Five Top Beaches in the UK

Sun's out, and so is the bikini. It won't be long before we start complaining that it is too hot in London town. So if the heat is getting to you already, here are my five top beaches in the UK to escape to this summer.

Brighton

I'm lucky to live near Clapham Junction, so for me Brighton Beach is only an hour's train ride away. Besides chilling on the beach, there is lots of other cool stuff to do here. Wander around the Lanes for some bohemian impulse purchases or enjoy some playful fun on the Brighton Pier. Summers are good here in Brighton.

Whitstable

This seaside town is known for its oysters, but even if you're one to pull up your nose for these salty suckers, Whitstable has got a lot more in store. The town is very popular among Londoners who moved here and there are lots of shops, bars and restaurants of the Shoreditch kind on its highstreet. The beaches are pebbly and flanked by colourful beach huts. Walkers can eat their heart out too, as there is a sea side path that runs along a good stretch of this Kent coast.

St Ives

St Ives is one of those picture perfect sea side towns with sailing boats bobbing around in the pretty harbour. It's got an artistic heritage and this shows in the high number of at galleries scattered around town. There is even a branch of the Tate museum here. The beaches are sandy and the waters warm.

Photo by Angie Muldowney under Creative Commons Licence

Rhossili Bay Beach

A stunner this is, and I can totally see why it's won awards for being one of the most beautiful beaches in the world even. This bay has 3 miles of sandy beaches backed by rugged cliffs that are great for hiking. The waters are wild too so much loved by surfers and maybe not so much by families, which is not necessarily a bad thing.

Photo by Brian Fagan under Creative Commons Licence

Jersey

Okay, so it's not really in the UK, but I love this island nonetheless. It's within easy reach for a weekend break and it feels like you're miles away somewhere in the south of France. The beaches are sandy and abundant, with lovely seaside restaurants offering fabulous seafood. And walkers will love the northern coastline with its rugged and steep cliffs, offering dizzying views.