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The 20 Best UK Beaches for Families
When finding the perfect beach destination for your next family holiday, the UK has no shortage of stunning options. From the rugged beauty of Cornwall to the serene shores of the Isle of Wight, these best UK beaches for families offer something for everyone.
If you want to embark on a family trip that will create lasting memories and keep everyone happy and entertained, family beach holidays in the UK are the way to go.
If you're venturing to the South Coast, why not explore the wonders of Sennen Cove or the stunning Ventnor Beach? Or, if you're heading to Wales, how about the beautiful Morfa Bychan Beach?
Your must-visit list will be full of options with these stunning locations, so without further ado, let's get right into the 20 best UK beaches for families!
Sennen Cove, Cornwall
Nestled in the picturesque fishing village of Sennen, Sennen Cove is a true gem in Cornwall. With its soft golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and gentle waves, Sennen Cove is an ideal spot for families with young children. Plenty of facilities are nearby, including cafes, ice cream parlours, and shops.
Type of beach: Sand, Lifeguard service: Yes.
Find out moreDog-friendly: Between 15th May – 30th September, dogs are only permitted on Sennen Cove Beach before 10am and after 6pm.
Durdle Door Beach, Dorset
Famous for its iconic rock arch, Durdle Door Beach is one of the best UK beaches for families to visit in Dorset. The beach itself is a pristine stretch of sand and pebbles, with calm waters perfect for paddling and swimming. The famous landmark is a true sight to behold.
Type of beach: Sand sand and shingle, Lifeguard service: No, Dog-friendly: Yes.
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Shanklin Beach, Isle of Wight
Shanklin Beach is a true family-friendly paradise on the Isle of Wight. With its gently sloping sands and rock pools teeming with marine life, this spot is a great place to get the whole family exploring. With a wide range of amenities, including beach huts, cafes, and arcades.
Type of beach: Sand, Lifeguard service: Yes, Dog-friendly: Prohibited between May – Sep.
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Filey Beach
A hidden gem along the Yorkshire coast, Filey Beach offers a tranquil escape for families seeking a quieter beach experience. Its long stretch of golden sands, rock pools, and charming promenade lined with cafes and shops make it a perfect spot for a leisurely day by the sea, away from the bustling crowds.
Type of beach: Sand, Lifeguard service: Yes.
Find out moreDog-friendly: Restrictions to certain areas apply from May – September.
Frinton-On-Sea Beach, Essex
Known for its immaculate sandy shores and clean waters, Frinton-On-Sea Beach is a top choice for family beach holidays in the UK. This Essex beach is well-equipped with facilities, including beach huts, cafes, and play areas, making it an ideal destination for a fun-filled day out with family members, young and old.
Type of beach: Sand, Lifeguard service: Yes.
Find out moreDog-friendly: Restrictions to certain areas apply from May – September.
Llanbedrog Beach, North Wales
Llanbedrog Beach is a true hidden gem on the Llyn Peninsula in North Wales. With its soft sands, crystal-clear waters and stunning views of the nearby headlands its a tranquil spot for families who want a more secluded beach experience. The beach is also home to rock pools so the young explorers can have the time of their lives. Type of beach: Sand, Lifeguard service: No, Dog-friendly: Yes.
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St Ives Bay, Cornwall
St Ives Bay is a breathtaking expanse of golden sands and turquoise waters, with the nearby holiday park offering private access to the beach. It offers a quintessential Cornish beach experience for families; with plenty of opportunities for watersports from surfing to kitesurfing, rock pools and plenty of sand for building sandcastles.
Type of beach: Sand, Lifeguard service: Yes.
Find out moreDog-friendly: Yes, but there’s a seasonal dog ban from Easter to October.
Sandbanks Beach, Dorset
Another one of the best UK beaches for families is Sandbanks Beach, a family-friendly oasis in Dorset. Boasting miles of golden sands and a lively atmosphere. And if you're feeling adventurous, there are also several water sports facilities to enjoy!
Type of beach: Sand, Lifeguard service: Yes, Dog-friendly: Restrictions, Sandbanks Promenade to Haven Point.
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Ventnor Beach, Isle of Wight
Another charming seaside destination in the Isle of Wight, Ventnor Beach offers a unique blend of sandy and pebbly shores for families to enjoy. With its sheltered coves, rock pools, and picturesque backdrop of the town's colourful buildings.
Type of beach: Sand and shingle, Lifeguard service: Yes, Dog-friendly: Prohibited between May – Sep.
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Lunan Bay, Scotland
Lunan Bay is a breathtaking stretch of sand and dunes in Angus, Scotland, offering families a genuinely serene and unspoiled beach experience. With sandy shores, rock pools, and striking cliffs, this destination is the perfect spot to enjoy beachcombing, kite-flying, and picnicking.
Type of beach: Sand, Lifeguard service: No, Dog-friendly: Yes.
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Watergate Bay, Cornwall
Next on our list is Watergate Bay, a quintessential Cornish beach. This beach is renowned for its long stretch of golden sands and rolling waves, making it a popular destination for families and surfers. Why not enjoy the relaxation of sunbathing and the active nature of swimming and surfing?
Type of beach: Sand, Lifeguard service: Yes, Dog-friendly: Yes.
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Flamborough Head, Yorkshire
More from the Yorkshire coast, Flamborough Head offers families a unique blend of sandy beaches and rugged cliffs teeming with wildlife. This Wildlife Trust area is home to several family-friendly beaches, including North Landing, which is perfect for beachcombing, rock pooling, and nature trails.
Type of beach: Sand, Lifeguard service: No, Dog-friendly: All year round.
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Weymouth Beach, Dorset
Another top spot for family beach holidays in the UK is Weymouth Beach. Offering a long stretch of golden sands and a promenade lined with attractions and amenities, every family member can find entertainment at this beach. With its shallow waters, donkey rides, and traditional Punch and Judy shows, what's not to love?
Type of beach: Sand and shingle, Lifeguard service: Yes.
Find out moreDog-friendly: Restrictions apply on the main sections of Weymouth Central and Lodmoor between Good Friday and 31st October.
Bournemouth Beach, Dorset
Bournemouth Beach is a vibrant and family-friendly destination in Dorset on the South Coast of England. With its seven miles of golden sands, lively pier and several activities and amenities, theres something for everyone here. From traditional beach huts and amusement arcades to watersports, its a perfect spot for a fun-filled day out.
Type of beach: Sand, Lifeguard service: Yes.
Find out moreDog-friendly: Prohibited from May – September.
Whitecliff Bay, Isle of Wight
Another of the best UK beaches for families in the Isle of Wight, Whitecliff Bay offers a secluded and picturesque private beach experience – plus direct access from Whitecliff Bay holiday park. With its soft sands, rock pools, and white cliffs.
Type of beach: Sand and shingle, Lifeguard service: No, Dog-friendly: Yes.
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Crackington Haven, Cornwall
Crackington Haven is a picturesque cove along the Cornish coastline, a great spot for family beach holidays in the UK. With its golden sands, rock pools, and dramatic cliffs, you'll be surrounded by the area's natural beauty, providing an escape from your busy nine-to-five. Type of beach: Sand and shingle, Lifeguard service: Yes, Dog-friendly: Prohibited from April – Sep.
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Perranporth Beach, Cornwall
Perranporth Beach is another family-friendly paradise in Cornwall, known for its vast stretch of golden sands and rolling waves. With its abundance of rock pools, dunes, and beachside cafes, there's no shortage of activities. The beach is also a popular spot for surfing, so why not try some watersports?
Type of beach: Sand, Lifeguard service: Yes, Dog-friendly: Yes.
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Cleethorpes Beach, Lincolnshire
A classic seaside destination, Cleethorpes Beach is a must-visit spot if you embark on a holiday to Lincolnshire. You and the family can enjoy a long stretch of sandy shores and a lively promenade with attractions and amenities. See donkey rides, amusement arcades, and beach huts.
Type of beach: Sand, Lifeguard service: Yes, Dog-friendly: Prohibited from Good Friday – Sep.
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Morfa Bychan, North Wales
Whether you know it as Black Rock Sands or Morfa Bychan Beach, this stunning expanse of golden sands is one of the best UK beaches for families. This beach in North Wales has a vast shoreline, rock pools, and nearby nature trails to explore the scenic area and all the wildlife.
Type of beach: Sand, Lifeguard service: No, Dog-friendly: Restrictions from May to Oct.
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Knoll Beach – Studland, Dorset
Knoll Beach, located in the picturesque village of Studland, is a true hidden gem in Dorset. Its soft sandy shores, crystal-clear waters, and stunning backdrop of the nearby chalk cliffs make it a tranquil spot for families seeking a more secluded beach experience. This National Trust area is also teeming with nature.
Type of beach: Sand, Lifeguard service: No, Dog-friendly: Yes.
Find out moreThe best UK beaches for families FAQs
To help give you some more information, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the best UK beaches for families:
Which seaside is the best in the UK for families?
While there are many fantastic seaside destinations in the UK for families, some of the best include:
- Cornwall's Sennen Cove
- The Isle of Wight's Shanklin Beach
- Dorset's Bournemouth Beach
These beaches offer a perfect blend of sandy shores, amenities, and family-friendly activities to entertain everyone.
What is the most family-friendly beach?
Some family-friendly UK beaches include Filey Beach in Yorkshire, Frinton-On-Sea Beach in Essex, and Llanbedrog Beach in North Wales. These beaches offer a safe and welcoming environment for families with young children, with gentle waves, shallow waters, and plenty of amenities nearby.
What is the safest beach for kids?
The safest beaches for kids often have lifeguards, shallow waters, and gentle waves. Some beaches ideal for families with young children include Sennen Cove in Cornwall, Watergate Bay in Cornwall, and Sandbanks Beach in Dorset.
Experience a family beach holiday like never before!
Are you ready to explore some of the best UK beaches for families? Whether you're seeking a classic seaside experience or a more secluded and natural beach getaway, the UK's best beaches for families offer something for everyone.
From the rugged beauty of Cornwall to the pristine shores of the Isle of Wight, these top destinations provide the perfect setting for creating cherished memories with your loved ones. So, why start planning your next dream holiday today?
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Take a look at beaches by region:
Hampshire | Scotland | Isle of Wight | Dorset | North Wales | Yorkshire | Lincolnshire | Cornwall