Top 10 little-known (and peaceful) beaches in the UK

Are you looking to get away from the stressful hustle and bustle of everyday life in order to enjoy a little peace and quiet whilst surrounded by breath taking scenery? Then you need to head to the lesser known beaches in the UK. We’ve listed the best beaches for you plan a perfect holiday escape far away from the crowds.

Scotland

Located in Angus, Scotland, the sweeping sands of Lunan Bay is an ideal holiday spot. Popular with surfers and dog walkers, there is plenty of space to relax and take in the sea air. There is a small café but very few other facilities. Bear this in mind if you are taking young children as it is also a bit of a scramble down to the beach from the car park. The beach is fairly quiet even in the height of summer, making it a perfect place to unwind.

Sandwood Bay in Sutherland is described as one of Scotland’s best kept secrets. With a beautiful mile of sandy beach and views of rocky cliffs, this beach is a must visit. It is large enough to feel uncrowded even during the popular summer months. The toilets and car parks are just a short walk away. Remember to bring a picnic as there are no shops or places to eat.

Wales

Rhossili Bay on the Gower Peninsula in Swansea has plenty of campsites nearby so you can really make the most of your time at this stunning beach and take in the panoramic views. Access is via a steep pathway. It’s a hard walk but the beach is definitely worth the effort! Good facilities and great for picnics, bird-watching and surfing, Rhossili Bay is a popular beach yet still remains quite quiet due to its fairly remote location.

Llanddwyn Bay in North Wales is perfect for water sports. Enjoy the miles of pristine sandy beach you can walk along and see spectacular views of the mountains of the Lleyn Peninsula out across the sea. There are plenty of facilities but the village of Newborough is nearby if you require other amenities. There are campsites less than 10 minutes away.

Cornwall and Devon

Lantic Bay in Cornwall is ideal if you are looking for undisturbed relaxation. This sand and shingle beach is quiet as access is via a very steep cliff path, making it inaccessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs. Car parks and toilets are a 30 minute walk away in the village of Polruan so families with older children who do not mind a bit of walking will love exploring this hidden cove.

Mouthmill Beach in North Devon is another quiet beach and great for exploring due to the stunning natural rock formations scattered across the beach. Access is through a beautiful woodland area owned by the National Trust with a convenient car park nearby. In the spring, you will see pretty bluebells lining the paths through the wood. There are no facilities here but they can be found in the nearby village of Hartland.

Northumberland and Cumbria

In Northumberland, you will find Druridge Bay, a 7 mile stretch of golden sand surrounded by scenic woodland and meadows. Great for water sports enthusiasts, you can have a go at taking a canoeing or sailing course on Ladyburn Lake.

Bamburgh Castle Beach is also worth a visit. Easily accessed from the A1 and nearby train stations, this sandy beach stretches for miles and is dominated by a majestic castle steeped in over 200 years of history, making it great for children. The beach has all the amenities you need and if you are lucky enough, you may even catch a glimpse of dolphins playing in the sea close by!

The large expanse of Silecroft Beach in Millom, Cumbria lies on the edge of the Lake District. There are good facilities nearby including a caravan park and places to eat and shop in the village. Accessible just off the main A595 road, it is a quiet place for families to go swimming, kayaking and horse.

Northern Ireland

The final beach is Brown’s Bay on the Islandmagee Peninsula in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. This beach feels far away from the world with its stunning views. The gentle waves mean you can enjoy canoeing and swimming here. There is a large car park, toilets and a shop at the beach with camping close by too.

Where ever you are in the UK, there’s a beautiful unspoilt beach where you can enjoy pure relaxation and have fun with the family away from the busy crowds. You just have to know where to look!

 

Discover all of our campsites near the beach in the UK here. Or, find a list of 20 of our best coastal campsites here.