Top 10 best beaches
to drive to in the UK
From Cornish coves to Hebridean white sand, ten UK beaches worth the drive.
Pack the boot, get the dog in the back and pick your spot. We've ranked ten of the UK's best drive-to beaches on rating, atmosphere and how worthwhile the journey feels once you arrive. Some are sleepy coves, some are big northern sands with surf schools and ice cream vans. All of them are easier to reach than you might think.
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Tynemouth Longsands Tyne and Wear
Tynemouth Longsands is a much-loved stretch of golden sand just outside Newcastle, popular with surfers, dog walkers, and families. It offers a quintessentially northern seaside experience with a great mix of nature and urban culture. Easily reached via the A1058 Coast Road or the Tyne and Wear Metro system, it makes for a straightforward day out whether you're coming from the city or further afield.
On your way in, you pass the post-industrial charm of North Shields and the River Tyne estuary. Once at Tynemouth, the beach is overlooked by the ruins of Tynemouth Priory and Castle, adding a dramatic historical backdrop. The beach itself is clean, spacious, and lifeguarded in the summer months. Surf schools operate year-round, and there's a seasonal ice cream van perched on the cliff.
Nearby, the village of Tynemouth is full of character. The station hosts a vibrant weekend market, and the pubs, cafes and independent shops along Front Street offer plenty to do after a beach visit. For those travelling with dogs, there are specific sections of the beach where they're allowed year-round.
Bournemouth Beach Dorset
With seven miles of soft, golden sand, Bournemouth Beach is a staple of the British seaside. Popular with holidaymakers for generations, it's well-connected by train and road, lying off the A338. It's easy to reach from Southampton, London, or even Bristol.
Approaching from inland, the New Forest provides a scenic detour. Once in Bournemouth, the Victorian gardens and clifftop views introduce you to the beach's old-school charm. There's a wide promenade, a busy pier area with arcades, and the Bournemouth Oceanarium, great for family visits.
The beach is divided into several zones with colour-coded beach huts, rentable loungers, and water sports stations. Bournemouth's pier hosts live music, zip lines and a café with sea views. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards in summer and is accessible with ramps and beach-friendly wheelchairs available.
Sandbanks Dorset
Just a short drive west of Bournemouth, Sandbanks is synonymous with luxury and leisure. Known for its expensive properties, calm waters, and Blue Flag cleanliness, this beach is ideal for relaxed sunbathing or water sports. It's reachable via the B3369 and is close to Poole, making it convenient for both tourists and locals.
The drive into Sandbanks is a scenic one, with views across Poole Harbour, one of the largest natural harbours in the world. On the other side is Brownsea Island, a haven for red squirrels and birdwatching.
The beach has all the amenities you'd expect: fine sand, good toilets, outdoor showers, and a range of water sports, including paddleboarding and windsurfing. It's a calm spot, great for families with young children thanks to the shallow water and lifeguard presence in summer. Food options include beachside kiosks and Rick Stein's high-end restaurant.
Whitby Sands North Yorkshire
Beneath the iconic Whitby Abbey lies Whitby Sands, a family-friendly beach with plenty of northern charm. Easily accessed from the A171, it's a key stop along the North Yorkshire coast, popular with fossil hunters, surfers and history buffs.
The beach stretches north from the town and is backed by colourful beach huts and green cliffs. At low tide, the beach opens up wide for games, sandcastle-building or long walks. Lifeguards are present in the summer and the water quality is good for paddling or bodyboarding.
The town of Whitby is steeped in history, with connections to Captain Cook and Bram Stoker's Dracula. After the beach, climb the 199 steps to the abbey ruins, or enjoy fish and chips by the harbour. For a quieter option, Robin Hood's Bay is nearby, a beautiful village with narrow streets and coastal walks.
West Wittering West Sussex
Located on the edge of Chichester Harbour, West Wittering Beach offers natural beauty and long open sands. The beach is popular with day-trippers from London and the South East and can be reached via the A286 or A259.
Driving in, you'll go from the historic streets of Chichester to quiet lanes surrounded by fields and marshes. It feels a world away from the city. The beach itself is expansive, backed by dunes and overlooked by the South Downs on a clear day.
It's part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with rich birdlife and tidal salt marshes. The water is shallow and ideal for paddling. Windsurfers and kitesurfers favour this spot too. Facilities include toilets, a café and seasonal lifeguards. Parking must be booked in advance during busy periods, especially in summer.
Chesil Beach Dorset
Chesil Beach is an 18-mile stretch of shingle that connects the Isle of Portland to West Bay. It's a geological marvel and a favourite for walkers, anglers, and photographers. You can reach it from the A354 to Portland or the A35 through Abbotsbury.
The surrounding area includes Fleet Lagoon, a brackish lake home to rare birdlife. There's a visitor centre at the Abbotsbury end that explains the beach's unique structure and ecology.
Chesil isn't made for sunbathing or paddling, but it is strikingly beautiful and atmospheric. The steep pebble bank creates loud, crashing waves and a sense of raw power. Nearby Weymouth and Portland offer traditional seaside fun, harbours and seafood options.
Rhossili Bay Swansea, Gower Peninsula
Part of the Gower Peninsula, Rhossili Bay regularly appears in lists of the world's best beaches. It's remote, wild and stunning, with an epic view as you descend from the car park above. Take the M4 to Swansea and follow signs through winding country roads.
Once there, you're met with miles of sandy beach, dramatic cliffs and the unique Worm's Head, a tidal island walkable at low tide. The area is managed by the National Trust and remains unspoiled.
Rhossili is a hit with walkers, surfers and nature lovers. In spring and summer, wildflowers cover the cliffs. There's a tearoom, a pub, and a small visitor centre nearby. Parking is available but fills up fast in good weather.
Porthcurno Beach Cornwall
Tucked away near Land's End, Porthcurno is a postcard-perfect cove with fine sand and turquoise water. It's accessed via the A30 and local roads, with narrow lanes towards the end.
The beach is set beneath steep cliffs and accessed via a staircase. It's not ideal for those with mobility issues but the views are well worth the effort. Above the beach sits the Minack Theatre, an open-air venue carved into the rock with incredible sea views.
This beach is peaceful, scenic and family-friendly, though it can get busy in summer. The waves can be strong, so caution is needed when swimming. Facilities are limited, but there's a small café nearby.
Luskentyre Isle of Harris, Scotland
Found on the western coast of the Isle of Harris, Luskentyre feels more Caribbean than Caledonian. It's remote and takes effort to reach, but the payoff is immense. You'll need to travel via ferry from the mainland to Harris, then drive across winding, single-track roads.
The beach is vast and pristine, with white sand and turquoise waters that change hue with the light. Backed by dunes and hills, it's surrounded by silence and sky.
It's a haven for walkers, photographers and those seeking solitude. There are no beachside facilities, so bring supplies. What it lacks in amenities, it makes up for in beauty.
Woolacombe Beach Devon
Top of the list is Woolacombe, a long, flat beach on the North Devon coast. Renowned for its surf, sunsets and cleanliness, it's reached via the A361 through Ilfracombe.
The beach runs for over two miles and is backed by dunes and rolling countryside. It's perfect for surfing, bodyboarding, or a long walk. Lifeguards are on duty in summer, and there are surf schools and board rentals for all abilities.
The village of Woolacombe offers plenty of food options, from fish and chips to cosy pubs. There's ample parking, good toilet facilities, and designated dog-friendly zones. It combines convenience with natural beauty, which is why so many visitors rate it highly.
Ready to plan your next beach trip?
Whether it's the excitement of Bournemouth and Newquay or the serene beauty of Rhossili Bay and Tynemouth, these beaches deliver the perfect mix of sun, sand and sea. Grab a temporary car insurance quote with Covertime today and be on the road in no time.
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