.
West Sands Beach, St Andrews
Taking third spot, West Sands Beach in St Andrews is a sandy bay renowned for its appearance in the opening scene of the film Chariots of Fire.
A popular spot for walking, running and swimming, the beach extends for almost two miles of uninterrupted sand, backed with dunes and the world-famous golf courses.
Just 15 minutes from the town centre, West Sands beach in St Andrews is a sandy beach renowned for its appearance in the opening scene of the film Chariots of Fire
Just 15 minutes from the town centre, there are plenty of wet weather alternatives such as the British Golf Museum and the nearby castle and cathedral.
Holkham Beach, Norfolk
Renowned for its vast sandy beach, pinewoods and dunes, Holkham Beach on the Norfolk coast is the perfect spot for dog walkers and hikers.
Its prime location within the Holkham National Nature Reserve makes it ideal for long walks, bird watching and enjoying the stunning scenery.
Renowned for its vast sandy beach, pinewoods and dunes, Holkham Beach on the Norfolk coast is the perfect spot for dog walkers and hikers
The site also features the award-winning The Lookout café and visitor centre, and is known for its unique status as a location where the Household Cavalry conduct annual training.
Blackpool Sands, Devon
Located almost 320 miles away from the Pleasure Beach, Blackpool Sands in Devon may share a name with the Lancashire seaside known for its Illuminations, but the comparisons don’t extend much further.
Named England’s best beach by Condé Nast Traveller in 2024, Blackpool Sands on Devon’s south coast is known for its clear, turquoise waters and family-friendly atmosphere.
Blackpool Sands in Devon was named England’s best beach by Condé Nast Traveller in 2024,
The privately owned beach is set in a sheltered bay in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Perfect for the colder months, there is a beach sauna that blends the therapeutic power of heat with the soothing sound of the waves.
South Bay Beach, North Yorkshire
Scarbados! Scarborough’s South Bay has all the hallmarks of a classic Victorian British seaside
Claimed to be Britain’s ‘first’ seaside resort, Scarbourough in North Yorkshire is split into two distinct beaches.
Unlike the quieter North Bay, South Bay has all the hallmarks of a classic Victorian British seaside.
There are amusement arcades, views of the town’s harbour, the 11th-century castle, and the Royal Albert Spa.
For history buffs, Anne Brontë spent her final days in Scarborough and was buried in St Mary’s churchyard.
Camber Sands, East Sussex
Pictured is Camber Sands beach in East Sussex, in the village of Camber
Just a two-hour drive from London, Camber Sands is home to the only sandy beach in East Sussex and is popular for water sports such as kitesurfing, as well as nature walks.
A footpath connects the beach to the historic town of Rye, providing a scenic 40-minute walk.
Only visible at low tide, an incredible 47.2-metre shipwreck lies off the coast, which dates back to the late 18th or early 19th century.
West Wittering Beach, West Sussex
Often cited as the jewel in the crown of the Sussex coast, West Wittering Beach is renowned for its natural beauty
Often cited as the jewel in the crown of the Sussex coast, West Wittering Beach is known for its natural beauty, rich history and commitment to conservation.
Located within a Site of Special Scientific Interest, the beach is a popular spot for bird-watching with many waders and wildfowl visiting during the migratory season.
There are plenty of beach walks and magnificent views out over the Solent towards the Isle of Wight.
The Beach Café and toilets remain open year-round, so you can still arm up with a hot drink after a chilly walk.
St Ives Bay, Cornwall
Recently voted the UK’s ‘happiest place to live’, St Ives has been a paradise for families, surfers and artists for over a century.
St Ives Bay, a sandy beach which stretches for four miles between St Ives and Godrevy Head, is pictured
St Ives Bay, which takes the form of a shallow crescent, is a sandy beach which stretches for four miles between St Ives in the west and Godrevy Head in the east.
An unmissable spot is the world-famous Godrevy lighthouse, the inspiration for the Virginia Woolf novel, To The Lighthouse.
Barafundle Bay Beach, Pembrokeshire
Barafundle Bay Beach is quite literally a hidden gem as it is only accessible by foot.
Pictured: Barafundle Bay in Pembrokeshire, Wales
The half-mile journey down steep steps from the nearest car park is definitely worth it for the golden sands and crystal clear waters.
Much of the land in this area forms part of the Stackpole Estate, and includes the nearby Bosherston Lily Ponds, a wildlife haven famous for its otters, wildfowl and dragonflies.
Rhossili Bay Beach, Gower Peninsula
Rhossili Bay, which lies at the western end of the beautiful Gower peninsula, is known for its dramatic, panoramic views.
Rhossili Beach on the Gower Peninsula in Wales is reached down a steep clifftop path and at low tide, there is a huge expanse of beach
It has been described as a ‘walker’s dream’ with routes in all directions, including the Welsh coastal path.
Like Barafundle Bay, this beach is reached down a steep clifftop path and at low tide, there is a huge expanse of beach.
The area is dog friendly and the rugged scenery makes it a beautiful spot regardless of the weather.
Source link
CHECK OUT: Top Travel Destinations
READ MORE: Travel News
