11 of the Best Beaches in the UK to Visit this Summer

Summer has well and truly arrived here in the UK, which means it is time to apply our sun cream, dust off the bucket and spade set and head off to the beach. Some of the best beaches in the UK are just a short drive away from our Catch the Breeze Retreats properties, so you are never too far away from the perfect family day out, couples retreat or solo coastal adventure. Here are just some of the best beaches in the UK you can visit on this summer’s Catch the Breeze Retreat holiday.

1. Embleton Bay

Reason number one to take the 10 minute car journey or 40 minute walk from our properties in Craster to Embleton Bay is because in 2017 it won Best Beach of the Year in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards. Reason number two to visit is to take in the breath-taking scenery which includes the ancient Dunstanburgh Castle. The 14^th-century castle ruins keep watch over the beach and neighbouring fields, when at Embleton Bay, it is easy to be transported back to a time before our own due to its long-standing history and natural beauty.

An honourable mention must go to our beloved Craster Harbour, it may not be a beach, but if you are staying in one of our Northumberland properties it is right on your doorstep. So, before or after your walk to the beautiful Embleton Bay and historical Dunstanburgh Castle, why not meander down to Craster Harbour and take in the scenic sights of fishing boats gently bobbing along the waves.

2. Harlech Beach

This next beach is a must see for a number of reasons, the first and most prominent being that it was voted the best beach in North Wales on TripAdvisor! If that is not reason enough to make the 45 minute drive from our Welsh property, Tan Llan & Coach House, we have plenty more to convince you.

Not only is Harlech Beach a pristine patch of land with magnificent views of Eryri (Snowdon), but it is also surrounded by sand dunes which makes up Morfa Harlech National Nature Reserve, Wales’s only growing dune system. The summer months also make for the perfect time to see the migrating leatherback turtles! All this and more can be seen from the beach’s historical site, Harlech Castle, which has seen its fair share of conflict and turmoil in the distant past due to the part it played during The War of the Roses and English Civil War.

Convinced? If so, pack up your bag and make the pleasant journey down to Harlech Beach for a perfect day out for the whole family on your next Catch the Breeze Retreats summer holiday.

3. Bamburgh Beach

When we think of the beach, we might think of sunbathing, building sandcastles and enjoying a delicious ice cream – relaxation at its finest. But for some, they see the beach as the perfect place for some much-needed adventure, and there is nothing quite as thrilling as surfing. Bamburgh Beach is known to have the most consistent waves along the Northumberland Coastline, making it one of the best beaches in the UK to catch some waves as well as some sun this summer.

And if you enjoy your castles just as much as your water sports, Bamburgh Beach is also home to Bamburgh Castle, self-proclaimed “royal fortress, Norman stronghold and coastal home.” After your dip in the sea, take a tour around this 3,000 year old castle and soak in the myths, legends and history on offer.

4. Barmouth Beach

Located in the sublime Eryri National Park, Barmouth Beach has a magnificent view wherever you turn, from craggy mountains and crashing waves to timeless fishing cottages and the quaint harbour, it has it all. But the amazing scenery is not the only thing this beach has to offer. Take a boat trip from the harbour to Mawddach Estuary, set up for a day of fishing, or catch a surf on the beach’s signature large waves. As you can see, there is a lot to do at Barmouth Beach, making it a popular location during the summer. However, what makes it one of the best beaches in the UK is that the beach is larger than life, meaning even during the height of the season it never feels crowded.

But do not just take our word for it, recent Tan Llan & Coach House guest, Emily (@greatbritishdogwalks), took the 20 minute drive down to Barmouth Beach to take a look for herself along with her lovely dog, Murph. As you can see here, they had the best time!

5. Longhoughton Beach

Although a bustling beach has a great atmosphere, sometimes when we look to escape for the summer the main sounds we want to hear are the gentle sea breeze and lapping ocean waves. You are sure to find this tranquil environment at Longhoughton Beach which is just under a 20 minute drive away from Craster.

This remote beach is well and truly off the beaten track with the nearest carpark being half a mile away in the nearby village of Boulmer. But do not let that put you off! This also means the beach is never over-crowded, meaning you can often get the curious rockpools, best fishing spots and beautiful scenic coastline all to yourself.

While you are on your coastal walk, make sure to stop by Sugar Sands which is only a 5 minute walk away from Longhoughton Beach. As you can probably guess, the beach has been lovingly named after the crunchy sand which resembles brown sugar. So, pack your picnic basket and get away from it all at these serene beaches.

6. Seaton Point

Speaking of hidden gems, another secluded beach to add to your list of the best beaches in the UK to visit is Seaton Point. Also only a 20 minute drive away from our Northumberland properties, this beach boasts quiet landscapes with very few other visitors, meaning more often than not, you will get the beach all to yourself – just as good as any private island!

7. Aberdyfi Beach

Welsh beaches really do have it all, and Aberdyfi Beach is no exception. Located a 40 minute drive away from Tan Llan & Coach House, Aberdyfi consists of 3 miles of golden sands and at any point on the beach you can see where the robust Welsh mountains meet the pristine blue waters of the sea. Due to a high current from the adjoining river Dyfi, the waters of Aberdyfi Beach are perfect for water sports such as sailing and windsurfing, and in the summer, yacht races are sometimes held which are a lot of fun to both take part in and watch. So, whether you are the adventurous type or more of a relax and sit on the beach with an ice cream type of person, there is something for everyone at the beautiful Aberdyfi Beach.

8. Alnmouth Beach

If you like a location with an interesting story to tell, then Alnmouth Beach is the place to be. The quaint, red-roofed village used to be home to a thriving harbour, however, after a particularly terrible storm on Christmas Eve in 1806, the river Aln changed its course and the harbour was never the same again.

Pretty interesting, right? For that, we think it earns the title of one of the best beaches in the UK, and as a result of this infamous storm, Alnmouth Beach gained its popularity with locals and visitors alike. With an estuary bordering both ends of the beach, Alnmouth Beach is a dramatic and sublime setting. So, if you are looking for a picturesque beach, Alnmouth is a perfect place, however, if you are still looking to visit a working harbour, Craster Harbour is only a 2 minute walk away from all of our Northumberland properties.

9. Morfa Nefyn

Would you make the 1 hour 15 minute journey to this next beach – because we certainly would! Morfa Nefyn may be a bit of a way from our Welsh property, but this hidden gem is definitely worth it. The crescent beach appears isolated from the outside world with protection from the greenery of the Nefyn Headland and the not-so-distant Yr Eifl on the north coast of the Llŷn Peninsula.

After taking in the breath-taking sights on offer and leisurely strolling the long sandy bay, the village of Nefyn has plenty of activities to do to accompany your day trip to Morfa Nefyn. Scope out the harbour, visit the newly reopened Llŷn Maritime Museum and try your golf swing with Nefyn Golf Club, if you do not like heights you may have to sit out this round!

10. Seahouses Beach

A 25 minute drive north up along the Northumberland coast from Craster, you will find the harbourside town of Seahouses. This little town has everything to offer visitors, from traditional amusement arcades and fish and chip shops to gift shops filled to the brim with souvenirs and trinkets, the town is just as special as the beach itself.

So, what makes this one of the best beaches in the UK? Well, Seahouses consists of picturesque, grassy dunes and the beach itself has beautiful blue waters all summer long. What also makes Seahouses a favourite is that it is a hub for a large number of boat trips, it is especially known for its trips to the Farne Islands with the opportunity to see puffins, grey seals, and if you are especially lucky, dolphins and whales. So if you are an animal lover, Seahouses is a must visit.

11. Dinas Dinlle Beach

Last but certainly not least is Dinas Dinlle Beach, just an hour drive from the village of Dolgellau where our Welsh manor house resides. This beach is made up of both yellow sand and small and large pebbles, making it fun for climbing and scavenging for the best rocks! Dinas Dinlle Beach is one of the best beaches in the UK, in our opinion, because of the scenery; the views from the beach allow visitors to see right the way across to Anglesey and Llyn Peninsula which truly is a sight to behold.

Other than the incredible views, Dinas Dinlle Beach has two slipways for speedboats and jet skis, making it a popular location for water sports. But if you like to take things a little easier on your summer holiday, snorkelling is another fun activity to take part in, especially since the beach has a Blue Flag Award and is highly recommended by the Marine Conservation Society for its clear waters.

Of course, there are plenty more amazing beaches to visit within a very reasonable distance of our Catch the Breeze Retreats properties, but these are just a handful of some of our favourites. If you visit any during your next summer holiday with us, make sure to let us know which is your favourite.

For further information on our properties and their availability all year round contact us on 01829 700107 or email at info@catchthebreeze.co.uk. And do not forget to tag us in any pictures you may take and use the #MyCTBR, we love seeing your fabulous pictures and all the fun you have whilst staying with us in our properties.

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