There’s plenty of idyllic beaches across the globe with crystal clear waters; smooth, powdery sand; and impressive, dazzling views out to the ocean all adding to their allure and charm.
Being near the sea can be a peaceful and enriching experience, with countless people ensuring a visit to the beach becomes part of their holiday plans or regular routine.
While there are many stunning beaches universally acknowledged as among the best on the planet – such as Australia’s Whitehaven Beach, Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos, Elafonissi Beach in Greece, and more – the UK isn’t short of beautiful beaches of its own.
In a popular video shared on TikTok, five of the nation’s most impressive destinations were rounded up in a mini countdown – with two Welsh spots taking both first and second place.
The popular TikTok account Globescribe, which boasts more than 1.9 million likes across its videos, created a clip listing its picks of the best of the bunch.
The footage showcases Google Earth images of the beaches before zooming in and offering insight and information on each destination in a fast-paced voiceover.
The video begins: “Most people know that the worst beach in the UK is probably near industrial docks or muddy coasts, so where is the most beautiful beach in the UK?”
It then goes on to showcase each chosen beach. In fifth place was Bournemouth beach, praised for its “golden sand and clear blue water”, as well as being a “family favourite”.
Blackpool Sands followed in fourth place, with the narrator stating: “Don’t be confused by the name – it’s not in Blackpool.” This scenic spot is in Devon and is “surrounded by green hills”.
In third place was the world renowned Luskentyre Beach, based on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. It’s famed for its “white sand and turquoise waters that look like the Caribbean”.
Coming in second place was Barafundle Bay. This remote, sandy beach is also in Wales – it can be found near Stackpole Quay in Pembrokeshire.
It was branded a “hidden gem” that requires visitors to “walk over a cliff path to reach it” but the “peaceful waves” and “soft sand” help to “make it feel like a private paradise”.
In first place was the breathtaking Rhossili Bay. The haven – which can be found on the western tip of the Gower Peninsula in South Wales, around an hour’s drive from Swansea – claimed the top spot due to its “massive sandy shore, dramatic views and unforgettable sunsets”.
Globescribe added: “This Welsh beach is often ranked among the best in the world. If you visit once, you’ll never forget it.”
Visit Wales similarly describes it as “an iconic destination with dramatic, panoramic views and good walking opportunities”.
Top five beaches in the UK
- Rhossili Bay, Gower
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Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire
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Luskentyre Beach, Outer Hebrides
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Blackpool Sands, Devon
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Bournemouth Beach, Dorset