Britain has hundreds of beaches and every year the water of each one is tested by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) and given a grading of fail, basic pass, guideline and MCS recommended.
The following beaches are all MCS recommended and therefore have excellent quality water that has not been affected by untreated sewage or waste.
North Scotland’s best beach – Nairn, Moray
Why? Beautiful views across the Moray Frith, great facilities for families with children and best of all, it is home to a school of dolphins.
Lifeguard presence? No, but there is a paddling pool area for young children.
South Scotland’s best beach – Arbroath, Angus
Why? European designated bathing water, rock pools and close proximity to local shops and eateries.
Lifeguard presence? No, but rock pools provide a great safe place for children to play and explore.
Northern Ireland’s best beach – Portrush, Antrim
Why? Long stretch of sandy beach surrounded by large sand dunes which shelter the beach and the promenade.
Lifeguard presence? No, so be extra careful as the waves can be very powerful at Whiterocks.
Wales’ best beach – St David’s, Pembrokeshire
Why? Huge expanse of fine white sandy beach with a great view of the rocky headland which provides great areas for walking and exploring.
Lifeguard presence? Yes, mainly because this is such a popular beach with surfers.
North West’s best beach – Meols, Hoylake
Why? A beautiful beach made up of a mixture of shingle and sand, perfect for swimming and sailing.
Lifeguard presence? Yes, from Easter through to the end of September.
North East’s best beach – Sutton-on-Sea,
Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire
Why? Largely un-commercialised with recent developments such as a paddling area for younger children and adjacent gardens to explore.
Lifeguard presence? RNLI lifeguard presence during the summer months.
Yorkshire’s best beach – Filey, Scarborough
Why? Historical promenade, wide sandy beach with close proximity to the seaside town and rock pools a short walk north.
Lifeguard presence? RNLI lifeguard service from May to September.
South West’s best beach – Harlyn Bay, Padstow, Cornwall
Why? Great sandy beach backed by large dunes and rocky cliffs, creating a beautiful backdrop and sheltered beach.
Lifeguard presence? RNLI lifeguard presence over the Easter weekend and during the summer.
South East’s best beach – Hemsby, Winterton on Sea, Norfolk
Why? 3km stretch of unspoilt coastline with naturally occurring dunes and rock pools, great for keeping the children entertained.
Lifeguard presence? RNLI lifeguards from July until September. There are great beaches across the UK so book your UK holiday today!
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