Three pristine UK beaches perfect for swimming including one dubbed the nation’s ‘Palm Beach’

Water pollution is a big issue for many UK beaches, but 188 around the country have been awarded Blue Flag status in 2025 for their top-quality waters and facilities.

As summer winds down, lots of Brits are still searching for the perfect beach trip. And you don’t need to fly abroad, the UK is packed with beaches that offer clear waters, golden sands, and great conditions for swimming.

A travel specialist at Love Cottages picked out three of the very best, all praised for their cleanliness and water quality.

They explained: "The Blue Flag status is given to beaches across Europe for both their cleanliness and facilities. Out of the 188 UK beaches that earned the award in 2025, we’ve chosen a few that really stand out."

Photo © Chris Downer (cc-by-sa/2.0)

First up is Polzeath in Cornwall. Famous for surfing, this sandy beach has crystal-clear waters and sits in a pretty little village on the north Cornish coast, between Pentire Head and the Camel Estuary.

It’s a family favourite too, with lifeguards on watch during the summer. While usually safe, the waves can be strong at times. At low tide, you can also wander across to the quieter Pentire Haven beach just north of the main bay.

Next on the list is Southwold in Suffolk. This destination combines the feel of a lively market town with the charm of a traditional seaside escape. Found between Aldeburgh and Lowestoft, it’s a great choice for families, couples, and day-trippers alike.

Southwold was given the Blue Flag award again in 2025, along with nearby Felixstowe. Both have kept this highly regarded award since first receiving it back in 2022.

Love Cottages added: "Southwold Pier is the big draw here. Over 100 years old and recently restored, it’s one of the highlights of this classic British seaside town."

Photo © N Chadwick (cc-by-sa/2.0)

The third beach is Sandbanks in Dorset, often called the UK’s best beach. With its soft golden sand and spotless Blue Flag waters, it also offers sweeping views over the famous Jurassic Coast.

The expert added: "If you want to be spotted in your best beachwear, this is the place.

Nicknamed Britain’s Palm Beach, the golden sands sit on one of the country’s most exclusive stretches of coastline – Sandbanks."

On TripAdvisor, Sandbanks scores an impressive 4.6 stars. One happy visitor wrote: "Top beach – love this place. Clean, calm and beautiful."

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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