A study has identified the UK’s most underrated beach, and you may well have never heard of it. The UK is home to some iconic beaches. Famous examples include spots with well-known piers, such as the one that’s considered the best in the country, Brighton’s Palace Pier. Seaside towns are popular staycation destinations in the summer months, while locals enjoy the coastal scenes all throughout the year.
A study conducted by BoatBooker used several metrics to determine which beach in the UK is actually the most underrated. The team searched Google Maps locations using terms like “secluded beaches” “, secret beaches”, and “silent beaches”, and then identified the ones that had the fewest reviews to determine which ones were actually largely undiscovered. Come out on top was a beach that people have described as “pristine” and “breathtaking. Once the study was completed, Garry Beach on the Isle of Lewis was named as the most underrated coastal spot in the UK.
The Isle of Lewis is located off the northwestern coast of Scotland, so it’s not surprising to learn that the area is home to some magnificent and unspoilt beaches. On this beach, you will find golden sand, clear blue waters and fascinating geological formations such as sea stacks.
Because of its remote location, you will never find huge crowds here, which makes it a peaceful place to spend some time with the sea. Online reviews of this beach have painted it in quite a serene light, with people praising its scenery and tranquillity.
One TripAdvisor reviewer shared: “We loved this beach! When we first arrived, it didn’t look too exciting, but from the path down, once you get to the beach, turn right. That’s where you’ll find the sea stacks and caves – so cool! We planned our visit for low tide.”
Another said: “Gorgeous beach that seemed to stretch for miles. At low tide it was breathtaking. Pristine and very few other visitors. I could have stayed here all day.”
A third commented: “Stunning white sandy beach with the most amazing caves and sea stacks with crystal clear water. A short walk up the coastal path, and we saw Minke whales just off the shoreline.”
A fourth said: “I was lucky enough to have beautiful weather for my stay this time on Lewis, so decided to get up early for the sunrise. It was so worth it, absolutely took my breath away. Stunning beach and the tall rocks made for a beautiful frame to a perfect sunrise.”
The Isle of Lewis is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, characterised by sweeping green landscapes and dramatic cliffside views. As well as visiting the UK’s most underrated beach, you can check out Callanish Standing Stones, Lews Castle, Uig Sands and Butt of Lewis Lighthouse.
While Garry Beach is the number 1 most underrated beach in the UK according to this analysis, a number of other beaches were mentioned in the list. Following it in second place is Uisken Beach on the Isle of Mull, also in Scotland.