UK's best coastline is Blue Flag beach with strikingly clear blue water - full list

More Britons are looking to make the most of the UK's coastline, and new research has found the country's most picturesque beaches based on the experiences of thousands of visitors.

The analysis found searches for "UK beaches" have risen by 23 per cent over the past year, while searches for "Jersey holiday" are up 21 per cent, highlighting growing interest in seaside breaks closer to home.

To find the UK's most picturesque beaches, ferry operator DFDS looked at Google reviews, measuring how often visitors used positive words including "beautiful", "stunning", "picturesque" and "tranquil".

It named Blackpool Sands in Devon as the top option as it scored an impressive 152 positive keywords per 100 reviews.

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UK's most picturesque beaches

• Blackpool Sands, Devon
• Sandbanks Beach, Dorset
• Botany Bay, Kent
• Kynance Cove, Cornwall (joint fourth)
• Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall (joint fourth)
• Lulworth Cove, Dorset (joint fourth)
• Durdle Door, Dorset
• West Wittering Beach, West Sussex
• Woolacombe Sands, Devon
• Achmelvich Bay, Scottish Highlands
• Harlech Beach, Gwynedd
• Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland
• Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Harris
• Camber Sands, East Sussex
• Holkham Beach, Norfolk

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Blackpool Sands in Devon is a great choice if you are planning a beach staycation. Surrounded by pine trees, the Blue Flag beach is known for its unusually clear blue water, giving it an almost Mediterranean feel.

Visitors can hire paddleboards and kayaks or relax in the beachfront sauna, making it the perfect destination for both active days out and slower-paced seaside escapes.

Sandbanks Beach in Dorset ranked second with a score of 151. As one of the UK's best-known beaches, it is famed for its long stretch of soft golden sand and sweeping views across Poole Bay.

Its Blue Flag status, calm waters and family-friendly atmosphere make it a popular choice for swimming, sunbathing and traditional beach days.

Botany Bay in Kent completed the top three with a score of 145. Set beneath dramatic white cliffs, the beach is renowned for its striking chalk stacks, secluded feel and excellent coastal walks.

At low tide, visitors can explore rock pools and enjoy one of the most photogenic stretches of coastline in southeast England.

Kynance Cove and Porthcurno Beach in Cornwall, alongside Dorset's Lulworth Cove, shared fourth place after each received a score of 143, highlighting the enduring appeal of some of Britain's most spectacular coastal landscapes.

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