The UK has some pretty incredible beaches. From the Cornish coast to the English Mediterranean, and buzzing Brighton to gothic Whitby, no two shorelines are the same.
And, as we Brits are used to unpredictable weather, it means we’re not afraid of braving the beaches in winter.
In fact, a National Trust survey revealed that 43 million of us enjoy a wintry walk, taking in stunning frosty landscapes, and enjoying the crisp, fresh air.
So, in tribute to our island’s unique coastline, Metro rounded up seven of the best beaches, perfect for a December day out.
Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Dorset — otherwise known as the Jurassic Coast — is famed for its sea-carved bays and fossil-studded cliffs. The southwest county is also loved for its fairytale castles and manor houses, which inspired Enid Blyton’s fantasy stories.
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In a word (or two), it’s spectacularly romantic.
One coastal town worth a trip is Weymouth. In the summer, locals and tourists lounge on the sandy beach, with its backdrop of colourful beach huts and Georgian houses painting the perfect British seaside postcard.
However, during winter, crowds are nonexistent. You can take a peaceful stroll along the beach, or pop into one of Weymouth’s many charming boutiques and cosy cafes, uninterrupted.
There’s also the UNESCO-listed Isle of Portland, considered the heart of the Jurassic Coast, and where, 185 million years ago, dinosaurs roamed.
Despite being a 15-minute drive from Weymouth, the wild, natural, and rugged coastline makes it feel far removed from modern life.
Ventnor on the Isle of Wight
Granted, you won’t get Mediterranean weather here in December. But you can guarantee a breathtaking landscape.
We’re talking about Ventnor, on the southeast coast Isle of Wight, a unique seaside town with its own quirky personality.
Visually, Ventnor Bay and its pastel-coloured buildings have been compared to European hotspots across France and Italy.
Coincidentally, it’s here you can pick up French radio and experience the famed microclimate responsible for the growth of Mediterranean plants.
In winter, the walk from Ventnor Beach to Steephill Cove — a beloved hidden gem praised for its clear waters and rock pools — is one of the most beautiful on the island. The postcard route takes around 25 minutes and has constant sea views.
Need somewhere to stay? The Terrace Rooms & Wine is a boutique hotel that lives up to the English Mediterranean namesake. The Italianate-inspired mansion boasts a chic glass-fronted pergola with panoramic views of the English Channel.
Other popular island beaches include Compton Bay, Appley Beach, Freshwater Bay, and Yaverland.
Cornwall’s Heritage Coast
Cornwall is one of the most popular parts of the UK for a sea-cation. Located on the rugged south-westerly tip of the country, the county boasts 400 miles of coastline — 158 miles of which are designated as Heritage Coast.
That’s a whole lot of natural beauty. And the best thing about visiting in the winter – you’ll basically have it all to yourself.
Newquay is perhaps the most famous town, but nestled in a stunning crescent bay, backed by dramatic cliffs on the outskirts, is Tolcarne Beach.
While the ocean invites surfers to crest the cold winter waves, there are plenty of coastal hikes for those who wish to stay dry.
Many start from nearby points around Tolcarne Beach Village. When the tide is out in the mornings, the beach links up with the neighbouring bays. This makes it the perfect time to explore the caves, rocks and cliffs at the edge of the ocean.
The village itself is incredibly charming, complete with adorable beach houses, luxury suites and fully functioning apartments, all overlooking the sea.
Nanjizal Bay in Cornwall
While we’re on the subject of Cornwall, travellers have declared Nanjizal Bay, around 10 miles from Penzance, the ‘best beach in the UK’.
Though white sand beaches and crystal clear waters are usually reminiscent of a holiday in the Seychelles, this UK hidden gem has given the Indian Ocean paradise a run for its money.
During winter, the tropical destination dupe transforms into a fantasy world, with clear blue skies, frosty air, and often, a magical mist.
Beware: it’s not the easiest of places to reach, as it’s tucked away down a narrow path with no direct road access. Visitors must take a scenic walk to reach it, so sturdy footwear is essential, especially in December.
The most popular routes are the seaside trail from Land’s End in the north or Porthgwarra Beach in the south. Both trails are roughly around a mile long and offer official parking. Once there, the only way to access the beach is via a steep wooden staircase.
Unbelievably, Nanjizal Bay is relatively undiscovered, according to Cornwall Beaches.
‘Due to its relative inaccessibility, Nanjizal has remained more or less untouched and never gets busy,’ the local guide reads.
‘There are an abundance of caves and interesting rock formations for those not content with taking the view.’
Trearddur Bay in Anglesey
Enough of the South for a minute. It’s time to give the North its flowers. Earlier this year, Trearddur Bay was crowned the UK’s best coastal hidden gem.
Just south of Holyhead, North Wales, the study praised the bay as one of the ‘most prestigious’ beaches in Anglesey.
Not only does it have ‘crystal clear and calm waters,’ but it’s relatively quiet all year round. This makes it a popular wild swimming location, whatever the weather.
Not far from Trearddur Bay is another North Walian gem: Porth Diana Beach, which is an ideal location for rock pooling.
It’s also the perfect place to grab a bite to eat — Ocean’s Edge Restaurant, The Driftwood Bar & Restaurant or the Sea Shanty Café make up the coastal eateries, where you can salivate over fish and seafood.
Keen walkers can amble along the Anglesey Coastal Path, which spans an impressive 135 miles.
The Trearddur Bay section has been labelled the ‘most attractive’ part of the walk, as it passes an Iron Age hillfort, the South Stack lighthouse and RSPB site Twr Elin.
West Beach in the Outer Hebrides
West Beach, on the island of Berneray, in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, has been namechecked in Lonely Planet’s prestigious list of the world’s best beaches.
Lonely Planet wrote: ‘The powdery silver-white sand might feel more Southeast Asia than North Atlantic, but the chilly aqua waves, dramatic wind-lashed setting and beautifully green adjoining machair (grazing land) are pure, wonderful Outer Hebrides.’
TikTokkers describe the beach as a ‘hidden gem’ while the UK Beach Guide has awarded it a four-star rating. One traveller said: ‘Totally unspoilt, miles of soft white sand, crystal clear turquoise sea, stunning mountain views in the distance, can’t find a single fault with it. My favourite place in the whole world.’
After a walk on the beach — which can be accessed from a car park just past Berneray Village Hall — it’s worth strolling around the surrounding area, too.
Must-see stops include Backhall Village (where you can spot seals), the Clach Mhor Standing Stone, the Giant MacAskill Memorial, and the Berneray Historical Society Museum.
Should you need somewhere to stay, Berneray has plenty of B&Bs and self-catering cottages.
Camber Sands in East Sussex
Looking to swap the rate race of London this winter for some sea air?
Camber Sands, a two-hour train journey from the capital, is widely described as one of the best beaches in the UK. It’s also been named one of Europe’s least crowded beaches, which is perfect news for burnt-out Londoners.
In a Wizz Air analysis of 50 European countries, it beat the likes of Nissi Beach in Cyprus and Playa d’en Bossa in Ibiza. Some even claim it’s more relaxing than the Algarve.
With fine golden sand (which is unusual for the Sussex’s famous pebbled coast) and the only dunes in the county, it’s an idyllic spot for a winter walk.
But, how do you get there? The nearest station to Camber Sands is Rye, so you’ll need to take a train from London St Pancras to Ashford International, and then change for Rye. Single fares start from £50.
From Rye, the 20-minute 102 Wave bus takes you directly to the beach. Or, if you’re eager to start your coastal hike straight away, the walk from Rye station is just over an hour.
Metro Travel Team’s best staycation picks
The UK isn’t just known for its gorgeous beaches. There are plenty of inland gems to explore, too. Take a look at Metro’s pick of the best staycations across the country:
