This sweeping beach has been named the UK’s prettiest (Image: Getty Images)
The UK’s prettiest beach has been named with ‘amazingly clear water’.
Across the nation, we’re lucky to have some of the most breathtaking coastlines. From the sugar-white sand shores found in Cornwall, the glistening turquoise waters in Scotland, or the towering white cliffs lining Dorset, there’s a plethora of beautiful beaches right on our doorstep.
Yet there’s one particular beach along the diverse UK shores that certainly warrants a visit. Famed for its unique pine-tree backdrop, sweeping shore, and renowned crystal-clear waters, Blackpool Sands in Devon has been named the prettiest beach in the UK.
Blackpool Sands in Devon is famed for its crystal-clear waters (Image: Getty Images)
The beautiful Devon beach topped the list of the most picturesque beaches in the UK, following research by DFDS. The ferry and cruise operator analysed Google reviews alongside positive terms such as ‘beautiful’, ‘stunning’, ‘picturesque’ and ‘tranquil’ to uncover the 15 best beaches and coastal coves in the UK, with Blackpool Sands beating the likes of Sandbanks Beach in Dorset and Porthcurno Beach in Cornwall.
Taking the top spot, Blackpool Sands achieved an impressive 152 positive keywords per 100 reviews. DFDS highlighted its “sheltered bay, Mediterranean-blue water and surrounding pine trees”, while noting that the beach “edges out some of the UK’s most famous coastal destinations to take the number one spot”.
Blackpool Sands is a haven during the summer months, where visitors can lie on the sweeping shingle shore before taking a dip in its inviting waters, which are renowned for being among the clearest in the UK. Thanks to its sweeping crescent shape and wooded hillside, it offers natural shelter and holds Blue Flag beach status.
There’s a sauna to make the most of at Blackpool Sands (Image: PA)
During a trip to the unspoilt shore, there’s the option to hire paddleboards and kayaks in the exceptionally clear blue waters, and for those cooler months, there’s a seaside sauna on the beachfront to take advantage of, along with a cafe. Thanks to its serene setting, it’s often been compared to the Mediterranean.
One holidaymaker shared on TripAdvisor: “Beautiful beach, beautiful surroundings and a wonderful time was had! We almost forgot we were in the UK still. Recommend!!”
A second hailed it as a “Superb beach – If this was in the Mediterranean, people would rave about it.” They added that it was a “very nice clean beach” and large enough so there were “no problems with overcrowding”.
A third expressed: “This is a stunning beach. Beautiful cove with amazingly clear water. Great shop and cafe on site and parking reasonable. Some reviews moan about the shingle! Yes there is no sand but fine shingle which is perfect to walk on and play games on.
“This cove is just so beautiful and I could spend all day any day at this beach. Do not listen to any bad reviews about the shingle as that is probably only from people who aren’t normally beach goers and have soft feet! This is the most amazing cove to spend a beach day, and it is stunning. You will not regret visiting. It’s simply beautiful.”
Thanks to its sweeping shore, there’s ample space for visitors (Image: Getty Images)
Top 15 best beaches and coves in the UK
- Blackpool Sands, Devon
- Sandbanks Beach, Dorset
- Botany Bay, Kent
- Kynance Cove, Cornwall
- Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall
- Lulworth Cove, Dorset
- Durdle Door, Dorset
- West Wittering Beach, West Sussex
- Woolacombe Sands, Devon
- Achmelvich Bay, Scottish Highlands
- Harlech Beach, Gwynedd, Wales
- Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland
- Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Harris, Scotland
- Camber Sands, East Sussex
- Holkham Beach, Norfolk