UK’s best hidden gem beaches including ‘mesmerising’ secluded cove

Fed up of fighting for a patch of sand at the beach? Luckily, the UK has some incredible hidden gem beaches where tourists won’t need to worry about crowds.

The travel experts at holidaycottages.co.uk have rounded up a list of some of the UK’s best lesser-known beaches.

From Northumberland to North Wales, many of the UK’s prettiest coastlines have hidden gems to discover.

Each of the featured beaches has also been picked for their stunning views and range of beach activities.

So where are the UK’s best hidden beaches?

‌Church Door Cove, Pembrokeshire

Located near Manorbier village in Pembrokeshire, Church Door Cove can only be accessed by a coastal path.

The cove gets its name from the spectacular door-shaped archway formed by the ocean. A tourist ‘Amirah’ wrote on Tripadvisor: “Oh what a beautiful mesmerising hidden gem in Pembrokeshire! The sea, the cove, loads of rocks, nature, an amazing way to relax!”

Porth Iago, North Wales

Another Welsh spot, Porth Iago is breathtakingly beautiful with turquoise water and golden sand. It’s the ideal spot for a romantic picnic while locals often use the beach for paddleboarding.

A Tripadvisor review of the beach said: “The beach is to die for. Turquoise in colour and beautiful golden sands. We do a lot of beaches in Gwynedd and Anglesey, and this is the top two in our visits, top in my wife’s.” 

Embleton Bay, Northumberland 

Embleton Bay is located by the pretty village of Embleton and has been described as the jewel of the North East. Unwind on the sand with the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle in the background. 

TikToker @geordie_ice_woman said: “It’s the most stunning beach in Northumberland. Last-minute adventures are always the best. That’s another beach ticked off my list.”

Kingsgate Bay, Kent

This gorgeous beach in pretty Broadstairs is best known for its sea caves and despite its beauty, it’s much quieter than the neighbouring beaches. 

At one end, tourists will find Kingsgate Castle and at the other a public house that dates back to the 1760s. 

A section of the beach is part of the Viking Coastal Trail and it’s also an easy day trip from London.