Top 10 beaches in UK revealed — numbers 1 and 2 are in same corner of country (not Devon or Cornwall)
The top 10 UK beaches for 2025 have been named, as many Brits search for a last-minute staycation. The study was conducted by holiday rental service Holidu, which analysed Google Maps user data for over 9,500 beaches, considering both ratings and reviews.
The findings suggest that Wales could be an ideal choice for a seaside getaway, with the top two spots on the list located in this picturesque part of the UK. Barafundle Bay beach in Pembrokeshire clinched the top spot, its high ratings supported by numerous accolades, including the cleanest beach in the UK award (2024), the Seaside Award (2019) for its exceptional cleanliness and facilities, and the Green Coast Award (2019).
This stunning beach is known for its pristine, golden sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, earning its Blue Flag status partly due to its secluded location, accessible only by a half-mile walk. Close by, Traeth Mwnt (Mwnt beach) in neighbouring Ceredigion secured second place, thanks to its breathtaking location as a hidden cove boasting golden sands and potential dolphin sightings.
This Green Coast Award recipient also offers a scenic walk to the summit of Foel y Mwnt and the iconic Mwnt church overlooking the bay, providing unparalleled views, reports the Express.
Woolacombe Beach in Devon has claimed the title of England's top-rated beach this year, boasting rockpools, pristine sands, and excellent surfing conditions - credentials that secured its designation as a World Surfing Reserve in 2022.
Dunraven Bay in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, secured fourth place, with its dramatic cliffs and wild coastline drawing visitors fascinated by geology and fossil hunting.
The stone formations, featuring fossil-laden layers embedded within the coastal rocks, stretch back millions of years.
Trebarwith Beach on the Devon shoreline nabbed fifth spot. Its standout feature is Gull Rock, an imposing rock structure positioned just off the coast, making it a magnet for photographers and surfers alike.
But not a single beach in Cornwall made the top 10, with the likes of Pedn Vounder and Porthcurno missing out.
The top 10 best beaches in the UK (2025)
Barafundle Bay Beach – Pembrokeshire, Wales
Traeth Mwnt – Ceredigion, Wales
Woolacombe Beach – Devon, England
Dunraven Bay – Glamorgan, Wales
Trebarwith Beach – Devon, England
Cuckmere Haven – East Sussex, England
Man O'War Beach – Dorset, England
Bigbury Beach – Devon, England
Gullane Beach – East Lothian, Scotland
Benone Beach – County Londonderry, Northern Ireland
What the researchers said about the top 5
1. Barafundle Bay Beach, Pembrokeshire
Google Maps Rating: 4.9
Number of Reviews: 1,668
"Barafundle Bay in Pembrokeshire, Wales, is one of the UK's most celebrated beaches due to its preserved natural beauty. Thanks to the fact it can only be accessed by a half-mile walk, the beach has remained relatively wild yet pristine, boasting golden sands and turquoise waters.
"As a result, it's often praised as offering 'Caribbean-esque' views. This Blue Flag beach has won multiple awards, such as the cleanest beach in the UK (2024), the Seaside Award (2019) for its high standards of cleanliness and facilities, and the Green Coast Award (2019) for its beautiful natural environment and great water quality. Barafundle Bay is truly a family favourite!"
2. Traeth Mwnt, Ceredigion
Google Maps Rating: 4.9
Number of Reviews: 722
Traeth Mwnt in Wales is a delightful hidden gem, famed for its golden sands and the iconic Mwnt Church that overlooks the bay. Visitors can unwind in this secluded cove or indulge in some dolphin spotting - Mwnt is actually one of the top spots to see dolphins in the UK!
For those who enjoy a good hike, there's a picturesque trail leading to the summit of Foel y Mwnt, offering panoramic views of Cardigan Bay. The beach has also bagged numerous accolades, including a Green Coast and Seaside Award.
3. Woolacombe Beach, Devon
Google Maps Rating: 4.8
Number of Reviews: 32,006
Woolacombe Beach in Devon is England's highest-rated beach for 2025. Nestled against the backdrop of the village of Woolacombe, this scenic beach is celebrated for its cleanliness and family-friendly vibe.
The beach boasts Blue Flag status and a 3-mile stretch of breathtaking coastline.
With its rock pools, soft sands, and regular lifeguard patrols, Woolacombe beach is an ideal playground for children. It's also a hot spot for surfers - its consistent waves earned it recognition as a World Surfing Reserve in 2022.
4. Dunraven Bay, Vale of Glamorgan
Google Maps Rating: 4.8
Number of Reviews: 18,412
Dunraven Bay, nestled in Glamorgan, is a paradise for fossil enthusiasts and photographers due to its distinctive geology and striking cliffs. Situated on the Jurassic coast of South Wales, renowned for its limestone cliffs, this stunning bay boasts a wealth of fossils and intriguing rock pools to discover.
Walkers can also savour awe-inspiring coastal strolls above the bay that guide them to the remnants of Dunraven Castle, a Grade II listed manor that was torn down in 1963.
5. Trebarwith Strand Beach, Devon
Google Maps Rating: 4.8
Number of Reviews: 1,666
Trebarwith Strand Beach, located in Devon, is a beautifully untamed beach with unique rock formations. Although entirely covered during high tide, the beach morphs into a sandy sanctuary at low tide, with the ebbing tides unveiling extensive stretches of golden sand, numerous rock pools, and fascinating caves to explore.
The beach also welcomes dogs throughout the year, making it a favourite spot for dog walkers. In fact, Trebarwith Strand Beach is so picturesque that it's featured in several films - from Saving Grace (2002) and Oscar and Lucinda (1997), to Shakespeare's Twelfth Night (1996).
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