Porthcurno, Cornwall(01 of10)
Open Image ModalOn a summer’s day, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d tripped up and landed in the Mediterranean, as the turquoise sea here sparkles and shimmers in the sunlight. To add to the attractions, Porthcurno is overlooked by the wonderful open-air Minack Theatre. (credit:Flickr:Martijn vdS)
Crosby Beach, Liverpool(02 of10)
Open Image ModalNorth of the busy urban sprawl of Liverpool, Crosby Beach is worth a visit for its controversial sculptures; cast iron figures of Anthony Gormley’s own body look out to sea and appear and disappear beneath the waters with the ebb and flow of the tide. (credit:Flickr:Fields of View)
Scolt Head Island, Norfolk(03 of10)
Open Image ModalIt’s difficult to reach Scolt Head but that’s part of the charm; a seasonal ferry heads over from Burnham Overy Staithe during fine weather. Once you’re there, plop down on the sandy dunes for a picnic and grab your binoculars for some intensive birdwatching - the island is a protected conservation area. (credit:Getty Images)
Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland(04 of10)
Open Image ModalIt’s rarely the weather to sunbathe and swim here but this enormous beach on the wild Northumberland coast is the perfect place for a brisk morning walk. Brooding Bamburgh Castle, dating from Norman times, overlooks the golden sands, forming a marvellous, moody backdrop. (credit:Getty Images)
Rhossili Beach, Wales(05 of10)
Open Image ModalAs the westernmost beach along the Gower peninsula, its brutish waves and powerful Atlantic swells are not for the faint-hearted – so it’s understandable you’ll find surfers rather than swimmers here. Be warned that the path down to the beach is very steep but well worth the view. (credit:Getty Images)
Bigbury-on-Sea, Devon(06 of10)
Open Image ModalBigbury-on-Sea on the South Devon coast is a particularly child-friendly beach, with shallow waters and clean sand as well as numerous rock pools to examine. When the tide is out, wander out to Burgh Island and stop off for a pint in the Pilchard Inn. (credit:Getty Images)
Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire(07 of10)
Open Image ModalCute little Barafundle takes a small bay-shaped chunk out of the inimitable Pembrokeshire Coast. It’s a walk from the car park but its pristine sands and crystal clear waters really are worth the trip; ramp up the temperature gauge a little and you might even mistake it for the Caribbean. (credit:Flickr:rhedeg)
Studland Bay, Dorset(08 of10)
Open Image ModalThe most popular naturist beach in the UK. National Trust-protected, the beach is a golden strip of sand, from which you can admire views of Old Harry Rocks chalk formations and the nearby Isle of Wight. (credit:Getty Images)
Portstewart Strand, Northern Ireland(09 of10)
Open Image ModalTwo miles of blonde sand lapped by fresh, clean seawater, Portstewart Strand one of Northern Ireland's top visitor attractions. The dunes are home to butterflies and rare wild flowers, while the sand is usually populated with bucket-and-spade-toting children, Frisbee-throwers and picnickers.. (credit:Getty Images)
Achnahaird Beach, Scotland(10 of10)
Open Image ModalA relatively unvisited spot along Scotland’s western coast, Achnahaird Beach is a simple swathe of cream-coloured sand punctured with mollusc-encrusted rocks and little rock pools. Views from the beach of nearby mountains, including Stac Polly, are breathtaking. (credit:Getty Images)