The Best Beaches In The UK For 2014

If you're on a budget, you don't need to head abroad this year to find beautiful beaches and picture perfect holiday resorts. Why not take a staycation instead and holiday right here in the UK? You'll be surprised at just how beautiful some of the etches around the British Isles are, especially as we've become almost programmed to think that we have to take a trip abroad in order to have a holiday. So where should you go? Take a look at some of these amazing beaches and see if you can't be convinced that staying in the UK this year is a great idea:

Blackpool Sands, Devon

This isn't a typo, Blackpool Sands is in fact in Devon, not in the Blackpool we're all more familiar with in Lancahire. It's a privately managed beach, backed by beautiful pine trees and, as it's set in a secluded cove, it's great for swimming too. So make sure you kit the family out with new swimwear from George at ASDA before you go. It has great waterspouts facilities, so you can try your hand at snorkelling, surfskiing, kayaking and on the boogie boards, all of which can be hired from the beach itself. There are natural sandpits for the kids from May to October, a sunbathing 'raft', a shop and a restaurant, as well as lots of summer events for all the family to enjoy. It really is the perfect family beach to visit if you're in the area.

Avon Beach, Dorset

Another privately owned beach, just perfect for families, Avon Beach offers a lovely long stretch of sand just outside the town of Christchurch. With beach huts to rent, excellent swimming and watersports facilities, a fantastic restaurant, shop and an amazing view of the Isle of Wight, it's a lovely beach to visit with all the family.

Priory Bay, Isle of Wight

If you want a secluded beach with what can be described as an almost tropical feel to it, look no further than the stunning Priory bay on the Isle of Wight. With crystal clear sea gently lapping at the golden sand, an exclusive hotel overlooking the beach and the feeling of being on your own private beach, thanks to it only being accessible by either hotel guests or by walking from another beach onto Priory Bay, it's a world away from what you'd expect from the average beach in the UK and well worth the effort to get there.

Gullane, Scotland

The beautiful beach of Gullane is huge, windswept and surrounded by sand dunes, forests and several championship golf courses, as well as lots of stunning houses on what could effectively be referred to as Gullan's millionaires row. It's a breathtaking spot and on you simply can't afford to miss if you're staying near Edinburgh this year.

So what are you waiting for? Pack those suitcases and head to one of the UK's beach resorts this year. Perhaps even turn it into a tour and take in several of the beautiful beaches we have here in the UK, you certainly won't be disappointed.