Britain is set to bask in sweltering hot weather this weekend, so it’s the perfect time to plan an escape to the seaside and enjoy a beach day or two. Each region has its own beauty and specific characteristics, so choosing one destination might be a bit of a challenge.
That’s why Parkdean Resorts conducted a study of the UK’s best sandy beaches, helping Brits looking to escape the hustle and bustle secure the right staycation. By examining the sand tone across the UK’s top 50 beaches, the study compiled a definitive ranking of the ten beaches with the whitest sand. The results place Kynance Cove at the top of Britain’s softest, whitest-sanded beaches, rivalling Australia’s world-famous coastline.
Kynance Cove’s quartz-rich shores have even been likened toa beach in New South Wales, Australia, that is famed for “powder-soft sands” and pristine water clarity.
The study states: “Topping the list as the UK’s whitest beach is Kynance Cove in Cornwall. This Cornish cove boasts powder-soft sands made primarily of quartz, giving the beach its bright, white appearance.
“This breathtaking spot gives even Australia’s iconic coastline a run for its money, with Parkdean Resorts’ analysis revealing that Kynance Cove shares the same dazzling sand tone as Hyams Beach in New South Wales – one of the world’s most famous white sand beaches.”
The second and third places on the list were Appletree Bay, in the Isles of Scilly, and St Ives, in Cornwall.
Appletree Bay is located on the car-free island of Tresco and features wide stretches of white sand, crystal-clear shallows, and a relaxing, traffic-free atmosphere that rivals the Caribbean.
St Ives, meanwhile, combines picture-perfect beaches with vibrant culture and arts, ideal for younger crowds.
It is known for its turquoise waters and soft, pale sand, Porthminster Beach and Porthmeor Beach in particular have been compared to Mediterranean hotspots.
Top 10 sandy beaches in the UK
1. Kynance Cove, Cornwall
2. Appletree Bay, Isle of Scilly
3. St Ives, Cornwall
4. Studland Bay, Dorset
5. Bournemouth, Dorset
6. Whitby Sands, Yorkshire
7. West Wittering, West Sussex
8. Brancaster, Norfolk
9. Fistral Beach, Cornwall
10. Bamburgh Castle Beach, Northumberland