Top 10 beaches in the UK

One of the most scenic beaches in Wales, Rhossili Bay Beach is a breathtaking three mile stretch of coastline at the western end of the Gower peninsula. A haven for wildlife and walkers alike, the beautiful scenery includes the remains of the Helvetia, a Norwegian Barque shipwrecked here in 1887.

Trains to Rhossili Bay Beach

• Cardiff Central >Swansea (Transport for Wales, direct, 56 minutes)
• Bristol Parkway > Swansea (Great Western Railway, direct, 1 hour 30)
• London Paddington > Swansea (Great Western Railway, direct, 2 hours 39 mins)

After arriving at Swansea Station by train, you can take a local bus straight to the beach.

What to do at Rhossili Bay Beach

Nature spotting

Adventurous beachgoers can clamber across to Worm’s Head tidal island, from where nature abounds. Keep a close eye out for grey seals on the rocks!

Make the most of the surf spot

Rhossili Bay is a popular surf spot, with some of the cleanest beach water in the UK and a wide choice of surf shops offering all the equipment beginners and experts alike could want.

For scenic beaches in Scotland, beachgoers have an abundance of great choices. Getting to them by train is not always easy, though, which is what makes Barassie Beach so special: as well as stunning scenery, it has two railway stations within a short walk from the beach! With spectacular views of the Isle of Arran, Barassie Beach is a breathtaking and accessible Ayrshir beach.

Trains to Barassie Beach

• Kilmarnock > Troon (12 mins, ScotRail, direct)
• Glasgow Central > Barassie (36 mins, ScotRail, direct)
• Edinburgh (Waverley) > Barassie (2 hours 8 mins, ScotRail, 1 change)

What to do at Barassie Beach

Get on the water

Surfing and sailing is part of what gives Barassie Beach its character. Whether you’re a novice or expert, there are water sports to try for all abilities.

Familiy fun

This beautiful stretch of sandy beach is ideal for the whole family to explore, and is seen as one of the best dog-friendly beaches in the UK.

Croyde Bay in North Devon is a beautiful natural beach, backed by impressive sand dunes and the rolling green hills of the Devon countryside. A Blue-Flag beach with a reputation as one of the UK’s best beaches for surfing, Croyde Bay draws in visitors for its golden sands and laid-back vibes.

Trains to Croyde Bay

• Exeter St Davids > Barnstaple (Great Western, direct, 1 hour and 6 minutes)

• Taunton > Barnstaple (Great Western, 1 change, 1 hour and 37 minutes)

To get to Croyde Bay by train, simply travel to Barnstaple Station by train then take one short bus straight to the beach.

What to do at Croyde Bay

Sunny swimming spot

As well as surfers, the clear water at Croyde Bay makes it very popular with swimmers. On a sunny day, bobbing around in the beautiful blue water is simply glorious.

See the North Devon National Landscape

Are you looking for the prettiest beaches in the UK? Devon has many of them! From Croyde Bay, you can walk along the coastline to experience the beauty of Devon’s beaches.

South Wales understandably gets a lot of praise for its beautiful beaches, but North Wales has much to offer too. Those who like walking on long stretches of sandy beaches will enjoy Prestatyn Central, with its five miles of unspoilt beachfront. And it is a strong contender for one of the UK’s best beaches by train, situated just a 10 minute walk from the station.

Trains to Prestatyn Beach

• Chester > Prestatyn (Transport for Wales, direct, 27 minutes)
• Bangor (Gwynedd) > Prestatyn (Avanti West Coast, direct, 40 minutes)
• Manchester Piccadilly > Prestatyn (Transport for Wales, 1 change, 1 hour 47 mins)

What to do at Prestatyn Beach

Explore the coast by bike

Cyclists will want to bring their bike on the train to Prestatyn Beach, where you can follow the North Wales Cycle Trail along Prestatyn Beach. Or if walking is more your thing, there are plenty of hiking trails available too – with the same splendid views!

Northumberland has some of the most impressive coastlines in the UK. The picturesque village of Alnmouth is the perfect backdrop for Alnmouth Beach, one of Northumberland’s most popular and accessible beaches.

Trains to Alnmouth Beach

• Newcastle > Alnmouth (LNER, direct, 24 minutes)

• Edinburgh > Alnmouth (LNER, direct, 59 minutes)

• York > Alnmouth (LNER, Transpennine Express, Northern, 1 change, 1 hour and 43 minutes)

What to do at Alnmouth Beach

Hike and cycle

Abundant walking and cycling trails provide the ideal opportunity to get active on and around Northumberland beaches. At Alnmouth Beach, visitors can follow some of the most dramatic coastlines through the Northumberland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Trains to Carlyon Bay Beach

• Penzance > St Austell, Cross Country & Great Western, 55 minutes, direct

• Exeter St Davids > St Austell, Great Western, 2 hours 8 mins, direct

• Bristol Temple Meads > St Austell, Cross Country, 3 hours 3 minutes, direct

What to do at Carlyon Bay Beach

Stay in a beachfront hotel

The sight of Cornwall’s coastline is so magical that spending a day is not enough, so why not extend your trip with a night (or a few!) at the Carlyon Bay Hotel? Anyone looking for a luxurious experience at a beachfront hotel in Cornwall will not be disappointed!

From seabirds to puffins, North Berwick West Beach is a nature haven. Set in the picturesque seaside town of North Berwick, visitors can see a fascinating range of wildlife along West Beach and on boat trips around Craigleith and Bass Rock. A trip to the Scottish Seabird Centre can boost the experience, allowing visitors to take a peek at the natural habitats of the local wildlife through interactive live cameras. Just a short stroll from North Berwick Station, West Beach is an ideal beach in Scotland to visit by train.

Trains to North Berwick West Beach

• Edinburgh (Waverley) > North Berwick (34 minutes, ScotRail, direct)

• Glasgow Queen Street > North Berwick (1 hour 43 mins, ScotRail, 1 change)

• Newcastle > North Berwick (2 hours 28 mins, LNER + ScotRail, 1 change)

What to do at North Berwick West Beach

Fun for the whole family

This long stretch of sandy beach offers an abundance of activities for a family day out at the seaside. Whether testing your skills on the putting green, strolling along the beautiful waterfront or paddling in the sea, North Berwick West Beach has to be one of the best beaches in the UK for the whole family.

With sparkling blue water and golden sand, Tenby in South West Wales has some of the best UK beaches for a laidback day of sea and sand. Follow the Pembrokeshire Coast Path for stunning views, climb up to the ruins of Tenby Castle, wander around the narrow streets of the historical town, or visit the soft sand dunes at Tenby South Beach. You’ll be spoilt for choice!

Trains to Tenby Beach

• Swansea > Tenby (Transport for Wales, direct, 1 hour 28)

• Pembroke > Tenby (Transport for Wales, direct, 23 minutes)

What to do at Tenby Beach

Visit Caldey Island

What better way to reconnect with nature than a boat trip from Tenby Harbour to Caldey Island? This area of conservation is regarded as “one of Britain's holy islands” and is easily reachable across the beautiful expanse of water.

A trip to Salcombe, South Devon, is a breathtaking experience with sandy beaches, swimming opportunities and secluded spots aplenty. Just one convenient bus from nearby Totnes Station, Salcombe has some of the nicest beaches in the UK. Take the ferry between Salcombe and East Portlemouth over the Kingsbridge Estuary to experience several of the most scenic beaches in Devon in a day.

Trains to East Portlemouth Beaches

• Plymouth > Totnes, Cross Country or Great Western, 27 minutes, direct

• Exeter St Davids > Totnes, Cross Country, 31 minutes, direct

• Yeovil Junction > Totnes, South Western and Great Western, 1 hour 41 minutes, 1 change

To get to Salcombe North Sands Beach from Totnes Station, you’ll need to take a bus straight to Salcombe.

What to do at Salcombe North Sands Beach

Bask in the breathtaking scenery

In the heart of South Devon National Landscape, the views from Salcombe North Sands Beach, or any of the nearby beaches like Sunny Cove Beach and Mill Bay, are awe inspiring. Walk along well-defined coast paths or lap up this slice of heaven from the sea.

Rounding out this list of the top 10 UK beaches to visit by train is a popular Essex seaside resort that has been welcoming beachgoers for years. A splendid Victorian pier is the centrepiece of Clacton-on-Sea, a family-friendly beach with abundant activities for all ages and interests. Getting to Clacton-on-Sea Beach by train couldn’t be easier, with fast and efficient rail links throughout Essex and beyond.

Trains to Clacton-on-Sea Beach

• Colchester > Clacton-on-Sea (Greater Anglia, direct, 29 minutes)

• Ipswich > Claton-on-Sea (Greater Anglia, 1 change, 1 hours 3 mins)

• London Liverpool Street > Clacton-on-Sea (Greater Anglia, direct, 1 hour 26 mins)

What to do at Clacton-on-Sea Beach

Endless activities on the Sunshine Coast!

As with all the best UK beaches for families, Clacton-on-Sea Beach boasts fun and games for all to enjoy. From its popular pleasure pier to amusements arcades, water sports and more, visitors can pass many a happy hour at one of the most popular seaside resorts in the UK.

Travelling to the best UK beaches by train is sure to get your day off to the best possible start. Without the traffic jams and search for parking that comes with driving, beachgoers can reach their favourite seaside resort in a stress-free state.

Whether you’re taking the train to Tenby or making a beeline for Barassie Beach, leaving the car behind is the least environmentally damaging way to get to the seaside. Quick, convenient and cheap, you’ll be sure to enjoy your day at the UK’s top surf spots, dog-friendly beaches, family resorts or secret beaches.

• Best beaches near London for day trips by train
• Best beaches in Wales you can get to by train
• Best beaches in Cornwall for day trips by train
• Best beaches in Scotland for day trips by train
• The best sandy beaches in England