Fantastic British beach locations

13th July 2022

Avoid the crowds and enjoy one of these picturesque beaches this summer.

We've compiled a list of some of the country's lesser-known picturesque beach destinations for you to throw down your beach towel this summer.

Not only are these beaches easy to access by train so you can avoid traffic jams and reduce your carbon footprint, but you can also save a third on your journey (and 60% off kids fares) with a Railcard.

Botany Bay

Tucked away in the northernmost of seven bays in the popular Kent resort of Broadstairs, adjacent to the Kent Coastline Walk and the Viking Coastal Trail, you’ll find the secluded sandy beach and clear waters of Botany Bay.

You can escape the rush for Margate Beach and slip away to this hidden gem further along the coastline. Great for building sandcastles, sunbathing and kite-flying but even more of a treat for watersports fans into kayaking, canoeing, swimming, bodyboarding.

With stunning white cliff and chalk stack views, don’t forget to free up space on your phone or camera!

Getting there.
The nearest train station to Botany Bay is Margate. Two adults and two kids can save over £36 with a Family & Friends Railcard*.

Camber Sands

Most beaches are lined with pebbles and shingle along the Sussex coast, but Camber Sands is an unusual find where you can enjoy a seven-mile stretch of beautiful golden sand. Hidden behind a wall of the only sand dunes in East Sussex, you’ll uncover everything you need to create a perfectly tranquil seaside experience.

If you’re feeling a little more active, try your hand at windsurfing/kitesurfing or taking a coastal stroll before enjoying a picnic among the dunes.

Getting there.
The nearest train station to Camber Sands is Rye. Two adults can save over £26 with a Two Together Railcard**.

Cuckmere Haven Beach

Located near Seaford in East Sussex, you’ll find the Cuckmere Haven Beach tucked next to the magnificent Seven Sisters white chalk cliffs.

Providing an escape from daily life, you can enjoy lots of activities from walking the surrounding areas, which are great for dog walkers, enjoying exhilarating water sports and exploring a beach used as a location in numerous films, including Harry Potter.

Getting there.
The nearest train station to Cuckmere Haven Beach is Seaford. 1 adult can save over £10 with a Senior Railcard***.

Pedn Vounder Beach

Located on the south coast of the Penwith peninsula, close to a village called Treen, you will find the perfect beach for hikers/rock climbers.

Located down a steep coastal path along the cliffs, you’ll discover a white sandy beach with crystal clear blue waters and some of the most breathtaking views you’ve ever seen.

Get there early and wear sensible footwear suitable for rock climbing/hiking, take a rucksack and travel light. As with most place that are hard to reach, they tend to be the most rewarding, and Pedn Vounder is no exception.

As with most remote beaches, there are no facilities on the beach itself so be sure to pack food, drink and always take your litter back with you.

Getting there.
The nearest train station to Pedn Vounder Beach is Penzance. 1 adult can save over £43 with a 26-30 Railcard****.

Crosby Beach

Located on the Merseyside coastline, north of Liverpool and stretching about 2.5 miles, you’ll find Crosby beach, home to some of Britains most stunning sunsets thanks to an uninterrupted view that makes the sun seem like it’s melting into the Irish Sea.

This sandy beach is home to ‘Another Place’ that comprises 100 cast-iron figures facing the sea, by artist Antony Gormley. These works of art stretch along the coastline and almost a mile out to sea. Crosby is great for walkers and hikers; it’s a non-bathing beach due to the soft mud and risk of changing tides, but there’s plenty to see and explore, so it’s definitely worth a visit.

Getting there.
The nearest train station to Crosby Beach is Waterloo, Liverpool. 1 adult can save over £33 with a Disabled Persons Railcard*****.

Seacliff Beach

Located in a remote corner of East Lothian, you’ll find Seacliff Beach a short distance from Edinburgh and a vast stretch of golden sand, ruins, and majestic views steeped in history.

A little exploring of this beautiful beach will reveal a tiny harbour carved out of the sandstone, said to be one of the smallest in the UK and almost certainly worth a visit. Seacliff is perfect for families with lots to do, from exploring the natural rock pools, surfing, kayaking and exploring castle ruins. It’s also dog friendly.

Getting there.
The nearest train station to Seacliff Beach is Berwick-upon-Tweed. One person between 16-25 can save over £48 with a 16-25 Railcard******.


Travel again, save again.

  • For just £30 a year, get ⅓ off rail travel plus deals on meals, hotels and loads more!
  • A railcard pays for itself in just one or two journeys. So start planning your next trip today.

*Railcard price savings are based on Off-Peak Day Return tickets from London Victoria to Margate for 2 adults and two kids with a Family & Friends Railcard. Prices checked on 5 August 2022 for travel on 8 August 2022.

**Railcard price savings are based on Off-Peak Day Return tickets from London St Pancras International to Rye for 2 adults with a Two Together Railcard. Prices checked on 5 August 2022 for travel on 8 August 2022.

***Railcard price savings are based on Off-Peak Day Return tickets from London Victoria to Seaford for 1 adult with a Senior Railcard. Prices checked on 5 August 2022 for travel on 8 August 2022.

****Railcard price savings are based on Off-Peak Day Return tickets from London Paddington to Penzance for 1 adult with a 26-30 Railcard. Prices checked on 5 August 2022 for travel on 8 August 2022.

*****Railcard price savings are based on Off-Peak Day Return tickets from London Euston to Waterloo, Liverpool for 1 adult with a Disabled Persons Railcard. Prices checked on 5 August 2022 for travel on 8 August 2022.

******Railcard price savings are based on Off-Peak Day Return tickets from London Kings Cross to Berwick-upon-Tweed for 1 person with a 16-25 Railcard. Prices checked on 5 August 2022 for travel on 8 August 2022.