156 Beaches to Explore in England

Holkham Bay is the finest stretch of beach on the North Northfolk coast. There is something magical about this beach that just takes your breath away, and it is extremely difficult to capture in words how beautiful it is. The long drive way called ‘Lady Ann’s Drive’ guides you directly to one of the most unspoilt, beautiful stretches of sand in the UK.

Holkham is one of the most unspoiled and beautiful stretches of sand in the country. Behind the shoreline lies a semi-circular basin, which, at very high tides, rapidly fills to form a spectacular shallow lagoon. As part of Holkham National Nature Reserve, the beach is home to large flocks of wintering birds and is an important site for breeding Little Terns, Ringed Plover and Oystercatcher. The extensive dune system is rich is wildlife with colorful carpets of yellow flowers in the summer which

A beautiful, wild, unspoilt sandy beach where nature abounds. Backed by one of the largest sand dune systems on the east coast, this beach is often deserted outside of summer. From November to the end of January the beach will be crowded with Seals and their newborn pups. It was one of the iconic attractions in this area and is famous among tourists.

Hurst Spit is a shingle bank at the easternmost point of Christchurch Bay and extends 2.5km from the end of Milford beach out into the Solent. At the end of the spit is Hurst Castle, an artillery fortress originally built on the orders of King Henry VIII, and much enlarged in the 19th century. Hurst Point Lighthouse was built on the end of Hurst Spit in the 1860s.

The Isle of Purbeck is a peninsula located in south Dorset. The area is home to some of the country’s most well-loved towns and landmarks including Swanage, Lulworth Cove, Corfe Castle, and Durdle Door. One of the unique attractions in this area and it is a nice place to Relax on the beach, explore the South West Coast Path, hunt for dinosaur fossils, or just sit back and enjoy the views of the world-famous Jurassic Coast.

The sandy beach of Jaywick lies approximately mid-way between Clacton-on-Sea and Colne Point. Whilst not quiet by any stretch of the imagination it is never as busy as Clacton. This stretch of the coastline features a number of Martello towers. These small round forts that were built during the 19th century to defend against attack from across the English Channel.

Joss Bay is a popular 200 metre long bay, best known as Thanet's best surfing beach. It is surrounded by fields and a golf course, so offers a wide expanse of sand and carefree play. The beach is perfect for a day at the beach with deck chair and lounger hire available, a beach shop and café on the sands and children’s rides. The beach is reputedly named after an eighteenth-century smuggler, Joss Snelling. He was notorious for importing a variety of contraband to the various beaches of the Isle

A beautiful beach that was located on the more sheltered eastern side of the Lizard Peninsula, not far from the tip. It was covered with masses of sand , a stream and rock pools a plenty kids love Kennack Sands. The beach to the east is designated as a nature reserve so please treat it with respect, it can be reached via the footpath that runs along the back of the beach and over Carn Kennack.

Kilve Beach near Watchet is a fascinating stretch of the Jurrasic coast. Grand limestone cliffs back the slate and shingle beach, with interesting rock formations sweeping the shoreline. The rock and pebble beach is a beloved location for families and children due its scenic views, large grass area ideal for picnics and the nearby Chantry Tea Gardens.

King Edwards Bay is a small sandy bay enclosed by cliffs and grassy banks and as such is an excellent environment for family use. The beach is at the foot of Tynemouth Priory and Castle, a historic site run by English Heritage. It is a perfect place to sit and relax on a hot summer day. With all of Tynemouth's cafes and shops right on the beaches doorstep it really is ideal for families.

A beautiful sandy beach which offers a range of activities, including surfing and swimming. In summer it is one of the most popular spots on the North East coast. People come from far and wide to build sand castles, sunbathe or splash about in the clean waters. One of the iconic location for a sunbath and also for so many other leisure activities too.

Lulworth Cove is world-famous for its unique geology and landforms including the Lulworth Crumple and Stair Hole. The pebble beach and blue waters of Lulworth Cove make it an extremely popular destination. The Cove and surrounding countryside are hugely popular with walkers. You can walk to the cove along the South West Coast Path national trail.

Lusty Glaze is a beautiful beach in Newquay, Cornwall. which is privately owned although it has full public access. An outdoor activity company runs a range of beach-based activities. The cove is naturally sheltered by high cliffs. Lusty Glaze is a Cornish tourist attraction with 133 steps from the clifftop to the beach below.

Mablethorpe Beach is an attractive golden sandy beach offering a fun-filled, family friendly day out. Visit this beautiful Blue Flag Award Winning beach with far-reaching soft golden sand. Discover donkey rides, nearby fairground, cafés, fish and chips, crazy golf and more. There are places to eat including some wonderful fish and chips. There is also Dunes Leisure where there are plenty of family-friendly fairground rides.

A lovely stretch of sandy beach between two granite rock breakwaters. Ideal for families and popular for all beach activities. You can have fun hunting for fossils washed out of the cliff but be aware of tide times and steep clay boulder cliffs. YOu can spend some nice time in this calm and beautiful location with your dear ones leaving all the worries in this sea.

This timeless beach with tidal pool, children’s rides and amusement arcades offer families traditional seaside fun and entertainment. Even if the tide is in there is still plenty of beach to make sandcastles. Restaurants, bars and seafood stalls are just a short walk away in the Old Town. It became a popular place for holidaymakers in the 18th century, owing to easy access via the Thames, and later with the arrival of the railways; popular landmarks include the sandy beaches and the Dreamlan

Marsden Beach is a hidden gem located just on the outskirts of South Shields, north-west of Lizard Point. It is backed by tall cliffs and is best known for its breath-taking rock formations, which include a number of sea-stacks and rock arches. This land, along with Souter Lighthouse, is now owned by the National Trust.

Mill Bay, a privately owned sheltered sandy beach popular with families because of the very safe and clean bathing conditions, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Access to the beach is from the South West Coast Path and private access path, but public access is signposted. It was one of the iconic attraction which is suitable for family.

A beautiful wide sandy beach about a mile long, which is backed by a sea wall and promenade. Access to the beach is down short ramps or steps. At the western end is the harbour, whilst to the east the sand continues most of the way to Dunster. Along with a number of hotels and apartments that line the promenade the beachfront is overlooked by a large Butlin’s holiday camp, adding to the lively atmosphere of the resort.

A beautiful and quiet natural beach backed by grassy sand dunes. The wide strip of golden sand which slopes gently into the sea is a great destination for beachgoers. It is also quite popular with walkers, there is a variety of good walks in the area. There are currently no restrictions on dog walking on the beach. It is also a good surfing destination and also you can spend a good time there.