There are so many great beaches all across the UK and Ireland. We have the best shorelines and there are so many great beaches to choose from. I was very fortunate to always grow up near the beach and I love nothing more now than to get out explore all the beach has to offer.
Beaches provide stretches of golden sand, impressive sand dunes, backdrops of mountains, cliffs, waves and caves. Every beach offers something different, but on all of them you’ll find some of that vitamin SEA!
Benefits of visiting the beach.
Getting out to the coast has heaps of benefits;
Listening to the sound of the waves has a calming effect on the mind and body.
-The salty air, which holds a host of negative ions, boosts your serotonin levels, making you happier.
-Walking on the sand barefoot is the best feeling. Why? Because your feet have so many nerve ending that are stimulated when walking on the tiny grains of sand.
-Walking and swimming is a good physical workout.
-Getting some of that sunshine vitamin D is essential for healthy bones, skin and even enhances your immune system.
The beach offers holiday opportunities for everyone from families, couples, and solo travellers. From the sandy beaches of Ireland to the coast of Cornwall, to the cliffs of Dorset, below are some of my favourite beaches and bays that you can visit.
Lyme Regis
The place I grew up, a historic town, with a sandy beach often referred to as the 'pearl of Dorset'. From the beach great for sandcastles, to the pebble beaches to hunt for fossils, all framed by the harbour and famous Cobb wall.
Durdle Door
Another fantastic beach’s on the Jurassic coast in Dorset. Famous for its natural limestone arch and iconic scenery.
Camber Sands
This beach on the Sussex coast is covered in fine golden sand. Unlike other beaches here that are mostly pebble beaches.
Birling Gap
Famous for the white chalk cliffs the ‘seven sisters’ This is one of the longest stretches of undeveloped coastline on the south coast.
Blackpool Beach
One of England's most famous tourist destinations. Come here for a traditional beach holiday and take in all the offerings of the ‘Golden Mile’ including the Blackpool Pleasure Beach amusement park.
Runswick Bay
A picturesque beach in Yorkshire in a beautiful village with cobbled walkways. A long stretch of sand with cliff top walks, fossil hunting and sandcastle building.
Longsands
A long stretch of Sand aptly named ‘Long Sands’ set in Tynemouth with rocks, dunes and cliffs. A blue flag award winning beach it’s popular for surfing with lessons and board hire available.
Perranporth
Situated in Cornwall and of course a fantastic beach for surfing. With rock pools, caves and an expansive network of sand dunes this is a must visit beach if your ever in Cornwall.
Three Cliffs Bay
A fantastic beach situated in Swansea, Wales. With three cliffs that jut out I tot he bay. With coastal walks, rock pools to explore and sand dunes to run down.
Aberaeron Beach
With spectacular views across the rock and shingle beach. It sits to the south of the charming and colourful town. Take a walk along the promenade situated behind the beach.
Black Rock Sands
An open wide, beach that stretches for two miles with fine sand backed by a dune system. The beach is dominated by a large, multi-coloured rock.
Calgary
Calgary, on the Isle of Mull, boasts one of the best beaches in Scotland. With unspoilt, white shell sand and blue sea you will think your in the Caribbean although a slight difference in temperature.
Inchcailloch
A beach on Loch Lomond Shores. Accessed by boat from Balmaha or Luss. It offers the perfect spot to experience remoteness and wildness.
Mellon Udrigle
This exquisite white sandy beach with clear turquoise waters offers gorgeous views of the spectacular Scottish Highland mountains. Backed by dunes and framed by rocky points.
Whiterocks
Situated just off the Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland Whiterocks beach is home to the stunning limestone cliffs stretching from Curran Strand to Dunluce Castle. Great for watersports including surfing.
Portstweart Strand
One of my favourite beaches in Northern Ireland as cars are permitted to drive onto the beach. A two mile stretch of golden sand, with views to Inishowen headland and Mussenden Temple. Surrounded by sand dunes with marked walk ways.
Benone Beach
Seven miles of sandy shoreline form Benone Beach from Downhill to where it meets Magilligan Point, This is one of Northern Irelands longest beaches.
Helens Bay
A lovely sandy beach with clear water great for taking a dip, located in Bangor and one of the best beaches near to Belfast City.
Warrenpoint
A gently sloping shingle beach great for walking. You will also find some great water activities like banana boating and jet skiing. With gorgeous views of the Mourne Mountains on the shores of Carlingford Lough, in County Down.
Curracloe Beach
A stunning blue flag beach in Wexford that stretches for miles. A beach goers paradise with soft, golden sand and plenty of sand dunes.
Dog’s Bay
This Horseshoe-shaped beach in Galway is simply stunning. With white-sand and calm water for swimming & windsurfing, plus coastal views.
Are you planning a beach holiday now? It’s so important that families create time together away from the normal routines of life. I hope I have inspired you to go to the beach with your family, reap all the benefits, and collect happy and memories together.
