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The best beaches in the UK are truly remarkable places, from scenic sandy beaches to superb surf spots. And choosing to travel to UK beaches by train means you can start your day without the stress of traffic jams or the higher emissions of driving.

What beach in the UK looks like the Caribbean? What is Britain's most popular seaside resort? Whether you want dog-friendly beaches or are wondering which is the prettiest beach in the UK, this guide will recommend 10 of the most breathtaking beaches in the UK, as well as the best UK beaches for swimming, and the best family beaches. Don’t forget to pack your bucket and spade!

1. Rhossili Bay Beach, South Wales

Features: Surf Spot, Dog-Friendly Beach

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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

Nearest train station: Swansea

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.

2. Barassie Beach, Scotland

Features: Scenic Beach, Dog-Friendly Beach

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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

Nearest train station: Barassie

  • 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.

3. Croyde Bay, Devon

Features: Sandy Beach, Scenic Beach

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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

Nearest train station: Barnstaple

  • 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.

4. Prestatyn Central, North Wales

Features: Sandy Beach, Cycling Routes

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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

Nearest train station: Prestatyn

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!

5. Alnmouth Beach, Northumberland

Features: Wide Sandy Beach, Scenic Beach

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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

Nearest train station: Alnmouth

  • 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.

6. Carlyon Bay Beach, Cornwall

Features: Scenic Beach, Peaceful Beach

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Another Cornwall beach ideally situated for rail passengers, Carlyon Bay is a beautiful stretch of coastline ideal for a peaceful stroll with stunning sea views. With St Austell Railway Station nearby, beachgoers can take a direct train from places like Bristol and Exeter and quickly experience a bit of beach magic. Dogs are welcome most of the year too.

Trains to Carlyon Bay Beach

Nearest train station: St Austell

  • 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!

7. North Berwick West Beach, Scotland

Features: Wildlife Haven, Family-Friendly Beach

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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

Nearest train station: North Berwick

  • 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.

8. Tenby Beach, Pembrokeshire

Features: Sandy Beaches, Dog-Friendly Beach

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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

Nearest train station: Tenby

  • 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.

9. Salcombe North Sands Beach, Devon

Features: Scenic Beaches, Swimming Spot

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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

Nearest train station: Totnes

  • 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.

10. Clacton-on-Sea Beach, Essex

Features: Victorian Pier, Family Activities

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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

Nearest train station: Clacton-on-Sea

  • 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.

Tips for train travel to beaches

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.

To make the most of your day at the UK’s top 10 beaches, remember to book advance tickets with TrainPal for the best prices. Moreover, you can make extra savings with our handy Split Tickets, as well as by looking out for Off-Peak journeys.

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.

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