The UK’s best beach revealed – its white sand and turquoise lagoons helped it beat Jamaica & Thailand

TWO UK beaches have been named among the top 50 in the world, ranking alongside shorelines in exotic places in the Caribbean and Mauritius.

The list was put together by using scores from previous media results, official Blue Flag locations and contributions from their editorial team.

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The top-ranking British beach on the list was Pedn Vounder in Cornwall, one of the UK's best-loved beaches, which was rated higher than shores in Jamaica, Mauritius and Thailand.

Ranking it 25th in the world, Big 7 wrote: "Cornwall has long been a summer getaway destination for local families, but its gorgeous coastline has caught the eye of international travellers.

"Despite the crowds, Pedn Vounder is still one of the UK’s most beautiful beaches.

"Combining crystal clear blue water and white sand, it’s proof that you don’t need to hotfoot to the Caribbean for a tropical island-inspired getaway."

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Author of the Wild swimming book series, Daniel Start said: "This dramatic bay is protected by the towering granite outcrop of Logan’s Rock.

"In summer, the sandbars create shallow blue tidal lagoons that warm up in the afternoon sun."

Pedn Vounder can be found in Penzance in Cornwall, home to a number of beautiful bays.

It is set among the cliffs of Treryn Dinas and is described as "something of a poster child for Cornwall's most stunning beaches".

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That's according to , who say it has grown in popularity in recent years, having previously been something of a hidden gem.

They said: "One of Cornwall's loveliest beaches with crystal clear turquoise water and a beautiful white sand beach.

"Over recent years the beach here has ceased to be the secret spot it once was. It is now well and truly on the tourist bucket list."

However, the beach is known for being a little trickier to get to, with a climb down some rocks required in order to reach the sand.

Joining Pedn Vounder on the list, in 42nd place, was Rhossili Bay on the Gower Peninsula in Wales.

Big 7 described it as "pristine", saying: "Three miles of golden sands await you in the Gower Peninsula of Wales."

It came higher in the list than beaches in places like Vanuatu and Anguilla.

The beach's natural beauty has also been known to trick people into thinking it's abroad when they first see images of it.

Nearly three quarters (73 per cent) thought it was not in the UK, according to a survey carried out by Gordon's Gin in 2021.

Travel blogger  even said: "It actually felt and looked more like the Mediterranean."

Also making the list from the British Isles was Keem Bay, found on Ireland's Achill Island.

Big 7 Travel said: "Its gleaming white sand rivals tropical islands and the water is superbly clear. The sun might not always be shining, but when it does it’s world-class."

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Meanwhile, these beaches made Lonely Planet's list of the most stunning in Europe.

And this UK seaside town has been voted the cheapest in the country.

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