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North Wales Live
19 minutes ago
- North Wales Live
10 best beaches in UK named — the top two are both in Wales
The top 10 UK beaches for 2025 have been revealed, as families across Wales continue their quest for the ideal summer staycation. Holiday lettings company Holidu has conducted a study to identify the highest-rated beaches in the UK. To pinpoint the best locations, travel experts analysed Google Maps user data for over 9,500 beaches, considering both ratings and reviews. The findings suggest that staying in Wales could be a great idea for those craving a seaside holiday, with the top two beaches on the list located in this naturally beautiful part of the UK. In fact, 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). Its breathtaking beauty, pristine golden sands and turquoise waters earned it the Blue Flag status, partly due to its secluded location, accessible only via a half-mile walk. Close by, Traeth Mwnt in neighbouring Ceredigion secured second place, thanks to its beautiful setting as a hidden cove with golden sands and potential for dolphin sightings, reports the Express. 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. This year, Woolacombe Beach in Devon has been crowned the top beach in England, boasting rockpools, soft sands and excellent surfing conditions - a combination that earned it the title of World Surfing Reserve in 2022. Dunraven Bay, located in the Vale of Glamorgan in Wales, secured fourth place. Its cliffs and rugged coastline are a magnet for visitors with an interest in geology and fossil hunting. The rock formations, rich in fossils embedded within the shoreline rocks, date back millions of years. Trebarwith Beach on the Devon coast clinched the fifth spot. Its standout feature is Gull Rock, a large offshore rock formation, making it a favourite among photographers and surfers. 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 lauded beaches due to its unspoilt natural beauty. Owing to its access via a half-mile walk, the beach has remained relatively wild yet immaculate, featuring golden sands and turquoise waters. "As such, it's often hailed for offering 'Caribbean-esque' vistas. This Blue Flag beach has bagged multiple accolades, including 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 stunning natural environment and superior water quality. Barafundle Bay is indeed a family favourite!". 2. Traeth Mwnt, Ceredigion Google Maps Rating: 4.9 Number of Reviews: 722 Another gem from Wales, Traeth Mwnt is a delightful secluded cove famed for its golden beaches and the iconic Mwnt Church that overlooks the bay. Visitors can unwind in this sheltered cove or indulge in dolphin spotting - Mwnt is actually one of the top spots to see dolphins in the UK! For those who enjoy a good hike, a scenic walk to the summit of Foel y Mwnt offers 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. With the quaint village of Woolacombe serving as a backdrop, this picturesque beach is celebrated for its cleanliness and family-friendly vibe. The beach boasts Blue Flag status and a stunning 3-mile stretch of coastline. Woolacombe beach is ideal for children to explore with its rock pools, soft sands, and regular lifeguard patrols. It's also a hot spot for surfing - 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, situated in Glamorgan, is a paradise for fossil enthusiasts and photographers due to its distinctive geology and dramatic cliffs. Nestled 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 the spectacular coastal views from paths above the bay that lead to the remnants of Dunraven Castle, a Grade II listed manor house 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 characterised by unique rock formations. Although entirely covered at high tide, the beach morphs into a sandy sanctuary at low tide, with the ebbing tides unveiling vast stretches of golden sand, numerous rock pools, and fascinating caves to explore.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
The ‘hidden gem' Irish beach voted that looks like ‘tropical paradise' with crystal clear waters, white sands & dolphins
TAKE a look at the Irish beach that looks like a "tropical paradise" with crystal clear waters, soft white sands and sea life. Glassilaun Beach in Advertisement 3 Located in Co Galway is the breathtaking Glassilaun Beach Credit: Getty Images 3 The spectacular beach has been described as a 'hidden gem' Credit: Getty Images 3 It's been likened to those in the Maldives Credit: Getty Located just 30 minutes from the village of Clifden, the beach is known as one of the most scenic and peaceful places on Ireland's west coast. Glassilaun Beach is nestled along the Wild Atlantic Way, and it offers sweeping panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, surrounding mountains and offshore islands. Known for its clear waters and soft white sands - the beach has been compared to the remote coves of Sardinia and tropical destinations like It has even been praised by Irish influencer, Advertisement READ MORE IN TRAVEL Capturing fantastic shots of the coast, her post read: "Have you been to this absolutely gorgeous spot? "Voted one of the best beaches in Europe by the Guardian Travel last year, it is Glassilaun Beach in Connemara, Galway. It's like a little tropical paradise and up there with Dogs Bay in Connemara!" The beach stretches along a curved bay, with calm waters ideal for swimming and gentle waves that make it perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking. Visitors to Glassilaun are greeted by the dramatic backdrop of Mweelrea mountain and the surrounding Connemara hills. Advertisement Most read in News Travel What's more, the spot is located less than an hour from Leenane – a small village known for its hiking trails, local seafood and views of Killary Fjord. Glassilaun Beach also offers a wide range of outdoor activities for nature lovers and adventurers. The area has become popular with And marine life is frequently spotted off the coast, with regular sightings of dolphins, seals and seabirds during the summer months. Advertisement Visitors can also take in stunning views from nearby walking trails, with panoramic sights across the Atlantic and over to the islands of Inishturk and Inishbofin. 'TRUE HIDDEN GEM' Now recognised as a Blue Flag beach, Glassilaun meets strict standards for water quality, safety and environmental management. The award, given by the Foundation for Environmental Education, confirms the beach is clean, accessible and free from pollution. And while it's still a relatively underrated destination, Glassilaun has been drawing increasing praise from visitors across Ireland and beyond. Advertisement Tourists have taken to One person said: 'A true hidden gem, this splendid beach which, at low tide, is truly wonderful!" Another wrote: 'Beautiful beach, still water, clear as crystal, fantastic rock pools nearby – just a brilliant beach for an afternoon away from it all.'
Western Telegraph
2 days ago
- Western Telegraph
Beach of the week: Saundersfoot Beach, Pembrokeshire
Nestled along the picturesque Pembrokeshire coast, Saundersfoot Beach is a haven for families and beachgoers. The wide, sandy beach is popular for its safe, gently sloping sands that make swimming a joy. A lifeguard service is present, further ensuring the safety of visitors. The beach is not only people-friendly but also welcomes dogs, except on the southern half between May and September, where they are banned. During these months, dogs must also be leashed around the harbour. Saundersfoot Beach offers a wealth of activities, including sailing, swimming, surfing, and windsurfing. Fishing enthusiasts will also find it a good spot to cast their lines. The beach is supported by a range of facilities, including a cafe, restaurant, and a first aid point. Toilets, including disabled facilities, are available, and shops are conveniently located nearby. The beach area is accessible, with over 100 pay parking spots, including disabled spaces, and free roadside parking opposite the beach. However, visitors should note that it gets very busy in the summer. The water quality has been rated three stars. Saundersfoot Beach is also a great starting point to explore the surrounding area. A short walk to the north along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path leads to the hamlet of Wisemans Bridge, linked to Saundersfoot by a cliff tunnel. The beach is a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a more adventurous exploration along the old dramway inland through the woods to Stepaside, where the remains of the old ironworks can be explored. The beach's Blue Flag status, awarded for its high environmental and quality standards, makes it a proud feature of the Pembrokeshire coast. The beach's wide expanse of sand at low tide is perfect for a splash in the sea. The beach's popularity and its wide range of activities and facilities make it a perfect family beach and a worthy beach of the week.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
‘All prior warnings removed' – Bosses give update on ELEVEN popular Dublin beaches as swimming bans officially lifted
SAFETY bosses have given a major update on eleven popular Dublin beaches as swimming bans are now officially lifted. Fingal County Council has confirmed that all swimming warnings and prohibitions have now been lifted across the county's Advertisement 2 Do not Swim notices have been removed from eleven of Dublin's beaches Credit: Getty 2 This includes Balbriggan, Malahide and Portmarnock beach The major update follows the latest bathing water sample analysis carried out on Friday, July 25. All tested beaches met the 'excellent' classification standard under national Bathing Water Quality regulations. To be rated this, levels of In a statement from Fingal County Council, they said: 'In Bathing Water Sample Analysis for all Fingal beaches from samples taken last Friday 25 July, the results from all beaches met the 'excellent' classification standard for bathing waters.' Advertisement READ MORE IN TRAVEL 'All prior warnings and do not swim prohibitions removed.' As a result, all 'do not swim' notices have been removed from Balbriggan, Loughshinny, Rush North, Malahide, Portmarnock and Claremont beaches. Prior warning notices, which advise against swimming due to recent pollution risks, have also been lifted from Skerries, Rush South, Portrane, Donabate and Sutton. And the results were verified in consultation with the Advertisement Most read in News Travel The council says water quality monitoring will continue, with the next scheduled samples to be taken between August 5 and August 6. Testing will take place on August 5 at Balbriggan, Skerries, Loughshinny, Rush North and South, Portrane, and Donabate. The beautiful lake an hour from London with overwater bungalows like the Maldives Samples will also be taken from Claremont, Sutton, Portmarnock, and Malahide on August 6. Full results will be published on August 7 and 8 on Advertisement They added: 'All Beaches will be sampled next week between the 5th August (Balbriggan, Skerries, Loughshinny, Rush N & S, Portrane & Donabate) and 6th August (Claremont, Sutton, Portmarnock and Malahide). 'Results will be posted on 7th August, and, 8th August respectively.' For more details about bathing water classifications and safety information, check out the Fingal County Council at It comes after swimmers at a popular Irish beach have been urged to stay out of the water due to safety concerns over bacteria levels. Advertisement SWIMMING BAN The horseshoe shaped sand spot is hugely popular among swimmers and surfers. It's also got a Blue Flag award indicating high levels of cleanliness in line with But beachgoers have been told not to enter the water due to "high levels of bacteria" in the sea. Advertisement A red flag has been hoisted at the beach to alert visitors to the ban. And a spokesperson for the council said: "Run-off from the catchment after exceptionally heavy rainfall is a likely cause of the elevated levels of bacteria in the water."
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Inside the Balkan city 3 hours from UK with some of the cleanest Blue Flag beaches
This beautiful coastal city is surrounded by clean beaches and crystal-clear waters Residing in the UK and journeying within Europe allows you to hop on a plane for just over two hours and land somewhere entirely different, with contrasting weather, a new language, and unique culture to discover. This is precisely what led me to an impromptu summer holiday in a sunny locale where the language was almost alien to me. Yet, it wasn't the local cuisine or peculiarities of Dubrovnik that took me by surprise, although I must admit my first encounter with Noah's Ark shell – a local type of mollusc – in my seafood pasta was quite startling. What truly amazed me was the pristine appearance and cleanliness of its old town and surrounding Blue Flag beaches, despite being heavily frequented by tourists. Indeed, Dubrovnik often ranks among European cities with the cleanest seawater, with places like Lapad promenade and Copacabana Beach standing as testament to this. One of the city's major advantages is its closeness to the Balkan bucket list destinations of Kotor Bay in Montenegro, and Mostar in Bosnia. There are only a handful of notable excursions departing from Dubrovnik, including three boat tours exploring the nearby islands, beaches, and caves. However, day trips to Kotor Bay and Mostar are essential, as these ancient towns, besides their obvious beauty, offer insights into the region's historical context and cultural distinctiveness. Beyond the usual seasonal activities, the food in Dubrovnik can be extraordinary — but only if you know the right places to dine. Tourist traps can be found in every corner, and they're not always as obvious as a three-star restaurant on the promenade with picture menus and poorly translated dish descriptions. Rather than being lured by the allure of traditional-looking eateries boasting breathtaking harbour views, I try to dine like a local — and I usually succeed. One of the most memorable meals I enjoyed in Dubrovnik was at an unpretentious place named Restaurant Maskeron, complete with a charming little patio. Another top pick of a similar ilk was Restoran Madonna. Interestingly, neither establishment is situated anywhere near a body of water, which is telling. Ironically, the best meal I savoured there came from a local bakery perched atop Bellevue Beach. There's something uniquely satisfying about tucking into fresh burek and sipping on drinkable yoghurt before a relaxing day spent seaside.
