Best beaches in Britain by train
26th May 2023
From wild, white sands to classic seaside experiences, Great Britain has some of the best beaches in the world. Yep, you heard that right. With thousands of miles of coastline to explore, there’s just about every kind of beach imaginable. Whether you’re after surfing, walking, amusements or sunbathing, you’ll find it.
To make your life a little easier, we’ve rounded up some of the best that you can reach easily by train – and for less when you book your tickets with a Railcard, which can save you ⅓ off your rail fare.
Best for surfing: Saltburn-by-the-Sea
Surfers of all abilities can enjoy the waves of North Yorkshire in this laidback seaside town.
The long sand and shingle beach is split by a grand Victorian peer, with surf breaks on either side and some challenging reef breaks for experienced surfers. For complete beginners, there are a handful of friendly surf schools to choose from.
After you’ve finished riding the waves, take the funicular up to the village and the sea cliffs for a dramatic coastal walk.
Nearest station: Saltburn
Best for family entertainment: Blackpool
If you’re looking for non-stop action, Blackpool is the place for you this summer, where you can expect classic amusements, arcades, donkey rides and plenty of ice cream.
Head to Blackpool Pleasure Beach for a quintessential amusement park experience. Here you will find rides of all kinds, from mind-boggling rollercoasters to traditional carousels.
If the weather’s good, there’s Sandcastle Waterpark. If the weather’s bad, hit Madame Tussauds or SEA LIFE Blackpool instead (get 2FOR1 tickets to the latter here when you travel by train*).
Nearest station: Blackpool
Best for a city break: Brighton
If you’re after a city break with a brilliant beach nearby, you can’t go wrong with Brighton.
Miles of pebble beach front this fun-loving south coast city, with tons of great nightlife options, shopping, culture and dining experiences to enjoy over a weekend, too.
After a day of lounging on the beach, grab fish and chips at a seafront cafe before taking in a performance at one of Brighton’s many independent venues. Don’t miss Brighton Royal Pavilion, which you can get 2FOR1 tickets for when you travel to Brighton by train!*
Nearest station: Brighton
Best all-rounder: Bournemouth
Picture yourself with an ice cream in your hand, the sun shining above and being surrounded by miles of soft golden sand. That’s Bournemouth in a nutshell.
This gigantic sandy beach gets some of the best weather in the UK and is so spacious that there’s always somewhere to lay your towel, even when it’s busy.
A short walk from the train station, it’s perfect for families, couples, groups or solo travellers.
Nearest station: Bournemouth
Best for Instagram: Crosby Beach, Liverpool
One of Britain’s most Instagrammable beaches, Crosby isn’t your typical stretch of sand.
The beach is home to Antony Gormley’s iconic Another Place installation, a collection of statues dotted along the beach, forever watching the horizon. The beach itself is long, flat and sandy, but it’s the unusual figures that draw photographers in droves.
Take the train from Liverpool to Waterloo. From here, the beach is a 15-minute walk.
Nearest station: Waterloo
Best for wildlife: Blakeney Point, Norfolk
Every year, hundreds of seals gather on Blakeney Point to raise their cute white pups.
You can take a boat trip to the seal colony along the beach with several local tour groups. The beach itself is pebble and is backed by wetlands and dunes. It’s also great for bird watching.
A free shuttle bus runs along the coast from the nearest train station in Sheringham.
Nearest station: Sheringham
Best for unspoiled beauty: Luskentyre Sands, Harris
A mile of white sand lapped by Caribbean-level clear water, Luskentyre might just be the most beautiful beach in the UK.
For that very reason, it’s not easy to reach. From Inverness, you’ll need to take the train to Kyle of Lochalsh, before taking a ferry to Skye, a bus to Uig and then another ferry to the Isle of Harris.
If you’re up for the adventure, it’s well worth the extra effort.
Nearest station: Kyle
Save more money for ice cream when you book with a Railcard – get up to 1/3 off most fares all year round.
*Restrictions apply. Visit DaysOutGuide.co.uk for more great 2FOR1 offers.