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More than 30 million tourists visited the UK in 2022. That figure is expected to grow to 35 million in 2023.
The UK attracts visitors from across the world, thanks to its historic attractions, unique architecture, and rich heritage.
The English country garden cliché is founded in truth: The UK boasts lush green gardens and breathtaking countryside views.
But what many people don’t realize is that the UK is also home to a huge number of beautiful beaches.
A new report from UK Consumer magazine, Which? has analyzed over 100 UK seaside towns and villages to reveal a definitive list of both the best and the worst beaches to visit.
Here are the six best beaches in the UK to visit this summer, taken from that list:
Bamburgh, Northumberland
Bamburgh is a small village with a population of just 400 people, but this beautiful beach boasts spectacular views that attract visitors from all over the world.
Despite its small location, the main attractions of this beautiful seaside resort are its beach, seafront, scenery, the quality of its accommodation, and its value for money.
Bamburgh is worth exploring thanks to its super soft sand, windswept sand dunes, and incredible views. Because the village here is so small, the beach never feels crowded.
Bamburgh Castle sits on a rocky outcrop above the beach, lending to its spectacular and eye-catching panoramic views.
Dartmouth, Devon
Dartmouth is a stunning, picturesque town with a rich history. It sits in the heart of an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and boasts its own dramatic castle.
There are two beautiful and secluded cove beaches in Dartmouth. These are called Castle Cove and Sugary Cove.
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Despite being an incredibly popular tourist destination, the beaches in Dartmouth still feel remote, and it is possible to time your visit to avoid the crowds.
With crystal clear waters, soft white sands, and brightly colored houses lining the harbor, you may be in the heart of the UK, but you would be forgiven for thinking you were in Greece or Italy instead.
Portstewart, County Londonderry/Derry
Portstewart is a popular seaside resort that attracts visitors from both across Ireland and further afield.
Visitors travel to Portstewart to enjoy the two-mile-long stretch of sand, walk along the promenade, and watch the boats bobbing in the harbor.
This is a Blue Flag certified beach: a mark of the high quality of the sand here.
Portstewart first came to public attention as a popular Victorian seaside resort, so it is a wonderful place to enjoy both a day at the beach as well as an insight into its traditional Victorian heritage.
Portmeirion, Gwynedd
Portmeirion is a Welsh village, but you would be forgiven for thinking you were in the heart of Italy.
Constructed as a tourist attraction by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975, the whole area is beautiful with white-washed buildings and a Mediterranean feel.
Portmeirion beach boasts a vast expanse of white sand and its position at the end of a peninsula means that visitors can experience spectacular views of both the coastline and the mountains that sit behind it.
Adventurous explorers can enjoy the hidden caves here, while more relaxed travelers can simply unwind on the sand eating ice cream from the local Angel Ices Gelateria.
St Andrews, Fife
Located northwest of Edinburgh in the heart of Scotland, St Andrews is famous for its many golf courses, but it also boasts a beautiful coastline.
St. Andrews West Sands Beach is best known for being where the opening scenes to the film Chariots of Fire were filmed. The gold sand beach here covers more than two miles without interruption, and you will find spectacular examples of British sand dunes here.
This is a popular beach for swimmers, walkers, and for those looking to explore pristine rock pools.
As the beach is just a 15-minute walk from the town center, it’s also a great place to combine a beach break and explore traditional Scottish culture.
Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear
Tynemouth is best known for being a surfing championship venue. The mile-long beach here attracts surfers and water sports enthusiasts from all over the world.
As well as being a world-class watersports hub, Tynemouth is also popular with those hoping to walk, sunbathe, and play on the golden sand.
The view from the beach here is one of the most iconic and impressive on this list. The historic Tynemouth Priory and Castle dominates the skyline atop the cliff above the seashore.
Tynemouth is also a popular destination for foodies hoping to enjoy fish and seafood that is freshly caught in the North Sea and then served in the town’s many restaurants.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com