We all love a trip to the coast, but sometimes us adventurers can get a little peeved by busy beaches, overrun towns, and seas as packed as a can of sardines. Fortunately, there are still a number of lesser-explored beaches in the UK that don’t suffer in this way, providing an exciting adventure to find a deserted coastal paradise without having to stray too far from home…
Quiet Beach #1 – Horden Beach, County Durham
A former mining community in County Durham lying about 12 miles south of Sunderland. A shingle beach backed by grasslands; Horden Beach provides scenic views of the North Sea coast, with interesting landmarks showing evidence of the once-thriving industry based here. Great walks, interesting wildlife, and good fishing, this deserted beach is perfect for next time you want to get away from the crowds. If you’re after some amenities, including shops and places to eat, head to Peterlee down the road.
Type of Beach: Shingle
Near to Peterlee
Lifeguard Service: No
Dog Friendly: Yes (no restrictions)
Quiet Beach #2 – Sandwood Bay, Sutherland
Heading up into Scotland, this fantastic beach, said to be the most beautiful in Britain, is the essence of adventure. Only accessible by a 4-mile walk along a (albeit very well-maintained) footpath, this incredible bay is backed by towering sand dunes and a nearby loch, while the sheer power of the North Atlantic crashes into its 1.5-mile-long sand-covered shoreline. The surf’s rated pretty highly here too. Its distance from civilisation makes it a hidden gem and a must-visit for any adventurer. Scotland provides the UK’s last true wilderness, and Sandwood Bay is a prime example of this, with rugged geology, endless views, and very few visitors.
Type of Beach: Sand
Near to: Blairmore, or Durness
Lifeguard Service: No
Dog Friendly: Yes (no restrictions)
Quiet Beach #3 – Church Ope Cove, Isle of Portland, Dorset
Located on the Isle of Portland in Dorset, this pebble beach surrounded by cliffs and accessible only via a small staircase is another absolute gem for adventurers looking to visit a lesser-known cove. While it lacks the soft sand of some other beaches in the UK, Church Ope Cove makes up for this with its fantastic waters, which are great for swimming, snorkelling and diving. In fact, they’re rated among some of the cleanest in the country. Watch out if you’re not a confident swimmer though! There are some pretty strong currents further out of the cove area. While it’s a lesser-visited beach, there are still plenty of amenities, including a café and toilets.
Type of Beach: Pebble
Near to Weymouth
Lifeguard Service: No
Dog Friendly: Yes (no restrictions)
Quiet Beach #4 – Kynance Cove, Cornwall
A sandy beach about two miles north of Lizard Point. This beach, owned by the National Trust, boasts turquoise waters, incredible rock formations, and a soft sandy shore. Cornwall can quickly become one of the busiest places in the UK during the summer, but Kynance Cove seems to avoid the worst of the crowds and provides a great opportunity to swim, go rock pooling, relax, and explore some of the best of Cornwall’s rugged coast. The beach is accessible via a 10-minute walk from the nearby National Trust car park and is known to be one of the most picturesque places in Cornwall – well worth a visit on your next Cornish adventure.
Type of Beach: Sand
Near to: Helston
Lifeguard Service: No
Dog Friendly: Seasonal (banned from Easter – 1 October)
Quiet Beach #5 – West Wittering, Sussex
A scenic, sandy beach located at the mouth of the Chichester Harbour, West Wittering is ideal for adventurers looking to take part in water sports such as surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, as well as paddling. The beach is mostly undeveloped (save for basic amenities and a few colourful beach huts, which are available to rent), and is accessible by a walk through soft, sloping sand dunes. The beach also features a lifeguard service, showers, toilets, and a café. West Wittering is also popular among birdwatchers, with many waders and wildfowl migrating here. A little more popular, but easily accessible, and still a whole lot quieter than the likes of Bournemouth or Newquay, West Wittering is a must-visit for our Lost Adventurers.
Type of Beach: Sand
Near to: Chichester
Lifeguard Service: Yes (summer)
Dog Friendly: Yes (although only in certain areas May – September)
