The UK's best hidden beaches picked by travel experts

Many of us will be putting the wind break in the car boot and heading to the seaside for the long weekend.

And there’s nothing more satisfying than finding a secluded, scenic beach away from the crowds.

That’s why the Which? Travel team has shared its lesser-known coastal favourites – from a traditional fishing enclave to a pristine islet you can reach by foot (if you time the tides right).

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St Cuthbert’s Island, Northumberland

You might think you’ve seen all the north-east has to offer, having visited Bamburgh and Seahouses — after all, they’re regularly voted among the UK’s best seaside towns. 

But as someone from Northumberland, it pains me to see how many people miss out on the stunning, thrilling adventure that is a day trip to Holy Island. 

It’s stunning on account of the panoramic views, wildlife spotting opportunities and unspoilt beaches. And it’s thrilling because the causeway leading to the island is submerged by the North Sea twice a day, meaning you’ll need to pay close attention to crossing times on the Visit Northumberland website to avoid getting caught out. 

It’s easiest to drive, but a local guide can shepherd you safely if you’d prefer to make the two-hour trek. 

St Cuthbert’s is another tiny tidal islet just off Holy Island, which you can only walk to during low tide. But the full pilgrimage is well worth it if you can time it right.

Kate Pasola, senior writer 

Fairbourne Beach, Gwynedd

Though Barmouth is my favourite Welsh beach, having visited often when I was growing up, it can get overrun during the peak summer months. 

For something a little more peaceful, but with the same bright blue waters and mountainous landscapes, take a trip to Fairbourne. 

The journey is part of the experience — a ferry across the stunning estuary, then a short ride on the charming narrow-gauge Fairbourne Railway, which is like something out of a picture book. Otherwise, it’s a 30-minute drive. 

Kate Pasola, senior writer 

Pakefield, Suffolk

Lowestoft may have been rated one of the worst UK seaside towns in our survey, but its beach was still awarded four stars by visitors. And just next door is one of my favourites; peaceful Pakefield – a long, wide stretch of golden sand and shingle backed by rugged cliffs. 

A medieval stone church sits on the clifftop, and the promenade is dotted with pastel-coloured beach huts, which can be hired for as little as £130 a week in peak summer (compared to up to £600 in nearby Southwold). Dogs are also welcome all year round. Sand dunes, marram grass and a few working fishing boats add to the wilderness feel. 

The Jolly Sailors pub is a great spot to grab a cold pint and watch the North Sea waves roll in. You might even spot horses from the local riding school galloping along the shoreline. 

Jo Rhodes, senior writer 

Danes Dyke, East Yorkshire

Danes Dyke is a 148-acre nature reserve made up of woodland and ravines that open onto a tranquil, secluded beach – a mixture of large white pebbles and sand framed by sheer white cliffs covered in green vegetation.

The wildlife thrives here, so bring your binoculars to watch the wide variety of birds that visit. It’s also great for fossil hunting, with treasures embedded in the chalk.

There’s only one small café in the car park, so you might want to take a picnic. Otherwise, head to the seaside town of Bridlington nearby for fish and chips – or something fancier. The town is dubbed the lobster capital of Europe, after all.

Amy Axworthy, senior writer 

Fraserburgh beach, Aberdeenshire 

Tucked away on the far north-east corner of Aberdeenshire, this crescent bay offers three miles of soft, golden sand. The cold waters of the North Sea collide with the milder currents of the Moray Firth, serving up some fantastic waves for surfing. You may even spot a seal or bottlenose dolphin.

Just beyond the west end of the beach and harbour stands the 16th-century ruin of Kinnaird Head Castle, which became Scotland’s first lighthouse on the mainland in 1787. It is now open to the public as the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses, offering regular tours. 

It's worth heading into Fraserburgh town for gelato whatever the weather, made from recipes brought here by Italian immigrants in the early 20th century. 

The town is also famous for being the founding place of BrewDog in 2007. Its headquarters now operate out of Ellon, which sits between Aberdeen and Fraserburgh, making it a great pit stop for a tipple or brewery tour.

Amy Axworthy, senior writer 

Marloes Sands, Pembrokeshire

I  came here last year and it was exactly as I remembered it from when I was nine: a long walk down a cliff path to the perfect British beach, with rock pools and stones to clamber over – as well as a long stretch of sand and crashing waves. 

The only difference is that there's now a fantastic café at the top near the National Trust car park. 

It's not under-rated at all (everybody loves it) but it is hidden, in the sense that you have a steep 15-minute walk to get here (and a seemingly even steeper 20-minute walk to get back) 

Trevor Baker, senior writer