Most people don’t always think about visiting the United Kingdom Beaches, as they believe it will be too cold to participate in any type of water sports or swimming. While this may be true for some seasons, there are times of the year where the water and even surf can be comfortable and invigorating. Included are a few beach spots you could plan in your visit.

Tunnels Beaches

These beaches in Ilfracombe, Devon, are all hand carved tunnels that lead to various beach locations and tide pools. The climate here is great for water sports including fishing, snorkeling, surfing, windsurfing, body boarding or swimming.

Sennen Cove, West Cornwall

This is one of the best surf spots in all of the United Kingdom. A northwestern beach, it stretches in an arc shape from beginners’ waves to extreme surf. Walk the coastal trails and catch glimpses of the Sicily Isles and abundant wildlife including seals, dolphins and puffins.

Botany Bay, Kent

With its white cliffs, cool rock formations and chalk reefs, this beach is one in a million. It’s one of the prettiest of the seven bays surrounding the area of Broadstairs. Investigate all kinds of sea creatures in the tide pools or just take in the picturesque beauty.

Calgary Bay, Scotland

Calgary Bay on the Isle of Mull is one of the finest beaches in Scotland. The turquoise waters are clean and calm and from the rocky shore, you can fish for mackerel and sea trout.

Barafundle Bay, Wales

Named Britain’s best beach by Country Life magazine, this beautiful landscape is set amongst limestone headlands, with gleaming turquoise waters and tree-lined shores. 

Runswick Bay, Yorkshire

Go to the quaint village of Runswick Bay and find one of the safest swimming areas in all of the United Kingdom. Surrounded by the Lingrow Knowle crag, you can go boating, swimming or just sun yourself by the water’s edge. Runswick Bay was initially a fishing village, but now has its own sailing club and plenty of water-skiing.

Bamburgh, Northumberland

Want to build sandcastles on the beach? Or how about see a real castle close to this beach? Here you will, because Bamburgh Castle overlooks the sandy coastline. The historical Anglo-Saxon castle was restored in Victorian times and is a great destination for families. Rock climb, explore the network of trails, or fly kites on this windy, sunny shore.