While the UK is not known for its beaches due to the lack of sunshine, there are plenty of beautiful spots to explore this summer that you may never have heard of.
Cornwall and Devon are some of the most widely visited destinations for Brits looking for a summer staycation, with plenty of attractive beaches lining the coast.
But there are other parts of the region that are also home to stunning beaches, as well as pretty nearby towns to explore come summertime.
According to Conde Nast Traveller, these are the seven best beaches to visit across the UK - and some of them are very well hidden from the public.
7. Mothecombe, Plymouth, Devon
This beautiful beach is a local gem that is somewhat hidden from tourists thanks to its remote location.
Featuring soft, fine sand and shallow waters, it makes the perfect spot for paddling or sunbathing when the temperature is right.
Located right at the mouth of the River Erme, rolling hills and countryside surround this pretty spot.
There is a car park just 10-15 minutes away, with plenty of rockpools and coastal walks to explore.
(Image: Getty)6. Crantock Beach, Newquay, Cornwall
Cornwall is a popular spot for Brits year round, with hundreds of hotels and accommodation options.
And while Newquay is widely visited, this unspoilt beach is just a 12-minute drive away from the busy town.
Nestled between dunes and grasslands, the sandy beach is home to turquoise water that is perfect for swimming.
The water is often calm, making it ideal for paddling. There is also the option to rent out a surfboard, perfect for those looking to test the waves.
(Image: Getty)5. Pentle Bay, Scilly Isles
If it's clear water you are after, Pentle Bay in the Scilly Isles is the perfect spot for snorkelling thanks to its crystal clear ocean.
Almost 30 miles south-west of Land's End, you can reach the Isles of Scilly via ferry or a fixed wing plane.
The journey is short and definitely worth it for those looking for a unique experience. The water here is safe for swimming, with the Isles having a warmer climate than other parts of Britain.
It is also perfect for water sports, with self-catering accommodation a stone's throw away.
(Image: Getty)4. Walberswick Beach, Suffolk
Walberswick's long, grassy dune-backed beach is a much quieter option for those looking to keep away from the crowds this summer.
Southwold beach - just across the river - is much busier during peak months.
But Walberswick has its own unique beauty, being just moments away from a postcard-worthy village and several pubs.
You can catch Dani Church’s row-boat ferry across the river to explore Southwold in the same day.
(Image: Getty)3. Sennen Cove, Cornwall
This mile-long cove in Cornwall is third on the list thanks to its beautiful golden sand and old folk tales.
Mermaids were rumoured to have visited these shores years ago, though it turned out it was actually dolphins paying locals a visit.
Pods can still be seen frolicking in the ocean at certain times of the year, so be sure to keep a look out.
Penzance is just a 20-minute drive away with plenty of hotels and B&Bs on offer for tourists wanting to explore more of the area.
(Image: Getty)2. Seven Sisters, Sussex
This beautiful beach is lined with white chalk cliffs, with its name paying tribute to the seven peaks of those cliffs.
For those wanting to visit the Seven Sisters, it's not for the faint hearted, with steep steps down and back up.
There are also beautiful coastline walks, but with dramatic drops atop the cliffs it can put some off.
For those that do make the venture, keep an eye out for the Beachy Head Lighthouse along the way.
This beach is a great spot for those who love swimming, canoeing and bird-watching.
(Image: Getty)1. Blackpool Sands, Devon
Despite the name, this beautiful beach is actually located in Devon and is home to crystal-clear water.
The beach has been praised for its "Amalfi coast" feel thanks to the number of pine trees leading up to this hidden beauty.
This beach is particularly popular thanks to its stunning water, with the beach formed of smooth little pebbles making the ocean astonishingly clear.
It has won awards for its cleanliness and has a little beach shack serving up warm coffee and local cakes, pies, and pastries.
(Image: Getty)