Stunning UK beach with golden sands looks 'just like Bondi'

As the UK braces for a heatwave summer, holidaymakers are being urged to look closer to home for sun, sea, and sand, and one Cornish beach is making headlines for offering the ultimate coastal escape without the long-haul flight.

Summerleaze Beach in Bude, North Cornwall, has been likened to Sydney’s world-famous Bondi Beach, thanks to its golden sands, rolling surf, and vibrant seaside atmosphere. Travel experts at Park Holidays this week named the beach one of the UK’s top alternatives to international hotspots, calling it a "homegrown paradise that feels a world away."

"Swap Bondi for Summerleaze and you’d barely notice the difference," said a spokesperson for Park Holidays. "It has the same relaxed, barefoot vibe and all the buzz of a surf town, without the 24-hour flight or sky-high price tag."

Often overlooked in favour of better-known Cornish destinations, Bude is now emerging as a go-to spot for staycationers seeking scenic beauty and outdoor adventure.

At the heart of its appeal is the Bude Sea Pool, a partially man-made tidal pool nestled into the rocks, offering safe saltwater swimming with stunning views over the Atlantic.

First opened in the 1930s, the Sea Pool remains a beloved local landmark and a unique draw for visitors.

The comparison to Bondi isn’t just aesthetic. Like its Australian counterpart, Summerleaze is a hub for surfers, paddleboarders, and families, with wide, sandy shores and consistent surf conditions.

The beach is also easily accessible, with car parks, cafes, and lifeguard patrols during peak season.

With temperatures expected to soar across the UK in July and August, domestic travel is on the rise.

Tourism businesses in Cornwall are already reporting a spike in bookings as more Britons opt to avoid airport delays and embrace coastal breaks instead.

For those seeking a beach holiday without leaving the UK, Summerleaze in Bude offers a compelling alternative, delivering sunshine, surf, and seaside charm that’s every bit as appealing as its far-flung rivals.