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Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Beautiful UK beach with crystal clear waters is 'perfect dupe' for Greek island
Not too far from the UK's capital, there's a coastal gem that bears a striking resemblance to the gorgeous and dreamy Mediterranean Greek island - but it's cheaper Escaping the city for a couple of days and going to a paradise with poor phone signals and ocean views is something many of us dream about. Now, with the cost of living cutting short our annual trips, who said there's a need to fly out of the country? Walking sandal experts FitFlop found the UK's best lookalike locations to dreamy destinations like Italy, Greece, India, Iceland and even the Caribbean. A five-hour drive from London to Cornwall will take you to a magical place with gorgeous coastline and crystal clear waters. Called Pedn Vounder Beach in Cornwall, it has positioned itself as one of the must-visit places this summer. Nestled among the cliffs of Treryn Dinas in Cornwall lies one of the most beautiful beaches. Interestingly, but not surprisingly, Big 7 Travel named Pedn Vounder Beach as one of the must-visit beach destinations in 2023, competing against well-known holiday spots like South Africa and Iceland. Cornwall's hidden gem The site wrote: "Tucked beneath rugged cliffs near the famous Logan Rock, Pedn Vounder is a tidal beach that looks more Mediterranean than British. Its crystal clear turquoise waters and soft white sands are reminiscent of Greek islands like Zakynthos or Sardinia's Costa Smeralda." "At low tide, a sandy causeway connects it to neighbouring Porthcurno Beach, adding to the magical, untouched feel. With more than 40,000 monthly Google searches for 'Greece holiday', this Cornish gem is a hidden hack for a faux Grecian staycation." The famous Logan Rock, a 80-ton rock stone located on the east headland of the beach, is known for its turquoise waters and picturesque views. It's a good area for those who love outdoor activities, such as walking and hiking. However, if you're looking for a quiet holiday, you might want to reconsider visiting during the summer months. Pedn Vounder Beach is extra busy during the holidays, and, of course, when the temperatures go above 20 degrees Celsius. With a 4.4 rating out of five stars on TripAdvisor, visitors seem to have been left impressed. Many were happy to enjoy swimming, tanning and participating in water activities. One holidaymaker said: 'The beach cove really is gorgeous, the water is crystal clear and a stunning turquoise colour, you wouldn't believe it's in the UK!' A second one added: 'Beautiful, unspoiled beach, much quieter than other beaches because it is not easy to get to.' Pedn Vounder Beach is not easy to get to Although it's one of the most remote spots in Cornwall, it's always been one of the most popular to visit. However, those who wish to dip in the beautiful waters and lie down in the white sand have to be careful, as it can be dangerous to get there. The majority of comments recommended that future visitors wear appropriate clothing and footwear, as it might be tricky. The review continued: 'The last bit requires you to climb, literally, holding on with both faces, face to the rock and being very careful not to slip or you risk falling 5 or 6 meters onto hard rock. Proper shoes are a must, plus a rucksack with your stuff, you don't want anything in your hands.' So, if you're heading to Cornwall this summer, don't drive past Pedn Vounder Beach. It might be challenging, but it's so worth it.
Time Out
4 days ago
- Time Out
One of the top 50 best beaches in the world is just two hours from London
London may boast a marvellous selection of outdoor pools and lidos, but what we don't have much of is beaches. Sure, there might be that artificial beach in Ruislip and, yes, the Thames does indeed have some low-tide rocky patches, but neither of those are a great substitute for a proper, swimmable beach by the sea. Besides, we wouldn't wish swimming in the Thames on anyone – well, not yet, anyway. Fortunately there are plenty of beaches within easy reach of London – find a guide to the best ones here – and some of them are very good indeed. In fact, one beach near(ish) the capital was just named in the top 50 beaches in the world. The list in question came from travel blog and tour booking company Big 7 Travel, and just four British beaches made the top 50. The one within reasonably easy access of London can be found on the south coast, in Dorset – Alum Chine beach. Alum Chine is the largest chine of Bournemouth, and you can find the beach where the gorge meets the sea. Big 7 Travel named Alum Chine beach the 39th best in the world, sandwiched in the list between sandy stretches in Spain and Australia, and picked out its Blue Flag certification and watersports options as highlights. Big 7 also pointed out that Alum Chine often has warmer water and weather than many UK beaches. So, how do Londoners get to Alum Chine? Well, the trip is two hours by car on a very, very good run. It's more like two and a half hours by public transport – you can get a direct train from Waterloo or Clapham Junction to Bournemouth, then it's either a walk (45 mins) or a bus and walk (30 mins) to the beach. You might be thinking: that's a heck of a long way to go for a beach. But while you're in Bournemouth there's another award-winning beach not far away. Bournemouth Beach, which was named one of the best in the world by TripAdvisor earlier this year, sits two miles east of Alum Chine.
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Incredible Scots beach with pure white sands, crystal waters and jaw-dropping views named one of best in world
Scroll down to see which beach was named number one on the planet JUST BEACHY Incredible Scots beach with pure white sands, crystal waters and jaw-dropping views named one of best in world AN idyllic Scottish beach has been named one of the best on the planet. While proud Scots know that our coastline is stunning, it's now official. Advertisement 4 The Scottish beach was praised for its white sand and blue green water 4 Whitesands Bay beach in Wales also made the cut Experts at Big 7 Travel have released their list of Best Beaches in the World 2025. Now in its seventh year, the ranking is based on past media results, official Blue Flag beach awards, social media buzz and insights from the Big 7 Travel editorial crew. The 2025 edition features a mix of beach destinations to suit all kinds of travellers. From shallow turquoise lagoons in the Maldives to the coral-fringed coastlines of the Caribbean, this year's top 50 features everything from remote island hideaways to classic coastal icons. Advertisement The Big 7 team said: "From the sun-soaked tropics to the icy edges of the poles, our planet is home to some truly spectacular beaches. "Whether you're dreaming of sipping a cocktail under the warm sun or taking a romantic stroll along a pristine shoreline, we've got you covered. "From pearly-white sands that stretch unbroken for kilometres to crystal-clear waters that invite you in for a swim or snorkel, these are the 50 most beautiful beaches in the world." And one Scottish stretch of sand makes the cut - the gorgeous Luskentyre on the Isle of Harris. Advertisement The multi award-winning beach has been described as a 'little slice of the Maldives' in Scotland. The vast sandy bay boasts miles of white sand and stunning green-blue water. Luskentyre Beach: Scotland's Gem Among World's Best Scenery includes wonderful sand dunes and the island of Taransay, famous for being the setting of the BBC's Castaway. The Big 7 team said: "The Outer Hebrides are probably not the first location you think of when beautiful beaches come to mind, but we're here to prove you wrong! Advertisement "Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris looks like it's been plucked right out of the Caribbean and photoshopped onto Scotland's mountainous coast. "The beach is stunning to visit at any time of year, and there are even a few days every year when the water is warm enough for a swim. "The beach also holds a Scottish Beach Award for its natural beauty and environmental efforts." There are a few more UK beaches that make the top 50 list. Advertisement Alum Chine in Bournemouth, Dorset, makes the rating. The beach is praised for its Blue Flag Certification and watersports activities. Meanwhile, Porthcurno Beach, in Cornwall, is also in the ranking. The Big 7 team said: "Sheltered by high granite rocks, the beach essentially possesses its own microclimate, making it a nice place to sunbathe and relax even if it's windy above the clifftops. "There is also a stream that runs down to the beach, which is excellent for young children to paddle in, and the golden sands and tempting surf make it the perfect place to sunbathe or go swimming." Advertisement Whitesands Beach in Wales is on the list and is described as a popular but quiet beach which is a favourite among both locals and tourists. And in the Republic of Ireland, Keem Beach, in County Mayo, is praised for its calm waters that are full of rich and diverse marine life. Coming right at the top if the global list is Whitehaven Beach in Australia. The Big 7 experts said: "Part of the Whitsunday Islands, just off the coast of Queensland, Whitehaven Beach is arguably the most beautiful beach in the world. Advertisement "Glistening white sands (which are 98 per cent pure silica, giving them their bright white colour) and warm turquoise waters make this a hugely popular place for tourists and locals to visit. "Part of the Whitsunday Islands National Park, the beach is known for its eco-friendly measures. The beach is 7km long, and the beautiful waters of the Coral Sea are perfect for swimming and snorkelling in. "This beach really has it all when it comes to the most beautiful beaches in the world." 4 Whitehaven Beach on Whitesunday Island was number one Advertisement
The Guardian
5 days ago
- The Guardian
Is this Queensland beach really the best in the world? Tell us your favourite
A Queensland beach where swimmers need to wear stinger suits for eight months of the year has been voted the best in the world for 2025. Whitehaven Beach, on Whitsunday Island, is home to marine stingers, including jellyfish, from October to May when the water temperatures are warmer, making the use of stinger suits highly advisable. This month, global travel site Big 7 Travel revealed Whitehaven had topped its annual list of the 50 best beaches in the world, beating Anse Source d'Argent in Seychelles and Ksamil Beach in Albania to first place. Now in its seventh year, the list is based on 'past media results', 'social media buzz', and insights from the editorial team. Sign up for the fun stuff with our rundown of must-reads, pop culture and tips for the weekend, every Saturday morning The Queensland 7km stretch of beach, which is renowned for its pure-white silica sands and turquoise waters, is described by the Queensland government as 'one of the world's greatest natural treasures'. 'With its unique white-silica sands, brilliant aquamarine waters, secluded beach camp sites and incredible walking tracks, this world-famous beach will steal your heart,' the state government boasts. According to a Whitsundays tourism marketer, Nathan Johnston, box jellyfish and Irukandji are the harmful stingers in the Whitsundays. But the chances of being stung are low, espeically, if you are wearing a stinger suit and carrying vinegar with you to treat stings. 'As an old skipper once told me … 'Stinger suits are like wearing a seatbelt in a car: the chance is low you will need it, but if needed, it will save your life',' Johnston says. Sign up to Saved for Later Catch up on the fun stuff with Guardian Australia's culture and lifestyle rundown of pop culture, trends and tips after newsletter promotion But can a beach where you need to don a suit before swimming really be the best in the world? Guardian Australia wants to hear from our readers. What is your favourite beach in the world, and why? To kick us off, I will share my own: Bull Pup Beach on the south coast of New South Wales. It's only accessible via a walking track, which means you can often have the tiny sparkling clean beach all to yourself.
Scottish Sun
16-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
World's 50 best beaches named – here's how to find the two in the England that made the cut
Read on for the full list of the top 50 beaches from around the world BEACH IT World's 50 best beaches named – here's how to find the two in the England that made the cut Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE top 50 beaches around the world have been revealed and two in England made the list. Big 7 Travel has ranked the top beaches from around the world whether that be tropical paradise, chilly poles, or even the south of England. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Porthcurno Beach has been named one of the best in the world Credit: Alamy 5 The popular Alum Chine Beach came in at number 39 Credit: VisitSouthEastEngland Porthcurno Beach in Cornwall came in 20th place when it comes to the most beautiful in the world. The beach earned its place for its "beautiful scenery" and "surfing prowess". It even has it's own microclimate - in fact, the beach is the second warmest in the UK outside the summer months. Earning it extra points is the stream that runs down to the beach which is "excellent for young children to paddle in". The beach is well-known in the UK with visitors often saying it looks like it belongs in the Caribbean or Australia. One beach-goer wrote on Tripadvisor: "When the sun comes out, you could be on any beach in the world. This beach is stunning. Pure white, soft sand." For anyone visiting, head to the car park at the bottom of Porthcurno Valley. If you're going by train, the closest station is in Penzance. From Penzance, you can take a bus or taxi to reach the beach. The bus journey takes around 30 minutes, while a taxi ride is around 20 minutes. UK beach named one of the top 100 in the world 5 This beach in Scotland was in the top 20 too Credit: Alamy 5 The most beautiful beach is in the Whitsundays in Australia Credit: Alamy The other beach in England that's been named one of the best in the world is Alum Chine which is on the south coast of England in Bournemouth. It's one of the most popular in the area and has a wide, shingle shoreline with shallow waters for splashing about. Big 7 Travel praised Alum Chine for its Blue Flag certification and that it's the perfect place to make the most of England's rare warm weather. It added that visitors can "partake in watersports, enjoy fish and chips and an ice cream on the sands, or walk along to Bournemouth Pier." One beachgoer went as far as to say it's the "best in Britain." The nearest train stations to Alum Chine are Branksome and Bournemouth. From Branksome station, it's about a mile walk to Alum Chine Beach. Bournemouth station is about 3.2 miles away, and you can take a bus from there. While these are the only two English beaches to have made the list, there were more around the UK that featured. 5 Anse Source D'Argent has white sands and and rocky shores Credit: Alamy Luskentyre Beach in Scotland came in at number twelve. The beach on the Outer Hebrides has stunning sands and turquoise waters. Whitesands Beach was called "arguably the best beach in Wales", a popular but quiet beach due to its size. At the very top of the list was, unsurprisingly, a beach in Australia with blue waters and the whitest of sand. The dreamy beach is Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island and is constantly ranked as one of the most beautiful in the world. The other top beaches include Anse Source d'Argent in the Seychelles and Ksamil Beach in Albania. Read more on Sun Travel's best dupes around the world that have with a city and beach. And these are three UK beaches named the best in Europe by Tripadvisor this year.
