The 8 best beaches in the UK without the crowds this summer
WHEN the Great British Summer hits its peak, stress, crowds and overpriced Cornettos can all conspire to make a trip to the coast feel far from relaxing.
But, even on the hottest days, there are dozens of beaches around the UK where you can have vast swathes of sandy nirvana all to yourself.
Rob Crossan uncovers eight secret seasides where there will be plenty of room for your deckchair.
MARAZION, CORNWALL: Cornish beaches tend to be on the small side so space is at even more of a premium in these parts in peak summer.
Yet, down in one of the farthest corners of the county, just 15 miles from Lands End, there’s Marazion’s beach.
It’s a belter if you’re prepared to make the long journey (the Riviera Sleeper train to Penzance is a great option if you want to avoid the roads).
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ARBROATH, ANGUS: Up on the wild west coast of Scotland, Arbroath is more famous for its smokie (a whole wood-smoked haddock) than its sands. But it’s easy to combine the two.
Set yourself up for a stroll with the classic dish at the Old Boatyard Restaurant before taking to the long beach, keeping your eyes peeled for Gayfield, the home of Arbroath Football Club.
It’s located just 40 metres from the sea and, if you catch a match at high tide, waves have been known to crash over the perimeter wall giving supporters on the age-old terracing a thorough soaking!
Stay the night: B&B doubles at the Harbour Nights Guest House cost from £85. See .
FILEY, NORTH YORKSHIRE: The demure town of Filey seems trapped in a bygone era, to the point where you half expect a holidaying Noel Coward to emerge from one of the whitewashed villas that line the seafront promenade.
The fairy lights strung from the lampposts on the main sea road are flanked by pristine gardens and the beach itself is a whopper.
You can walk for miles along the empty sands all the way down to the Bempton Cliffs’ RSPB reserve, spring-time home to one of the largest puffin populations in Britain.
BRYHER, ISLES OF SCILLY: The manicured islands of Tresco and St Mary’s may draw most of the crowds who venture out to the Isles of Scilly.
But the wilder Bryher island, which lies 26 miles off the main coast of Cornwall, is home to the most seductive sands.
There’s a real back-to-nature feel to the archipelago with each side radically different to the other – Atlantic waves crash against the cliffs on the west coast, while the east has gently lapping turquoise waters more reminiscent of the Caribbean.
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Best of all, Bryher is so small you can explore all the beaches the island has to offer in just one day of gentle walking.