Secret UK beaches you NEED to know about: Avoid the crowds at an inland spot
YOU don’t have to go to the coast for a beach holiday in the UK.
Visit one of the inland beaches in the UK
The British seaside has had a bit of a resurgence recently, thanks to the renewed interest in Margate and the redevelopment of Blackpool.
Our beaches are seeing crowds they haven’t experienced in years.
But if you’re looking for somewhere a little quieter to build your sandcastles, why not head to one of our few inland beaches?
Here are some gorgeous inland beaches in the UK.
You don't have to go to the coast to enjoy a beach in the UK
Cotswold Water Park, Gloucester
Head to the Cotswolds to experience the largest inland paddling beach in the UK.
To complete the experience there’s also a beach cafe and a shop so you can grab a buck and spade for your sandcastles.
There are lifeguards on duty throughout local school holidays and during the summer.
Loch Lomond has its own inland beach
Gaddings Dam, Yorkshire
You’ve got a 40 minute walk before you’re rewarded with this beach.
It’s 60 miles inland and it’s also the highest in the country at 840 feet above sea level.
Thanks to the long walk even on the weekends this beach doesn’t get overcrowded. Take a picnic, it’s a long walk back to the car.
Milarrochy Bay, Loch Lomond
Swimming isn’t not be recommended in Loch Lomond, as it’s a glacial lake and you’ll get very cold very quickly.
But you can still enjoy the beach experience on Milarrochy Bay.
Take off you shoes and roll up your trousers for a bit of a paddle. It might be the coast, but it’s still a beautiful place to enjoy your ice creams and the hottest new beach read.
Scenic Route around Loch Lomond with Joe Swash
Ruislip Lido, London
London seems like the most unlikely place to have a beach but we do surprisingly well on that front.
Every summer one pops up on Southbank, but it’s not quite the same thing.
Rather than cram yourself into a spot by the river with everyone else in London and their Pret sandwiches, head to Ruislip Lido for a spot on sunbathing at the lido beach.
It’s sandy and it’s just about in Zone 6 so you can get there with an Oyster card.
Frensham Pond in Surrey
Frensham Great Pond, Surrey
These ponds in Surrey are sandy and they’re actually owned by the National Trust which means they’re very well looked after.
It also means that dogs aren’t allowed to join you on your beach trip and you’ll have to adhere to the strict rules: no barbecues and definitely no camping.
There’s no lifeguard here either, so make sure you take care if you fancy going in for a swim.