TOP 10 BRITISH BEACHES

...for summer staycations

10. BLACKPOOL SANDS

But not the one you thought! This little beach in South Devon throws a geographical curve ball but is worth discovering. Accessed via a pine tree lined road, the stunning sweep of pebble beach tumbles down to crystal clear waters.

9. PENTLE BAY

Transport yourself to the tropics on these stunning white sands on Tresco, one of the Isles of Scilly. The archipelago off Cornwall’s Land’s End has some of the warmest weather in the British Isles.

8. HAPPISBURGH

Standing guard over this Norfolk beach is its famous red and white lighthouse. Climb 96 steps to the top of the UK’s oldest working lighthouse for an amazing view. Low tide reveals the efforts to stop coastal erosion of the surrounding cliffs.

7. WHITESANDS BAY

A gentle curve of fine, clean sand offers peace and seclusion in this great spot near Dunbar in Lothian. Perfect for morning strolls as it is east-facing and gets the best of the early sunshine. Rockpools at low tide, backed by grasslands of wild flowers.

6. SENNEN COVE

Legend has it mermaids once gathered at this Cornish gem, although  the pods of dolphins that are often seen in the deep waters could be a more likely explanation. A mile of sweeping sands, it is a magnet for surferdudes.

5. DURDLE DOOR

The unique limestone arch on the Jurassic Coast sits between two beaches, the romantically-named Man O’War Cove and St Oswald’s Bay. Beachgoers must negotiate a few hundred steps down the cliff but the reward is sheltered bays with clear, blue seas.

4. OLD HUNSTANTON

Golden sands sweep past traditional beach huts on this gem on the Norfolk coast. Wilder and more windswept than its genteel, younger neighbour, it is ideal for cliff-top walks along its striped cliffs.

3. CUCKMERE HAVEN

Explore sea caves and enjoy stunning views of the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs from this beach near Seaford, East Sussex. Keep an eye on the tides as they are strong here and the water at the river mouth can produce strong currents, but its wild nature will appeal to adventure seekers.

2. BARRICANE BEACH

Exotic shells brought by the waves all the way from the Caribbean have been found gracing the golden sands of this beach at the northern end of Woolacombe, Devon. Rocky outcrops are perfect for rockpooling and the waters are clear and calm in summer.

1. NORTH BEACH, ST ANNES

Backed by dunes between Blackpool and Lytham St Annes, at low tide there’s 300metres of clean, golden sands perfect for sandcastles and beach games. Strong breezes make it perfect for kite flyers and the dunes provide shelter for picnics.