The UK's most breathtaking coastline revealed - and it has 'views to rival Malibu'

A popular coastal destination has been named the most breathtaking in the UK - and it has stunning views to rival Malibu.

A new study has uncovered 30 of the most-loved seaside towns across the UK - and two Cornish locations have placed in the top three.

Nearly 70 per cent of Brits even believe the UK's coastal views easily rival those abroad.

And more are opting to ditch an international beach break to explore the beauty on their doorstep.

Of the 30 destinations listed, St. Ives, Cornwall has taken the top spot as the nation's favourite coastal location, thanks to its stunning beaches, clear waters, and picturesque harbour.

Though Malibu is known for its glamour and high-end lifestyle, it's been said that St. Ives has 'views to rival' the Californian coastal city - famous for its golden sands and blue waters.

In 2022, St Ives was also crowned the happiest place to live in Britain, scoring highly on several factors such as how much people feel a sense of belonging to their area and whether there is access to green space.

Following in second place as the UK's favourite coastal destination is Robin Hood's Bay, in North Yorkshire, while Cornwall's Padstow came in third, in the study by commissioned by Haven Holidays.

Can you spot the difference? Though Malibu is known for its glamour and high-end lifestyle, the Californian coastal city (left) offers similar views of golden sand shores and turquoise waters to St. Ives (right)

Located 6 miles south of Whitby on the Yorkshire coast, Robin Hood's Bay is a picturesque fishing village known for its charming cobbled streets, historic atmosphere and beautiful coastal setting.

Meanwhile, the town, civil parish and fishing port of Padstow offers traditional Cornish pubs, beloved fish and chip spots, a farm and a quaint harbour.

Ranking fourth is the Isle of Skye's Portree, famed for its distinctive row of colourful buildings by its harbour, followed by Pembrokeshire's Tenby in fifth place.

Simon Palethorpe, CEO at Haven, says the outcome of the survey 'goes to prove you don't need to go far from home to get picture postcard views and scenery'.

He adds: 'There's nothing better than starting and ending your day with a sunrise and sunset view over the sea - even more so when it's on home soil.

'Brits are still so surprised by the breathtaking coastline we have in the UK.'

Meanwhile, a new study has found that of the five most-loved seaside destinations across Europe, four are in Britain – with Welsh locations performing particularly well.

The UK beaches are ranked higher than any of the coasts in popular holiday haunts such as Spain, France and Greece.

Barafundle Bay Beach in Pembrokeshire was ranked in second place in the analysis from Holidu, an online holiday rental portal.

The Welsh bay has a stretch of golden sand and clear water – it is often compared to a beach in the Caribbean.

The beach is only accessible via a half-mile walk from the nearest car park, which gives it a true sense of seclusion.

Continuing to fly the flag for Britain in third place is the charming Traeth Mwnt on the west coast of Wales, known for its white sand and scenic coastal paths.