Revealed, Britain's finest crowd-free beaches...
from hidden sandy coves in Cornwall, to tucked-away spots in Kent and remote idylls in Scotland By Joanna Tweedy Published: 11:56 BST, 22 June 2024 | Updated: 11:56 BST, 22 June 2024 e-mail View comments The nation’s most popular beaches are never more spectacular than at summer’s height, but they’re also busy. So, how to sidestep the crowds and find a more tranquil spot by the shore? Britain’s thousands of miles of coastline means there ’s plenty of lesser known stretches to enjoy, from wild Scottish strands to classic bucket-and-spade beaches and Caribbean-esque Cornish idylls . Here’s our pick.
SOUTH WEST Mattiscombe Sands, South Devon A short but steep walk from the nearest car park keeps Mattiscombe’s corn-coloured sands light on visitors. Pursuits? Swim, fish for mackerel, enjoy the mini-waterfall, and visit Start Point Lighthouse on the craggy headland nearby. Beach bonus: Spot basking sharks in summer.
Stay nearby: Three nights’ self-catering for four at nearby Prospect House from £772 ( coastandcountry.co.uk ).
Crow Point, North Devon North Devon surfer hotspot Saunton Sands morphs into the peaceful sandy peninsula of Crow Point, where the Taw and Torridge rivers collide. Loved by locals and part of the Braunton Burrows reserve, there’s plenty of soft sand underfoot, while low dunes buffer the breeze. Beach bonus: The unusual Sea Mack trawler wreck.
Stay nearby: Three nights’ self-catering for tw.
