Our top 6 beachside locations around the UK

Slap on the suncream, slip on a sunhat, and head out in your lease car to one of these beautiful beaches

Summer’s here, and there’s nothing quite like the feeling of sand between your toes, and the sound of waves crashing against the shore. 

Soothes the soul, right?

Whether you’re planning on a spontaneous day trip or you’re mapping out your next weekend adventure, the UK’s coastline has some absolute gems just waiting for you to rock up and enjoy a day at.

We’ve rounded up six of our favourite beachside spots that are perfect for your next road trip.

From hidden coves to family-friendly stretches of sand, these beaches offer something for everyone. Pack up your lease car with everything you need, and head on out.

Kingsand and Cawsand, Cornwall

With Carparison HQ being based in the South West (we’ll never stop being biased), we’d be mad not to start with one of Cornwall’s best-kept secrets.

These twin villages sit pretty on opposing sides of what was once the Devon-Cornwall border, though they’re so close together you can wander from one to the other without really realising it.

It’s like having two beaches for the price of one – and who doesn’t love a good bargain?

Both villages boast their own stretches of sand and shingle, but if accessibility is your priority, Kingsand is your best bet with its steps and gentle slope. Cawsand keeps things a bit more rugged with just a single slipway, plus there’s a dog ban in the summer from 1 July to 31 August between 10am and 6pm.

If you’re bringing your four-legged friend, you’ll have to settle for an early morning or evening beach session – though watching the sunset while tucking into fish and chips isn’t exactly a hardship.

The area is steeped in smuggling and fishing history, and you can still spot the remains of 16th century pilchard cellars on the shoreline past Kingsand. On a clear day, with the sun glinting off the water, it feels more Mediterranean than Cornish coast.

Just remember: parking’s limited, so get there early and be mindful of the locals who call these beaches home.

Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Yorkshire

When you think Yorkshire, it’s usually rolling moorland that springs to mind – Heathcliff, it’s me Cathy, I’m at your window, and all of that – but the county’s got some seriously impressive coastal spots too.

Saltburn-by-the-Sea has been a holiday hotspot since Victorian times, and it’s easy to see why.

And thankfully, after being shut due to a fire for most of 2024, the famous Cliff Lift is back in action, so you can get down to Saltburn Pier and the seafront from the town in a more exciting way than just using your legs.

There’s also the miniature railway, which is a hit with kids and adults alike (because let’s face it, who doesn’t love a good train ride?). And if railways aren’t your thing, the pier – Yorkshire’s last remaining one – is perfect for a leisurely stroll or to waste ten minutes on the 2p machines in the arcade.

The expansive sandy beach is ideal for surfing, bodyboarding, or just having a proper splash about.

And if you fancy extending your adventure, Whitby’s just a short drive along the coast.

Blackpool Sands, Devon

No, not that Blackpool – there are no illuminations or towering landmarks here.

This slice of paradise near Dartmouth takes its name from a nearby Devon village, and it’s officially recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The turquoise waters are perfect for swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, and pretty much any water sport you can think of.

The shingle beach means a sharp drop into deeper water, so you don’t have to wade out for miles to get a proper swim – perfect for being able to keep a watchful eye on older kids.

You’ll find toilets, a café, and a beach shop on-site, plus parking for up to £9 per day.

Heads up: overnight parking and camping are off-limits, and as a Blue Flag beach, there’s a dog ban from 1 April to 30 September.

Barafundle Bay, Wales

This isolated gem on Pembrokeshire’s south coast has been named one of the world’s best beaches – and once you see it, you’ll understand why.

Here’s the catch.

You can only reach Barafundle Bay on foot via the coastal path.

The nearest parking is at Stackpole Quay (0.5 miles away) or Broad Haven South (1.3 miles away), so pack light and wear comfortable shoes.

There are no facilities whatsoever, so whatever you need – water, snacks, sun cream, the works – you’ll need to carry it with you. It sounds like a mission, and it’s not at all accessible, but if you can make the trek, it’s worth every step.

The beach is backed by sand dunes and sheltered by high cliffs on either side, creating a naturally protected east-facing bay.

It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful picnic, though we’d skip the inflatables since there’s no lifeguard on duty.

East Beach, Lossiemouth, Scotland

This Scottish beauty is a surfer’s paradise.

After years of limited access, a new bridge has reopened East Beach to visitors. Cross the River Lossie via the bridge off the Esplanade, then head west and watch the pebbles give way to sandy shoreline and impressive dunes.

Keep your eyes peeled for more than just the stunning scenery. The beach is home to various bird species, and the Moray coast is famous for whale and dolphin sightings.

Bottlenose dolphins are regular visitors, so you might get lucky with some marine wildlife sightings.

The clear blue waters attract swimmers, surfers, and water sports enthusiasts, though you might want to pack a wetsuit – Scottish seas can be a touch on the chilly side, even in the height of the summer months.

Best of all, there are no dog bans here, so it’s perfect for the whole family (two- and four-legged) to enjoy a coastal walk.

Holkham Beach, Norfolk

Last but definitely not least, this stunning Norfolk beach should be on every coastal lover’s bucket list.

Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Holkham Beach was the backdrop for All Saints’ Pure Shores music video. Yes, that really was over 20 years ago – we’re feeling old too.

This sandy stretch is a wildlife haven (seals are often spotted along the Norfolk coast) and offers perfect views across the North Sea. It’s just 25 minutes from the A148, making it remote yet easily accessible.

The beach is vast, so even on the busiest summer days, you’ll find plenty of space to spread out.

Just mind where you set up camp – the west end is popular with naturists.

Beach safety: The essentials

As a Devon-based company, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to coastal access, but we know everyone’s not as lucky – or as familiar with sea safety.

Here’s what you need to know:

Before you go in:

• Check tide times and understand any warning flags or signs
• Be realistic about your swimming ability – the sea’s much tougher than your local pool
• Never enter the water between solid red flags

In the water:

• Stick close to the shore with inflatables
• If caught in a riptide, don’t panic – try to swim parallel to the shore until you can break free

Emergency situations:

• Wave and shout for help if you’re in distress
• If you see someone struggling, alert the lifeguard and call 999
• Make sure kids know where the lifeguard station is