Brits looking for a getaway closer to home are inundated with options, from tranquil national parks to beautiful, sprawling beaches and luxurious accommodations to spend those long-awaited trips in. And it goes without saying that a day out in nature is much more enjoyable if the location happens to be away from the more bustling tourist spots.
The travel experts from My Baggage have explored 11,000 miles of British coastline to show off seven of the most beautiful, off the beaten track nooks and crannies. These beaches are perfect for those wanting to explore a hidden gem, and the range of beaches on the list is perfect for those seeking peace, a quiet spot to practice surfing or a peaceful place to watch birds. Some destinations on the require a longer expedition, but the trek will be well worth it for those wanting to discover secret coves, little-known bays and the quietest of beaches.
A spokesperson at My Baggage said: “We are set to see one of the busiest summers for UK getaways and whilst some may be excited about packed beach trips, others will be looking for something a bit more tranquil. Escaping the crowds may be your main reason for visiting these lesser-known spots, but they are also some of the loveliest beaches about, despite how tricky some of them are to get to.
“Due to their remoteness, most of these beach’s won’t have anyone around to help in potentially dangerous situations, so remember to stay alert! Beachgoers should also be respectful of the space and take any rubbish with them.”
Read on to discover the seven secluded beaches you should add to your travel itinerary.
Mupe Bay, Dorset
Around the corner from Dorset’s popular Lulworth Cove and tucked behind towering white cliffs is a true hidden gem. Whilst getting to Mupe Bay will involve a fair amount of walking and a short scramble down a cliff path, the gorgeous sights are well worth the trek. During high tide the beach is rocky. However, low water uncovers a short sandy stretch and a flat area full of rock pools.
Titchwell Beach, Norfolk
This sandy sanctuary just outside Hunstanton is a peaceful place to enjoy seclusion and downtime, with sounds of the sea and birds tweeting overhead. Titchwell has a huge RSPB nature reserve, home to avocets, bearded tits and marsh harriers, making the beach a twitchers paradise. History buffs will enjoy seeing the wrecks preserved from World War II around the dunes, marshes and in the tideline.
Barricane Bay, Devon
Half a mile down the road from Woolacombe Beach, Barricane Bay is known for the exotic shells that wash up on its shore. Sometimes known as Combesgate Beach, the stretch is a perfect spot for a bit of rock-pooling. Rock-pooling is a British favourite, and if anyone has moved to the UK and not yet been rock-pooling, then this a good place to start. Given the right windy conditions, it is popular with surfers despite a lack of lifeguard and provides a secluded spot to escape the Woolacombe crowds.
Samphire Hoe Beach, Kent
This area beneath the white cliffs of Dover was man made with excess materials from the Channel Tunnel excavations. Although the beach was there long before, the multi-use nature reserve was added in the last half a century. Beachgoers are well catered for, as the pebble covered space was built with people in mind, with wheelchair access, toilets, a cafe, and plenty of parking.
Traeth Llyfn Beach, Pembrokeshire
Majorly off the beaten track, visitors to Traeth Llyfn Beach will have to hike along a coastal path and then brave a slightly scary set of metal steps down a cliff face to see the sand. Less brave walkers shouldn’t be put off by accessibility, as once down on the beach there is plenty of space on the golden beach for dogs to run free and games to be played. Visitors should be careful when swimming the powerful waves, as the remote area has no lifeguard.
Lunan Bay, South Scotland
With a reputation for being one of the best beaches in Angus, Lunan Bay is a mile-long secluded sandy beach. The space is extremely popular for those who enjoy water sports, horse riding and fishing. Fans of Scottish history will also enjoy a trip to the ruins of Red Castle, which sits above the sand dunes. Facilities such as shops, restaurants and hotels can be found in Montrose, the closest town a few miles north.
Sandwood Bay, North Scotland
Set at the end of a four-mile footpath, it is truly an adventure to get to Sandwood Bay (featured in the main image). The long stretch of sandy beach is backed by dunes, which have a freshwater lake behind them. The bay is thought to be haunted, due to a number of shipwrecks that occurred before a lighthouse was built at nearby Cape Wrath.
