We're travel writers — these are our 6 favourite UK beaches

We're spoilt for choice in the UK when it comes to beaches. We've got everything from powdery white sands to turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs and idyllic coves which means choosing one for a weekend away or a day trip can be difficult, especially if you're willing to travel the distance.

With this in mind, we've rounded up some of our favourite UK beaches so next time you're looking for a new coastline to explore, you know exactly where to go.

Let us know in the comments section what your favourite beach is.

"Southerndown (also called Dunraven Bay) is not Wales' most classically beautiful beach (though there is an astonishing amount of competition for this title, to be fair). Neither is it the most swimmer-friendly.

"But what Southerndown lacks in golden, powdery sand or calm waters, it makes up for in the sheer and raw power of nature. The most stunning thing about this beach is just how quickly it disappears under the incoming tide, the speed of which never ceases to catch me by surprise, no matter how many times I watch it happen.

"One minute you are playing on the expansive flat sand or searching the many rock pools for crabs and sea anemones, the next you are scrambling to collect your blankets and picnic basket and retreating from the waves as they roll in. All you can then do is watch on from a distance as they smash against the rocks below and the sheer cliff faces that flank the beach on either side, with the beach completely vanished.

"The beach is part of the 14-mile Glamorgan Heritage Coast which merits comparison with such geological wonders as the south of England's Jurassic Coast or Northern Ireland's Giant Causeway.

"Picturesque walled gardens and Dunraven Castle are set just back from the beach and are also well worth a visit. They are a lovely place to relax on the grass on a warm summer day. There is a car park at the beach for easy access and a small stand selling ice cream." — Steffan Rhys, Deputy Content Hub Director

"Despite now living in a seaside town in Kent, I will always have a soft spot for the beach of my childhood — Sandbanks in Dorset. I have fond memories of Sandbanks: making sand castles as a child, having barbecues with friends as a teenager and enjoying brisk dog walks as an adult. It's my favourite beach not just because of its Blue Flag status, powdery golden sand and stunning views of Poole Harbour, it's my favourite because it's beautiful throughout the year. In fact, some of my favourite walks on Sandbanks beach have been in autumn and winter when the beach is all but empty.

"The summer months can get very busy so I'd highly recommend driving down as early as possible to avoid the queues. There are car parks available but if you can't find a space, you can usually find a spot on the many roads lined with multi-million-pound houses. During the day, Sandbanks boasts some fantastic facilities for families with a mini golf course, a large children's play area and plenty of watersports as well as slacklining, volleyball and table tennis.

"In the cooler months, visitors to Sandbanks can experience The Saltwater Sauna. Tucked alongside the dunes, it's the perfect way to relax, detox and unwind while enjoying spectacular views of Studland, Old Harry Rocks and — on a clear day — the Isle of Wight.

"Just up the road from the beach on Banks Road, I'd highly recommend a visit to Rick Stein's restaurant. There's a cosy and modern downstairs bar where you can enjoy a crisp glass of white wine and a bar snack, and then there's the Harbour View restaurant. The restaurant has stunning views of Poole Harbour and an alfresco dining area that is right on the sea so you feel like you're on a boat. It was an incredibly special experience that was further enhanced by a delicious supper that consisted of turbot and lobster." — Millie Bull, Deputy Editor, Spare Time

"Growing up in London, I was often reluctant to leave the city and spend time in the Great British outdoors, and it wasn’t until recently that I started to develop an appreciation for just how beautiful parts of the UK’s coastline are. While I don’t get to make the trip down to Cornwall as often as I’d like, there’s one beach that always stays with me, and that’s Harlyn Bay.

"Stones covered in moss poke out of the golden sand, and on a sunny day, the colour of the sea is incredible. A horseshoe cove that’s popular with families, especially as it’s considered one of the safest beaches in Cornwall, the landscape feels like a combination of all the best parts of the UK’s beaches, surrounded by dramatic sand dunes and plenty of rock pools to explore.

"It’s one of those beaches that you want to take a picture of every time you visit it, even though you’ve got plenty in your camera roll already. I’ve managed to visit it during every season, and while I’m not a fan of the cold and dark winter months, there’s something even more spectacular about it at this time of year.

"I visited the beach on Christmas Day a few years ago with my family, sharing a flask of hot mulled wine and mince pies, and it made me realise that getting to the beach isn’t just something that should be saved for hot and sunny days. In fact, there’s something even more enjoyable about it when there’s hardly anyone else there.

"As a typical Londoner, I love getting out for a coffee and a walk, and the Beach Box Cafe located at the top of Harlyn Bay beats my usual route around one of London’s parks.

"While it’s not much of a hidden gem, it never feels overcrowded either, which can often be the case on some of Cornwall’s beaches." — Sydney Evans, Audience Writer, Spare Time

"Scotland's island beaches are arguably some of the most beautiful in the UK, thanks to their golden sands and impossibly blue waters, giving them the appearance of the Bahamas or the Maldives. Kiloran Bay, located on the northwestern coast of Colonsay in the Inner Hebrides, is one of these beaches.

"Often described as one of Scotland’s most beautiful yet often overlooked, it stretches out in a wide, golden crescent. Behind you, wildflower dunes rise, and wild goats traverse the nearby cliffs and crags. I've been visiting this beach every year for five years, and I'm still blown away by its beauty — there’s usually not another soul on it. Yes, the water can be cold, but in summer it's popular with surfers and swimmers, while in the winter months, the beach takes on an expansive, rugged, and wild feeling.

"I love strolling along the bay with the dogs or going for a dip in the thundering waves. The views are magnificent, especially from Carnan Eoin where you can see the Isle of Jura. In 2017, the body of an enormous fin whale washed up on the shore. Its bones remain today — stretching 20 metres long — for visitors to marvel at. One thing to note: there are no fish and chip shops, no cafés, and no paddle boards for hire — it really is nature, unspoiled." — Sophie Law, Deputy Editor, Spare Time

"Few UK beaches rival those in Cornwall, in my view, even after living in beautiful Dorset and Devon. The water almost always seems clearer, and the coastline more dramatic, just like at Pedn Vounder. Tucked away beneath the stretch of coastal path linking Porthcurno and the famous Minack Theatre, Pedn Vounder is a tidal cove that feels like a hidden slice of coastal heaven. It’s not the easiest beach to reach — you have to walk the coastal path and scramble down rocks to get there — but that adds to its charm.

"From the top of the headland, you’re met with breathtaking views, especially at dusk, that only improve when you reach the white-golden sand at the bottom. Even when busy, Pedn Vounder retains a peaceful, secluded feel. There’s something cosy about lying on the sand with rugged cliffs behind and the sea stretching out before you; the only sounds are crashing waves and fellow beachgoers. There are no amenities, roads, or a busy promenade nearby — just a beautiful Cornish cove in its purest form.

"Due to the tidal nature of the cove, you must time your visit at low tide to access the beach. Swimming at Pedn Vounder is hard to resist with its turquoise water, but be aware of the strong currents and tides, as this beach is not lifeguarded." — Phoebe Cornish, Senior Audience Writer, Spare Time

"Mupe Bay, a shingle beach to the east of Lulworth Cove in Dorset, is one of the most secluded beaches I’ve ever visited. It’s part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, and the views are nothing short of incredible, and the beach is always super quiet. The shore is mostly shingle, which lies in front of high chalk cliffs, and the sea is much shallower than other beaches in Dorset.

"Low tide also uncovers Mupe Ledge, a flat area which exposes lots of rockpools. With the nearest parking at Lulworth, Mupe Bay can be reached by the coastal path from the eastern side of Lulworth Cove. After a short distance, this reaches the fenced perimeter of the Lulworth Ranges, where a gate allows access during permitted times. You can check the firing times on the Government website. It’s recommended to stick to these paths and not touch anything on the way. Be warned, access is usually restricted to weekends and school holidays, so it’s best to check before visiting.

"It’s definitely an adventure to get there, but one which is extremely rewarding once you’re there. It’s silent with nothing other than the waves crashing against the shore." — Sophie Harris, Senior Audience Writer, Spare Time