Best UK Beaches And Hotels

Counting down the UK’s best beaches and beach hotels for a fabulous weekend break!

1. South Bay Beach:

Reigning as the most popular Scarborough beach, South Bay is like a dream catcher for the sun and with dry sands all day, is perfect for sunbathing and building sandcastles. Deck chairs and windbreaks can be hired for a small price, the car park is completely free and there are a number of rock pools to get your nets out and look for some oceanic creatures. The sand is raked each morning to maintain its smooth and clean surface and you can even treat the kids to a donkey ride along the water - there’s no question as to why this beach is such a Scarborough favourite, with activities and beauty to keep you occupied for weeks!

Stay at: The Grand Hotel Scarborough is only a 5 minute walk away from the beach, meaning you can get your flip flops on and head straight down to the water.

2. Formby:

Surrounded by storybook pinewoods and natural sand dunes, this extensive stretch of beach is great for costal walks, sunbathing and a paddle in the ocean. On a summer’s day, it is also a perfect picnicking spot, where you can watch the wind turbines blowing in the sea and follow a trail of steel men rooted in the sand. The ice cream van is also always at hand for a taste of Mr Whippy!

Stay at: Our Scarisbrick Hotel in Southport is only a 20 minute drive to the beach. It is also conveniently a short walk from Southport’s beach.

3. Ainsdale:

Used by many visitors for kite surfing, body boarding, telescope gazing and long walks through the sand and dunes, this little gem is a fantastic getaway from Southport’s busy boulevard. You will be able to find dog friendly zones for those wanting to walk their pets and enchanting mini coves, which you can explore or take refuge in a secret hideaway with the entire family. It is also an ideal place for shell picking.

Stay at: The Scarisbrick and Prince of Wales Hotel are only a 10 minute drive away from the beach, so you can park up and enjoy an entire day of beachy fun.

4. Filey bay:

Nestled at the forefront of a cluster of scenic cliffs with stretching miles of sand, the bay attracts many visitors to its beachy shores. Adults and children can try their hand at fossil collecting, bird watching and donkey rides along the water’s edge. You can even go for a paddle in the ocean if you are daring enough! The beach is a well-loved fishing spot and has a quaint promenade for when you want a nibble to eat or a refreshing drink, putting it firmly in place as one of the UK’s best beaches.

Stay at: When visiting Filey Bay, our Britannia Royal Hotel is the perfect place to stay being just a 20 minute drive away from the beach.

5. Bournemouth Beach:

Bournemouth is known as one of the cleanest beaches in the UK, with endless miles of golden sand and delightful blue ocean. You can catch a lift to the top of a cliff which overlooks the ocean and is both disabled and buggie friendly, and bask in a child friendly atmosphere, with regular lifeguard patrols, a huge funfair and regulated games of sports on the sand. In summer when the sun hits the beach all day, there are lots of shops and food/ice cream vans along the Pier to keep you fed and watered. Dogs are also allowed in allocated areas.

Stay at: Britannia have 5 Bournemouth beach hotels all under a 10 minute drive away, with the closest being our Royal Bath Hotel, just a 10 minute walk away. The other hotels include: Britannia Hotel Bournemouth, Roundhouse Hotel, Carrington House and Heathlands.

6. Brighton Beach:

A quintessential beach strewn with pebbles, Brighton is great for swimming in the sea, sunbathing and watching explosive sunsets. There are many lively bars and restaurants running along its backbone. Here, you will be able to find a selection of food and drink perfect for lunching and dining, whilst you look out across the water and enjoy a spot of people watching. You can also hire deck chairs and sun loungers whilst sitting on the beach. Brighton Pier is only a short walk away and is fantastic for a lovely stroll - dogs are only allowed in certain months when the beach is less populated.

Stay at: The Royal Albion Hotel is a favourite Brighton beach hotel. This is because it is only a minute's drive, or 15 minute walk directly to the beach front.

7. Blackpool Beach:

Blackpool beach is an extremely popular tourist destination, particularly in the summer months. It is famous for its sandy beaches, three Piers – North, Central and South, which are fantastic in both winter and summer months and also its classic promenade attractions. The beach holds captivating sunsets on Blackpool’s beautiful ebbing skyline and is perfect for picnics, swimming and of course topping up those tans in the summer.

Stay at: We have three by the hotels in Blackpool – Norbreck, the Savoy and Grand Metropole. All are a short walk or drive away, depending upon which location you choose – North, South or Central.