What ruins a lovely family day at the beach? Other people of course! Luckily, the UK has some truly gorgeous hidden beaches up its sleeve, perfect for you and the kids to enjoy a tourist-free day in the sunshine.
Image: Daniel Start
15/15 Broad Sands Beach, Devon
This double cove on Devon’s wild north coast is nestled in wooded cliffs. Known as one of Exmouth’s best swimming spots, the bay also has secret caves to explore and the beaches are sheltered from the wind. Older kids will love exploring the island lookout; just be aware that Broad Sands is a ‘wild’ beach with no lifeguards.
This is one to escape to if you’re feeling adventurous with a hamper full of sandwiches and a flask of tea; there is no cafe and the pathway down to the sand is 200 steep stairs.
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Image: ©VisitBritain/ Stephen Spraggon
14/15 Worbarrow Bay, Dorset
Just a short walk from ‘the village where time stopped’, Worbarrow Bay hides a rich and melancholy history. In 1943 villagers were forced to abandon their homes to make space for a military training area. Today visitors can take a look around the village on the way to Worbarrow.
After soaking up the history, stroll down to the coast where the perfect curve of the bay, blue water and golden sands will take your breath away. Access is limited as the area is still used by the army, but visitors can usually come on weekends and public holidays.
Check out our curated list of the perfect family stays in Dorset
13/15 Bosahan Cove, Cornwall
There are three ways to access this hidden treasure of a cove, but car is not one of them. Stroll through the unique sub-tropical gardens of the Bosahan estate with its own micro-climate; bring a small boat or hike the mile-long coastal path.
The pale driftwood sitting on top of the sands and the dense woodland surrounding the cove makes Bosahan truly one in a million. Nestled on the southern-banks of the Helford River it is a must-visit on any holiday to Cornwall.
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12/15 Three Cliffs Bay, The Gower Peninsula, Wales
The picturesque bay is accessed via a walk through the sand dunes on to the vast expanse of flat sand. The salt marsh and limestone surroundings as well as hollowed-out rock caves and pools make a fantastic base from which to explore nature.
When the tide comes in, a natural river forms to one side of the beach. Grab a snorkel and see if you can find the flatfish and baby cod that come up river for a swim. Lifeguards are on duty full time during the Easter and summer holidays and on weekends in May and June, and there are toilets nearby.
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11/15 Lulworth Cove, Dorset
This heavenly beach is nestled in the chocolate-box village of Lulworth. The cove was formed over 10,000 years ago and continues to evolve as the sea erodes the soft chalk that is typical of Dorset beaches. Grab some lunch from local restaurants on the way to the beach before spending some time paddling or jump in a motorboat to explore the gorgeous coastline.
On the way back, pick up some treats from the old-fashioned sweet shop, hang a bucket on the colourful ‘bucket tree’ or stop in the fantastic Lulworth Heritage Centre for educational exhibits and activities.
Check out our curated list of the perfect family stays in Dorset
Image: Oscar Johns/ Shutterstock
10/15 Steephill Cove, Isle of Wight
Step back in time and into the pages of an Enid Blyton novel with a visit to Steephill Cove in the Isle of Wight. Forget the slot machines and flashing lights of the modern seaside resort, Steephill is the place to be if you want to watch children make sandcastles or see fishermen bringing in their haul.
Sample the freshest crab and lobster from the nearby restaurants or go traditional and try a crab pasty. Walk to the Needles or the nearby botanical gardens for a change of scene and more stunning nature.
Check out our curated list of the perfect family stays in the Isle of Wight
Image: Flickr/Jpennycook
9/15 Frensham Ponds, Surrey
These two National Trust owned ponds were originally created in the 13th century to supply fish to the Bishop of Winchester; now they are home to fine sandy beaches, perfect for a family day trip on sunny days.
There are car parks at both of the ponds as well as toilets, wheelchair-accessible facilities and refreshment stands. Dogs and barbecues aren’t allowed on the beach, making Frensham an ideal spot for families with very young children.
