The 10 most appealing beaches in the UK - based on water quality and Instagram popularity

Whitesands in Wales voted number one best beach in Britain (photo: Visit Wales Image Centre)Whitesands in Wales voted number one best beach in Britain (photo: Visit Wales Image Centre)
Whitesands in Wales voted number one best beach in Britain (photo: Visit Wales Image Centre)

By Nigel Booth

As more areas across the country are experiencing tighter controls and lockdown due to COVID-19 thoughts are beginning to turn to the best places to make a getaway when restrictions ease.

New research reveals the most appealing beaches across Britain based on water quality, visible pollution, and the number of Instagram snaps.

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From all beaches surveyed Whitesands in Wales has been crowned as the most desirable beach.

Barmouth Beach in WalesBarmouth Beach in Wales
Barmouth Beach in Wales

This top beach is closely followed by Barmouth in Wales and Montrose in Scotland taking second and third spot respectively.

Montrose Beach in ScotlandMontrose Beach in Scotland
Montrose Beach in Scotland

With staycations on the up, many Brits will be planning trips to various coastal spots across the country – but which beaches are best to visit for a slice of paradise?

Where to find the best beaches

The website holidaycottages.co.uk has analysed water quality, visible pollution, and the number of Instagram snaps (because you only share a post on Insta if it’s picture-perfect, right?).

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This is across 593 beaches in England, Scotland and Wales to ultimately reveal the top ten most desirable spots.

Having collated the data, holidaycottages.co.uk then analysed the findings and ranked the results accordingly to unveil the top coastal spots.

It’s no surprise that the stunning Whitesands in Wales takes the top spot as the most appealing beach, having received the score of ‘excellent’ on water quality as well as only having ten percent visible pollution and a total of 10,413 Instagram snaps.

With its golden sands and reputation as one of the finest surfing beaches in the country, Whitesands was also granted a Blue Flag Award in 2019.

The top ten most appealing beaches

  • 1 Wales – Whitesands
  • 2 Wales, Barmouth
  • 3 Scotland, Montrose
  • 4 Wales, Newgale
  • 5 England, Seagrove
  • 6 Wales, Harlech
  • 7 Wales, Rhosneigr
  • 8 England, Formby
  • 9 Wales, Castle Beach, Tenby
  • 10 Scotland, Seacliff
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Other top spots include Borth in Wales, West Wittering in England, and Benllech in Wales.

Do your own search

To search the top beaches across the nation visit the www.holidaycottages.co.uk/desirable-beaches/england.html website.

Please check all Covid-19 restrictions before booking or travelling.