The UK’s Most Beautiful Beaches (According to Instagram)

The UK is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, whether you’re looking for beautiful seaside towns, rock formations, sandy dunes or a beautiful ocean view, the UK has it all. Now that winter is behind us, there’s no better time to head to the beach for a day out with family or friends. 

At Kind Water, we’ve gathered Instagram data to find reveal exactly where the most beautiful beaches of the UK are. Why not see if you can tick these beaches off your list this spring or summer?

UK’s Most Instagrammed Beaches – By Location

Cornwall is home to 4 of the UK’s most Instagrammed beaches: 

• Fistral Beach (91,381 posts)
• Porthcurno Beach (37,435 posts)
• Lizard Point and Kynance Cove (36,693 posts)
• Perranporth Beach (18,420 posts)
  

Kent is Home to 3 of the UK’s most Instagrammed beaches:

• Dungeness Beach (101,152 posts)
• Botany Bay (78,854 posts)
• Whitstable Beach (18,419 posts)
  

Dorset is home to 3 of the UK’s most Instagrammed beaches:

• Durdle Door Beach (204,697 posts)
• Bournemouth Beach (Pier) (124,975 posts)
• Chesil Beach (31,477 posts)
  

3 of the UK’s most Instagrammed beaches are in Scotland:

• Loch Morlich (29,897 posts)
• Seacliff Beach (21,791 posts)
• Luskentyre Beach (12,240 posts)

3 of the UK’s most Instagrammed beaches are in Wales:

• Tenby North Beach (16,867 posts)
• Rhossili Bay (16,453 posts)
• Barafundle Bay (11,659 posts)

Methodology

To find which beaches across the UK are the most shared on Instagram we collated a list of the 30 most popular beaches and then scraped Instagram for the number of images that have been posted on the app alongside the hashtags most closely associated to each beach. We used this number to rank each of the course from most to least Instagrammed.

1. Brighton Beach

Brighton, England (#brightonbeach, 764,562 posts)

As the UK’s most Instagrammed beach, Brighton Beach is a must-visit. This pebbly beach attracts thousands of visitors every year. It’s easy to see why there are 764,562 posts of Brighton Beach on Instagram. From the iconic pier to the beautiful coastline you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to photo opportunities.

2. Durdle Door Beach

Dorset, England (#durdledoor, 204,697 posts)

Truly picturesque, Durdle Door is a Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site famous for its iconic natural limestone arch. This very popular beauty spot is the perfect day out and a must-see when visiting Dorset. You’ll be treated to gorgeous sandy shores and cliff formations.

3. Bournemouth Beach

Dorset, England (#bournemouthbeach, 124,975 posts)

Bournemouth Beach is a popular hangout spot in Dorset. This large seafront provides plenty of spots for sunbathing or strolling in the sunshine and taking in the views. Loved for its soft, sandy shores, its bustling pier and stunning views, it’s easy to see why this beach is so high on the list.

4. Scarborough Beach

Scarborough, England (#scarboroughbeach, 123,302 posts) 

Scarborough is a much-loved seaside resort and it’s easy to see why. With lots to do and see, this is a great day out for everyone. Scarborough Beach is an eclectic beach that consists of two bays, the North Bay and South Bay which are divided by a rocky promontory. From fishing, boat trips and good surfing conditions, Scarborough Beach has loads to offer and well worth a visit.

5. Dungeness Beach

Kent, England (#dunegeness, 101,152 posts)

One of the most unique beaches in the UK, Dungeness has tons of character. Dungeness is known for its unusual environment which is actually technically a desert. It is also home to a wealth of wildlife which includes 600 species of plant and many rare insects. With two lighthouses visible along the coastline and a ground dotted with plants, getting Instagram-worthy photos here is guaranteed.

6. Fistral Beach

Cornwall, England (#fistrallbeach, 91,381 posts)

Fistral Beach is one of the world’s top surfing destinations and each year this beach is host to the UK’s biggest surfing competitions. The beach is a lovely stretch of sand and gorgeous clear sea, perfect for walking at all times of the year or getting a great view of the surfers during competition season.

7. Botany Bay

Kent, England (#botanybay, 78,854 posts)

Botany Bay is a relatively quiet and secluded beach, truly a hidden gem of the UK. Great for discovering fossils and exploring rock pools, at Botany Bay you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the chalk cliffs and stacks. The water is beautifully clear and safe for swimming too. What more could you want on a summer’s day?

8. Camber Sands

Sussex, England (#cambersands, 74,326 posts)

Camber Sands is the perfect place for a chilled out day, with nature trails and boat trips, there’s plenty to do and see. With fine golden sand and lovely clear water, Camber Sands is home to the only sand dunes in East Sussex. It’s known for being one of the best locations for beachcombing in the UK and is also popular for windsurfing and kite flying.

9. Hengistbury Head Beach

Dorset, England (#hengistburyhead, 40,905 posts)

Hengistbury Head is a very scenic pebble beach, perfect for taking long walks. Here, you’ll get great views of clay and ironstone cliffs. As one of Bournemouth’s quietest beaches, Hengitbury Head is the perfect place to head to for a peaceful stroll or picnic.

10. Porthcurno Beach

Cornwall, England (#porthcurno, 37,435 posts)

Porthcurno Beach is a beautiful paradise in Cornwall, with gorgeous soft white sand and high cliffs that provide a stunning backdrop and shelter from the wind. With its stunning natural beauty, it’s easy to see why Porthcurno is so popular. If you’re looking for a beach with incredible natural beauty, you can’t do better than Porthcurno Beach.