Ah, Great Britain. Land of football, pubs, royals and sarcasm. There are many things the UK does well, but beach weather is not one of them, leaving many of us longing for an escape to faraway sands. But it might be time to reconsider: the Telegraph has listed four UK seaside spots among the 50 best beaches in the entire world.

Yep, that’s right. Several of the best beaches on planet Earth are right here in the UK. So, beach umbrellas at the ready, because this may be the summer you embrace the British Isles. Why fly all the way to the tropics when you have paradise – minus the mosquitoes – in your back garden? 

Here are the beaches that made the Telegraph’s list.

Dungeness Beach, Kent

Dungeness’ wild landscape demands respect. It’s not exactly the kind of place you’d go for a casual day of sunbathing and the water’s a little rough for swimming, but Dungeness offers the kind of natural beauty you won’t experience anywhere else. Seriously – this shingle beach is the only place in Britain technically classed as a desert.  

Aside from the odd lighthouse or abandoned boat, there is little sign of human interference to disturb your views across the Romney Marsh peninsula. Ideal for getting away from it all, Dungeness may not be your classic holiday spot, but you’d be hard pressed to come away from a visit without absorbing at least a little of the area’s serenity. 

Holkham, Norfolk

Holkham is as picturesque as it gets. You don’t need to take our word for it – it’s featured in Hollywood movies and every year the Household Cavalry guards head here to train their horses. 

Part of Holkham’s A-list appeal is its seclusion. To get there, you have to make your way along a boardwalk, and there are no lifeguards or buildings anywhere near the beach itself. Make the trip and you’re rewarded with large expanses of golden sands. 

Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall

You might recognise Porthcurno for its appearance in the BBC hit Poldark but it’s arguably better known for the Minack Theatre, the Greek-inspired amphitheatre carved into the cliffs overlooking the beach. 

Porthcurno also offers the soft white sands people usually expect from the Maldives, making it especially popular among families and those looking for a more traditional day at the seaside. The tides here lend themselves to surfing and bodyboarding, meaning it really has something for everyone. And that’s not to mention the rugged charm of its stunning surroundings. 

Three Cliffs Bay, Gower

This Welsh wonder offers that timeless combination of sandy beach and majestic cliffs, with the added punch of a river estuary, limestone arch and tidepools. The Wales Coast Path, which curves along the hillside, makes for an amazing hike. 

Keep your camera at the ready, your eye on the strong currents and prepare to be overwhelmed by incredible views. If you’re here at low tide, you may even spot the 900-year-old ruins of Pennard Castle.

You can read the Telegraph’s full list (behind a paywall) here.

For more seaside recommendations, check out Time Out’s guide to the best beaches in the UK.

Plus, we found the UK’s most beautiful hidden beaches

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