Overview

• Chris Haslam inspected 756 beaches on a month-long campervan tour, applying an 11-point checklist covering water quality, cleanliness, accessibility, lifeguards, hygiene and dog-friendliness.
• The guide names Sandsend in North Yorkshire as North of England Beach of the Year and Shell Island in Gwynedd as Wales champion.
• Ten new beaches enter the top 50, reflecting a surge in visitor interest in lesser-known coastal locations.
• Regional standouts include Silecroft for the North West, Cocklawburn topping North East picks and Skegness as the best in the East of England.
• The emphasis on rural shores and conservation-minded spots marks a clear departure from crowded urban resort beaches.