The top 4 UK beaches to visit this summer

Staycations are more popular than ever, so now is the perfect time to leave the passport at home, and take advantage of the beauty and adventure the UK has to offer with our reliable car hire, van hire or minibus hire services here at Intack Self Drive.

There’s a staggering amount of beaches to choose from in the UK, all with their own charms, quirks and character. We’re not exactly internationally famous for our beaches here in Blighty - but on the right day in summer, you'd be surprised at just how beautiful, picturesque and tropical-feeling some of these swimming beaches are! 

So, when it comes to your summer holiday, why not consider exploring the landscape and culture that we have to offer right here? Maximise your trip by cutting out long travel times and explore the land on your doorstep by taking a drive to some of the top UK beaches. If you’ve got the sense of adventure, we’ve got the transport - and for unbeatable prices at that! So, without further ado, here are four sun-kissed, sandy beaches that are worth taking a trip to this summer. 

1. Cornwall - Carbis Bay

We’re starting off strong with the serene Carbis Bay. Located less than a mile from the beautiful town of St Ives (a staycation hotspot) sits this sheltered beach nestled into the side of tree-covered cliffs. This stunning, award-winning beach is the perfect spot for families, and it currently holds a prestigious Blue Flag award. What’s that, you ask? The iconic Blue Flag award is one of the world’s most recognised voluntary awards for beaches and bays, and indicates the highest environmental and quality standards. So if a beach has a Blue Flag award, it’s a great place to visit!

Carbis Bay offers blue sea, golden sand, as well as a beach shop, cafe and toilets. The lifeguard service is also on hand from early July to early September, making this an exceptionally safe spot to let your hair down. There’s plenty of parking available on the beachfront carpark and it’s easily accessible by road - plus you can avoid the worst of the summer traffic since it’s just far enough out from the bustling town of St Ives. Win-win! 

2. Wales - North Beach Tenby 

Another brilliant spot that’s easy to drive to is the quaint harbour and resort town of Tenby in South-West Wales. Famous for its 13th century town walls, Tenby also has a reputation for gorgeous beaches - four to be exact. Spoilt for choice though you are, our recommendation is the award-winning North beach, and for good reason. Overlooked by the bustling promenade, this superb, sandy beach is a real sun trap – in fact, it’s one of the most photographed spots in all of Wales! Goscar Rock takes pride of place in the centre of the beach and is a magnificent sight to behold. If you’re looking for a majestic beach with character, boat trips and more - this is the beach for you.

3. Devon - Blackpool Sands

Just a short drive from Dartmouth is a picturesque scene of golden shingles and crystal-clear sheltered waters. Situated amongst evergreen and pine trees that cling to the hill below, is Blackpool Sands. This beach is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (or AONB), and therefore protected for conservation. So if you love being out in nature this Blue Flag beach may be worth a trip. On a summer’s day here, you’ll almost forget that you’re in the UK! Safety here is assured by the watch of the lifeguard service, so it’s the perfect spot to take the kids. And for those who have an itch for holiday adventure, there are plenty of opportunities to take part in water sports or snorkelling.

4. Scotland - Achmelvich Bay 

Last but certainly not least, we have Achmelvich Bay in Scotland. This stunning Scottish beach gets its name from the Gaelic words "Achadh" meaning a plain or meadow, and "mealbhaich" meaning sandy dunes. Popular amongst walkers, fishers and camping fanatics alike, this white sandy beach hums with life and energy during the summer months. It’s a great spot for water sports like windsurfing, kayaking, water-skiing, and of course a good swim! Lying just three miles out of Lochinver, or 40 miles north of Ullapool, this stunning beach is accessed by a picturesque single track road - perfect for an adventurer’s road trip. 

If reading this has you wanting to pack your bags and hit the road, we don’t blame you! Now is the perfect time to enjoy these and the many more delightful beaches the UK has to offer. And what better way to do that than with us at Intack Self Drive! With more than 50 years of experience to our name, we offer a wide range of cars, vans or minibuses available to rent for daily hire or Flexi hire. 

So whatever beach is your destination, we’ll have a vehicle that suits your requirements, and if you’re unsure what you need, no worries! We’re always here to help! You can browse the best hire deals right here on our site, or give us a call on 0125457811. Ready to pack those bags?