It’s rare to go anywhere now without running into someone taking a quick pic or video to post to Instagram. And if you’re one of the many thousands heading to the beach this summer, you might be interested to know if you are going to one of the UK’s most Instagrammable beaches.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the most photographed and tagged beaches and bays around the British Isles. You will no doubt recognise some, while others might just inspire you to enjoy a day beside the seaside.
Durdle Door, Dorset
One of the most recognisable natural landmarks in England, Durdle Door is a natural stone arch. Estimated to be about 10,000 years old, the limestone arch is part of southern England’s Jurassic Coast, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Durdle Door Beach topped a 2023 survey by luxury travel company The Thinking Traveller as the most tagged UK beach on Instagram.
Tourists and Instagrammers crowd this Dorset beach during the peak summer months, so plan your visit accordingly. The arch and seascapes are no less spectacular throughout the rest of the year. As for enjoying the beach, try late spring or September. The weather should be pleasant, but the crowds will be smaller.
Torbay, Devon
How many of us have childhood memories of family holidays playing on the beaches of Torbay? Torbay topped a recent listing of Britain’s most Instagrammable bays released by Montenegro-based tour company, Miro & Sons Kotor Tours.
Also known as the English Riviera, Torbay is made up of three equally picturesque towns: Paignton, Torquay, and Brixham, and features 22 miles of stunning coastline. You’ll find palm trees, sandy beaches, and tons of things to do for all ages. Annual events include the Agatha Christie Festival (September), England’s Seafood FEAST (October), the Brixham Pirate Festival (May), and the Riviera Airshow (the first weekend in June). Whenever you visit, you’ll be sure to find something fun to do. And don’t forget your hashtag #torbay!
Kynance Cove, Cornwall
Cornwall’s Kynance Cove may be ranked second among the most Instagrammable beaches, but there’s more. It also ranks among the world’s top 50 beaches. Judges praised its rugged beauty, white sands, and waters which are “a shade of turquoise usually seen in the Caribbean”.
Located on the northern tip of the Lizard Peninsula, the National Trust manages Kynance. The cove’s shoreline with its many rockpools is ideal for exploring at low tide, while the walks along the the top of the shore offer stunning vistas. As expected, the car parks are filled with visitors during the summer months, so why not visit during May and June or October to experience Kynance a little more peacefully.
Cardiff Bay, Wales
The second most tagged bay may come as something of a surprise and is not technically a beach. If you’re looking for a beach vacation, this is not the spot. If, however, you are keen to sightsee, shop, eat, and wander, a visit to Cardiff Bay may be just the ticket.
Once a port area serving the iron and coal industries, the region has now been rescued from dereliction and transformed into a freshwater lake and harbour surrounded by enough activities to keep you busy. The Wales Millennium Centre, Norwegian Church, and Techniquest Science Discovery Centre are among the many things to see and do. And why not take a water taxi while you’re here to get plenty of sharable photos.
Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear
For another photogenic bay, this time with plenty of beach to play on, head north to Whitley Bay. You’ll find all the things you’d expect of a traditional seaside resort – fish and chips, amusements, mini golf, and ice cream. There’s also a skate rink, a water park, and an ice rink. The main attraction, though, is the award-winning beach. Two miles of perfect golden sand stretch from Whitley Bay North to St Mary’s Lighthouse, which you can reach via a causeway at low tide. Fans of TV’s Vera will recognise the area and may want to join a sightseeing tour, led by local crime writers.
Rhossili Bay, Swansea
Next up is a double-header. Rhossili Bay, located on the Gower Peninsula near Swansea, features on both lists we’ve mentioned. To add to the accolades, Lonely Planet named it one of their top 100 beaches in the world in 2024. The three-mile beach is often named among the top in Wales so it’s worth a visit at least once.
Rhossili Bay lies along the Wales Coast Path, so it’s a popular spot for walkers. But it’s also one of the top surfing spots in the country; surfers come from far and wide to enjoy the waves. But if watersports aren’t your thing? Not to worry. Enjoy the scenery, take a boat tour, watch for dolphins, and just enjoy.
Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire
Robin Hood’s Bay has been mentioned more than once here at British Food and Travel, and with good reason. Not only is it a charming village with a beautiful beach, but it is also one end of the Coast to Coast walk, and it happens to be one of my favourite spots. I’m not alone, which is why visiting it during off-peak months is a better way to take it in.
Wander through the winding alleyways, lined with tiny cottages. Smugglers once roamed these little streets, when the village was a thriving hotbed for illicit trade of whiskey and other goods. Now it’s a much calmer place. Get up early to explore the rockpools on the beach before the crowds. Do some bird spotting, stop in one of the little cafes or pubs, and enjoy a clifftop walk to nearby Whitby.
Sennen Cove, Cornwall
It’s back down to Cornwall for the next picturesque listing. Also known as Whitesands Bay for its (surprise) beautiful white sands, Sennen Cove enjoys all the perks of Cornwall’s southwesterly location when it comes to sunshine and stunning blue waters. An ideal beach for families, it is also very popular with surfers. One of the country’s largest surf schools is based here and they offer classes for all ages and skill levels.
After a day of sandy and watery fun, head to the nearby pub (it’s supposedly haunted by former smugglers) for a pint and to review your pics.
Holkham Beach, Norfolk
Want to see the horizon stretch for miles and miles? Then the flats of Norfolk’s Holkham Beach are where you want to go. The sands and dunes extend so far that even during the busiest of times, you should still be able to find a relatively peaceful spot to set up camp. The beach is part of the Holkham Nature Reserve with dozens of footpaths crisscrossing the adjoining marshlands.
This is a great spot for wildlife watching, especially birdlife and seals. And you might even be treated to a display by the Household Cavalry. Their mounted regiment summers here in July and the horses can be seen exercising along the shore.
Watergate Bay, Cornwall
Another entry for most Instagrammable bay is in Cornwall, this time along the county’s northern coast. Watergate Bay is close to the resort town of Newquay and is a privately-owned beach, welcoming families, dogs, surfers, and nature enthusiasts. Steep cliffs surround the bay. So be prepared for a bit of walk down to the beach. It’ll be worth the effort. Just look at all that space!
Other Instagrammable Beaches
This is just a sampling of the wonderful beaches around the British Isles. While England and Wales dominated the Instagram listings, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own share of excellent beaches as highlighted in previous posts. Just remember to tag them when you share those photos.
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