1. Ayr

Discover Ayr's expansive sandy beach on Scotland’s south west coast. The Low Green runs alongside the shore – a spacious grassy area perfect for strolling, playing games, or simply relaxing. Look out across the water and you can spot Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran on the horizon. The views are spectacular, especially on clear days.

The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum is nearby. Discover more about Scotland’s most famous poet, and get 2FOR1 entry to Robert Burns Birthplace Museum(external link, opens in a new tab) with National Rail’s Days Out Guide when you go by train.

• Nearest station to Ayr Beach: Ayr

2. Blackpool

This iconic Lancashire seaside town has miles of sandy beaches, 3 piers, the famous Pleasure Beach theme park, and a prom packed with places to stay and things to do.

Don’t miss out on discounts for top attractions like The Blackpool Tower Eye(external link, opens in a new tab), SEA LIFE Blackpool(external link, opens in a new tab) and The Blackpool Tower Circus(external link, opens in a new tab) with National Rail’s Days Out Guide when you go by train.

• Read more about Blackpool on our Visit Blackpool by Train page.

• Nearest stations to Blackpool Beach: Blackpool North, Blackpool South, Blackpool Pleasure Beach

3. Carbis Bay

Close to St Ives, but a bit less bustling than its neighbour, the beach at Carbis Bay in Cornwall is ideal for a relaxing trip. It’s a Blue Flag Award-winner, which means it has high standards of cleanliness and safety, so you can enjoy a swim or watersports in the secluded bay. If you fancy a scenic coastal walk, the South West Coast Path runs right past.

• Nearest station to Carbis Bay Beach: Carbis Bay

4. Filey

Filey Beach is in Yorkshire, not far from Scarborough, and boasts 5 miles of golden sand with an adjacent promenade. The area is also great for sailing and walking – to the north of the beach is Filey Brigg, which is one end of the Cleveland Way trail.

• Nearest station to Filey Beach: Filey

5. Formby

Managed by the National Trust, this unique Merseyside beach is a haven of sand dunes and rare wildlife, and is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Just out to sea there are also 2 historic shipwrecks, while in the Pinewoods next to the beach you might just spot a rare red squirrel!

• Nearest station to Formby Beach: Freshfield

6. Great Yarmouth

This Norfolk resort boasts miles of sandy beaches and a seafront promenade known as the Golden Mile, stretching between the 2 piers. It’s lined with restaurants, amusements and attractions – including the Merrivale Model Village and the Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach.

• Nearest station to Great Yarmouth Beach: Great Yarmouth

7. North Berwick

Just over 30 minutes from Edinburgh by train, this charming East Lothian seaside town offers great beaches and views across the Firth of Forth to Bass Rock. The soft sand with tidal rock pools makes it perfect for families.

The Scottish Seabird Centre is located in the harbour, offering close-up views of gannets and other seabirds. You can get 20% OFF entry to the Scottish Seabird Centre(external link, opens in a new tab) with National Rail’s Days Out Guide when you go by train.

• Nearest station to North Berwick Beach: North Berwick

8. Saltburn-by-the-Sea

This Victorian seaside resort in North Yorkshire has a beach with both sand and shingle, and a 200-metre pier extending into the sea – the last one left in Yorkshire. Take the unique water-powered cliff lift down to the beach, or visit Valley Gardens and the miniature railway near Valley Woods. The beach is also popular for surfing and other watersports.

• Nearest station to Saltburn Beach: Saltburn

9. Tenby

Surrounded by a medieval stone wall, this Pembrokeshire town boasts some of the finest beaches in Wales, with golden sands stretching away from the famous harbour, which is surrounded by colourful Georgian houses. Tenby’s beaches are ideal for families, while boat trips to nearby Caldey Island (from April to October) offer the chance to visit a working monastery.

• Nearest station to Tenby Beach: Tenby

10. Weston-super-Mare

This traditional Somerset seaside resort offers a long sandy beach stretching for miles along the Bristol Channel, with donkey rides and other entertainment in the summer months. The famous Grand Pier features amusements and attractions, while the seafront promenade is perfect for a stroll.

• Nearest station to Weston-super-Mare Beach: Weston-super-Mare

11. Weymouth

This Dorset resort combines a beautiful sandy beach with a historic harbour. If you fancy an interesting walk, you can follow the Rodwell Trail, which was built on a disused railway line. It goes from Weymouth to the famous Chesil Beach – a remarkable 18-mile stretch of pebbles that is part of the Jurassic Coast, a Unesco World Heritage Site.

• Nearest station to Weymouth Beach: Weymouth