With sunny weather creeping in across many parts of the UK, it’s no surprise many Britons will be setting their minds to finding the best beach spot to soak up some rays.
And while it might be appealing to look abroad to countries such as Spain, Italy and Greece, there are some hidden gems much closer to home.
From the ‘Maldives of the UK’ to the British take on the Caribbean, seaside towns across the country offer plenty in the way of sunshine, excellent food and crowd-free experiences.
The Daily Mail has compiled a list of some of Britain’s most beautiful hidden beaches – with no crowds.
Here’s a full rundown of some of the top spots to inspire your next beach stay…
Studland Bay, Dorset
England’s Jurassic Coast is known for its dramatic scenery and popular seaside destinations, drawing millions of visitors each year.
But while crowds head to well-known beaches at Porthcurno and Bournemouth, one location in Dorset has remained largely under the radar.
Studland Bay is often described as a ‘hidden paradise’, with four miles of white and golden sand, protected waters and stretches of purple heathland, all surrounded by striking dunes and chalk cliffs.
The area even inspired celebrated children’s author Enid Blyton, who used it to help fashion Toyland in her Noddy books after holidaying there for several years.
The bay is made up of four beaches managed by the National Trust – Knoll Beach, Middle Beach, Shell Bay and South Beach.
St Andrews Lakes, Kent
St Andrews Lakes in Kent has been dubbed the ‘Maldives of the UK’ by many – and hailed as an underrated haven by many on social media, with TikTok user @experienceaddict calling it a ‘hidden gem’.
The waterscape is on the site of a former quarry and boasts blue water that wouldn’t be out of place in the Mediterranean.
It’s become a hit thanks to its sauna, lodge accommodation and activities; there’s an aqua park, open water swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding.
Until now, it’s been relatively under the radar.
But visit soon – because the water park is set to expand, which could see visitor numbers soar.
St Martin’s, Isles of Scilly
Fancy a spot of the Caribbean… near Cornwall?
Well, you’d be in luck if so – St Martin’s, the third largest of the Scilly islands, has been drawn comparisons to the region and offers many of the factors that make it appealing: blazing sun, white sandy beaches and clear water.
Many of the beaches stretch out with hardly another human being in sight, making this the perfect spot for those seeking a quiet, tourist-free break.
St Just, Cornwall
When you think of Cornwall, what comes to mind?
Perhaps the notion of fish and chips in Falmouth, cobbled streets in St Ives or the dramatic beaches favoured by Britons?
One place that might not immediately draw attention is St Just in Penwith – and that’s part of its charm.
This part of the UK, the most westerly town in Britain, is filled with huge cliffs, giant waves, incredible views and many hidden beaches.
Hayle, Cornwall
Just down the coast from St Ives but a world away from the tourist throng, Hayle is the ultimate Cornish destination for a laid-back beach getaway.
The town sits at the end of a three-mile stretch of sandy beaches. Swimmers should head to nearby Hayle Beach or to the far end of the bay at Godrevy for calmer conditions.
Surfers, meanwhile, should stick to the central beaches – Gwithian and the Towans – where there are surf schools offering tuition and equipment hire.
Visitors describe Hayle as ‘often quiet’, especially in comparison to nearby St Ives.
Isle of Tiree, Scotland
With its tropical beaches, crystal-clear water and sunshine, Hawaii is a pretty dreamy holiday destination. Sadly, it also comes with a steep price tag.
But don’t worry. There’s an island right here in the UK that’s so beautiful it’s earned itself the impressive nickname, ‘Hawaii of the North’.
The Isle of Tiree in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides has white sand beaches, dazzling seas and some of the British Isles’ highest levels of sunshine to match.
In May the sunkissed island averages a whopping 240 hours of sunlight, almost 50 hours more than London’s average of 193.
At just 12 miles long and three miles wide, the island is ‘relatively small’, explains Visit Scotland.
Pedn Vounder, Treen, West Cornwall
Pedn Vounder Beach in Cornwall is up next, famed for being a filming location for TV series Poldark.
With 4.9 stars on Google reviews, an almost perfect score, it’s easy to see why visitors sing its praises – with one writing: ‘Pedn Vounder Beach is a hidden gem, but be prepared for a challenging trek to get there! The steep descent over a rocky path isn’t for the faint-hearted, so wear sturdy shoes.
‘Once you arrive, it’s absolutely worth it – stunning views, sheltered from the wind, and plenty of space to spread out. Make sure to check tide times before going to avoid being caught out. A truly amazing spot!’
Stanbury Mouth, North Cornwall
Since it is difficult to access, Stanbury Mouth is often deserted – but that doesn’t mean it should be avoided. Quite the opposite.
As the tide goes out, a series of rocky ridges are revealed – and then a large expanse of sand.
It’s well worth the long, steep walk down to reach this hidden gem.
Iwalkcornwall.com explained: ‘The relatively isolated location also means the beach is quite often visited by seals. The darkest grey pebbles occasionally contain fossils (visible on the surface where they have been polished by the sea) of ammonite-like creatures.’
Walberswick Beach, Suffolk
Quiet Walberswick Beach in Suffolk, close to a nature reserve, maintains a natural atmosphere with its combination of sand and shingle dunes.
The dog-friendly beach is popular among walkers and hikers, as well as those interested in crabbing.
Those who have paid the beach a visit have raved about it, with one saying: ‘There something about this area I just love. It’s peaceful, uncomplicated and clean. Very very British traditional. I love the place.’
Worbarrow Bay, Tyneham, Dorset
Joining the list is Worbarrow Bay, Dorset, often labelled as ‘secluded’.
The area is also rich in fossils and dinosaur footprints can be found in the cliffs of the Worbarrow Tout promontory at one end of the beach.
With few tourists in sight, visitors praise the ‘quiet’ beach, with one saying of the spot: ‘The view as the coast comes into view is spectacular – a horseshoe-shaped bay, unspoilt, quiet and dog friendly. One of my favourite places to visit.’
Mothecombe, Plymouth, Devon
Mothecombe beach, located in Plymouth, Devon, is one of the less crowded beaches in the area.
Hailed for its quiet shores, unspoilt scenery and shallow waters, it’s also perfect for swimming.
Visit Plymouth says: ‘If you want a beach holiday without the crowds, Mothecombe beach is one of the quieter beaches in South Devon.
‘Large and unspoilt and at low tide Mothecombe comes into its own with fine sand and plenty of opportunity for shallow, sheltered bathing.’