Best beaches in the UK to explore with Harbour Hotels

We're spilling the secrets of the best beaches just moments from our hotels. You could be breathing the fresh sea air, surfing the waves, and leaving footprints in the sand in no time.

Stay at Harbour Hotel Padstow
Harlyn Bay
With its golden sand and gentle rolling waves, Harlyn Bay is a favourite with surfers and families alike. Summer lifeguard cover, a renowned surf school and nearby food spots make it easy to while away the day, whether you're catching waves or simply soaking up the scenery.

Insider secret: Harlyn Bay is one of seven beautiful bays linked by the South West Coast Path, making it the perfect base for exploring more of Cornwall's coastline.

The best bits:

  • Walk the seven-mile stretch from Padstow to Harlyn Bay along the South West Coast Path
  • Experience hot and cold therapy at the Harlyn Bay Sauna by the Sea
  • Book a lesson or hire a board from Harlyn Surf School
  • Wander to neighbouring Trevone Bay and discover its natural sea pool at low tide
Stay at Harbour Beach Club
South Sands Beach

Just steps from Harbour Beach Club, South Sands is the kind of beach that encourages you to slow down. Begin the morning with beach yoga as the sound of the waves sets the pace, take a refreshing dip in the sea, then settle into a leisurely lunch overlooking the water.

Insider secret: Hire a paddleboard on the beach and explore the sheltered bay from the water.

The best bits:

  • Start the day with beach yoga beside the sea
  • Paddleboard around the bay and neighbouring coves
  • Hop aboard the passenger ferry into Salcombe
  • Enjoy a wild swim in crystal-clear waters
  • Settle in for seafood and sunset drinks at Harbour Beach Club

Hop onboard the passenger ferry, just a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and arrive at a beach like no other. Colourful beach huts, views towards the Isle of Wight and turquoise water to dip your feet in, you'll feel secluded from the rest of the world.

 

Insider secret: Mudeford Spit backs onto Hengitbury Head which is home to a nature reserve of 300 bird species.

Stay at Christchurch

The beauty of the Cornish coast unfurls before your eyes when you arrive at our hotel with Porthminster Beach sitting peacefully below. The golden sands and crystal clear water will tempt you down our private path to where land meets sea.

 

Insider secret: Take a detour towards the town centre to get the best ice cream in St Ives at Moomaid by Zennor.

Stay at St Ives
Stay at Harbour Hotel Fowey
Lantic Bay

The ultimate hidden gem near Fowey is Lantic Bay. This isn't the easiest of beach to find, but when you do, you'll be rewarded by a vista of near white sand and sparkling turquoise water.

Insider secret: Stop for a traditional pasty at The Cornish Bakery

The best bits:

  • Keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine wildlife
  • Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon away from the crowds
  • Swim and snorkel in a peaceful, sheltered cove
  • Return to Harbour Hotel Fowey for dinner overlooking the water after a day spent exploring the coast
Stay at Harbour Hotel Salcombe
Sunny Cove Beach

For those looking for a peaceful afternoon of swimming and reading on the sandy shores, Sunny Cove is a hidden treasure perfect for just that. Accessible only from the water or on foot from the South West Coast Path, this beach is a slice of heaven.

Insider secret: At peak high tide, almost the entire strip of sand goes underwater, so check the local tide tables before you walk over.

The best bits:

  • Watch sailing boats drift across the harbour
  • Explore nearby Mill Bay
  • Walk the South West Coast Path to Gara Rock or Bolt Head
  • Catch the ferry into Salcombe for shops, cafes and waterside dining

Harbour Hotel Brighton

Brighton Beach

Stay at Harbour Hotel Brighton
Brighton Beach

The world-famous seaside landscape is right at the front of our hotel. The glorious pebbled beach is home to iconic landmarks such as Palace Pier, West Pier and the i360, which make a beach day full of adventure.

Insider secret: Skip the seashell hunt - this stretch of coastline is known for its fossilised fish scales and ancient shark teeth, hidden amongst the pebbles.

The best bits:
  • Unwind with a sauna and sea dip at Beach Box Spa
  • Walk Brighton Palace Pier and get a fish & chips
  • Visit Eastbourne to hike the famous Seven Sisters cliffs
  • Finish the day with dinner and sea views at Harbour Hotel Brighton

Harbour Hotel Sidmouth

Ladrum Bay

Stay at Harbour Hotel Sidmouth
Ladrum Bay

A beautiful beach near Sidmouth with a mix of pebbles and sand, Ladram Bay is super popular for watersports and swimming. The bay here is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the south west coast path runs directly past the beach.

Insider secret: Past the iconic red sandstone sea stacks sits a tiny, hidden pocket beach completely cut off from the main shore, reachable only by kayak or boat.

The best bits:

  • Explore the iconic red sandstone sea stacks
  • Paddleboard or kayak along the Jurassic Coast
  • Go fossil hunting on the beach
  • Stay for sunset as the cliffs glow red