The UK is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world, but finding a quiet stretch of sand away from the touristy hotspots can be a challenge - especially during peak holiday season.
Famous spots like Bournemouth, Brighton, and St Ives may attract big crowds, but if you’re anything like us, the thought of spending your precious day on the beach surrounded by a gazillion folks is pretty unappealing!
Thankfully the UK rugged coastline is home to plenty of remote and secluded spots where you can escape. You may need to work a little harder to find these beaches but we guarantee you’ll be rewarded for your efforts when you get there!
From the wild, windswept bays of Scotland’s Highlands to the hidden coves of Cornwall, there’s heaps of beautifully remote beaches in Britain where you can enjoy golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and stunning coastal scenery—all without the crowds. Whether you're seeking a peaceful spot for wild swimming, a quiet place to rest after a tiring walking holiday, or just a beach where you won’t have to fight for space, there’s a host of secret beaches just waiting to be discovered.
In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey to some of our favourite remote beaches in the UK. You’ll find out what makes each of these hidden gems special, plus exactly how to reach them. The coast is calling…..don't forget your changing robe!
Best Remote Beaches in South-West England
Portheras Cove, Cornwall
Cornwall is known for its stunning beaches, but with this comes crowds, especially in peak season. Hidden gems can be hard to come by, making this little beach babe a truly special find. Tucked away on the north coast near Pendeen, this secluded sandy cove is a real haven of tranquility, surrounded by rugged cliffs and free from the usual tourist hustle and bustle. There used to be a load of shipwreck debris here but it's since been cleared up and transformed into a pristine, unspoiled spot.
Highlights: Stunning rock formations, clear waters ideal for wild swimming, and the chance to spot seals basking on the shoreline.
How to get there: Access requires a scenic walk from the relatively nearby car park at Pendeen Watch, adding to its sense of remoteness and exclusivity.
Maceley Cove, Devon
Devon is home to many breathtaking beaches, but few are as secluded and unspoiled as Maceley Cove. Nestled along the rugged South Hams coastline near East Prawle, it is a picture-perfect beach - a stunning combination of golden sands and turquoise waters, framed by dramatic cliffs. Ideal for swimming and snorkelling, it takes considerable effort to reach ensuring that it remains a really peaceful spot, compared to the more crowded tourist beaches nearby.
Highlights: Crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling, rugged cliffs providing a dramatic backdrop, and a real sense of seclusion.
How to get there: Reaching Maceley Cove requires a moderate walk along the South West Coast Path from East Prawle, followed by a steep path down to the shore. This combination does a good job of keeping the crowds away!
Worbarrow Bay, Dorset
Located within the Lulworth Ranges, Worbarrow Bay remains one of Dorset’s most unspoiled and remote beaches. Access is only permitted when the military ranges are open, and getting there involves a mile-long walk from Tyneham village, so it remains pretty quiet, even in peak season. The bay itself offers a sweeping curve of golden sand and shingle, with dramatic limestone cliffs framing the view. There's heaps of spots for a great family camping adventure here too.....
Highlights: The stunning backdrop of the Purbeck Hills, the opportunity for peaceful beachcombing, and the rare tranquillity away from the more tourist-heavy beaches in Dorset. Perfect for solitude-seekers.
How to get there: A 45-minute walk from the nearest car park at the village of Tyneham, along the South West Coast Path.
Best Remote Beaches in South-East England
Cuckmere Haven, East Sussex
Known for its dramatic chalk cliffs, clear waters and views of the iconic Seven Sisters, Cuckmere Haven is a super-impressive place! The beach itself is a mix of shingle and sand, ideal for peaceful walks along the shoreline and occasional rock pooling. A decent level of fitness is needed to navigate the steep path down to the beach, but the sense of seclusion when you get there makes it all worth it.
Highlights: Panoramic views of the Seven Sisters, the unique river meander, and tranquil surroundings. It’s perfect for nature lovers, South Downs Way wanderers, and just about anyone looking for a quiet day by the sea that can be hard to come by on the busy beaches of Sussex.
How to get there: From the car park at the top of the hill, a short but steep descent leads down to the secluded shoreline. Worth bringing some walking poles to spare the knees!
Church Norton Beach, West Sussex
Located in a quiet corner of West Sussex, Church Norton Beach is known for its vast, empty shores and abundant birdlife. Situated at the mouth of Pagham Harbour, an RSPB local nature reserve, the beach itself is a mix of sand, pebbles, and tidal pools, making it ideal for peaceful walks and birdwatching. With the South Downs in the distance providing a stunning backdrop, it’s a spot for peaceful reflection. Keep your eyes peeled seals bobbing in the water!
Highlights: Excellent for birdwatching and wildlife-spotting, stunning views over Pagham Harbour, and a real sense of solitude and quiet - a perfect retreat.
How to get there: Access requires a straightforward walk from the nearby church through salt marshes – accessible yet still wonderfully secluded.
East Head Beach West Sussex
Tucked away on the West Sussex coastline, East Head Beach is a real hidden gem - a peaceful alternative to the super-busy nearby West Wittering beach. This stunning sandy spit, managed by the National Trust, boasts pristine dunes, soft golden sands, and panoramic views across Chichester Harbour and the South Downs beyond. A haven for wildlife, it's the perfect spot for a quiet coastal walk, a secluded picnic, and a cheeky dip.
Highlights: Unspoiled natural beauty, the sense of seclusion despite its accessibility, and the chance to spot seals and a variety of birdlife.
How to get there: The easiest way to get there is to park at West Wittering Beach car park followed by a 10–15 minute walk along the shoreline or through the dunes. If you have more time though, we'd highly recommend starting in Itchenor and walking along the stunning coastal path.
Best Remote Beaches in the North-East and East of England
Blakeney Point, Norfolk
One of the most remote beaches on the Norfolk coast, Blakeney Point is famous for its vast dunes and resident seal colony. Stretching along the North Norfolk coast, this shingle spit is part of the National Trust Blakeney National Nature Reserve and is home to an array of wildlife, including wading birds, and rare plant species. Reaching the beach requires either a boat trip or a long, exposed walk across the shingle spit from Cley-next-the-Sea. The isolation, combined with the vast marshlands and sweeping views of the North Sea, make this the perfect spot to escape the crowds and enjoy nature in its purest form.
Highlights: The chance to see seals lounging on the sandbanks, birdwatching opportunities, and the sense of isolation amidst the unspoiled natural landscape.
How to get there: Access to Blakeney Point is via a long walk along the coast from Blakeney Harbour or a boat trip from the harbour itself. The walk can take up to two hours each way.
Druridge Bay, Northumberland
This seven-mile-long expanse of golden sand remains largely untouched, thanks to its location within Druridge Bay Country Park. It's a whopping beach so you can always find a quiet spot, even in peak season. A haven for birdwatchers and walkers, the rolling dunes and sweeping views make it one of Northumberland’s best-kept secrets.
Highlights: Expansive sandy beaches, sand dunes for exploring, and abundant wildlife in the surrounding nature reserve. A peaceful atmosphere that makes it feel like a private retreat.
How to get there: Druridge Bay is easily accessible from the car park at the northern end of the beach, where a short walk through the dunes brings you to the shoreline. The relatively secluded nature of the bay ensures it remains a peaceful escape for visitors.
Ross Back Sands, Northumberland
If you're willing to walk nearly two miles from the nearest road, then Ross Back Sands will reward you big time. Backed by sand dunes and overlooking Lindisfarne and Bamburgh Castle, this unspoiled stretch of coast feels almost otherworldly, remote and peaceful, even on a hot summer’s day. It’s a fantastic spot for wild swimming, walking, and wildlife spotting, including seals and a variety of seabirds.
Highlights: A stunning mix of sandy shores, dramatic cliffs, where you might the occasional sighting of seals. Super secluded and peaceful.
How to get there: Access to Ross Back Sands is via a walk from the nearby car park at the village of Low Newton-by-the-Sea. It’s about a 30-minute walk through fields and dunes to reach the beach, which helps keep this gem well hidden!
Best Remote Beaches in Scotland
Sandwood Bay, Sutherland
Possibly the most remote beach in mainland Britain, you'll need to make the four-mile walk across moorland to reach the pink-tinged sands of Sandwood Bay. It's some spot though! A wild and beautiful beach framed by cliffs, dunes, and the striking sea stack of Am Buachaille. With no roads or facilities, it offers genuine solitude and a true wilderness experience. Bring a tent so you can stay for an epic sunset and sunrise!
Highlights: The beach is often deserted, offering a sense of complete isolation and serenity. The surrounding area is a haven for wildlife, including seals and various bird species, making it a fantastic spot for nature lovers.
How to get there: A 4-mile walk from the nearest car park at Blairmore takes you through stunning moorland and onwards to this remote beach itself. The walk may take up to two hours, but the reward is a truly secluded and wild landscape.
Oldshoremore, Sutherland
Located near Kinlochbervie, Oldshoremore is an often-overlooked gem with powder-soft sand and turquoise waters. Tucked away from the usual tourist routes, this beach is surrounded by rolling dunes and rugged hills, making it feel like a private paradise. The remote location and limited signage mean it remains blissfully quiet, even in summer. The short walk from the car park keeps it relatively accessible while still maintaining the untouched feel.
Highlights: With its shallow waters and peaceful atmosphere, it’s perfect for wild swimming, beachcombing, and watching the changing light over the sea.
How to get there: A relatively short walk from the small car park at Oldshoremore takes you down to the beach, with easy access and minimal crowds.
Mellon Udrigle, Wester Ross
This small but stunning beach boasts dazzling white sand and unforgettable views of the surrounding mountains, including An Teallach, Ben Mor Coigach and Quinag. Hidden away on a peninsula in the remote NW Highlands, this off-the-beaten-track location is often deserted, despite only being a short stroll from a singletrack road.
Highlights: Crystal-clear waters, sandy shores, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
How to get there: A short walk from the car park leads you to the beach, with easy access making it a great spot for those looking for a quiet escape in the Highlands.
Luskentyre, Isle of Harris
Nestled on the Isle of Harris, Luskentyre is often mistaken for a tropical beach due to its vivid turquoise waters and bright white sand. Often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK (and even the world!), it’s the perfect spot for peaceful walks, wild swimming, and relaxation. The remote island location and the winding road to reach it make this one of the most breathtaking and secluded beaches in the UK.
Highlights: Pristine sands, crystal-clear waters, and incredible views.
How to get there: A short walk from the car park along a quiet track brings you to the beach. You’ll need to get to the Isle of Harris first, though, which is a mission in itself!
Sanna Bay, Ardnamurchan
Located at the tip of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, Sanna Bay is about as remote as you can get on the Scottish mainland. A long, winding drive followed by a short walk brings you to a series of pristine white beaches with sweeping views of the Small Isles. The remoteness and wild beauty make this one of Scotland’s most spectacular coastal spots.
Highlights: Expansive sandy beach, incredible views of the surrounding islands, and peaceful atmosphere - feels like your own private paradise!
How to get there: A walk from the nearby car park brings you to the beach, and the relatively secluded location ensures it remains a tranquil haven, away from the crowds.
Best Remote Beaches in Wales
Llanddwyn Island, Angelsey
Llanddwyn Island, located off the western coast of Anglesey, is home to pristine beaches that are often quiet, especially if you venture beyond the main causeway and visit out of peak seaon/hours. Think sheltered sandy bays, clear turquoise waters, and rocky coves that feel like your own private paradise.... The northern shoreline, with its wide tidal flats and hidden coves, is particularly worth a visit - the perfect coastal retreat for those seeking peace and a solid injection of nature.
Highlights: The island’s lighthouse and the ruins of St. Dwynwen's Church add a mystical touch to the experience. According to Welsh legend, St. Dwynwen is the patron saint of lovers - oo er missus!
How to get there: Park at Newborough Forest car park and take a scenic 30-minute walk through the dunes to the causeway. Be mindful of the tide times, though, as the causeway is only fully accessible at low tide.
Pwlldu Bay, Gower
Tucked away at the end of a woodland trail, Pwll Du Bay is one of Gower’s most secluded beaches. This former smugglers’ cove is now a peaceful haven, with its sweeping pebble shoreline and dramatic cliffs. The remote access - either a walk from Southgate or through the Bishopston Valley - keeps visitor numbers low, ensuring this idyllic spot remains exactly that.
Highlights: Crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming, rugged cliffs, and big-time remote vibes
How to get there: Accessing Pwll Du Bay requires a walk from the car park at the village of Bishopston, followed by a gentle descent through woodlands to the beach.
Marloes Sands, Pembrokeshire
This breathtaking stretch of sand, surrounded by rugged cliffs, offers one of the most spectacular coastal views in Wales. Accessible via a half-mile walk from the nearest car park, Marloes Sands in Pembrokeshire is often blissfully quiet. The dramatic rock formations, fossil-laden cliffs, and abundance of wildlife (including seals and seabirds) make it a must-visit for solitude seekers and nature lovers alike.
Highlights: Stunning views over the coastline, the opportunity to explore the beach at low tide, and a peaceful atmosphere away from more tourist-heavy areas.
How to get there: A relatively short walk from the car park at Marloes village takes you to the beach, with a path that winds through wildflower meadows and along the cliff edge.
