By any usual measure of tourism, Cornwall and Devon dominate the conversation. With sweeping coastlines, charming seaside towns, and long-standing reputations as the UK’s most popular beach holiday destinations, they draw millions each year.
Cornwall alone sees more than four million overnight visits annually, and around 14million day trips, according to Cornwall Opportunities. Meanwhile, Devon ranks as England’s fourth most popular visitor destination, according to VisitEngland’s 2018 report. But despite these statistics, the most beautiful beach I’ve ever set foot on isn’t in either county. It’s tucked away on the Isle of Harris in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, an island that received just 219,000 visitors in 2017 — a fraction of what floods the south-west.
The beach in question is the beautiful Luskentyre Bay. There’s a reason this place continues to top travel lists. It was recently named the UK’s best beach in TripAdvisor’s 2024 Travellers’ Choice Awards, a title it’s earned multiple times in recent years.
It also ranked 7th in Europe in TripAdvisor’s 2022 round-up, and often features in publications such as Condé Nast Traveller, Lonely Planet, and The Times. With a 4.9-star rating from over 1,100 reviews, Luskentyre has achieved the rare feat of exceeding expectations for nearly everyone who visits.
I visited in early autumn, and even before stepping onto the sand, the view was startling. The water was a shade of turquoise so vivid it felt out of place — like someone had lifted the Caribbean and dropped it gently onto the western edge of Scotland. And the beach itself was enormous and empty. White sand stretched out for miles (two miles to be exact), with barely a footprint in sight.
There are no beachside shops, no fish and chip vans, no paddleboard rentals. It is untouched — and that is part of its magic. One TripAdvisor user put it perfectly: “If it was 80 degrees and sunny, I’d swear I was in the Maldives.”
Another reviewer wrote: “Luskentyre Bay is a little slice of heaven on the coast of the Isle of Harris, honestly worth every mile of the journey.” Even on wet and windy days, it still manages to charm visitors.
“There were gale-force winds and pouring rain when we visited, and it was still the most beautiful beach I’ve ever seen,” reads one comment. It’s worth nothing that this kind of praise doesn’t crop up occasionally — it’s in nearly every review.
In the summer months, daytime temperatures on Harris typically hover between 13C and 17C, though a clear day can feel much warmer. The sea rarely rises above 12C to 14C, which makes swimming bracing but possible — I’d recommend wearing a wetsuit. You may see some locals taking a quick dip, particularly when the wind drops.
Out of season, especially from late autumn to early spring, much of the island becomes noticeably quieter. Some accommodation closes for the winter, and ferry schedules reduce slightly, but the beaches remain accessible. For those who love wild weather, the off-season brings a different kind of beauty.
While Cornwall and Devon offer warmer waters and greater accessibility, the Isle of Harris has solitude, quiet, and the bluest waters you’ll see this far north.
How to get to Luskentyre Beach
Reaching Harris takes a little effort, but it’s not as daunting as it sounds. You can fly from Glasgow or Inverness to Stornoway Airport on the Isle of Lewis, then drive south to Harris (Harris and Lewis share the same land-mass but are separated by hills).
Alternatively, take a ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway, or from Skye to Tarbert. The beach is located on Harris’s west coast, and well-signposted from the main road.
Where to stay
Harris offers a range of accommodation, from coastal campsites to luxury self-catering lodges. Seilebost and Leverburgh have charming cottages, while Tarbert, the main village, has guesthouses and small hotels. Booking ahead is wise, especially in the summer months.
Beaches to visit
While Luskentyre takes the crown, there are several beaches on Harris and Lewis.
- Seilebost Beach: Just south of Luskentyre, this smaller beach features equally clear waters and pretty views across to Taransay.
- Huisinis Beach is remote and peaceful, with a campsite nearby — ideal for wild camping and stargazing.
- Nisabost Beach is a stunning beach on the West side of the Isle of Harris
- On Lewis, you can visit Uig Sands, Reef Beach, and Garry Beach
What to see and do on the Isle of Harris
Visit the Isle of Harris Distillery in Tarbert and their still-house known as “The Dotach,” to learn how local botanicals are used to create their flagship gin. It has tours, tastings, and a cosy peat-fire-warmed lounge.
Visit the Harris Tweed outlets in Tarbert to see how the fabric is still woven by hand.
Walk in the North Harris hills for beautiful views over the island and out to the Atlantic.
Explore nearby Seilebost Beach, which is equally stunning and often just as empty.
Take a boat trip to St Kilda, a UNESCO World Heritage site with dramatic sea cliffs and seabird colonies.
See golden eagles with a purpose-built hide to observe the birds.
- Go kayaking, coasteering, gorge scrambling, rock climbing and mountain biking at Scaladale Centre