We all love a good visit to the beach. It’d hardly be a proper UK break without the sound of seagulls and the smell of fish and chips. However, with so many people set to take the opportunity to hit the sand over the spring months, it’s easy to be put off the idea of visiting the beach yourself.
But, just because the most famous beaches are likely to be more on the crowded side, that doesn’t mean that you need to give up your dreams of soaking up the spring sun yourself. All around the UK coastline, there are more than a thousand beaches, giving you plenty of options outside the usual suspects.
So, rather than avoiding the beach entirely, consider visiting one or more of these relatively hidden gems and dodge the crowds on your own June breaks in the UK.
Lantic Bay, Cornwall
Cornwall is a region famous for its extensive coastline and stunning beaches. And, with more than 400 of them, there are quite a few that tend to get overlooked by tourists. Places like Fistral Beach, Watergate Bay and Perranporth are all likely to be visited by plenty of people over the spring.
On the other hand, Lantic Bay is unlikely to attract anywhere near the same crowds as its nearby rivals. Located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) near Fowey, this picturesque cove features a stretch of white sand and a gorgeous vista out over the waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
It’s not the most accessible of beaches, though, as you’ll have to walk down a steep path to get to the sands. Still, if you want to sunbathe and enjoy some almost Mediterranean surroundings in peace, then this could be the secluded spot for you.
Man O’War Cove, Dorset
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Jurassic Coast stretches along 95 miles of the southern shoreline from Dorset to Devon. With its savage limestone cliffs and abundance of impressive fossils, it’s home to many iconic coves and beaches. Lulworth Cove and the famous arch at Durdle Door are two of its most popular spots, both attracting visitors in their thousands.
Right next door to Durdle Door, however, sits another excellent option for a less crowded beach to visit. Man O’War beach is nestled in the neighbouring cove to the iconic arch, with its sheltered waters offering an excellent place to swim, snorkel or dive.
While you do have to brave 150 steep hillside steps to get down to the shore, it’s well worth it to have a chance to relax and listen to the gentle lap of the waves amid this ancient scenery.
Irlam’s Beach, Essex
Essex is no stranger to visitors with buckets and spades, with the classic seaside resort of Clacton-on-Sea and the idyllic getaway of Mersea Island. Given their proximity to London, it’s no surprise that the beaches of the county have long been drawing in plenty of holiday tourists.
Irlam’s Beach is perhaps one of the most hidden of gems when it comes to UK beaches, being overlooked in favour of more well-known seaside retreats in the surrounding area. Which, of course, makes it a great choice for a quieter weekend beach visit, despite it being situated just 80 miles outside of London.
Adjoining onto a set of rolling sand dunes and scenic marshland, you can walk onto this lovely stretch of sand without any need to brave cliffside steps. This rugged beach is a particularly good choice if you’re interested in a spot of fishing or wildlife exploring.
Marske Sands, Yorkshire
Of course, the north is home to many a beautiful and deserted beach too. From windswept sandy flats to shingle beaches, there are more than a few excellent spots for a beach break away from the south coast. And with many holidaymakers naturally tending towards the southwest, why not head in the opposite direction?
The beach of Marske Sands adjoins onto the historic village from which it gets its name, sloping gently down to the sea. With a little shale at its edge, the beach stretches for miles of unblemished sand and is the perfect spot for a dog walk or a family stroll.
And this is only scratching the surface of the lesser-known beaches that await off the beaten path around the UK coastline. So don’t let yourself be put off by the thought of the holiday crowds and treat yourself to a relaxing beach getaway this spring.
