A cosy British beach boasting a stretch of three miles of golden sands has been crowned the UK’s best, according to Tripadvisor.
The travel site has unveiled its winners for the Travellers’ Choice® Awards: Best of the Best Beaches for 2025, spotlighting its users’ favourite coastal havens globally.
Taking the throne as the nation’s prized spot is Weymouth Beach in Dorset, situated along the stunning Jurassic coast. Not only has it been dubbed the number one in Britain, but it also bagged the 20th spot amongst Europe’s finest shores, marking its fourth consecutive year among the elite.
Ideal for family trips, Weymouth boasts safe, shallow waters just right for the little ones. When summer shines, visitors can enjoy traditional Punch and Judy shows, hop on donkey rides or rent pedalos.
It even garnered high praise from a visitor who said it remains “picturesque even on an overcast day.”
Hot on Weymouth’s heels is Gorleston-on-Sea near Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, claiming the 23rd position in Europe. This beautiful two-mile expanse of sand invites families for classic seaside fun.
Aside from beach frolics, Gorleston-on-Sea offers prime conditions for surfing, bodyboarding, and kite-flying. Those meandering the nearby promenades can soak up the scenic views, alongside a bevy of cosy cafes and shops for those inclined towards a more laid-back visit.
Milestone celebrations are in order for Tripadvisor itself, celebrating its 25th with a commemorative list reflecting a treasure trove of data spanning their quarter-century legacy, not just recent picks. The only British beach that made it onto this list is Bournemouth Beach, which came in at number 12.
This Dorset-based stretch is a top spot for paddleboarding and sailing enthusiasts. With its own arcade and breathtaking views of the Isle of Wight and the Purbeck Hills, Bournemouth Beach caters to all beach-related activities.
Meanwhile, Europe and the world’s best beach was named as Elafonissi Beach on the island of Crete, which is known for its stunning pink sand and crystal-clear waters.
Kristen Dalton, president at Tripadvisor, said: “Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards uniquely reflect the voices of millions of global travellers and help guide people to plan their best trip yet.
“In my family, beaches aren’t just for sunbathing – we like to get out and explore! The diversity of this year’s winners really showcases everything that a beach trip can have to offer.
“Whether it’s strolling the beautiful pink sand beaches of our world winner, Elafonissi beach, in Greece, experiencing breathtaking vistas in Indonesia, whale watching in Hawaii or diving in magical bioluminescent waters in Thailand – there really is something for everyone. This year’s lists span an incredible six continents and 50 countries with over 100 of the very best beaches showcasing the eclectic mix of coastal spots across the world.”
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