United Kingdom’s Hidden Coastal Gems: Discover the Stunning Beauty of Whitesands and Luskentyre Beach Ranked Among World’s Best

The UK might not be the obvious place when thinking of beautiful coastlines, but recently two of its beaches hit the headlines as both the Whitesands in Wales and Luskentyre in Scotland were listed in the world’s top 50. This new accolade further underscores the appeal of the UK’s dramatic and varied coastline, which competes with more conventionally acclaimed beach hot spots. With stunning views, unspoiled sand and Blue Flag waters, Whitesands in Pembrokeshire is a winner and Luskentyre, with its Caribbean-style light sands and turquoise seas, sprinkled with a remote dose of peaceful serenity, is another favourite for beach lovers. Not only do these beaches show the beauty of the UK’s less-visited spots of natural beauty, it also demonstrates that hand-in-hand with their increasing popularity, the UK’s coastlines have an almost universal appeal to travelers.

The U.K. may not be the first destination that comes to mind when you’re dreaming of a beach vacation, but its coastlines are just starting to receive the attention they deserve. When we think of a perfect beach getaway, we tend to think of warmer climes: Spain, the south of France, or some faraway place in Australia. Now, though, two British beaches have rocketed from obscurity to feature in the world’s top 50 beaches list. In doing so, they beat popular places in Greece and Thailand and showed that there’s more to the UK than busy cities and the countryside.

Whitesands Beach near St Davids in Pembrokeshire, Wales, is one such standout. Enjoy Travel’s incredible list will now see Whispering Beaches at number 28. The beach flanked by impressive cliffs offers visitors an amazing walking experience as well as beautiful views from the ocean. The amazing thing about Whitesands is that there is so much sand and at any time you can spread out far enough that you never feel crowded with other visitors, even in summer when festive hordes of tourists flock to the area.

As well as being naturally beautiful Whitesands Beach also boasts fabulous water quality. The water is clear and clean, so the beach is suitable for swimming, and the snorkelling and diving conditions are excellent. The beach is awarded Blue Flag status which guarantees the beach meets strict environmental and safety criteria, so when you’re heading out for a dip, their waters are of the highest standard, perfect for those searching for that quality swim. Whether you’re there to bask in the beach’s natural beauty or playing in its water, Whitesands has something for everyone.

At the other end of the UK spectrum Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides was voted 12th in the world rankings. Famed for its stunning similairty to Caribbean beaches, Luskentyre is home to what Whitaker describes as “ridiculously soft, white sand and sparkling turquoise waters so clear, it almost seems too good to be true.” This is the biggest beach on the Isle of Harris, it’s name is justified by its tranquil setting and the stunning views that surround it. It’s often included in “best beaches” rankings for its serenity and stunning vistas.

The idyllic Luskentyre Beach is best visited during late spring and throughout summer as the days are longer and the weather is generally warmer, which means it’s a great excuse to make the most of this stunning location. The sunsets are especially brilliant, and the spectacle is one you’ll want to stick around for. Even in the colder months Luskentyre is still a real stunner, but be sure to wrap up warm in layers.

The beauty of the British coast is finally getting the global recognition it deserves, as Whitesands Beach in Wales and Luskentyre Beach in Scotland have made the list of the world’s top 50 beaches. Here, we reveal stunning spots with unspoilt sands, azure seas and beautiful vistas that prove how the UK is home to some of the most awe-inspiring beach destinations.

These beautiful seasides show just how different and beautiful the UK’s coast in particular can be. The clean sands, clear waters and beautiful landscapes are worthy of a world audience. So when you’re next considering booking a beach holiday, give the UK a thought – it might end up surprising you.