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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.
Find out moreIf you stay at St Ives Bay Holiday Park, you can drive to Sennen Cove in only 35 minutes.
Type of beach: Sand
Lifeguard service: Yes
Dog-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. Just be aware that the beach steps can be challenging for young children.
Find out moreType of beach: Sand and shingle
Lifeguard service: No
Dog-friendly: All year round
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 traditional beach huts, cafes, and amusement arcades, there's something for everyone here.
Find out moreType of beach: Sand
Lifeguard service: Yes
Dog-friendly: Prohibited between May – September
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.
Find out moreYou can drive to the beach in under 10 minutes or walk there in around 35 minutes if you stay at The Bay Filey Holiday Park.
Type of beach: Sand
Lifeguard service: Yes
Dog-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.
Find out moreType of beach: Sand
Lifeguard service: Yes
Dog-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, it's 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.
Find out moreType of beach: Sand
Lifeguard service: No
Dog-friendly: All year round
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.
Find out moreType of beach: Sand
Lifeguard service: Yes
Dog-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, this beach can make for one of the most memorable days out with the kids on your trip away. And if you're feeling adventurous, there are also several water sports facilities to enjoy!
Find out moreType of beach: Sand
Lifeguard service: Yes
Dog-friendly: Restrictions apply to the area running from the extreme western end of Sandbanks Promenade to Haven Point.
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, you'll have plenty of opportunities to snap some great photos for the family album!
Find out moreType of beach: Sand and shingle
Lifeguard service: Yes
Dog-friendly: Prohibited between May – September
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—whatever you and the family fancy.
See locationType of beach: Sand
Lifeguard service: No
Dog-friendly: All year round
Watergate Bay, Cornwall
Next on our list of the best UK beaches for families 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?
Find out moreAlso, if you're staying at Newquay Bay Holiday Park, you can reach this beach in less than a 10-minute drive or around a 40-minute walk.
Type of beach: Sand
Lifeguard service: Yes
Dog-friendly: All year round
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 exploring the nearby nature trails.
Find out moreType of beach: Sand
Lifeguard service: No
Dog-friendly: All year round
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 lively 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?
Find out moreType of beach: Sand and shingle
Lifeguard service: Yes
Dog-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, there's something for everyone here. From traditional beach huts and amusement arcades to watersports, it's a perfect spot for a fun-filled day out with the kids.
Find out moreType of beach: Sand
Lifeguard service: Yes
Dog-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 if you stay at Whitecliff Bay holiday park. With its soft sands, rock pools, and striking white cliffs, it's a tranquil spot for enjoying the serenity of the beach or briskly walking through the coastal trails.
Find out moreType of beach: Sand and shingle
Lifeguard service: No
Dog-friendly: All year round
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 mix of sand and shingle, rock pools, and dramatic cliffs, you'll be surrounded by the area's natural beauty, providing a peaceful escape from your busy nine-to-five.
Find out moreType of beach: Sand and shingle
Lifeguard service: Yes
Dog-friendly: Prohibited from April – September
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 to keep everyone entertained throughout the day. The beach is also a popular spot for surfing, so why not try your hand at some watersports?
Find out moreType of beach: Sand
Lifeguard service: Yes
Dog-friendly: All year round
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. With its donkey rides, amusement arcades, and traditional beach huts, it's an experience that will delight children and adults alike.
Find out moreType of beach: Sand
Lifeguard service: Yes
Dog-friendly: Prohibited from Good Friday – September
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.
Find out moreAlso, if you're staying at Barmouth Bay Holiday Park, the beach is only around a 40-minute drive away.
Type of beach: Sand
Lifeguard service: No
Dog-friendly: Restrictions apply at the beach's Northern end from May to October.
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, so you can explore it with your four-legged pal.
Find out moreType of beach: Sand
Lifeguard service: No
Dog-friendly: All year round
The 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