We never tire of the thrill of discovering a gorgeous UK beach – particularly under-the-radar ones, or those of breathtaking natural beauty. To be able to reach such places without flying halfway across the world seems unbelievably lucky, and never more appreciated than right now, when we’re trying to travel in a more eco-conscious way.
Here are some of our favourites, from Cornwall to the Outer Hebrides – with a Kip hideaway at each one.
Pedn Vounder & Porthcurno, Cornwall.
Porthcurno is the one people know – white sand, turquoise water, and the Minack Theatre clinging to the cliff above. But walk around the headland to Pedn Vounder and you’ll find one of the most extraordinary beaches in England: a small, steep-sided cove with water that genuinely looks Caribbean. There’s no path – you have to clamber down the cliff – but it’s well worth the effort.
For groups, Foxhill is the obvious base – a six-bedroom house with a heated pool, minutes from both beaches. Nearby, Little Pembroke – a seafront cabin for 2 – or Fairhaven – a beautifully converted chapel for 4 – are both perched above Newlyn harbour, from which you can walk the coast path all the way to Porthcurno, if you’re feeling adventurous.
Aberdyfi, Cardigan Bay, Wales.
Cardigan Bay is vast, and most of it is wonderful – but if we’re choosing one beach, it’s Aberdyfi. This long crescent of sand sits at the mouth of the Dyfi Estuary, backed by the town’s painted Georgian terraces and with the Snowdonia foothills visible inland. The water is calmer than the open Atlantic beaches further south, good for swimming; the dunes at the northern end are a National Nature Reserve. The Llanfendigaid estate on the southern Llŷn is home to a trio of gorgeous cottages and a shepherd’s hut with uninterrupted sea views. Close enough for a day trip, and the estate’s own shoreline is something in itself.
Holkham Beach, Norfolk.
Unspoilt Holkham is a vast sweep of golden dunes, backed by pine forests and salt marshes. The whole area is a nature reserve, with bird-watching hides (come in winter to see rare pink-footed geese), and it’s also popular with naturists, so feel free to dress au naturel. The owners of Westgate Farm can recommend a lovely walk along the sand dunes as far as the bright beach huts on Wells Beach, which winds back through the forest. Best followed by lunch at The Victoria pub.
Barricane Bay, North Devon.
If you’re yet to discover the North Devon coastline, you’re in for a treat. Putsborough Sands has crystal-clear waters and brilliant rockpooling; Woolacombe is multi award-winning; and Saunton Sands stretches for miles, pristine, golden and backed by a wave of brightly coloured beach huts. But tiny Barricane Bay is our secret tip – masses of cowries and other exotic shells get washed up here from Caribbean shores; I spent hours of my childhood beachcombing the tiny cove. Base yourselves at The Studio & Hut, a gorgeous space for 4, or one of the Praktyka hideaways nearby – a barn, cabin and dome designed specifically to recharge and inspire.
Uig Sands, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides.
Uig Sands was named by Condé Nast Traveller as one of the best beaches in the world – a sweeping arc of white sand on the west coast of Lewis, with turquoise water and the hills of Uig rising behind. This is also where the Lewis Chessmen were discovered in 1831, buried in a sandbank. Hebrides House overlooks the beach directly: designed by award-winning architects GRAS, with a glass ceiling panel in the master bedroom so you can watch the stars without getting out of bed, and an outdoor bathtub for watching the sun go down over the Atlantic.
Porthmeor and Porthminster, St Ives, Cornwall.
St Ives is home to a pair of really gorgeous golden beaches, with soft sand and safe swimming. Porthmeor is backed by the Tate Gallery and a great place to learn to surf; Porthminster is lapped by turquoise sea, with views up to Godrevy Lighthouse. Both beaches are easily walkable from these romantic studios – one with a sea view, one with a garden – as are all of this creative town’s restaurants and galleries.
Camastianavig Bay, Isle of Skye.
This tiny black-rock cove on the Isle of Skye is a stunner. Overlooking the Sound of Raasay, its beauty is rugged and elemental; wild seals and otters play in the water, bottlenose dolphins visit in summer and there’s a colony of sea eagles at the bottom of a cliff. We love this Scandi-minimalist cottage – the perfect counterbalance to the brooding landscape — just 150 yards away.
