Staycations: The UK's BEST beaches

With hopes of escaping to an exotic island for a week or two long forgotten in the wake of the pandemic, many of us are swapping far away hotels for a simple cottage by the seaside.

But this doesn't mean we have to say goodbye to sunbathing on the beach or exploring exciting new places.

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With recent hot weather and temperatures expected to soar, we have rounded up a list of the best and most beautiful UK beaches, which can still be enjoyed whatever the weather.

1. Luskentyre, Isle of Harris, Scotland - 5*

Luskentyre is a sparse settlement on the west coast of Harris, in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland.

It is one of the largest and most breathtaking beaches on the island.

Named one of the UK’s best beaches in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, Luskentyre sands boasts miles of white sand and stunning green-blue water.

As number one on the site, TripAdvisor has rated this beach as 5/5 stars.

One reviewer on the site said: "Every time we visit this beautiful beach we are in awe of it.

"It is so vast and clean and we have been so lucky to almost have it to ourselves every time.

"It is by far my favourite beach and one of the main reasons we visit the wonderful Harris."

2. St. Brelade's Bay Beach, Jersey - 5/5

Saint Brelade is one of the twelve parishes of Jersey.

The beach boasts beautiful sand and and incredible views.

TripAdvisor has also rated this beach as 5/5 stars.

One reviewer said: "Really beautiful beach - expansive, lots of great walks nearby with a nature reserve, tower and a pretty wood surrounding it, great for swimmers and surfers."

3. Oldshoremore Beach, Kinlochbervie, Scotland - 5*

Another Scottish beach making the list is Oldshoremore.

This picturesque beauty spot was formed from eroded sandstone and seashells.

According to website Visit Scotland, it is known locally as Am Meallan, and the beach spectacular and narrow with clean white sand.

TripAdvisor again rates this UK destinationas 5/5 stars.

One reviewer (and their dog) loved their experience there: "We stayed in Oldshoremore recently and visited this super beach at various times - high tide, low tide, rain, wind and sunshine!

"It never disappointed and our dog Alfie thought he had died and gone to heaven."

4. Woolacombe Beach, Devon - 5*

Closer to home, this English beach is frequently listed among best in the country.

Having won numerous awards, the beach is a big favourite with families and surfers, attracting thousands of people each summer to the beach and Woolacombe village.

It's another 5/5 star rating on TripAdvisor for this Devon gem.

Speaking about the relevant issue of safety surrounding Covid-19, one reviewer said: "Booking a beach hut makes a huge difference and enables you to be COVID secure.

"Having that safe space enables children to have a safe base. The beach was amazing as ever."

5. Rhossili Bay, Wales - 5*

This bay along a stunning Welsh coastal village is another picture perfect location.

With three miles of gorgeous sand and coastline, it is described as being "perfect for walkers, watersports and wonderful views."

Another perfect beach according to TripAdvisor, with a top rating of 5/5 stars.

One glowing review reads: "This was a two-day stop off on our way to a family holiday in Tenby.

"Our first visit to the Gower Peninsula and WOW, it didn’t disappoint.

"We were lucky to visit Rhossili for sunset, to see the beautiful sunflowers (not quite in full blown) with the amazing Worms Head backdrop, and picnic on the beach.

"As a National Trust member parking was free and it was relatively quiet. Will definitely be going back!"

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6. Porthminster Beach, Cornwall - 5*

Located just a short walk from the centre of St Ives, the award-winning beach at Porthminster is a family favourite.

Visit Cornwall describes it as: a "crescent of golden sand, framed by a glittering bay, with glorious views across to Godrevy Lighthouse - inspiration for Virginia Woolf’s famous novel To the Lighthouse."

Another perfect scorer of 5/5 stars on TripAdvisor, one reviewer said: "Amazing beach with amazing views - would highly recommend

"Plan your parking ahead of your visit busy seaside town with much character."

7. Weymouth Beach, Dorset - 4.5*

This gently curving arc of sand in Weymouth Bay is popular with beach lovers from all over.

Another award-winning sandy beach, it is is overlooked by a magnificent Georgian seafront, located at the heart of the Jurassic Coast.

TripAdvisor rates Weymouth with 4.5/5 stars.

One reviewer said only this week that Weymouth is "one of the cleanest beaches in Britain."

They added: "Well maintained, plenty of facilities dotted along the beach.

"Life guards always present. Great for crabbing, pedlos available."

8. Perranporth Beach, Cornwall - 4.5*

This huge beach adorned with golden sand is hugely popular with families.

Visit Cornwall says: "Because the beach is so huge, it almost feels as if you have the place to yourself and the fresh air off the ocean is exhilarating.

"Early morning you’ll probably see a few horses and their riders having a paddle in the surf and there’s a welcome cafe for a coffee stop halfway along.

"You can make the return journey (or if the tide’s in) over the extensive sand dunes which are teeming with wildlife, taking pictures of butterflies and lizards."

Rated 4.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor, one enthusiastic reviewer said: "This is truly the best beach!

"It doesn't get enough recognition!

"It is absolutely beautiful and perfectly safe with lifeguards checking constantly - it's beautiful!"

9. Fistral Beach, Cornwall - 4.5*

Fistral Beach is in Fistral Bay on the north coast of Cornwall.

It is situated half-a-mile west of popular Newquay.

It is one of the world's top surfing destinations, backed by high cliffs and sand dunes.

With another 4.5/5 star rating on TripAdvisor, this is another family favourite.

One recent reviewer said: "Lovely beach well attended by lifeguards.

"We’re not surfers but that didn’t matter.

"It’s very busy but most were respectful of social distancing.

"Toilet facilities and nice take away food available. Lots of well behaved dogs. Get there early as parking gets filled up very quickly."

10. Hengistbury Head, Dorset - 4.5*

On the official website, Hengistbury Head is described as "a dramatic headland in Bournemouth situated to the south of Christchurch Harbour" and "an outstanding site for wildlife and archaeology, offering beautiful beaches and views across the New Forest, Isle of Wight and Purbecks."

ANother near-perfect score of 4.5/5 stars on TripAdviser, one reviewer said: "A long mixed sand/shingle beach.

"Large car park by the visitor centre. Not cheap. Toilets and cafe are really convenient. Lovely walks around nature reserve."