Eight of the top ten UK beaches are in the South West. Well worth a visit, we think!
Bournemouth (1st)
The number one spot went to Bournemouth Beach in Dorset, which also came 4th in the Top Ten Beaches in Europe. No wonder it was voted happiest place in Britain in 2007.
Bournemouth Beach holiday cottages>
Woolacombe (3rd)
At number three is Woolacombe beach, a wide flat expanse on the northern tip of the Devon coast. The resort is busy, but the dunes shield you from it all and there’s space enough to always find a quiet spot to lay your towel.
Woolacombe beach has holiday cottages nearby>
St Ives (4th)
The picturesque beaches at St Ives came in at number four, with the bay catering for everyone’s sandy needs from sheltered bays for the family to surfing.
Newquay (6th)
Newquay is a popular surfing mecca so it is little surprise that it came in at number six. There are many beaches to choose from around this surf-oriented town, from large sandy dunes to exquisitely pretty coves.
Bude (7th)
We’ve recently used the Bude area as inspiration for our latest publication of Notes & Stories, so we can testify that it is a good choice for number seven! A variety of north coast landscapes to enjoy.
Weymouth (8th)
The glory of the Dorset coast, proven by being chosen to host Olympic sailing events, Weymouth is at number eight. Forming part of the Jurassic coastline, there are plenty of fossil spotting opportunities too.
Weymouth cottages for holidays>
Swanage (9th)
The Dorset coastline is featured again at number nine at Swanage. The Jurassic coastline was bound to feature highly as it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Padstow (10th)
Finally at number ten is Padstow, better known for its celebrity chefs, fine dining and pretty harbour, the coastline is the start of the Camel Trail.
