Best secluded beaches: The UK’s most remote shores
For many, a UK beach staycation will be this year’s option for a holiday. So make it as relaxing as possible by dodging packed shores and seeking out a hidden beach. At Snaptrip, we’ve made things a little easier for you by compiling 13 of the best secluded beaches across the UK so you can plan your next trip from here.
1. Speke’s Mill Mouth
Location: Devon
Best for: Seeing a waterfall
Parking: Nearest parking is in Hartland Quay
Speke’s Mill Mouth is very much away from the crowded beaches of Devon. The beach itself is quiet and rocky but is known for having the highest waterfall in Devon. After a careful climb down, get into a pool that you can swim in and enjoy the waterfall. Smaller rock pools on the beach are great for exploring. Jumping into the pools is not advised.
Facilities: There are no facilities at the beach, the nearest is Docton Mill Gardens and Tea Room.
Place to stay: House in North Devon is located in rural Devon, near Hartland village, with open fires and log burners.
2. Barricane Beach
Location: Devon
Best for: Pristine sand and clear waters
Parking: Paid car park nearby
Barricane Beach is a pristine beach in Devon. It’s close to the famous beach of Woolacombe but is separated by a natural rock wall. The small cove is often compared to beaches in the Caribbean, partly because of its white sand and clear waters. The cafe on the beach is famous for its curry that many enjoy whilst soaking up some summer sun.
Facilities: There is a beach cafe.
Place to stay: Francis Cottage is a wonderfully located detached family bungalow based in Woolacombe. Within walking distance of the beach.
3. Botany Bay
Location: Kent
Best for: Fossil hunting
Parking: Paid car parks nearby
Botany Bay is a stunning beach in Kent. To its right are several little coves cut off during high tide, with ancient fossils and caves dug out by smugglers. Just be sure to get to the main beach before the tide comes in. There are also a variety of water sports on the beach, from kayaking to surfing.
Facilities: There are watersports and a cafe on the beach.
Place to stay: Napier Cottage is an elegant cottage designed to give you the best seaside experience possible.
4. Man O’War Beach
Location: Dorset
Best for: Jurassic Coast
Parking: Paid parking nearby
As you approach Man O’War Beach on the coastal path you can see the incredible view of the beach and it’s white cliffs. The path splits in two, and most people go down to Durdle Door as it’s a more leisurely walk. The sand and shingle beach is worth the steeper walk, with stunning views of the Jurassic Coast and a near-empty beach so you can relax and enjoy the bright Dorset sun.
Facilities: There are no facilities at the beach but West Lulworth village is a short drive away.
Place to stay: Cottage in Dorset is surrounded by pubs, restaurants and the quiet Lulworth Cove.
5. Lantic Bay
Location: Cornwall
Best for: Hidden bays
Parking: National Trust car park is nearby
Cornwall’s Lantic Bay is a National Trust bay. As a result, it has crystal clear water, bright white rocks and a fine sand beach. To get to this secret beach, you must follow coastal paths and walk through rough woodland. Your reward is one of the South West’s quietest sandy coves.
Facilities: The closest facilities are in the town of Polruan.
Place to stay: House in South Cornwall, in Polruan, sleeps four, has sea views and is a short drive from Lantic Beach.
6. Traeth Llyfn
Location: Pembrokeshire
Best for: Sharing a beach with some seals
Parking: None
Traeth Llyfn in Pembrokeshire is about as remote as you can get. This sandy beach has metal stairs making it accessible, and there is no other way down. On the beach, you can often spot seals that are enjoying the sun and relaxing.
Facilities: The nearest facilities are in the village of Porthgain.
Place to stay: Glan y Mor is a large cottage in Porthgain that sleeps seven, has sea views and has a pub two minutes away.
7. Porth Wen
Location: Cemaes Bay
Best for: A look back in time
Parking: Layby parking one mile away
Porth Wen in Cemaes Bay is the site of a harbour, large beach and deserted factory, overrun by plants and wildlife. The elements haven’t completely destroyed the building as you can still see its shells and chimney. This is one of the more spooky beaches to visit.
Facilities: No facilities at the beach.
Place to stay: Tregynrig Bach in Cemaes Bay sleeps eight people, has its own hot tub and is surrounded by farmland.
8. Burnham Overy Staithe Beach
Location: Norfolk
Best for: A different kind of beach
Parking: Free parking nearby
For a beach different to those often seen in Cornwall and Devon, Norfolk offers some wonderful delights. With a flat and open landscape, Burnham Overy Staithe Beach offers long secluded walks away from the crowds. You can take a ferry to Scolt Head Island, part of a nature reserve and full of exciting wildlife.
Facilities: Burnham Overy Staithe has facilities such as watersports rental and a bar.
Place to stay: Barleywood in Fakenham is a quaint cottage with sea views and traditional furnishings, including an open fire.
9. Titchwell Beach
Location: Norfolk
Best for: Wildlife reserve
Parking: Titchwell Nature Reserve has parking
As well as being secluded, Titchwell Beach in Norfolk has many different attractions. Backed by large dunes riddled with World War Two pillboxes, there are lots of British defences remnants, such as tanks that were once used as target practice. Caution should be used at this beach as the water can be fast and dangerous.
Facilities: There are facilities in the natures reserve including a cafe, toilets and a shop.
Place to stay: Located in West Norfolk with large open rooms and a modern interior, the Old Smithy cottage can sleep up to seven.
10. Ross Back Sands
Location: Belford
Best for: Views away from the crowds
Parking: Roadside parking one mile from the beach
Ross Back Sands lies between the busier areas of Holy Island and Bamburgh Castle. It’s a stunning stretch of seemingly empty beach since access is a one-mile walk from the car. At the shoreline, you can see Bamburgh Castle’s silhouette. Seabirds breed in the area so dogs must be kept close at all times.
Facilities: There are none at the beach but the village of Belford has pubs, shops and restaurants.
Place to stay: Seal Bay in Bamburgh sleeps four and is near several beaches, including Ross Back Sands.
11. Embleton Bay
Location: Northumberland
Best for: Bird watching
Parking: Nearby parking at Dunstan Steads
Embleton Bay is on the stunning Alnwick coastline. On its south side, the beach is a short walk from the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. On this golden sands beach, you’ll see a wide range of rare birds. And because of its remote location, it won’t get as busy as other beaches in Northumberland.
Facilities: There are none at the beach but the village of Embleton has a pub.
Place to stay: Hedgehog House is located in the medieval village of Embleton, one mile from the beach.
12. Coral Beach
Location: Isle of Skye
Best for: Clear blue sea
Parking: One mile away at Claigan Coral Beach Car Park
Coral Beach on the Isle of Skye differs from most British beaches. Instead of fine sand or pebbles, the beach is made up of sun-bleached shells and the white remains of dried seaweed. The beach also has crystal clear blue water, which gives it a very tropical feel.
Facilities: None at the beach.
Place to stay: Lampay Chalet 2 in Dunvegan is a mix between a chalet and a glamping pod. With a spacious interior, this property has all you need.
13. Achmelvich Bay
Location: Achmelvich
Best for: White sand
Parking: Free parking near the beach
With free parking a short walk away, this beach isn’t a challenge to get to. However, it being in the very north of Scotland, near the village of Achmelvich, makes it very remote. It looks like a beach in the Mediterranean, with crisp white sand and clear blue sea. The only difference would be the temperature, which is a little colder.
Facilities: There are toilets and a rangers hut.
Place to stay: Cottage in The Highlands is a quintessential Highland cottage that sleeps four and has views over the water, into the village of Lochinver.
