The Most Popular Beach Resorts in Great Britain

Great Britain is surrounded by sea, and there are beach resorts along almost its entire coast, from Cornwall and Devon in the south-west to Sussex in the south. The water is cooler than in the Mediterranean, but the resorts are known for picturesque cliffs, Victorian piers, fresh fish and that unmistakable British character. The best time for a beach holiday is July to August.

The most popular beach resorts in Great Britain

Torquay (Devon)

The main town of the English Riviera on Tor Bay in South Devon. Palm trees grow here and the climate is one of the mildest in the country. Popular beaches include Oddicombe, Meadfoot and Torre Abbey Sands; you can kayak and paddleboard, explore Kents Cavern or visit places linked to Agatha Christie, who was born in Torquay.

Paignton (Devon)

A family resort next to Torquay with the wide sandy beaches of Paignton Sands and Goodrington Sands. Children will enjoy the pier with its rides and Paignton Zoo, and a heritage steam train runs from the town to Kingswear.

Brixham (Devon)

A fishing town on Tor Bay with colourful houses around the harbour. It is home to a replica of Francis Drake's Golden Hind, and a walk to Berry Head offers wonderful views. The beaches are small, but Brixham has some of the freshest seafood in England.

Brighton (East Sussex)

England's best-known seaside resort, just an hour by train from London. The beach is pebbly, and the main attractions are Brighton Palace Pier, the Indian-style Royal Pavilion, the i360 viewing tower and The Lanes with shops, cafes and nightlife.

Eastbourne (East Sussex)

A quiet resort with a long pebble seafront, a Victorian pier and one of the sunniest climates in the country. Nearby are the white chalk cliffs of Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters with popular walking routes.

Isle of Wight

An island in the English Channel reached by ferry from Portsmouth and Southampton. The best sandy beaches are at Sandown and Shanklin, and at the western tip stand the famous Needles rocks.

Bournemouth (Dorset)

One of the country's most popular beach resorts, with about 11 km of sandy beaches, a pier and a promenade. It is a convenient base for the Jurassic Coast and Durdle Door.

Newquay (Cornwall)

The capital of British surfing. Fistral Beach hosts competitions and surf schools, and the town has plenty of bars and cafes for young travellers.

St Ives (Cornwall)

A picturesque artists' town with the sandy beaches of Porthmeor and Porthminster and a branch of the Tate gallery. The water in its bays is turquoise, which is rare for England.

British resorts combine easily with sightseeing in London, Cornwall or South West England, and a Fly&Joy manager will help you plan the route.