The world’s best beaches have been revealed by a prestigious panel of experts – and loyal Brits are absolutely chuffed to see their favourites have made the list. The much-anticipated list was recently published by Lonely Planet and features some absolute household names, as well as some hidden gems.
While most of the main culprits are from the usual beach destinations like Australia, Thailand, Greece and Italy, the UK has delivered its fair share of the goods. The highest ranked of the home beaches was a Welsh one which offers perfect surfing conditions and a vast amount of sand to relax in.
Rhossili Bay, in Gower, Wales, is one of the best beaches in the world, according to Lonely Planet. Part of a 73-square mile Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the beach is “wonderfully secluded” and “retains a special soul-stirring energy”.
Indeed, Rhossili Bay is the perfect place for surfers of all abilities to get involved, and its golden sands stretch for three miles – you can see it all from the top of Worm’s Head, which is the hill next door that stretches all the way into the sea. Often, you can see a variety of birds like kestrels and buntings – and if you’re lucky you might catch a seal or porpoise messing about in the water.
The next best is the classic Durdle Door, which is a UNESCO-protected beach on the famous Jurassic Coast. The iconic beach is best known for its incredible limestone sea arch, widely regarded as one of the UK’s most recognised coastal features.
The beach is famously secluded, and visitors have to work their way down 140 steep steps to get there. The beach has been likened to places in Portugal and California thanks to its sensational rock formations and vivid coastline.
Kynance Cove, meanwhile, is Cornwall’s best-kept secret. The beautiful beach boasts beautiful golden sands which are nestled in among dramatic rocky terrain. The waves roll in and the turquoise water glistens as locals relax and breathe in the salty air. Kynance Cove is widely regarded to be the warmest beach to visit in the UK during winter.
Scotland’s West Beach in Berneray in the Outer Hebrides also made the list thanks to its “powdery silver-white sands” which reviewers say make visitors think briefly that they’re in South East Asia rather than the often chilly North Atlantic. The site is a perfect one for hikers who love spectacular views.