Breathtaking Northern Ireland beach featured in ‘Game of Thrones’ named best in the UK
- UK Hidden Gems
- Aug 4
- 2 min read
With UK summers getting hotter and prices going up, more people are choosing to stay local and enjoy the beach instead of going abroad.
Usually, when the weather gets hot, lots of Brits book flights to warmer countries across Europe for sun and sea.
Europe’s beaches are a big attraction, and many people dream of relaxing on sunny sands far from home.
But now that UK summers are warming up and the cost of living is going up, more people are choosing holidays closer to home and finding out just how many great beaches the UK has.
Out of all the popular beach spots across the UK, Portstewart Strand has been named the best, beating favourites like Holkham Beach in North Norfolk and Brighton Beach in Sussex.
This lovely beach in County Derry, Northern Ireland, became even more popular after appearing in Game of Thrones and is now known for its clear water and peaceful setting.
One of the things that makes Portstewart special is its busy high street, which stays lively all year, not just in summer. Travel writers love it, and it’s a favourite on TripAdvisor too.
Last month, someone called Caroline wrote about her visit: “Superb beach. Reminded me of Cape Cod but we did go on a glorious day.”
She also said: “Really impressed by the young man from the National Trust who made sure drivers using disabled bays had proper blue badges.”
Another visitor said: “I’ve been coming to the north coast for years, but had never visited Portstewart Strand until today. It’s got miles of sand, parking on the beach, lovely walks, great for paddling, and perfect for surfing or paddleboarding.”
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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Northern Ireland’s coastline is truly spectacular, and it’s no surprise this beach featured in ‘Game of Thrones’ earned top honors. For fans wanting to bring a bit of that cinematic magic home, a lights for LEGO sets setup can really illuminate your favorite builds, adding drama and atmosphere just like the stunning landscapes of the North. It’s a fun way to capture some of that epic beauty indoors!