Check tide times and access routes before you go

As a heatwave brings warmer weather to the UK, sea temperatures can reach the high teens, making swimming without a wetsuit more appealing. Travel experts from the Daily Mail have compiled a guide to some of the best beaches across Britain, highlighting a variety of scenic spots suitable for different preferences. In Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, visitors can enjoy four miles of custard-colored sands with a Victorian resort charm, complete with promenades and fish and chip shops. South Milton Sands in Devon, owned by the National Trust, offers a clean, dog-friendly beach next to a nature reserve with coastal walks and rock pools. Scarborough's South Sands provides both lively town vibes and quieter rock pool areas. Remote options include Twin Beaches on Gigha in the Inner Hebrides for pure escapism and Rye Harbour in East Sussex, a pebbly beach ideal for birdwatching. Southport Beach in Merseyside features vast sands at low tide and a historic pier, while Sandbanks in Dorset has beautiful yellow sands with views of Old Harry Rocks. Other highlights are Tenby's North Beach in Wales with its pastel houses and castle views, Coldingham Sands in the Scottish Borders for nostalgic family visits, and Southwold Beach in Suffolk, linked to George Orwell's history. Devon’s Bigbury-on-Sea evokes timeless English seaside vibes, and Cornwall’s Constantine Bay and Harlyn Bay cater to swimmers and surfers. Scotland’s Bosta Beach on the Isle of Lewis and Whistling Sands in North Wales add unique experiences with dramatic scenery and squeaking sands. These destinations showcase the diversity of UK beaches, from bustling resorts to tranquil escapes, encouraging locals to enjoy the seaside during warmer periods.

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