THE TIMES AND SUNDAY TIMES ANNUAL LIST OF TOP UK BEACHES 

Weymouth in Dorset takes the crown as The Times and Sunday Times Best UK Beach 2023

Holkham, Bamburgh, Ballycastle, West Wittering, Findhorn and Rhossili Bay also recognised as regional winners

Must credit: The Times and The Sunday Times Best UK Beaches

Must hyper-link: thetimes.co.uk/best-uk-beaches

Weymouth is the UK’s beach of the year, according to The Times and Sunday Times annual best beaches guide, published today online and in print on July 16. The guide is the definitive and most comprehensive list of the UK’s 50 best beaches.

It’s the first year the guide has been nominated by readers of The Times and Sunday Times, who put forward their favourite beaches for a detailed inspection. Chris Haslam, Chief Travel Writer at The Times and Sunday Times, then assessed the beaches using a rigorous 11-point checklist. Every one of the coastal spots listed has been visited within the past eight weeks.

Weymouth’s litter-free sands, first-class facilities and great chippies are among the reasons why the Dorset spot has taken this year’s crown. Readers of The Times and Sunday Times praised the wide sandy beach, the lifeguards, the shallow waters that are safe for children, the Georgian backdrop and a bucket and spade sharing scheme.

The guide highlights the world-beating magnificence of the British seaside, and gives readers a description of the scenery and setting, as well as all the practical information needed to plan a beach day, including car parking, loos, refreshments and shops – and water quality.

Chris Haslam, Chief Travel Writer at the Times and Sunday Times, said: “As families flock to the British coastlines this summer, and tourists migrate to more northerly latitudes, beaches in Britain could be on the cusp of a new golden age. This is the most comprehensive and detailed beach guide available, and the only one in which every stretch of sand, pebbles or shingle has been physically inspected within the past eight weeks. The weather was magnificent throughout, and when the sun is shining - our beaches are the most beautiful on earth."

In addition to Weymouth, regional winners across Britain include:

Claire Irvin, Head of Travel at The Times and Sunday Times, said: “The Times and Sunday Times Best UK Beach 2023 is a highly anticipated annual guide, informing and inspiring our readers’ much-loved coastal trips throughout the year. And from the winners, it’s easy to see why, as a nation, we still love to be beside the seaside. See you on the beach!”

For further information on the UK’s best beaches, please visit https:thetimes.co.uk/best-uk-beaches. To read The Times and Sunday Times Best UK Beaches guide, make sure to pick up a copy on Sunday July 16.