Best UK Towns and Villages to Visit: Trending Destinations
Looking to get ahead of the curve by visiting destinations before they’re popular? Then you’re in luck, as highlighted...
by Sophie Orr / Travel Tips
Going on coastal walks is the second most popular activity people want to do on a staycation and proximity to a beach is one of our most utilised search filters.
With staycations continuing to grow in popularity, we’ve rounded up some of the most stunning exotic beaches in the UK… perfect for those who don’t want to feel like they’re missing out by staying closer to home.
Whether you were dreaming of a long-haul escape, a bit of winter sun or a classic tropical beach break somewhere in Europe, these breathtaking UK spots offer the same wow-factor. From hidden coves to golden sands, you might be surprised at just how many tropical beaches and exotic beach locations can be found right on your doorstep.
Discover 9 of the UK’s most exotic beaches…
• 9 of the Most Exotic Beaches in the UK
• Map of the UK’s Most Exotic Beaches
The National Trust’s Kynance Cove is the jewel in the crown of the Lizard Peninsula on Cornwall’s south coast. Famed for its crystal-clear water, fine white sand and backed by dramatic rocky outcrops, this picturesque beach is certainly one of England’s best beaches!
Not only that, it also has a very exotic, Mediterranean feel, bearing a striking resemblance to Spiaggia di Li Cossi on Sardinia’s north coast, often referred to as heaven on earth. Access your own slice of heaven much closer to home and swap Sardinia for South Cornwall.
Postcode: TR12 7PJ
Parking: Kynance Cove Car Park (Pay & Display | Free for National Trust members)
Type of Beach: Sandy
Dog-Friendly?: Council-enforced seasonal dog ban in place between 1st July – 31st August (10am – 6pm)
Facilities: Café, Toilets
Already packing your case? Search for holiday cottages on the Lizard Peninsula now!
The iconic Durdle Door limestone arch, found near Lulworth Cove and Man O’War Beach along Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, is one of the most remarkable natural formations in the UK. This stretch of coastline, often compared to scenes from far-flung destinations, can be accessed via the South West Coast Path, offering incredible views before you step down onto the soft sand of this exotic beach setting.
Strikingly similar in appearance to the arch at Cabo San Lucas, where the Gulf of California meets the Pacific Ocean, Durdle Door proves that you don’t need to travel halfway around the world to enjoy the charm of tropical beaches. Mexico might sound like the more exotic beach location, but with its crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffside views, this part of Dorset offers a truly unforgettable UK beach experience.
Postcode: BH20 5PU
Parking: Durdle Door Car Park
Type of Beach: Sandy
Dog-Friendly?: Yes
Facilities: Toilets (Car Park)
Find your perfect holiday cottage and book your next holiday to Lulworth Cove today!
This absolute gem may be our favourite; who needs to fly 14+ hours to the Phillippines when there are rival beaches practically on the doorstep? You’d be forgiven for not immediately realising that Achmelvich Beach is actually one of the best beaches on the West Coast of Scotland. This slice of paradise is comparable to Sumilon Blue Water Island in Cebu and boasts pure white sand and the brightest turquoise water.
This stunning beach, which could be mistaken for an Asian haven, can also be found along the iconic North Coast 500 driving route, so can be incorporated into your next road trip of a lifetime! It is without a doubt one of the best beaches in Scotland, in our humble opinion!
Postcode: IV27 4JB
Parking: Achmelvich Beach Car Park
Type of Beach: Sandy
Dog-Friendly?: Ban in place during peak tourist season (June, July, August)
Facilities: Toilets
What are you waiting for? Find your Scottish Highlands accommodation and you could be sunning yourself on this exotic beach in no time!
Did you have your heart set on discovering the city of Dubrovnik this summer? Fear not, we have found a fantastic alternative much closer to home.
Often dubbed the pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik sits at the southern end of Croatia’s coastline, where its tropical beach charm meets the grandeur of a UNESCO-listed Old Town and centuries-old city walls. The soft sand and tranquil, turquoise-green waters create a postcard-perfect setting that attracts visitors from all over the world.
For a similarly stunning experience, consider heading to the exotic beach of Porthminster in St Ives, Cornwall. With its crescent-shaped, Blue Flag award-winning shore and safe, azure-blue waters, this exotic-looking beach is one of the most beautiful in the UK. You’ll also enjoy incredible views across St Ives Bay to Godrevy Lighthouse… all without the need for a passport.
Postcode: TR26 2EA
Parking: St Ives Station Car Park
Type of Beach: Sandy
Dog-Friendly?: Ban in place between 15th May – 30th September (10am – 6pm)
Facilities: Café
Dreaming of a relaxing day on one of St Ives’ magnificent beaches? Discover our collection of St Ives holiday cottages »
Our top pick for Wales’ most exotic beach is Barafundle Bay, a hidden gem tucked within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. This east-facing bay, found just off the coastal path, is often compared to the Caribbean thanks to its curved shoreline, soft golden sand and pine tree backdrop. Sheltered by cliffs and accessible only by a half-mile walk from the nearest car park at Stackpole Quay, its secluded charm is all part of the appeal.
In fact, Barafundle Bay bears a striking resemblance to Horseshoe Bay Beach in Bermuda, one of the most famous tropical beaches in the world. Both share the same turquoise-green water and gently curving shoreline, but while one requires a long-haul flight, the other is right here in the UK… and every bit as breathtaking!
Postcode: SA71 5LS
Parking: Stackpole Car Park
Type of Beach: Sandy
Dog-Friendly?: Yes
Facilities: Café next to Stackpole Car Park
Ready to head to the bay? Secure your Pembrokeshire holiday cottage now!
The small, sandy beach of Sandbanks in Poole has been a regular recipient of a Blue Flag award over the years for its cleanliness. This beach offers golden sand and shallow, safe swimming waters, sure to tempt you in for a dip.
Sandbanks Beach is remarkably similar to Herring Cove Beach, a peaceful sandy beach at the tip of the hook-shaped peninsula of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, USA. It’s beautiful, we won’t deny, but there’s no need to leave the mainland to discover an equally appealing stretch of golden sand.
Postcode: BH13 7QQ
Parking: Sandbanks Surface Car Park
Type of Beach: Sandy
Dog-Friendly?: Designated dog-friendly area at the western end near the chain ferry and Haven Point
Facilities: Toilets, Restaurant & Bar, Minigolf Course
Ready to feel the soft sand between your toes? Browse through our holiday cottages in Poole »
The award-winning beach of Porthcurno in west Cornwall offers soft sand, met by picturesque sea and backed by striking high cliffs, which act as a natural shelter from the wind. This exotic-looking beach is popular with families, with a small stream running close by that’s great for paddling, as well as having a lifeguard service and being dog-friendly for the majority of the year.
We think Porthcurno bares a strong resemblance to the quaint Agia Eleni Beach, on the Paliki Peninsula on the western tip of the Greek island of Kefalonia, resting peacefully in the Ionian Sea, to the west of the mainland. But you don’t need to fly for more than four hours for your tranquil beach escape, Cornwall’s alternative is just as impressive.
Postcode: TR19 6JX
Parking: Porthcurno Car Park (Pay & Display | Free for National Trust members)
Type of Beach: Sandy
Dog-Friendly?: Seasonal ban in place in July and August (10am – 6pm)
Facilities: Toilets, PK Porthcurno Museum
Dreaming of swimming in the tranquil, turquoise water? Find your ideal Porthcurno holiday cottage today!
Another exotic beach in Scotland to make the list, this time on the Shetland Islands, is St. Ninians Isle Beach. This beach, on one of the best islands in the UK, is actually a tombolo, which is a term used to describe a natural causeway of sand that has sea on either side, on the west coast of the island, within easy reach of the settlement of Bigton. The sandy beach is made up mostly of shell and offers deep blue waters, backed by grassland, while many seabirds such as puffins inhabit the area.
Its Scandinavian counterpart is Ramberg Beach on Lofoten, a Norwegian archipelago known for its dramatic scenery, with its imposing mountain peaks and pretty grassland framing the curved sandy beach. Our verdict: You won’t miss the mountains, head to the Shetlands for the eye-catching beauty of this exotic Shetlands beach.
Postcode: ZE2 9JA
Parking: St Ninian’s Isle Beach Car Park
Type of Beach: Sandy
Dog-Friendly?: Yes
Facilities: N/A
Ready for an island escape? Discover our collection of cottages in Scotland »
Pentle Beach, on Tresco, the second-largest island of Cornwall’s Isles of Scilly, 25 miles south-west of the mainland, was once named one of the top under-the-radar beaches by the Wall Street Journal. This peaceful, sub-tropical paradise stays fairly quiet all-year-round and is a haven of turquoise water and bright-white sandy charm.
These striking colours are similar to that of Freemantle’s Port Beach on Australia’s stunning west coast. Western Australia is a heck of a long way to travel, even if its beaches are as picturesque as Port Beach. Save yourself a day of travelling (it can take anywhere from 17 hours to fly from the UK to Perth) and enjoy the pristine white sand of Cornwall’s Isle of Scilly instead, you won’t be disappointed.
Postcode: TR24 0PX
Parking: N/A (Tresco Island is car-free)
Type of Beach: Sandy
Dog-Friendly?: Yes
Facilities: N/A
Enjoy visiting the Isles of Scilly with a stay at one of our cottages in West Cornwall »
If you have spotted your dream exotic UK beach, book with us today and prepare for your holiday on home soil. For more holiday gems, take a look at our top 10 UK staycation destinations, or this guide covering the very best beaches in the UK.
Going away with your four-legged friend? If so, then be sure to get plenty of inspiration from this UK dog-friendly beaches guide. Alternatively, these hidden UK beaches can also make for amazing places to visit on your next staycation!
Image Credits: Saffron Blaze – (CC BY-SA 3.0)
by Sophie Orr / Travel Tips
I have worked in the UK travel industry since 2015 and my biggest passion is content writing. My favourite UK destination is North...
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