Pembrokeshire, Gwynedd, South Wales, Cornwall, Norfolk – In a triumphant showcase of natural beauty and environmental stewardship, the nations of Wales, Scotland, and England have secured top honors in the 2025 Times and Sunday Times Best UK Beaches list. Drawing attention to the UK’s diverse and eco-conscious coastal destinations, the guide celebrates seaside locations that excel in cleanliness, accessibility, community engagement, and scenic value.
This year’s list, curated by renowned travel journalist Chris Haslam, is the result of exhaustive fieldwork across 756 mainland UK beaches, evaluated on an 11-point checklist. Each beach was assessed for water quality, lifeguard services, ease of access, hygiene, dog-friendliness, parking availability, environmental care, and aesthetic appeal.
Notably, the 2025 edition excludes offshore islands, placing the spotlight on easily accessible mainland beaches, reinforcing a growing trend toward domestic tourism and staycations.
Welsh Beaches Shine Bright on the National Stage
Wales emerged as a coastal powerhouse in this year’s rankings, earning multiple spots among the UK’s top 50 beaches. Standout locations include:
- Saundersfoot Beach in Pembrokeshire: A family-friendly destination lauded for its golden sands, clean bathing waters, and excellent access for visitors of all abilities. With nearby restaurants and coastal walks, it remains a consistent favorite among local and international tourists.
- Whitesands Bay, also in Pembrokeshire: Renowned for its expansive shoreline and surfing appeal, this Blue Flag beach offers not only safe swimming under lifeguard supervision but also stunning views of the St Davids Peninsula, making it ideal for adventure seekers and tranquil beachgoers alike.
- Dunraven Bay: Located in the Vale of Glamorgan, this beach offers dramatic cliffs rich in geological formations and fossil beds, perfect for both nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
- Three Cliffs Bay on the Gower Peninsula: A photographer’s dream, its towering limestone cliffs and serene estuary views make it one of the UK’s most iconic natural shorelines.
- Mwnt Beach, Ceredigion: Tucked into a peaceful cove, Mwnt is famed for its wildlife, especially dolphin sightings, and is celebrated for its peaceful, untouched surroundings.
- Aberdaron, Llyn Peninsula: With its picturesque village backdrop and peaceful atmosphere, Aberdaron is a retreat for those seeking quiet beauty and heritage-rich settings.
- Traeth Llanddwyn, Anglesey: A legendary beach tied to Welsh mythology, Llanddwyn offers wide open sands, romantic ruins, and views across the Menai Strait, making it one of the most culturally enriched beaches in Wales.
Shell Island Crowned Wales’s Beach of the Year 2025
Shell Island, located in Gwynedd, has been crowned Wales’s Beach of the Year 2025. Famed for its abundance of seashells and panoramic views across Cardigan Bay, Shell Island’s distinctive natural beauty is paired with family-focused camping facilities and environmental protection measures.
The beach, which is only accessible during low tide via a causeway, has become a symbol of sustainable Welsh tourism. Its vast dunes and biodiversity make it a haven for nature lovers and eco-conscious travelers.
Scotland and England Also Impress
While Wales shone brightly, Scotland and England also had several strong contenders on the list. Scotland’s beaches—such as Achmelvich Bay in the Highlands and West Sands in St Andrews—earned high praise for their remote serenity and postcard-perfect scenery.
In England, coastal classics like Holkham Beach in Norfolk and Watergate Bay in Cornwall made appearances for their vast sandy stretches, water quality, and family-friendly services.
What Makes a Beach the Best?
Haslam’s detailed methodology ensures that only the very best beaches make the final 50. Each location must pass a strict evaluation process, which includes:
- Excellent water quality
- Daily beach cleanliness
- Accessible parking and pathways
- Full or part-time lifeguard coverage
- Eco-certifications or conservation efforts
- Toilets and hygiene stations
- Dog policies for all seasons
- Engaged local community or tourism board support
- Family appeal and safety
- Visual impact and scenic harmony
These standards reflect not just physical beauty but also operational excellence and a commitment to sustainable tourism.
When and Where to Find the Full Guide
The 2025 Best UK Beaches guide is available digitally via The Times and The Sunday Times. A full print feature will be published on Saturday, July 13, offering travel inspiration to readers nationwide as summer holidays approach.
With increasing interest in staycations and eco-friendly holidays, the guide is expected to influence travel planning for thousands of UK families and international visitors seeking the country’s best coastal experiences.
Coastal Britain: A Renaissance in Domestic Travel
As climate concerns and international travel disruptions persist, UK residents are rediscovering the beauty and convenience of their own shores. The 2025 guide affirms that British beaches—from the cliffs of Glamorgan to the coves of Cornwall—are more than capable of delivering world-class experiences.
With natural richness, visitor infrastructure, and community pride driving tourism forward, the UK’s coastal destinations are set for a resurgence in sustainable travel.
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