We love summer on the beach, but when the sun beams and the beach masses head to the popular British seaside resorts, we prefer to seek out quieter shorelines. So instead of following the bucket and spade brigades to the obvious spots, pack up a picnic and a blanket, and head to these lesser-known beaches away from the packs of summer holidaymakers.
Polly Joke, nr Newquay, Cornwall
While we love the UK’s surfing capital of Fistral beach in Cornwall – always buzzing with wave riders, families, sunbathers and dog walkers – in the busiest summer months, the sand can be as packed as the car park and the ice cream queue. Just 15 minutes’ drive away, wedged between Holywell Bay and Crantock, the secluded cove of Polly Joke feels a million miles away from Newquay’s hustle and bustle. Once you’ve wandered along the footpath from the National Trust car park, you can paddle in the stream, picnic on the golden sands, bodysurf in the breakers or swim between cave-studded headlands.
Broadsands Beach, Exmoor, Devon
We love a summer sojourn on Exmoor, where you can take in the coastal drama of Devon without having to join the holiday hoards bathing in the tidal pools at Ilfracombe beach and battling for waves at Woolacombe. When we do wander down to the shoreline, we prefer to swerve the crowds and tackle the 200-or-so steps to Broadsands Beach, where you can bask on the edge of a glassy sand and shingle cove made for sea glass hunting and swimming.
Stay Nearby: Enjoy the best of the coast and the moors from Watermouth Castle Clock Tower Apartment sleeping six, where you can stay in regal style close to the sea.
Whiteford Sands, Gower Peninsula, Wales
Famous for Rhossili Bay – hailed as the ‘supermodel of British beaches’ – the Gower Peninsula lures surfers, dog walkers, photographers and beach families to its sandy playground throughout the year. And while many make beeline for the waves of Llangennith and the low-tide walk to Worms Head, few holidaymakers step beyond Rhossili and Broughton Bay to find the vast sandy expanse of Whiteford Sands. Yet here, just a 15-minute walk through pine-clad dunes from the nearest car park, you can find a sliver of beach paradise to yourself on a summer’s day.
Stay Nearby: Sleep up to a family of six in the two self-catering Frog Lane Cottages just a short stroll from Whiteford Sands and lighthouse.
Bossington Beach, Somerset
Minehead seafronts boasts the quintessential kiss-me-quick Britain vibe, with its historic harbour and promenade, Butlins and beach life. But if you’re looking for more peace and quiet than this buzzing seaside resort, venture 20 minutes’ drive north to Bossington Beach, a peaceful pebble bay tucked just beyond a huddle of thatched cottages. Here, away from the crowds, you can spot rare sea birds and soak up coastal views all the way to Wales.
Stay Nearby: Squirrel away in a charming shepherds hut for two, situated in an idyllic village between the coast and countryside.
Church Ope Cove, Portland, Dorset
Chesil Beach, stretching 18 miles from Portland to West Bay, is one of the most popular stretches of Dorset’s diverse coastline to soak up the rugged and historic Jurassic Coast. However, if you want a pocket of shoreline to yourself, seek out the stunning little Church Ope Cove, on the eastern edge of Portland. Reached via steep descent through the woods and churchyards, once you step onto the pebbly beach there’s barely a soul around to share the tranquil waters, which are bound to lure you in for a swim.
Stay nearby: Make yourself at home in Pebble Reef cottage, sleeping up to six guests close to all of Portland’s activities and just a short walk from Church Ope Cove.
Kingsgate Bay, Kent
Between the popular beaches of Margate and Broadstairs, Kingsgate Bay is a peaceful, crowd-free haven on the Kent coastline. Here, kids will love exploring the rock pools while you bask in the shelter of the iconic white cliffs that hide this blissful retreat accessed via steep cliff stairs, or via Botany Bay at low tide.
Stay nearby: Stay in the quirky, beachfront Napier Cottage sleeping four, where you can access Botany Bay and Kingsgate Bay on foot.
Horsey Gap, Norfolk
While we love Norfolk’s Cromer and Mundesley beaches, in summer we prefer the quieter stretch of Sea Palling. However, if you really want to get away from it all, drive less than 10 minutes further south to find Horsey Gap, enveloped in a nature reserve and the Norfolk Broads. It’s here that you can really lose yourself to the wildness of this coastline, on a sublime cove where seals pup each year from October. Other than nature there are no trappings (or lifeguards), except the 1940s Poppylands tearoom, just a half-mile walk away.
Cornelian Bay Beach, nr Scarborough, North Yorkshire
With its promenade, fun fair, Sealife Centre and attractions, Scarborough Beach is made for donkey rides on the sand and bucketfuls of British seaside nostalgia. But if you’re looking for a more laid-back beach vibe, it’s only 10 minutes’ drive south to Cornelian Bay Beach, where a steep ramble through greenery will be rewarded with a much quieter, rocky bay, named for the semi-precious carnelian rocks that occasionally wash up here.
Stay nearby: Enjoy stunning sea views of Scarborough Bay from Oystercatcher, sleeping 4, a few miles from Scarborough and within easy reach of Cornelian Bay.
Book your beach cottage and retreat to a quiet cove
We still have availability in seaside holiday cottages where you can seek quieter beaches this summer. Use our Date Search to find your perfect self-catering beach accommodation.
