On this, his 17th annual pilgrimage to uncover the UK’s 50 best beaches for 2025, journalist Chris Haslam of The Times (accompanied by Dave the dog), embarked on a 4,858-mile journey of the country’s coast, visiting 756 beaches along the way.

Choosing the UK’s best beaches

In Chris Haslam’s own words, all 756 beaches were ‘subjected to the same rigorous 11-point inspection, bathing water quality; accessibility; beach cleanliness; lifeguards, loos, car parking; café, shops for essentials, dog-friendliness, water sports and the vibe’.

This year’s guide also shifted focus to those lesser-known beaches in each area, which though equally as special, may generally be side-stepped for their busier, better-known counterparts.

The top beaches in the South West

Proudly local and consistently championing the South West’s stunning landscape, we were thrilled to see some of the LC team favourites grabbing attention for Devon and Cornwall; with none other than beautiful Bude scoring top marks for the region.

 

Bude, Cornwall

Bude’s accolades span all three of its beaches namely Crooklets for its wide sands and superb surfing conditions, Summerleaze with its newly renovated tidal pool and brightly coloured beach huts, and Northcott Mouth for its wilder feel and rock pools.

Water quality: Excellent
Dog-friendly, accessible, toilets, cafe

Stay in Bude

Swanpool, Cornwall

Small and sheltered, Swanpool sits just outside Falmouth and has a relaxed, friendly feel. Calm waters make it ideal for paddleboarding, while the nearby café and nature reserve offer plenty to enjoy off the sand.

Water quality: Good
Accessible, toilets, cafe

Stay in Swanpool

Pedn Vounder, Cornwall

Tucked around the corner from Porthcurno, this remote, tidal beach that feels like a secret escape. Set beneath towering cliffs near Treen, it’s only accessible via a steep footpath or boat, but the effort is worth it. At low tide, sandbars create natural pools that feel almost tropical, which together with aquamarine water and bleached sands make it feel other-worldly.

Water quality: not rated
Dog-friendly

Stay near Pedn Vounder

Harlyn Bay, Cornwall

Wide, beautiful and ideal for families. With soft sand, a surf school, it’s the perfect spot for days spent sunbathing, swimming and surfing. Backed by grassy dunes and with easy parking nearby, the beach has a calm, open feel. It’s also dog-friendly all year round.

Water quality: Excellent
Dog-friendly, accessible, toilets, cafe

Stay in Harlyn Bay

Woolacombe, Devon

Three miles of golden sand and famous surf conditions have made this beach very popular with holidaymakers, however its vast sands mean you can still find a secluded spot and feel like you have it all to yourself.

Water quality: Excellent
Dog-friendly, accessible, toilets, cafe

Stay in Woolacombe

Watergate Bay, Cornwall

With two miles of golden sand and the Atlantic offering fantastic waves, Watergate Bay has long been a favourite with surfers but is just as special for families. Looming cliffs give it a secluded feel and at low tide the beach nearly doubles in size so there’s always room to spread out. With stylish cafes and restaurants alongside, it’s the perfect place to spend an entire day.

Water quality: Excellent
Dog-friendly, accessible, toilets, cafe

Stay in Watergate Bay

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