How Many Beaches Are In UK?

There is nothing more relaxing than spending your holidays in the beautiful coastal areas. Beaches are among the top tourist attractions where you can unwind and enjoy nature. In fact, let’s say beaches and holidays go hand in hand. Don’t take it lightly—many visitors, especially to UK beaches, choose them to spend quality time during their holidays. The coastal wildlife includes puffins, seahorses, seals, and dolphins. Moreover, the English shoreline alone attracts around 270 million tourists annually. These beaches in the UK offer continuous excitement and are a great source of recreation.

Exploring How Many Beaches In The UK?

There’s an estimated number when it comes to how many beaches there are in the UK. For those curious, the UK has around 1500 beaches, including those in Scotland, Wales, England, and Ireland. These beaches across the United Kingdom are also home to diverse wildlife. Let’s explore some of the top UK beaches and take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

1. Best Somerset Beaches

Somerset is packed with family-friendly and dog-friendly UK beaches. This region is not only known for its beaches but also its charming villages and countryside beauty.

Blue Anchor Bay: One of the top beaches in Somerset, offering a long sandy stretch with a high tide mark.

Kilve Beach: Known for its rocky shorelines, located between Minehead and Bridgewater.

Greenaleigh Sand Beach: Offers a large sandy area along with wooded cliffs.

Middle Hope Beach: Features coastal views with Sand Point, attracting many visitors.

Brean Beach: A vast 7-mile-long stretch of sand and dunes, one of the longest in the region.

Berrow Beach: A 6-mile-long sand and mud stretch backed by dunes, featuring a flat surface.

Other notable Somerset beaches include Sand Bay, Burnham-on-Sea, Minehead, and Clevedon Beach. So, your query about how many beaches are there in the UK starts to make sense now.

2. Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall

Located in Cornwall, England, Porthcurno Beach features sandy paths and a large car park. Its crystal-clear waters and rugged cliffs make it visually stunning. This lifeguarded beach is just a 5-minute walk from the parking area. The natural beauty, colorful sands, and seashells attract many tourists every year.

Nearby British seaside towns include Sennen, Porthgwarra, St Just, and Penzance, offering quaint spots, pubs, cafés, restaurants, and cozy accommodations.

3. Barmouth Beach

This beach is a true highlight of Eryri, Wales. Among North Wales beaches, it stands out for being family-friendly, with golden sand and calm waters. Enjoy a seaside promenade with ice cream, coffee, or snacks. The nearby railway station makes access easy. It's perfect for fishing, swimming, birdwatching, and picnics. Don’t miss the stunning sunsets here.

Though Barmouth is one of the good seaside towns UK, others like Harlech, Fairbourne, and Tywyn—located just 8, 5, and 12 miles away—are also worth visiting for their relaxed beach-town atmosphere.

4. Tenby Beaches, Pembrokeshire

These United Kingdom beaches near Chepstow, located in Pembrokeshire, are a must-visit when in Wales. Known for being family-friendly, they rank among the top five beaches in the area. Amenities include lifeguards, car parks, wheelchair accessibility, and baby-changing facilities on North and Castle Beach. Note: There are seasonal dog restrictions on all Tenby beaches.

Tenby is also one of the best towns to visit in the UK. Close seaside destinations include Saundersfoot, Manorbier, and Pembroke, all offering lovely coastal walks, beaches, and historic castles.

5. Rhossili Bay, Glamorgan

Included among the best beaches near Chepstow in the UK, Rhossili Bay is perfect for activities like swimming, sailing, surfing, and fishing. The dramatic views and scenic walking routes draw visitors who want to connect with nature. Dogs are allowed year-round, though there’s no wheelchair access available.

Nearby coastal towns of Great Britain such as Swansea, Mumbles, Llangennith, and Rhossili offer cultural attractions, museums, and cozy pubs and cafés.

6. Benllech Beach, Isle of Anglesey

One of the most popular beaches on the Isle of Anglesey, Benllech Beach is known for its clear blue water and golden sand. Activities here include surfing, kayaking, sailing, and fishing. Public toilets are available, and it's dog-friendly with some seasonal restrictions from May to September. You’ll also find nearby pubs, restaurants, and cafés—perfect for relaxing after a beach day.

Best Beaches In The UK

For those wondering how many beaches are there in the UK, the answer is around 1500 beaches. While visiting them all may not be feasible in one trip, this guide lists some of the best beaches for your ideal getaway.

Top Beaches Near Chepstow, Wales

• Tenby Beach
• Saundersfoot Beach
• Poppit Sands Beach
• Whitesands Beach
• Barafundle Bay Beach
• Broad Haven South Beach
• Freshwater West Beach
• Pendine Sands Beach
• Aberystwyth

Top Beaches In Scotland

• Sandwood Bay Beach
• Aberdeen Beach
• Sanna Bay
• Calgary Bay
• Laig Bay
• West Sands Beach

Top Beaches In Northern Ireland

• White Park Bay
• Portstewart Strand
• Magilligan
• Downhill Strand
• Downhill Beach

Top Beaches In England

• Bournemouth
• Brean
• Brighton
• Crantock
• Dawlish Warren
• Fistral Beach
• Maenporth
• Margate, Kent
• Porthcurno
• St. Ives

If you're visiting the UK during the holidays, these top beaches offer excellent recreational activities and unforgettable experiences. Exploring the UK's beach count also inspires you to check out the top coastal destinations across England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. Choose the ones that match your idea of fun and relaxation.