{"id":20964,"date":"2026-01-20T15:06:57","date_gmt":"2026-01-20T15:06:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/\/"},"modified":"2026-02-19T12:27:21","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T12:27:21","slug":"best-island-beaches-in-britain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/best-island-beaches-in-britain\/","title":{"rendered":"Where are the Best Island Beaches in Britain?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\t\t<header id=\"block_31be5a466d59b2f43fb140ff88a13337\" class=\"SingleHero skip-lazy default\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"SingleHero__categories\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/walking\/\" class=\"category\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWalking\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/tag\/os-champion\/\" class=\"category\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPosts from OS Champions\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/sustainability\/\" class=\"category\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSustainability\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/tag\/wildlife\/\" class=\"category\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBritish Wildlife\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/tag\/lisa-drewe\/\" class=\"category\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLisa Drewe\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"SingleHero__title\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhere are the Best Island Beaches in Britain?\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center align-items-center SingleHero__author\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto avatar\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/lisa-drewe-150x150.jpg\" class=\"avatar wp-post-image\" alt=\"lisa drewe\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto name\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBy Lisa Drewe\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"SingleHero__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPublished on \t\t\t\t\t\t<time datetime=\"2026-01-20T15:06:57+00:00\" itemprop=\"datePublished\">January 20, 2026<\/time>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"dot\"><\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t11 min read\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"SingleHero__thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1376\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-island-beaches-in-britain.jpg\" class=\"attachment-hd size-hd wp-post-image\" alt=\"a lone figure with a paddle board sat on a beautiful british beach\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-island-beaches-in-britain.jpg 1376w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-island-beaches-in-britain-300x118.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-island-beaches-in-britain-1024x402.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-island-beaches-in-britain-768x301.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1376px) 100vw, 1376px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/header>\n\n\t\n\n\n\t\t<article id=\"block_a3798cf6e1e8d7254f227ccf5319b2e2\" class=\"Universal Universal--post c-small default pt-default pb-default mt-none mb-none    \" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"InnerBlocks\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"lead\"><\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-best-island-beaches-in-britain\"><strong>Best island beaches in Britain<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>What makes island beaches special isn\u2019t just their beauty, but the freedom to choose between very different beaches without travelling far. On a single island you might find wide, pale sands backed by dunes and machair; shallow, shell-sand bays lapped by turquoise water; quieter coves reached on foot where footprints fade almost as soon as they\u2019re made; and longer, open beaches where Atlantic swells roll in under big skies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-background-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-5206cb07415c5475e65f2aa2f7c3bc28\"><em>This post is written by OS Champion <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/os-champions\/lisa-drewe\/\">Lisa Drewe<\/a> who is currently undertaking a challenge to visit all 82 of the Islands of Britain over 5 square kilometres. Lisa aims to uncover the island&#8217;s unique landscapes, wildlife, and communities, while sharing how visitors can explore responsibly and support island ecosystems.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"332\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/screenshot_5-12-2025_105528_www.islandeering.com_-1024x332.jpeg\" alt=\"aerial picture of an island with green grass and bright blue sea\" class=\"wp-image-19986\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/screenshot_5-12-2025_105528_www.islandeering.com_-1024x332.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/screenshot_5-12-2025_105528_www.islandeering.com_-300x97.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/screenshot_5-12-2025_105528_www.islandeering.com_-768x249.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/screenshot_5-12-2025_105528_www.islandeering.com_.jpeg 1216w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_20f96a1a4e3b408b0d716cdc635adfed\" class=\"Inner InnerButtons\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center justify-content-md-center\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"InnerButtons__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/island82-a-challenge-with-purpose\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_self\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tFind out More: ISLAND82 \u2013 A Challenge with Purpose\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__arrow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g>\n<path d=\"M5 12H19M19 12L12 5M19 12L12 19\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\n\t\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-do-small-islands-have-such-great-beaches\">Why do small islands have such great beaches?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-st-martins_dsc_0171-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20970\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-st-martins_dsc_0171-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-st-martins_dsc_0171-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-st-martins_dsc_0171-2-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">St Martin&#8217;s, Isles of Scilly<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Because islands are ringed by coastline, there\u2019s usually a beach that suits the day, somewhere sheltered when the wind is up, somewhere that works at high or low water, and often somewhere that feels surprisingly empty. Even on larger islands, the shorter distances make it possible to move between very different beaches in a single day: a gentle morning swim from shelving sand, a long walk along a sweeping bay at midday, and a late wander into a tucked-away cove where the light lingers on pale sand and rock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ve visited more than 500 islands around the UK, exploring their shores on foot, by paddle and in or under the water, here are seven of my favourite beaches from the Ordnance Survey list of the 82 largest islands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-vatersay-outer-hebrides-island-20-white-sands-at-the-atlantic-s-edge\"><strong>1. Vatersay, Outer Hebrides (Island 20) \u2013 white sands at the Atlantic\u2019s edge<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>At the southern tip of the Outer Hebrides, connected to Barra by a short causeway, this small, low-lying island has a deeply indented coastline, a striking sand tombolo and a remarkable number of quiet, white-sand beaches all connected by fabulous coastal walks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-traigh-siar-vatersay.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20969\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-traigh-siar-vatersay.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-traigh-siar-vatersay-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-traigh-siar-vatersay-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Traigh Siar, Vatersay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Bagh a Deas is reached by a 1.4 km walk south from the tombolo car park and is a shallow, sandy bay that works beautifully for swimming in calm conditions. Traigh Siar, on the west side of the tombolo, is a long sweep of white sand open to the Atlantic, with a very different feel to the island\u2019s more sheltered shores and a handy proximity to the Vatersay Hall Caf\u00e9. Traigh Bharlais lies on the north-west of the island and is rarely visited; secluded and spacious, it\u2019s reached by following the lane along the north coast from the causeway until it becomes a track beyond Caolis, then continuing on foot.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_c2e20530bb26091b1c25c4ce3fd75bd3\" class=\"Inner InnerButtons\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center justify-content-md-center\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"InnerButtons__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.islandeering.com\/outer-hebrides\/vatersay\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tHow to visit Vatersay\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__arrow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g>\n<path d=\"M5 12H19M19 12L12 5M19 12L12 19\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"InnerButtons__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/explore.osmaps.com\/location?lat=51.5198&#038;lon=-0.1087&#038;zoom=15&#038;style=Standard&#038;type=2d&#038;locationName=U2FsdGVkX19yE%2BOyF78o6QkEm33e9OABtqRbaSJ1VDM%3D&#038;locationCoordinates=56.92982258326742%2C-7.53552773532716&#038;locationBbox=-7.5693%2C56.9072%2C-7.4849%2C56.9532\" class=\"Button Button--blue \" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tExplore Vatersay with OS Maps\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__arrow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g>\n<path d=\"M5 12H19M19 12L12 5M19 12L12 19\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\n\t\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-tiree-inner-hebrides-island-64-wide-sands-big-skies\"><strong>2. Tiree, Inner Hebrides (Island 64) \u2013 wide sands, big skies<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Tiree is often cited as one of the best islands in Scotland for beaches, thanks to its low, open landscape and long sweeps of white sand backed by wildflower filled machair. With beaches around the island\u2019s entire coastline, the character of the coast changes on every side, allowing you to choose between calm, shallow bays for swimming and paddling, or Atlantic-facing shores for surfing or walking beside the swell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-tiree.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20968\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-tiree.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-tiree-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-tiree-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tiree, Inner Hebrides<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Standout beaches include the wide arc of machair-backed Gott Bay, gently shelving and facing south-east, ideal for relaxed swimming in calm weather and long shoreline walks; the open Atlantic sands of Balephuil Bay; and the pale, expansive beaches of Balephetrish and Balevullin in the north-west. Once on the island, all of these beaches &#8211; and many more &#8211; are easily linked by foot or bike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_5f9bf322144f275266eea4e4a4612a09\" class=\"Inner InnerButtons\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center justify-content-md-center\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"InnerButtons__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.islandeering.com\/inner-hebrides\/tiree\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tHow to visit Tiree\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__arrow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g>\n<path d=\"M5 12H19M19 12L12 5M19 12L12 19\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"InnerButtons__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/explore.osmaps.com\/location?lat=56.50218&#038;lon=-6.92514&#038;zoom=11.204&#038;style=Standard&#038;type=2d&#038;droppedPin=56.49610668179165%2C-6.892104176974308&#038;locationName=U2FsdGVkX1%2BfjrNqM%2BUGz5NJMHD3qpFI%2FF2RXsyA3cQ%3D&#038;locationCoordinates=56.49610668179165%2C-6.892104176974308&#038;locationBbox=-6.9994%2C56.4360%2C-6.7257%2C56.5584\" class=\"Button Button--blue \" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tExplore Tiree with OS Maps\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__arrow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g>\n<path d=\"M5 12H19M19 12L12 5M19 12L12 19\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\n\t\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-isle-of-harris-outer-hebrides-island-82-mountains-machair-and-sea\"><strong>3. Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides (Island 82) \u2013 mountains, machair and sea<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Isle of Harris is renowned for its expansive Atlantic sands set against the hills of North Harris. Along the west coast, long arcs of white sand are backed by machair and dunes, with water shifting through vivid blues and greens as the light changes. The east coast \u2013 known locally as The Bays &#8211; is more intricate and enclosed, with small sheltered bays and grass-fringed strands tucked into sea inlets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-harris.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20972\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-harris.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-harris-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-harris-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Harris, Outer Hebrides<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>That contrast makes it easy to choose between calmer bays suited to swimming and paddling, or more exposed Atlantic shores shaped by surf and wind.&nbsp;Favourite beaches include the iconic sweep of Luskentyre, where miles of pale sand open out at low tide &#8211; a scale best appreciated from above, looking down from the crofting village of Seilebost. Scarista is prized for its surf and views across Taransay Sound, while the quieter sands of Seilebost and Niosaboist offer more shelter in settled weather. Further north, remote beaches such as H\u00f9isinis and Tr\u00e0igh Mheilein sit beneath the hills of North Harris, rewarding those willing to travel a little further with the chance of spotting golden eagles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What really sets Harris apart is how mountains, machair and ocean meet along the shore, and how the changing mix of each gives every beach a distinct character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_ec44a0486cb84219862cdbcbefd6dc7d\" class=\"Inner InnerButtons\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center justify-content-md-center\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"InnerButtons__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.islandeering.com\/outer-hebrides\/isle-of-harris\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tHow to visit Harris\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__arrow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g>\n<path d=\"M5 12H19M19 12L12 5M19 12L12 19\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"InnerButtons__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/explore.osmaps.com\/location?lat=57.90609&#038;lon=-7.08728&#038;zoom=9.6726&#038;style=Standard&#038;type=2d&#038;droppedPin=57.84245855221256%2C-6.900631163902422&#038;locationName=U2FsdGVkX19lQTz7ehg%2B1Da6Qi4nLu4t3WzD3T0wD8U%3D&#038;locationCoordinates=57.84245855221256%2C-6.900631163902422&#038;locationBbox=-7.1329%2C57.7216%2C-6.6798%2C58.0623\" class=\"Button Button--blue \" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tExplore Harris with OS Maps\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__arrow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g>\n<path d=\"M5 12H19M19 12L12 5M19 12L12 19\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\n\t\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-great-bernera-outer-hebrides-island-43-quiet-sands-with-deep-history\"><strong>4. Great Bernera, Outer Hebrides (Island 43) \u2013 quiet sands with deep history<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Great Bernera sits just off the west coast of Lewis, reached by a short road bridge. Once across, the island quickly feels different. A patchwork of inland, and an island has some unique features to visit including the Bernera Riot Cairn, a Norse mill, and a large Victorian-era&nbsp;lobster pound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-great-bernera.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20974\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-great-bernera.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-great-bernera-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-great-bernera-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Great Bernera, Outer Hebrides<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Traigh Bhostadh (Bosta Beach), at the island\u2019s northern tip, is a real gem. A wide, north-facing sweep of pale shell-sand backed by dunes and machair, the bay is often sheltered in settled conditions, with shallow water ideal for a dip. You know when it\u2019s high tide as the Time and Tide Bell &#8211; one of a permanent installation of twelve around the UK &#8211; rings as the water levels rise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just above the sand lies a reconstructed Iron Age house, a reminder that this place has drawn people for centuries. Many visitors arrive on foot, linking quiet single-track roads and sections of the Great Bernera Trail, although there is parking above the beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_9a3b81a5748cda154cdb8dd31b787298\" class=\"Inner InnerButtons\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center justify-content-md-center\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"InnerButtons__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.islandeering.com\/outer-hebrides\/great-bernera\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tHow to visit Bernera\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__arrow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g>\n<path d=\"M5 12H19M19 12L12 5M19 12L12 19\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"InnerButtons__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/explore.osmaps.com\/location?lat=56.49426&#038;lon=-5.5902&#038;zoom=14.9697&#038;style=Standard&#038;type=2d&#038;droppedPin=56.493963304467016%2C-5.583682379679875&#038;locationName=U2FsdGVkX1%2FY2xOqFBr9Ty8%2BwrYkVsX6UXSnD4nEMqLwgxYhxjjRk2KYxJto6u5n&#038;locationCoordinates=56.493963304467016%2C-5.583682379679875&#038;locationBbox=-5.5971%2C56.4894%2C-5.5741%2C56.4984\" class=\"Button Button--blue \" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tExplore Bernera with OS Maps\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__arrow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g>\n<path d=\"M5 12H19M19 12L12 5M19 12L12 19\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\n\t\n\n<hr class=\"ad_hr\" role=\"none\">\r\n<div class=\"home_hero_20_mix_match\">\r\n    <div>\r\n        <h2>NEW DOG FRIENDLY WALKING GUIDE BOOKS<\/h2><h4>A collection of brand new books from Ordnance Survey<\/h4>\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/books\/os-short-walks-made-easy-guidebooks\/os-swme-dog-friendly-walks\/\" class=\"Button Button--red Button--smaller\"><span class=\"Button__text\">Shop Now<\/span><\/a>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div>\r\n        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/swmedogs.png\" alt=\"OFFER: save 20\" height=\"250\" width=\"250\" \/>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<hr class=\"ad_hr\" role=\"none\">\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n .InnerBlocks .home_hero_20_mix_match h2 {\r\n    margin-top: 20px;\r\n    margin-bottom: 20px;\r\n}\r\n   \r\n.InnerBlocks .ad_hr {\r\n margin: 20px;\r\n border-color: #9f9f9f;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.home_hero_20_mix_match {\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  flex-flow: row wrap;\r\n  background-image:  linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.45) 0%, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.30) 40%, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 50%), url(\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/dog-in-peak-district.jpg\");\r\n  background-position: center center;\r\n  background-size:cover;\r\n  border-radius: 25px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.home_hero_20_mix_match  > div {\r\n  width: 100%;\r\n  padding: 2% 8%;\r\n  color: #ffffff;\r\n  text-align: center;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.home_hero_20_mix_match  > div:nth-child(2) {\r\n  padding: 0;\r\n  padding-bottom: 0px;\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  justify-content: center;\r\n  align-self: center;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.home_hero_20_mix_match > div > img {\r\n  width: 100%;\r\n  height: auto;\r\n  max-width: 250px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.home_hero_20_mix_match  h2 {\r\n  font-size: 3rem;\r\n  font-weight: 600;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.home_hero_20_mix_match  p {\r\n  font-size: 2rem;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.home_hero_20_mix_match  a {\r\n  font-size: 2rem;\r\n}\r\n    \r\n.Button--smaller {\r\n  padding: 8px 20px!important;\r\n}\r\n    \r\n.Button--smaller span {\r\n  font-size: 20px;\r\n}    \r\n\r\n\r\n@media (min-width:50em){\r\n  .home_hero_20_mix_match {\r\n    background-image:  linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.45) 0%, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.30) 40%, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 50%), url(\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/dog-in-peak-district.jpg\");\r\n  }\r\n  .home_hero_20_mix_match  > div {\r\n    width: 50%;\r\n    text-align: left;\r\n  }\r\n  .home_hero_20_mix_match  h2 {\r\n    font-size: 5rem;\r\n  }\r\n  .home_hero_20_mix_match  p {\r\n    font-size: 3rem;\r\n  }\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-anglesey-ynys-mon-wales-island-78-beaches-for-every-kind-of-day\"><strong>5. Anglesey (Ynys Mon), Wales (Island 78) \u2013 beaches for every kind of day<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Anglesey (Ynys Mon) is often cited as one of the best places in Wales for beaches, and it\u2019s easy to see why. With around 200 kilometres of coastline, the island packs an extraordinary variety into a relatively small space, from wide sandy bays to sheltered coves and estuary beaches backed by dunes, low cliffs and open pasture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-porth-dafarch-beach-anglesey.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20973\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-porth-dafarch-beach-anglesey.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-porth-dafarch-beach-anglesey-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-porth-dafarch-beach-anglesey-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Porth Dafarch Beach, Holyhead<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In settled conditions, sheltered spots work well for swimming and paddleboarding; when it\u2019s breezier, more exposed beaches offer space for long, invigorating walks with the Irish Sea rolling in beside you. Standout beaches include Newborough, where pine forest and dunes lead out to the tidal coves of Llanddwyn Island, and the family-friendly sands of Benllech and Trearddur, valued for their easy access and calmer water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"668\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-porth-trecastell-cable-bay-anglesey-potential-cover-shot.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20971\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-porth-trecastell-cable-bay-anglesey-potential-cover-shot.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-porth-trecastell-cable-bay-anglesey-potential-cover-shot-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-porth-trecastell-cable-bay-anglesey-potential-cover-shot-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Porth Trecastell, Anglesey<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Quieter beaches such as Rhoscolyn and Silver Bay reward a little extra effort on foot, while places like Church Bay, Cable Bay, and Porth Dafarch and Llanddona add rockpools, snorkelling and wide coastal views into the mix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_21b432e801e67dc204dc579860c49210\" class=\"Inner InnerButtons\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center justify-content-md-center\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"InnerButtons__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.islandeering.com\/north-west-wales\/anglesey\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tHow to visit Anglesey\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__arrow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g>\n<path d=\"M5 12H19M19 12L12 5M19 12L12 19\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"InnerButtons__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/explore.osmaps.com\/location?lat=53.29237&#038;lon=-4.46078&#038;zoom=9.9524&#038;style=Standard&#038;type=2d&#038;droppedPin=53.27943300084345%2C-4.322907448826333&#038;locationName=U2FsdGVkX1%2FuWgaS42d8%2BynZNKXsnRzca8loAgKe2RQ%3D&#038;locationCoordinates=53.27943300084345%2C-4.322907448826333&#038;locationBbox=-4.5773%2C53.1215%2C-4.0462%2C53.4372\" class=\"Button Button--blue \" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tExplore Anglesey with OS Maps\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__arrow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g>\n<path d=\"M5 12H19M19 12L12 5M19 12L12 19\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\n\t\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.islandeering.com\/north-west-wales\/anglesey\/\"><strong>Read more about visiting Anglesey<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-isle-of-wight-island-74-chalk-cliffs-and-sheltered-bays\"><strong>6. Isle of Wight (Island 74) \u2013 chalk cliffs and sheltered bays<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"668\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-alum-bay-ise-of-wight-potentil-cover-shot.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20976\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-alum-bay-ise-of-wight-potentil-cover-shot.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-alum-bay-ise-of-wight-potentil-cover-shot-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-alum-bay-ise-of-wight-potentil-cover-shot-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alum Bay, Isle of Wight<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Isle of Wight, England\u2019s largest island, has a huge variety of beaches suited to swimming, coastal walking and paddling in all seasons. There are long open bays, sheltered swimming beaches, tidal estuaries and quieter coves tucked beneath chalk cliffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Standout beaches include the sweeping sands of Compton Bay, where fossilised dinosaur footprints can be easily spotted at the base of the cliffs, and Freshwater Bay, backed by chalk stacks and the rolling hills of Tennyson Down. For calmer water, Priory Bay and St Helens Duver on the east coast are popular for swimming at the right stage of the tide, offering shelter and gentler conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"668\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-freshwater-bay-isle-of-wight.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20975\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-freshwater-bay-isle-of-wight.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-freshwater-bay-isle-of-wight-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-british-beaches-freshwater-bay-isle-of-wight-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Along the west of the island, Totland Bay suits relaxed swims and short paddles in settled weather, while nearby Alum Bay is known for its striking multi-coloured cliffs and clear water, best enjoyed on calm days. Ventnor and Steephill Cove add characterful sand and shingle beaches with quick depth and clean, blue water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Together with coastal walks, great food and drink and easy access across The Solent the isle of Wight makes a great destination for beach-lovers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_3febc336a8737a02d995dc3340856dd9\" class=\"Inner InnerButtons\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center justify-content-md-center\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"InnerButtons__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.islandeering.com\/isle-of-wight\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tHow to visit The Isle of Wight\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__arrow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g>\n<path d=\"M5 12H19M19 12L12 5M19 12L12 19\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"InnerButtons__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/explore.osmaps.com\/location?lat=50.67903&#038;lon=-1.41316&#038;zoom=10.7471&#038;style=Standard&#038;type=2d&#038;droppedPin=50.6710482%2C-1.332711113319946&#038;locationName=U2FsdGVkX1%2FrHPddPj4%2FxdWKhOzQCtm2iJ6%2FWtmyiaNMBOfHv58DAZoadwo1afjb&#038;locationCoordinates=50.6710482%2C-1.332711113319946&#038;locationBbox=-1.5918%2C50.5747%2C-1.0627%2C50.7676\" class=\"Button Button--blue \" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tExplore The Isle of Wight with OS Maps\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__arrow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g>\n<path d=\"M5 12H19M19 12L12 5M19 12L12 19\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\n\t\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-st-mary-s-isles-of-scilly-island-8-luminous-water-and-island-hopping\"><strong>7. St Mary\u2019s, Isles of Scilly (Island 8) \u2013 luminous water and island hopping<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>St Mary\u2019s, the largest and most accessible island in the Isles of Scilly, has beaches often compared to the Mediterranean or Caribbean, with bone-white sand, shallow shelves and gin-clear water. They\u2019re ideal for swimming, coastal walking and paddling in settled conditions, or admiring the power of the Atlantic storms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/island82-2-st-marys-watersports.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20013\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/island82-2-st-marys-watersports.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/island82-2-st-marys-watersports-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/island82-2-st-marys-watersports-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">St Mary&#8217;s, Isles of Scilly<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Highlight beaches include Porthcressa, close to Hugh Town and prized for its clarity and easy access; Hugh Town Beach itself, which is surprisingly calm thanks to the shelter of the harbour; and Porthmellon, a popular watersports beach slightly further west. At low tide, Bar Point extends into a beautiful sandbar walk with shallow, luminous water and views across to the other islands, while Pelistry Bay on the east coast offers a quieter option with an optional tidal walk to Toll\u2019s Island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond St Mary\u2019s, short boat trips open up some of the finest beaches in Britain. On Tresco, Pentle Bay\u2019s white sands are a favourite, while sheltered Appletree Bay suits relaxed paddling. St Martin\u2019s Lower Town Beach is sublime, and east-facing Great Bay offers a remote stretch of white sand once voted Britain\u2019s best beach. Bryher offers a sharper contrast, with the wild Atlantic-facing coast around Hell Bay balanced by calmer eastern beach of Green Bay. Uninhabited Samson offers castaway-style beaches, and St Agnes, with its sandbar towards Gugh that\u2019s known for shallow, crystal-clear water and close proximity to the Turks Head Inn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_6447de153eab6a552787c8475a995f37\" class=\"Inner InnerButtons\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center justify-content-md-center\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"InnerButtons__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.islandeering.com\/isles-of-scilly\/st-marys-ios\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tHow to visit St Mary&#039;s\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__arrow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g>\n<path d=\"M5 12H19M19 12L12 5M19 12L12 19\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"InnerButtons__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/explore.osmaps.com\/location?lat=49.92183&#038;lon=-6.31824&#038;zoom=13.1639&#038;style=Standard&#038;type=2d&#038;droppedPin=49.923277790434234%2C-6.302424366141406&#038;locationName=U2FsdGVkX1%2Bo8hLSEdpp%2BTwSrzzObBYAPJt%2FCXz8VBM%3D&#038;locationCoordinates=49.923277790434234%2C-6.302424366141406&#038;locationBbox=-6.3275%2C49.9020%2C-6.2768%2C49.9387\" class=\"Button Button--blue \" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tExplore St Mary&#039;s with OS Maps\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__arrow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g>\n<path d=\"M5 12H19M19 12L12 5M19 12L12 19\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\n\t\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-adventure-with-purpose\"><strong>Adventure with purpose<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Island beaches are special places and they need a little care. On many islands, sandy shores back onto rare habitats such as machair &#8211; nutrient-rich coastal grasslands found on the Atlantic fringes of the Hebrides &#8211; as well as fragile dune systems, saltmarshes and intertidal reefs that are easily damaged. Walking lightly, sticking to established paths and avoiding flowering areas helps protect these habitats and the wildlife they support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"589\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/seal-on-anglesey.jpg\" alt=\"seal on anglesey\" class=\"wp-image-20981\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/seal-on-anglesey.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/seal-on-anglesey-300x177.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/seal-on-anglesey-768x452.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Harbour Seal basking on the coast of Anglesey<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Seals are a familiar presence on many island shores, hauled out on rocks or quiet beaches to rest, moult or pup. Watching them from a distance is part of the experience, but giving them space matters. Keeping dogs under close control and leaving seals a clear route back to the sea helps keep encounters calm and safe. Whales, dolphins and porpoises are also regularly spotted from island headlands, and sharing sightings through schemes such as <a href=\"https:\/\/uk.whales.org\/whales-dolphins\/how-we-help\/shorewatch-scotland\/\">Shorewatch<\/a> helps build a better understanding of how marine life uses island waters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Small actions matter too. Picking up a little litter as you walk, choosing quieter beaches, walking between bays rather than driving, and parking responsibly all help. Enjoying island beaches doesn\u2019t have to mean doing more; often it\u2019s about slowing down, paying attention and sharing the shoreline with wildlife as well as other people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-beaches-worth-the-journey\"><strong>Beaches worth the journey<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There are so many more beaches I could have included here, but these remain some of my favourites. Each carry a strong sense of place. They invite you to walk a little further along the coast, to swim when conditions feel right, or simply to linger and watch how light and water interact with land. These aren\u2019t beaches to rush through, but ones that reward curiosity and time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So pack your walking boots or swimming kit, be ready to adapt your plans to the day, and enjoy the freedom that island coastlines offer. Britain\u2019s island beaches are waiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More information about adventures and visiting the 82 Islands and other islands can be found at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.islandeering.com\">www.islandeering.com<\/a>. Lisa has written two award-winning and best-selling books &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.islandeering.com\/shop\/\">Islandeering: adventures around Britain\u2019s hidden islands<\/a>; and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.islandeering.com\/shop\/\">Island Bagging England and Wales<\/a>. You can follow Lisa <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/islandeering\/\">@islandeering<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"MetaShare\">\n\n\t\t\t<button id=\"likeButton\" data-nonce=\"3a030de084\" data-postid=\"20964\" class=\"Button Button--default Button--icon likeButton\"><span class=\"likeButtonText\">Like this guide<\/span><svg width=\"21\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 21 20\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M10.4947 3.09742C8.5448 1.39335 5.66108 1.04464 3.42166 2.95804C0.999337 5.02773 0.647396 8.5134 2.56291 10.9783C3.29002 11.9139 4.70917 13.3196 6.07302 14.6069C7.45283 15.9092 8.82946 17.1399 9.50834 17.7411C9.51258 17.7449 9.51691 17.7487 9.5213 17.7526C9.58512 17.8092 9.66457 17.8796 9.74074 17.937C9.83194 18.0057 9.96286 18.0909 10.1377 18.1431C10.3701 18.2124 10.62 18.2124 10.8524 18.1431C11.0272 18.0909 11.1581 18.0057 11.2493 17.937C11.3255 17.8796 11.405 17.8092 11.4688 17.7526C11.4732 17.7487 11.4775 17.7449 11.4817 17.7411C12.1606 17.1399 13.5373 15.9092 14.9171 14.6069C16.2809 13.3196 17.7001 11.9139 18.4272 10.9783C20.3353 8.52288 20.0377 5.01032 17.5597 2.95074C15.2954 1.06872 12.4424 1.3927 10.4947 3.09742Z\" fill=\"#186571\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n<\/button>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center MetaShareSocial\" aria-label=\"Share\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"X\" class=\"Button Button--default MetaShareSocial__button MetaShareSocial__button--x\" id=\"share-twitter\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><g transform=\"translate(-173 238)\"><path d=\"M18.9.75h3.68l-8.04,9.213L24,22.5H16.594l-5.8-7.6L4.156,22.5H.474l8.6-9.854L0,.75H7.594L12.837,7.7ZM17.61,20.291h2.039L6.486,2.843H4.3Z\" transform=\"translate(173 -237.625)\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/><\/g><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"facebook\"  class=\"Button Button--default MetaShareSocial__button MetaShareSocial__button--f\" id=\"share-facebook\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><g transform=\"translate(-89 238)\"><path d=\"M14.186,24V13.2h3.279L18,8.4H14.186V6.062c0-1.236.032-2.462,1.759-2.462h1.749V.168A19.34,19.34,0,0,0,14.671,0C11.5,0,9.508,1.989,9.508,5.64V8.4H6v4.8H9.508V24Z\" transform=\"translate(89 -238)\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"\/><\/g><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div id=\"likeCount\" class=\"likeCount\">Liked by <span id=\"likeCountValue\">0<\/span> users<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<hr class=\"MetaShare__hr\" \/>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"MetaShareAuthor\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"120\" height=\"160\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/lisa-drewe.jpg\" class=\"MetaShareAuthor__avatar wp-post-image\" alt=\"lisa drewe\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/lisa-drewe.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/lisa-drewe-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/lisa-drewe-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/lisa-drewe-810x1080.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 120px) 100vw, 120px\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"MetaShareAuthor__name\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBy Lisa Drewe\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"MetaShareAuthor__desc\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>OS Champion, Lisa Drewe,<\/p>\n<p>Lisa Drewe is an author, explorer, and the founder of the website\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.islandeering.com\/\">Islandeering<\/a>, a personal project dedicated to helping people discover UK island adventures with purpose. She has already explored over 500 British islands, written award-winning guidebooks, and champions regenerative travel and conservation.<\/p>\n<p>Lisa is now on a mission to visit (and in some cases revisit) all 82 islands featured on our print. Along the way, she\u2019ll uncover their unique landscapes, wildlife, and communities, while sharing how visitors can explore responsibly and support island ecosystems. Find out more about <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/island82-a-challenge-with-purpose\/\">Island82<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/article>\n\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Island expert Lisa Drewe shares her pick of the best island beaches in Britain, with a commitment to responsible tourism.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":20983,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[390,302,209],"activities":[42,14],"locations":[17],"class_list":["post-20964","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-wildlife","tag-lisa-drewe","tag-os-champion","activities-sustainability","activities-walking","locations-all-of-great-britain"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Where are the Best Island Beaches in Britain? - OS Maps Discover<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Island expert Lisa Drewe shares her pick of the best island beaches in Britain, with a commitment to responsible tourism.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, 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