East Lothian beach crowned best in Scotland
Seacliff was crowned the best in Scotland in the 17th edition of the list, which ranks the UK's 50 best mainland beaches.
Other Scottish beaches featured on the list include Rhu Point, Vestey's Beach, Achininver and Melvich in the Highlands, Spey Bay and Cullen Bay in Moray, and St Cyrus in Aberdeenshire.
Chief travel writer Chris Haslam selected the UK's top 50 beaches from a total of 756 on a month-long campervan tour of the British and Northern Irish coasts.
In his description of Seacliff, he said: 'Hidden at the west end is the smallest harbour in the British Isles.
'About the size of a hotel pool, it's a steampunk fantasy cut out of the sandstone using a steam engine and a compressor in 1890 by laird of the manor Andrew Laidlay.
'Seacliff is the beach you wish you'd found when you were ten: a Scottish stageset where you can be a medieval knight, a Victorian explorer, a ghostbuster or even James Bond.'
The overall UK winner was Portstewart Strand in County Derry, Northern Ireland.
The guide ranked UK seaside spots based on an 11-point checklist that includes water quality, cleanliness, accessibility, parking, lifeguard presence, restroom hygiene, and dog-friendliness.
• Seacliff, East Lothian• Rhu Point, Highland• Vesteys Beach, Highland• Achininver, Highland• Melvich, Highland• Spey Bay, Moray• Cullen Bay, Moray
• St Cyrus, Aberdeenshire
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Leader Live
20 minutes ago
- Leader Live
North Wales beaches among UK's best in The Times 2025 guide
The 2025 guide was compiled by The Times' chief travel writer, Chris Haslam, who visited 756 beaches and 51 resorts across the UK and Northern Ireland. Introducing the list, Mr Haslam said: "[The fact] that I completed this tour of inspection under mainly blue skies made choosing the top 50 — ten of which are new entries — even harder. "If it feels like I've moved away from easily-accessed urban shores to include more rural beaches, that's because the glitter seems tarnished in too many of our resort towns. "I've seen businesses struggling with rising costs, councils cutting budgets and water quality falling as infrastructure has failed to keep pace with population growth. "That's not true of all town beaches though: Bude, Frinton on Sea, Roker, Saundersfoot and Skegness made the top 50, and others including Cromer, Felixstowe, Torquay and Mumbles came close. "The truth remains, though, that our coast is still the most beautiful and most varied on earth, and there's much to discover beyond the most obvious spots. "So pack a picnic and the factor 50 and make 2025 the summer of the beach that's a little harder to reach." See which Welsh beaches featured among the UK's best in the 2025 edition of The Times and Sunday Times Best Beaches Guide. (Image: Getty Images) The beaches in Wales ranked among the best in the UK, according to The Times, are: Shell Island, located in Llanbedr, was voted Wales' Beach of the Year by The Times. The Gwynedd beach was commended for a range of things, including its views past Harlech to Eryri National Park and across Cardigan Bay to the Llyn Peninusla. Shell Island also boasts "one of Europe's biggest campsites" with 300 acres of fields, where pitches range from "convenient" to "wild" and from beachside to woodland. Day visits are £10 per car and camping pitches are £13 per person (in high season). A post shared by S🌟P⭐️A🌟R⭐K🌟L⭐E (@sparkle_my_soul) Chris Haslam from The Times said: 'I knew Shell Island was a winner when I parked up beside the dunes. "I could see Eryri (Snowdon) to the north, the Llyn Peninsular to the west and, right in front, a beach of flat sand that glittered with seashells. "I could have spent a very happy week camping here.' There is plenty more to like about Shell Island, The Times added. The news outlest explained: "At the northern end, around the harbour, the shore is rocky — turning to flat, sugar-soft sand as you head south "The beachcombing is astonishing: perfect scallops, fragile tusks and razors, unblemished turitellas and, most prized by conchologists, tiny cowries." It is worth checking the tide times before visiting, as the island is cut off for two hours each day during high tide. Shell Island is also dog-friendly and has a café and toilet facilities. The Llyn Peninsula is an amazing place to visit, according to The Times, and there are plenty of "joys" just waiting for people to come and visit. The news outlet explained: "It's home to Britain's best campsite (Bert's Kitchen Garden in Trefor); arguably our best small brewery (Cwrw Llyn in Nefyn); and Wales's most famous pub (Ty Coch, accessible only on foot, on the beach at Porthdinllaen). "Here you'll also screech along the UK's most musical beach (Porthor — aka Whistling Sands — where the grains are so fine they squeak underfoot), and find an Italianate village that belongs in the Cinque Terre (Portmeirion). "This coast is like Cornwall in the 1930s." In the southernmost corner of the Llyn beaches, you will find Aberdaron. When was the last time you visited Aberdaron? (Image: Getty Images) "A bend of sand a mile wide sheltered by the Mynydd Mawr peninsula, crossed by the River Daron and overlooked by the dining terrace of the delightful Gwesty Ty Newydd hotel," The Times continued. "The left-hand end of the beach, the only part where dogs are welcome, is the prettiest." The water quality at Aberdaron beach is rated excellent, while there are also toilets and a café. It's not just the experts who think highly of Aberdaron beach, but visitors as well, with it boasting a 4.5 rating (out of 5) on Tripadvisor from 93 reviews. One person, commenting about their beach experience, said: "On my own I really enjoy seeing the children, families and so many happy dogs interacting. There is [also] a dog free area. "The sea is safe, shallow entry. Beach was a gritty sand, comfortable to walk on, easy to clean off." When it comes to the best beaches in the UK, Traeth Llanddwyn, located on the south-west corner of Anglesey, is usually always on the list. And it's easy to see why. Ynys Llanddwyn boasts six "candy coves" and views of Eryri National Park and the Llyn Peninsula. (Image: Patrick Glover) It is described as a "fairytale" beach by The Times and "magical" by visitors on Tripadvisor, where it boasts a near-perfect 4.8 rating from 578 reviews. The Times said: "After driving through the dark depths of the Newborough Forest you'll come to a three-mile beach. "To your right, you'll see Llandwyn Island with two white towers, two stone crosses and a ruined church. "The former are old lighthouses; the latter are dedicated to St Dwynwen, a 5th-century princess who pledged her life to God here on Ynys Llanddwyn after suffering a broken heart. RECOMMENDED READING: Secret North Wales beach named among the best in the UK and a must-visit North Wales village with 'scenic' pub and secret beach among UK's most beautiful 'Vibrant' seaside town in North Wales among the UK's best to move to in 2025 "She is now Wales's patron saint of lovers — honoured on her feast day of January 25 — and there's an awful lot to love about her island: six sandy coves and views of Eryri and the Llyn, seen as though across an enchanted lake." The water quality is rated excellent, there are toilet facilities, and it is dog-friendly. There is also often a good truck in the car park called Y Pantri Bach.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Day in a seaside town was perfect except for one thing
There's something quintessentially British about a day at the seaside. No British summer feels complete without a jaunt to the seaside. The weather might not always cooperate and the sea isn't exactly Mediterranean-warm, but our coastline possesses a unique charm that you simply won't find in Spain, Greece, or Turkey. After all, seaside trips are the original holiday destination – the Victorians were enjoying summer breaks on the coast long before we even contemplated jetting off abroad. There's nothing quite like tucking into fish and chips by the sea, strolling along the beach, and spending a few pennies in the arcades. It gives you that holiday vibe without needing to step onto a plane. In an era when we're all mindful of our spending, a day trip to the coast can offer an affordable escape. So, as the mercury rose across the nation, I decided to spend the day in Southport, hopping on the direct train from Manchester Victoria. With single fares starting at just £3.10 and a journey time of an hour and 15 minutes, it's a wallet-friendly day out option for anyone this summer. Here's a glimpse into my day. Visit a quirky museum My day began on a slightly bumpy note due to an engine fault on the train, which added an extra 20 minutes to my journey. Fortunately, the lovely views of the passing Lancashire countryside and the cool breeze from the open windows more than made up for it. Upon reaching Southport station (and musing over whether Merseyrail and the Bee Network use the same paint supplier), I made my way to my first stop, which was quite an unexpected one. The British Lawnmower Museum, a peculiar attraction dedicated to all things lawnmower, is not something you'd typically associate with a seaside town. Yet, it's tucked away from the main town centre. I stumbled upon it while planning my day out and, seeing the numerous five-star reviews, I knew I had to check it out. The museum can be accessed through Stanley's Security, a hardware shop on Shakespeare Street. Entry costs £3, and the museum spans several rooms; a large L-shaped space on the ground floor, three rooms on the first floor, and exhibits on the landing. While I don't have a particular interest in lawnmowers, I was genuinely impressed by the museum's collection. Each room was filled with dozens of lawnmowers of all shapes and sizes, spanning various decades, from the earliest models to solar-powered robot cutters. Not into machinery or gardening? If pop culture is more your cup of tea, the museum houses lawnmowers that once belonged to a host of celebrities, including Paul O'Grady, King (then Prince) Charles and Princess Diana, Brian May, Hilda Ogden, and even hangman Albert Pierrepoint. Several items in its collection have featured in films and TV shows, including Downton Abbey. It's more than just a museum dedicated to lawn mowers; it's a reflection of our evolving social history and our engineering triumphs. Plus, it's delightfully surreal in a quintessentially British way. Time for a chippy lunch Emerging from the verdant depths of the British Lawnmower Museum with a rumbling stomach, I knew that fish and chips were on the cards. Being by the seaside, I was spoilt for choice, so I opted for a cod and chips (£9.50) from The Sandgrounder on Nevill Street. With my takeaway in hand, I crossed over to King's Gardens and found a spot by the Marine Lake. It wasn't quite the sea view I had envisioned to accompany my lunch (more on that later), but it was still waterside. Under the watchful eye of a peckish seagull, I dug into my meal, occasionally snapping the lid of the box shut to safeguard my lunch. The fish and chips were spot on: the batter was light and crispy, the fish beautifully flaky, and the chips cooked to perfection. Even the balance of salt and vinegar was just right. I savoured every mouthful and can confidently say the seagull didn't get a crumb. Take a leisurely walk through stunning gardens Like any self-respecting traditional seaside town, Southport boasts many features that hark back to its Victorian tourism heyday. Among these are the stunning Kings Gardens, which centre around the vast marine lake. Feeling the need for a stroll after lunch, I meandered through the gardens, which stretch over 17 acres along the promenade. The place is brimming with Victorian splendour, featuring ornate Grade II-listed shelters and a stunning Venetian Bridge spanning the lake. I strolled past a rather large crazy golf course, which was surprisingly bustling even though it was a Monday. Unfortunately, the pedalos were not in operation during my visit. There was a sizeable playground for children, and I also noticed a model railway village - sadly closed - but I would be amazed if it was anything like the one I visited in Blackpool. Situated on the edge of the gardens is the Marine Lake Cafe and Bar, where I paused for an ice cream (£3). It boasts a vast outdoor seating area, which was fairly busy, and there was even live entertainment from a singer, contributing to the holiday vibe as people enjoyed their beers in the sunshine. Head to the beach Now, this is where things take a turn for the worse. Leaving the gardens, I embarked on a quest to see the sea. I crossed Princes Park (essentially a large field), traversed Marine Drive, and prepared myself to see waves lapping against the sand. Well, that's not exactly what I encountered. I was aware that Southport was a tidal beach, but I hadn't realised just how far out the sea retreats - you'd need binoculars to even glimpse the waves. To add insult to injury, Southport's iconic pier was closed for refurbishment, further dampening my spirits. Despite this, the walk alongside the beach was enjoyable, and there was something quite striking about the expansive views across the sand - I could even spot the rollercoasters of Blackpool in the distance. However, it didn't quite hit the mark for me as a classic seaside experience. Try your luck at the arcades Feeling a bit deflated, I decided to lift my spirits by gambling away a quid's worth of 2p coins. A trip to an arcade is a fundamental part of any seaside day out, and Southport boasts a massive one at the start of the pier, Silcock's Funland. It's been ages since I've used a 2p slot machine and I was slightly disappointed to discover they no longer have the prizes in the machines themselves. Instead, you have to keep playing for the machine to spit out a long string of tickets which you can exchange at the prize booth. It doesn't quite offer the same excitement as trying to knock off a keyring from its precarious 2p perch, but still, it was satisfying to see the long stream of tickets produced by my machine. This feeling was short-lived though when I discovered my tickets amounted to 10 points, which earned me the rather paltry prize of two Maoam sweets. Still, there's always next time. The beach may not have lived up to expectations, but everything else about Southport did. It felt like a nostalgic day at the seaside and reminded me of childhood trips to the coast - not bad at all for a £3 train ticket.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Mum in intensive care after falling seriously ill on 'dream holiday'
Rebecca Russell, 32, was away on holiday in Marrakech, Morocco, with her fiancé and two friends when she became seriously ill and was then rushed to hospital A British mother is stranded over 2,000 miles from home after falling seriously ill during her dream holiday. Rebecca Russell, 32, has been fighting for her life in intensive care for more than a week after she began vomiting three days into her Moroccan adventure. The mother-of-four, from Ellesmere Port in Merseyside, was enjoying the trip with her fiancé Sam Bindley, 32, and two close friends. The group touched down in the country on Sunday, June 22, and savoured the "best" few days before Rebecca became unwell. Her friend, Molly Beetson, 31, from Chester, explained how Rebecca - called Becca by her pals - began feeling sick three days into the break. But when her condition deteriorated dramatically two days later, Sam, her partner of 12 years who she's due to marry in September, called for emergency help. She was rushed straight to a hospital ICU, where she has remained in a critical state for over a week, reports the Liverpool Echo. Molly said: "It started with a standard sickness bug, they thought because they were at an all inclusive resort it was just something normal she had picked up. "But she got horrendous, to the point she was drinking water and it was coming back up still cold. She was really confused too and not fully with it, she didn't know what was going on. "Sam ended up phoning the doctor who gave her sickness tablets, but after two and a half days he phoned an ambulance that took her to hospital in Marrakesh." Doctors discovered she was suffering from kidney and liver failure, along with sepsis, whilst in the ICU. Molly explained: "She was really poorly. It was scary for her partner because he wasn't allowed to go in and see her in the hospital for very long because of the rules over there. "She was so confused and scared. She is still unaware of how unwell she was, it's going to take her some time to process what she has been through and process the trauma of it. It all started from a sickness bug and escalated. She is type one diabetic so we think it led on from the sickness bug and not being able to eat for days." Molly revealed her mate had been eagerly anticipating the dream getaway, which was supposed to be a child-free escape for the pair. She explained: "Sam works so hard and she had never been to Morocco, it was a well needed break and now she is stuck there. "Thankfully, it looks like she could be in a place to come home to the UK within the next few days but the insurance company has said they will only pay out for some of the hospital fees. And, she might need a medical flight to return to the UK, which is extremely expensive. "They just want to be home with their children and family. They'd been having a lovely time before all this happened, they were enjoying it, they said the hotel was lovely. She was sharing videos on Facebook on holiday."
