10 of the best UK sailing beaches

  • South Lancing ©

    1. South Lancing Beach

    South Lancing is a shingle beach between Shoreham-by-Sea and Worthing.  At low tide a vast section of wet, compact sand is revealed which is popular with dog walkers. At the back of the beach are a number of pastel coloured beach…

  • Marazion ©

    2. Marazion Beach

    A sand and pebble beach opposite the iconic St Michael's Mount, which can be reached via a causeway at low tide. 

    Safe and sheltered, with plenty of shops and cafes in the village. There is a good children's playground adjacent…

  • Aberdour (Black Sands) ©

    3. Aberdour (Black Sands) Beach

    If you enjoy small, quiet bays, Aberdour Black Sands is a great choice to spend a few hours. The views of the Firth of Forth are excellent, and as the tide goes out a long way, there's ample sand for pleasant walks. There's a small…

  • Blakeney Point ©

    4. Blakeney Point Beach

    Beyond the lowlands of north Norfolk is a strange world of waterways, marshes and lagoons encompassed by a 4 mile long spit of shingle and sand dunes. Designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Blakeney Point is now a…

  • Porthgain Harbour ©

    5. Porthgain Harbour Beach

    The little picture perfect harbour village of Porthgain is one of the gems of the Pembrokeshire coast. Set in a sheltered inlet this was once a busy port where slate, brick and granite were shipped from the local quarry. Today the main…

  • Shell Beach ©

    6. Shell Beach

    Shell beach is located on the far side of Herm Island, just off the coast of Guernsey. A truly lovely stretch of golden sand there is always plenty of room to play, sunbathe, eat ice cream or just relax.

    The name of the beach…

  • St Andrews West Sands ©

    7. St Andrews West Sands Beach

    West Sands is the largest and best-known beach in St Andrew's, surprisingly one of the sunniest and driest places in Britain.

    The south end of the two-mile-long sandy beach featured in the opening sequence of Oscar-winning film,…

  • Huisinis ©

    8. Huisinis Beach

    If this beach were anywhere except at the end of the road on a remote Scottish island it would be very well known indeed. As it is this small slice of coastal perfection is one of the UK's most beautiful beaches but often as not completely…

  • Cullercoats ©

    9. Cullercoats Beach (Tynemouth)

    Cullercoats is a small, sandy, crescent-shaped beach, taking up most of Cullercoats Bay, which is enclosed at each end by small piers. At high tide the bay divides into two distinct North and South beaches. The bay has had a thriving fishing…

  • The Bar ©

    10. The Bar Beach

    The Bar is a unique beach, being essentially a spit of pale white sand, which at low tide connects the islands of St Agnes and Gugh. When the tide is out, it is an excellent spot for bathing in the beautiful, turquoise, shallow waters,…