Sun, sea and… safety ratings: ranking the UK and Ireland’s best beaches

A day at the beach is a favourite summer tradition. There’s nothing better than packing up the car and heading to the seaside in search of fresh air, fish and chips, and a stretch of sand to call your own.

Millions of families will be planning coastal day trips and staycations this summer but, with thousands of beaches to choose from, finding the right destination can be easier said than done.

To help separate the shore things from the washouts, we've analysed Blue Flag beaches across the UK and Ireland using a range of factors including Google search popularity, Google review scores, parking costs, sunshine hours and average sea temperatures.

We’ve also looked at key safety aspects, such as whether beaches are lifeguard-manned and how close they are to a lifeboat station.

So, whether you're chasing sunshine or simply making the most of whatever the weather has in store, all that's left to do is make sure your breakdown cover is ready to go and hit the road.

Best beaches by region

 

South West - Exmouth Beach, Devon

With top marks for water quality, an average Google review score of 4.7, its own RNLI lifeboat station and lifeguard patrols during the summer months, Exmouth Beach tops our list of the UK and Ireland’s best beaches. This two-mile stretch of sand on Devon’s stunning Jurassic Coast offers plenty of space for families to enjoy the seaside. There are designated dog-friendly areas year-round, plus a lively promenade offering easy access to watersports centres, an amusement arcade and a dinosaur-themed playground. Parking is available at several seafront car parks, with both short- and long-stay options within easy walking distance of the beach.

East - Frinton-on-Sea, Essex

Frinton-on-Sea is one of Essex’s most distinctive seaside towns, known for its colourful beach huts and wide sandy beach. Drawing around 40,500 Google searches each month, it ranks as the fourth most searched-for beach destination in our study. Visitors can also look forward to plenty of summer rays, with the area averaging more than 200 hours of sunshine in July. Better still, sea temperatures reach around 18.5°C during the same month, placing Frinton among the three warmest beach destinations in our rankings. There are lots of free parking spots along the seafront, but they fill up quickly on busy days so it’s worth getting there early.

South East - Hayling Island, Hampshire

Located on Hampshire’s south coast, Hayling Island is just a stone’s throw from Portsmouth and the South Downs National Park. It was the second most searched-for beach destination in our study, attracting an impressive 60,500 Google searches per month. The island also enjoys some of the best summer weather in our rankings, averaging 222 hours of sunshine in July alone. Furthermore, it’s home to one of the UK's oldest RNLI lifeboat stations, dating back to 1865 (although this has since been redeveloped to accommodate modern inshore lifeboats). These days, volunteer crews providing a vital service to sailors, swimmers and watersports enthusiasts along this busy stretch of coastline.

East Midlands - Mablethorpe Beach, Lincolnshire

Known for its traditional seaside charm and family-friendly atmosphere, Mablethorpe has a well-earned average Google review rating of 4.7. There’s plenty to do here, whether you want to lie back on the sand or check out the rides at the iconic fairground. A trip to Mablethorpe isn’t complete without a ride on the unique Sand Train, which provides a quick and fun way to get from one end of the beach to the other, with multiple stopping points en route. The beach is patrolled by RNLI lifeguards daily from the end of May to the beginning of September.

Yorkshire and The Humber - Whitby Beach, North Yorkshire

With more than 14,000 monthly Google searches and a 4.7 average Google review rating, Whitby Beach – also referred to as Whitby Sands or West Cliff Beach – has a lot of fans. The two-mile swathe of sand is backed by pretty beach huts, which are available to hire, and there are loads of activities for children, including crazy golf, pitch and putt and boat trips out to sea. The beach also benefits from being so close to Whitby’s historic town centre, where visitors can explore the harbour, browse local shops and enjoy some of the best seafood on the Yorkshire coast.

North East - Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear

With 74,000 Google searches a month, Whitley Bay is the most sought-after beach in our rankings. It’s easy to see why it’s so popular – the water quality is excellent, lifeguards patrol the beach in the summer months, and parking costs just £3 for the entire day. You’ll find all the British seaside essentials here, including traditional fish and chip shops, arcades and ice cream parlours. Overlooking the seafront is the iconic Spanish City, a beautifully restored Edwardian landmark whose distinctive white dome hosts restaurants, bars and entertainment venues.

Wales - Port Eynon Beach, Swansea

Topping the list of beaches in Wales, Port Eynon on the Gower Peninsula offers peace of mind for families thanks to its seasonal lifeguard service and local RNLI lifeboat station. The sea temperature here averages a pleasant 17.2 degrees Celsius in July, and the bay’s calm waters are ideal for paddleboarding, snorkelling and kayaking. Head over to nearby Port Eynon Point to admire the dramatic cliff-top scenery and panoramic views across the Bristol Channel.

Scotland - Broughty Ferry Beach, Dundee

Broughty Ferry Beach offers more than just a beautiful stretch of sand – its most distinctive feature is the impressive Broughty Castle, which stands proudly at the water’s edge overlooking the Tay Estuary. Dating back to the 15th century, it gives visitors a unique opportunity to combine a seaside visit with a glimpse into Scotland’s rich history. The nearby Broughty Ferry RNLI Lifeboat Station is a longstanding part of the local community, highlighting the area's proud maritime heritage and commitment to keeping people safe in the water.

Northern Ireland - Benone Beach, County Londonderry

Benone Beach is one of Northern Ireland’s most impressive stretches of coastline, with its seven miles of golden sand earning it an average Google review rating of 4.8. The beach's rolling sand dunes are among the largest in the UK and support a thriving bird population, making the area a firm favourite with walkers and nature enthusiasts. Lifeguards patrol the main part of the beach daily in July and August, and there’s free parking year-round.

Republic of Ireland - Fenit Beach, County Kerry

With a Google review score of 4.8, but an average of just 30 Google searches a month, Fenit Beach – known locally as Locke’s Beach – is a hidden gem. Free parking makes it a low-cost choice for a day by the sea, while its sheltered location is ideal for swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding. The beach is well equipped with public toilets, picnic tables and a playground, making it particularly popular with families. It also scores highly for safety, thanks to its lifeboat station and lifeguard presence during the peak summer season.

The top 20 leaderboard

We’ve revealed the best beaches by region, but who made the overall top 20? Check out the leaderboard below...

Planning your beach road trip

Found the perfect beach? Before you pack the towels and set the sat nav, it's worth taking a moment to think about the journey itself. A little forward planning can help you avoid unnecessary stress and make the most of your day by the sea.

AA Patrol of the Year, Lee Morley, says: “There’s nothing quite like a day at the beach during the summer holidays and we’re extremely lucky to have so many beautiful destinations available to us on UK and Irish shores. But when you’re planning your next road trip, be it with family or friends, make sure that you plan ahead, as more car breakdowns occur in hotter temperatures due to overheating.”

Here are Lee’s top dos and don’ts:

Do make sure you’ve got up-to-date breakdown cover. It’s relatively likely you’re going to meet a lot of like-minded drivers on your way to the beach, so traffic, stop-start driving, and maybe a few days of no use once you arrive can lead to unwanted breakdowns. The AA can make sure that you’re back on the road in no time.

Do plan ahead when it comes to parking. Although our research shows that there are plenty of spots with free parking, it’s important to make sure that you’re parked legally and safely. Avoid pulling up onto verges, double yellow lines, in lay-bys or in front of people’s driveways. Always check signage to make sure you’re parking somewhere safe where you aren’t at risk of receiving an unwanted fine.

Do rinse your car once you’re back home before you start scrubbing, this can make sure that you don’t accidentally cause scratches with any abrasive salt or sand that may still be on the paintwork.

Don't head straight back to the car after a day at the beach. Take your time shaking and brushing off any excess sand to minimise how much you carry into the car.

Don't drive on sand, there is a serious risk of getting stuck and/or causing damage to your car. In addition, your insurance may not cover you in the case of an accident or problem with your vehicle.

Methodology

The AA analysed 228 Blue Flag awarded beaches in the UK and Ireland to assess their safety, amenities and favourability by using the following metrics: monthly Google search volumes, average Google review scores, daily car parking costs, lifeguard facilities, distance from an RNLI Lifeboat Station, water quality scores, average water temperature in July and average hours of sunshine in July. Each data point was indexed and scored out of 100. NB: No beaches from North West England were included as none were awarded with Blue Flag status. All data was collected and correct as of May 2026.