The UK’s best beaches from ones that are dog-friendly to the best for kids

AS BRITS look optimistically towards a summer of staycations, cooped-up families are dreaming of heading back to the beach.

During the summer, the UK gets its fair share of sunny days, which are perfect for enjoying the country’s coastline and beaches.

For those looking to escape to the seaside, we've rounded up some of our favourite beaches, including dog-friendly ones, sandy ones and ones that are best for kids.

Plus, we've found places to stay nearby for a short break.

Best dog-friendly beaches

Mawgan Porth Beach, Cornwall

Just far enough from Newquay to avoid the crowds, Mawgan Porth Beach has lots for dogs and their owners to explore – from rock pools and caves to a footbridge that leads to a small island.

There's a long stretch of golden sand to walk along, which is sheltered by high cliffs, and at low tide there is loads of space for everyone. Dogs are allowed all year round.

  • Hoseasons Holiday Parks from £289 for a three night stay – find here
  • Cottages.com from £386 for a three night stay – find here
  • Parkdean & Sykes Cottages with Breakfree Holidays from £229 for a three night stay – find here
  • Haven Holidays from £148 per stay – find here

Mudeford Sandbank Beach, Dorset

Dogs are allowed all year round on this sandy spit of beach that forms a barrier between the sea and Christchurch harbour.

There are great views of the harbour and across to the Isle of Wight, plus there's a fish shack on the beach to satiate hunger after a long walk.

  • Hoseasons Holiday Parks from £249 for a three night stay – find here
  • Hoseasons lodges from for a three night stay £299 – find here
  • Cottages.com from £295 for a three night stay – find here   
  • Parkdean & Sykes Cottages with Breakfree Holidays from £139 for a three night stay – find here
  • Haven Holidays from £178 per stay – find here

Holkham Beach, Norfolk

Film fans might recognise Holkham Beach as the setting of one of the closing scenes with Gwyneth Paltrow in 'Shakespeare in Love'.

Its an unspoilt spot with a long stretch of sand that's popular with dog walkers throughout the year – with lots of wildlife around to spot along the way.

  • Hoseasons Holiday Parks from £275 for a three night stay – find here
  • Hoseasons lodges from £129 for a three night stay – find here
  • Cottages.com from £285 – find here
  • Haven Holidays from £116 per stay – find here

Best sandy beaches

Saunton Sands, Devon

This beach on the North Devon's 'golden coast' is a popular spot for surfers and swimmers, as well as Robbie Williams, who used it as the setting for his Angels music video.

The long straight stretch of sand has a beautiful backdrop of the Braunton Burrows – the largest sand dune system in the UK and an area of outstanding natural beauty.

  • Hoseasons from £295 for a three night stay – find here
  • Cottages.com from £379 for a three night stay – find here 
  • Parkdean & Sykes Cottages with Breakfree Holidays from £175 for a three night stay – find here   
  • Haven Holidays from £222 per stay – find here
  • Hotels on Booking.com from £65 per night- find here

Newquay Fistral Beach, Cornwall

Backed by rocks and cliffs, beautiful Fistral Beach not only has plenty of sand, but also has great restaurants, cafes and shops nearby, too.

Famous for being one of the world’s top surfing destinations, you'll likely see lots of wave enthusiasts on this beach.

  • Hoseasons from £174 for a three night stay – find here  
  • Cottages.com from £309 for a three night stay – find here 
  • Parkdean & Sykes Cottages with Breakfree Holidays from £123 for a three night stay – find here  
  • Haven Holidays from £178 per stay – find here 
  • Hotels on Booking.com from £58 per night- find here

Rhossili Bay, Glamorgan, Wales

The small village of Rhossili is on the southwestern tip of the Gower Peninsula in Wales.

It has a three mile long stretch of sandy coastline not too far from Swansea -that's great for walkers and water-sports fans.

  • Hoseasons from £204 for a three night stay – find here  
  • Cottages.com from £265 – find here
  • Haven Holidays from £169 per stay – find here
  •  Hotels on Booking.com from £50 per night – find here

Best beaches for kids

Blackpool Beach, Lancashire

Think of Blackpool Beach and bucket and spade holidays and donkey rides probably spring to mind.

This beach has all that and more, making it a regular hit with families, especially those with small children. Aside from the seven mile-long beach there are rides, amusement arcades, the Pleasure Beach theme park and of course, the pier.

  • Hoseasons from £390 for a three night stay – find here
  • Cottages.com from £295 for a three night stay – find here
  • Parkdean & Sykes Cottages with Breakfree Holidays from – find here  
  • Booking.com from £40 per night- find here

Blackpool Sands, Dartmouth, Devon

Kids will love building sandcastles on this lovely shingle beach, which has sand pits created specially for children.

Backed by pine trees and with a local seaside cafe serving steak, lobster and crab, kids will never be bored with snorkels, kayaks and boogie boards for hire and parents can rest easy as there are lifeguards on the beach all day.

  • Hoseasons from £295 for a three night stay – find here 
  • Cottages.com from £379 for a three night stay – find here 
  • Parkdean & Sykes Cottages with Breakfree Holidays from £175 for a three night stay – find here
  • Haven Holidays from £222 per stay- find here   
  • Hotels with Booking.com from £60 per night – find here 

Viking Bay, Broadstairs, Kent

Broadstairs' main beach its instantly recognisable brightly coloured beach huts.

Kids will love the old-fashioned children's rides on the sand and the boardwalk, while families can take the cliff lift up to the promenade to grab an ice cream from the candy coloured Morelli's.

  • Hoseasons from £209 for a three night stay- find here
  • Cottages.com from £365 for a three night stay – find here 
  • Parkdean & Sykes Cottages with Breakfree Holidays from £179 for a three night stay – find here
  • Haven Holidays from £89 per stay – find here
  • Hotels on Booking.com from £60 per night – find here

Studland Beach, Near Swanage, Dorset

Families who enjoy being active on holiday should head to Studland Beach, which has a variety of activities on offer throughout the year.

You can try everything from morning kayak trips followed by a cooked breakfast to horse riding and spotting wildlife on a sand dune trail walk.

  • Hoseasons from £249 for a three night stay – find here
  • Cottages.com from £295 for a three night stay – find here
  • Parkdean & Sykes Cottages with Breakfree Holidays from £139 for a three night stay – find here
  • Haven Holidays from £178 per stay – find here 
  • Hotels on Booking.com from £70 per night  – find here

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