No 1: Whitesand Bay, St David's, Pembrokeshire
St. David's Tourist Information Centre: 01437 720392/ 01437 764636
Awards: Blue Flag
This strip of fine white sand is said to be one of the best surfing beaches, and its coastal path makes an interesting circular walk. Daily cleaning and a total ban on dogs from May to September add to the attraction. Facilities include attended toilets and a first aid post at the lifeguards' centre. A small shop and cafe provide a focal point for this friendly beach where National Parks holds occasional beach days and, not content with ordinary sandcastles, sand-church competitions. Bathing is safe, but swimmers should follow the warning signs for surfers and powerboats. Parking, for 100 cars, is available at £1.50.
No 2: Woolacombe Village Beach, Devon
Woolacombe Tourist Information Centre: 01271 870553
Awards: Blue Flag, Best Family Resort in England for Excellence Awards
Two and a quarter miles of golden sand backed by sandy hills and the Woolacombe Downs make this beach a stunning strand. Facilities are good and the seaside activities range from rockpool rambles with conservation experts to bouncy castles. Keen surfers will be kept occupied with the regular surfing competitions which take place well away from the swimming area. Swimming is safe and there are lifeguards. Dogs are allowed in a restricted area only and the beach is cleaned during and at the end of each day.
No 3: Sutton-on-Sea, Lincolnshire
Mablethorpe Tourist Information Centre: 01507 472496
Awards: Blue Flag
Having recently been on a 'beach-nourishment' programme, this beach offers a welcoming wide expanse of soft sand, pumped from the seabed as part of an initiative by the Environment Agency. Paddling pools and donkey rides, as well as its daily cleaning and brushing, make it safe and lots of fun. Sutton Sea Beach Mission organises children's activities during holidays such as beach games, races and sandcastle building. There are cafes and restaurants nearby, and toilets along the beach front. Dogs are banned and there is a full lifeguard service.
No 4: Benone Beach, Co Londonderry
Limavady Tourist Information Centre: 028777 60307
Awards: Blue Flag - first beach in Northern Ireland to win one
This seven-mile sandy beach is backed by heather-covered land and natural sand dunes. It boasts more than 90 different types of shell, but is remarkably free of shingle and seaweed. Bathing is safe and there is a full lifeguard service. Benone Tourist Complex, located on the beach, offers a huge range of activities, including indoor tennis courts, heated splash pool and putting green for when the weather turns nasty. The rich plant and animal life of the surrounding dunes offer excellent nature walks.
No 5: Dornoch, Sutherland
Highlands of Scotland Tourist Board: 01862 810400
Awards: Rural Beach Award from Tidy Britain
The panoramic view across the Moray Firth, with the chance of catching a glimpse of the occasional whale or dolphin, draws visitors to this well-kept rural beach. The children's playground offers alternative activity if the weather is bad and the adjacent Site of Special Scientific Interest means that this beach is of enormous value to wildlife watchers. There is ample car parking as well as toilets and the beach is cleaned regularly.
