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BEACHY KEEN

The UK’s best beaches from ones that are dog-friendly to the best for kids

AS BRITS look optimistically towards a summer of staycations, cooped-up families are dreaming of heading back to the beach.

During the summer, the UK gets its fair share of sunny days, which are perfect for enjoying the country’s coastline and beaches.

There are great UK beaches to head to this summer if travel restrictions allow
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There are great UK beaches to head to this summer if travel restrictions allowCredit: Getty - Contributor

For those looking to escape to the seaside, we've rounded up some of our favourite beaches, including dog-friendly ones, sandy ones and ones that are best for kids.

Plus, we've found places to stay nearby for a short break.

Best dog-friendly beaches

Mawgan Porth Beach, Cornwall

Escape the crowds at Mawgan Porth Beach in Cornwall
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Escape the crowds at Mawgan Porth Beach in CornwallCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Just far enough from Newquay to avoid the crowds, Mawgan Porth Beach has lots for dogs and their owners to explore - from rock pools and caves to a footbridge that leads to a small island.

There's a long stretch of golden sand to walk along, which is sheltered by high cliffs, and at low tide there is loads of space for everyone. Dogs are allowed all year round.

  • Hoseasons Holiday Parks from £289 for a three night stay -
  • Cottages.com from £386 for a three night stay -
  • Parkdean & Sykes Cottages with Breakfree Holidays from £229 for a three night stay -
  • Haven Holidays from £148 per stay -

Mudeford Sandbank Beach, Dorset

There are views across to the Isle of Wight from this beach in Dorset
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There are views across to the Isle of Wight from this beach in DorsetCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Dogs are allowed all year round on this sandy spit of beach that forms a barrier between the sea and Christchurch harbour.

There are great views of the harbour and across to the Isle of Wight, plus there's a fish shack on the beach to satiate hunger after a long walk.

  • Hoseasons Holiday Parks from £249 for a three night stay -
  • Hoseasons lodges from for a three night stay £299 -
  • Cottages.com from £295 for a three night stay -    
  • Parkdean & Sykes Cottages with Breakfree Holidays from £139 for a three night stay - 
  • Haven Holidays from £178 per stay -

Holkham Beach, Norfolk

Spot wildlife during your dog walk on Holkham Beach
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Spot wildlife during your dog walk on Holkham BeachCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Film fans might recognise Holkham Beach as the setting of one of the closing scenes with Gwyneth Paltrow in 'Shakespeare in Love'.

Its an unspoilt spot with a long stretch of sand that's popular with dog walkers throughout the year - with lots of wildlife around to spot along the way.

  • Hoseasons Holiday Parks from £275 for a three night stay -
  • Hoseasons lodges from £129 for a three night stay -
  • Cottages.com from £285 -
  • Haven Holidays from £116 per stay -

Best sandy beaches

Saunton Sands, Devon

Surfers and swimmers are regulars at Saunton Sands
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Surfers and swimmers are regulars at Saunton SandsCredit: Getty Images - Getty

This beach on the North Devon's 'golden coast' is a popular spot for surfers and swimmers, as well as Robbie Williams, who used it as the setting for his Angels music video.

The long straight stretch of sand has a beautiful backdrop of the Braunton Burrows - the largest sand dune system in the UK and an area of outstanding natural beauty.

  • Hoseasons from £295 for a three night stay -
  • Cottages.com from £379 for a three night stay -
  • Parkdean & Sykes Cottages with Breakfree Holidays from £175 for a three night stay -   
  • Haven Holidays from £222 per stay -
  • Hotels on Booking.com from £65 per night-

Newquay Fistral Beach, Cornwall

Fistral Beach looks particularly beautiful at sunset
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Fistral Beach looks particularly beautiful at sunsetCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Backed by rocks and cliffs, beautiful Fistral Beach not only has plenty of sand, but also has great restaurants, cafes and shops nearby, too.

Famous for being one of the world’s top surfing destinations, you'll likely see lots of wave enthusiasts on this beach.

  • Hoseasons from £174 for a three night stay -   
  • Cottages.com from £309 for a three night stay -
  • Parkdean & Sykes Cottages with Breakfree Holidays from £123 for a three night stay -   
  • Haven Holidays from £178 per stay -  
  • Hotels on Booking.com from £58 per night-

Rhossili Bay, Glamorgan, Wales

Head to this beach near Swansea for miles of sandy coastline
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Head to this beach near Swansea for miles of sandy coastlineCredit: Alamy

The small village of Rhossili is on the southwestern tip of the Gower Peninsula in Wales.

It has a three mile long stretch of sandy coastline not too far from Swansea - that's great for walkers and water-sports fans.

  • Hoseasons from £204 for a three night stay -   
  • Cottages.com from £265 -
  • Haven Holidays from £169 per stay -
  •  Hotels on Booking.com from £50 per night -

Best beaches for kids

Blackpool Beach, Lancashire

There are countless amusements for kids of all ages at Blackpool Beach
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There are countless amusements for kids of all ages at Blackpool BeachCredit: Getty - Contributor

Think of Blackpool Beach and bucket and spade holidays and donkey rides probably spring to mind.

This beach has all that and more, making it a regular hit with families, especially those with small children. Aside from the seven mile-long beach there are rides, amusement arcades, the Pleasure Beach theme park and of course, the pier.

  • Hoseasons from £390 for a three night stay -
  • Cottages.com from £295 for a three night stay -
  • Parkdean & Sykes Cottages with Breakfree Holidays from -   
  • Booking.com from £40 per night-

Blackpool Sands, Dartmouth, Devon

There are sand pits for the kids and a seaside cafe for the adults on this beach
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There are sand pits for the kids and a seaside cafe for the adults on this beachCredit: Getty - Contributor

Kids will love building sandcastles on this lovely shingle beach, which has sand pits created specially for children.

Backed by pine trees and with a local seaside cafe serving steak, lobster and crab, kids will never be bored with snorkels, kayaks and boogie boards for hire and parents can rest easy as there are lifeguards on the beach all day.

  • Hoseasons from £295 for a three night stay -
  • Cottages.com from £379 for a three night stay -  
  • Parkdean & Sykes Cottages with Breakfree Holidays from £175 for a three night stay -
  • Haven Holidays from £222 per stay-    
  • Hotels with Booking.com from £60 per night -

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Viking Bay, Broadstairs, Kent

Enjoy a classic British seaside break in Kent
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Enjoy a classic British seaside break in KentCredit: Alamy

Broadstairs' main beach its instantly recognisable brightly coloured beach huts.

Kids will love the old-fashioned children's rides on the sand and the boardwalk, while families can take the cliff lift up to the promenade to grab an ice cream from the candy coloured Morelli's.

  • Hoseasons from £209 for a three night stay-
  • Cottages.com from £365 for a three night stay -  
  • Parkdean & Sykes Cottages with Breakfree Holidays from £179 for a three night stay -
  • Haven Holidays from £89 per stay -
  • Hotels on Booking.com from £60 per night -

Studland Beach, Near Swanage, Dorset

Take a trail walk on a sand dune at Studland Beach
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Take a trail walk on a sand dune at Studland BeachCredit: Alamy

Families who enjoy being active on holiday should head to Studland Beach, which has a variety of activities on offer throughout the year.

You can try everything from morning kayak trips followed by a cooked breakfast to horse riding and spotting wildlife on a sand dune trail walk.

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  • Hoseasons from £249 for a three night stay -
  • Cottages.com from £295 for a three night stay -
  • Parkdean & Sykes Cottages with Breakfree Holidays from £139 for a three night stay -
  • Haven Holidays from £178 per stay -
  • Hotels on Booking.com from £70 per night  -

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