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Winter completely transforms the British coastline. Gone are the packed beaches, sunbathers and ice-cream queues. In their place: crisp sea air, dramatic skies, rolling waves, peaceful sands and miles of space to walk, breathe and reset. For many people – including dog walkers – winter is actually the BEST time to visit the coast.
Whether you’re looking for storm-watching drama, a quiet stroll with the dog, or a beautiful coastal ramble wrapped up warm, these 10 UK beaches offer unforgettable winter walking experiences. From Cornwall to the Scottish Highlands, here are the finest winter beaches to explore.
1. Rhossili Bay, Wales
Once voted one of the best beaches in the world, Rhossili Bay is breathtaking in winter. Its three-mile crescent of golden sand meets towering dunes and rolling Atlantic waves. In the colder months, you can walk almost entirely alone, with the dramatic Worm’s Head peninsula standing sentinel at the bay’s western end.
Why it’s great in winter:
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Huge, empty sandy beach
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Incredible sunsets
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Perfect for dogs and long winter hikes
Top winter walk:
A loop from Rhossili village out towards Worm’s Head, then descending to the beach and returning via the dunes.
2. Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland
If you love wild beauty, winter light and sweeping sands, Bamburgh Beach is unbeatable. With the historic Bamburgh Castle perched above the shoreline, this stretch of beach becomes almost cinematic in winter – moody skies, foamy surf, and endless views towards Lindisfarne.
Why it’s great in winter:
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Stunning views of Bamburgh Castle
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Space to walk for miles
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Crisp North Sea air and dramatic weather
Top winter walk:
Walk from Bamburgh towards Seahouses along the sand, then return via the coastal path for beautiful views.
3. Holkham Beach, Norfolk
Holkham is one of the UK’s most peaceful winter beaches and is located by Wells-next-the-Sea – a vast expanse of sand that feels almost other worldly. As the tide goes out, shimmering pools form across the flats, reflecting the winter sky. Behind the beach lies Holkham’s famous pine forest, providing a sheltered route for colder, windier days.
Why it’s great in winter:
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Immense open sands
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Ideal for peaceful morning walks
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Beautiful combination of beach and forest
Top winter walk:
A circular walk from Lady Anne’s Drive through the pines and out onto the sand.
4. Kynance Cove, Cornwall
In summer, Kynance Cove (south of Porthleven) overflows with visitors – but in winter, it becomes a dramatically beautiful and peaceful haven, perfect for coastal walks. Winter storms pound the offshore rocks, turquoise water surges into the cove, and the serpentine cliffs glow rich red tones even under moody skies.
Why it’s great in winter:
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Superb coastal views
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Rare chance to enjoy the cove in solitude
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Excellent photography opportunities
Top winter walk:
The South West Coast Path route between Kynance Cove and Lizard Point offers breathtaking views.
5. West Sands, St Andrews, Scotland
Famous for its appearance in Chariots of Fire, West Sands is one of Scotland’s most iconic beaches. In winter, the beach stretches wide and empty, with bright cold mornings and striking winter sunsets. The fresh North Sea wind makes it feel bracing and invigorating – perfect for long, clear-headed walks.
Why it’s great in winter:
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Huge sandy stretch for long walks
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Excellent for dogs
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Close to St Andrews for cosy cafés afterward
Top winter walk:
Walk the full two-mile stretch from the dunes to the river mouth and back.
6. Saunton Sands, Devon
Saunton Sands is legendary for its three miles of flat golden sand backed by the UNESCO-protected Braunton Burrows dune system. Winter turns Saunton into a moody Atlantic masterpiece – swirling mists, soft light, crisp air and powerful surf.
Why it’s great in winter:
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Ideal for long, uninterrupted walks
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Surfers still active year-round
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Easy parking and access
Top winter walk:
A walk along the sand at low tide before looping back through the dunes.
7. Luskentyre Beach, Outer Hebrides
Perhaps the most surreal winter beach in the UK, Luskentyre offers bright turquoise water (ideal for wild swimming), white sand and mountain views that look almost tropical – until the winter wind and wild weather remind you of its rugged latitude. Winter skies here are unmatched, with soft pastel horizons and brooding light.
Why it’s great in winter:
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Remote, peaceful and astonishingly beautiful
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Incredible light for photography
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Wide, open beach framed by mountains
Top winter walk:
Follow the full length of the beach then circle back via the machair grasslands.
8. Tenby South Beach, Pembrokeshire
Tenby is charming year-round, but in winter its beaches become atmospheric and peaceful. South Beach, with its long sands and iconic views of Caldey Island, is perfect for relaxed coastal strolls away from summer crowds.
Why it’s great in winter:
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Long, flat beach ideal for walking
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Lovely views of Caldey Island
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Access to colourful Tenby town for warming up afterward
Top winter walk:
Walk the entire stretch from Tenby towards Giltar Point.
9. Whitby Sands, Yorkshire Coast
The Yorkshire Coast has a rugged winter beauty, and Whitby Sands – beneath the cliffs and iconic abbey – is particularly spectacular. Winter enhances the drama of the North Sea, and the harbour town of Whitby offers a cosy return point when you’re ready for warmth and fish and chips.
Why it’s great in winter:
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Atmospheric winter seascapes
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Great for moody photography
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Coastal path links to Sandsend
Top winter walk:
Walk from Whitby to Sandsend along the beach or the high coastal path.
10. Camber Sands, East Sussex
Camber Sands is one of the few beaches in East Sussex with rolling dunes and desert-like scenery. Winter strips away the crowds, revealing a huge expanse of sand and sky that feels almost endless. On windy days, the dunes offer some shelter while waves crash along the shore.
Why it’s great in winter:
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Vast sandy beach ideal for off-lead dog walks
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Stunning sunrises and sunsets
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Chance to enjoy the famous dunes without crowds
Top winter walk:
A back-and-forth route along the water’s edge, with views towards Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.
Why Winter Beach Walks Are So Special
Winter brings a unique mood to the coast:
Peace & quiet
Enjoy beaches normally crowded in summer but now blissfully empty.
Crisp air & dramatic light
Photographers love the winter sky – low sun, pastel colours, moody shadows.
Perfect for dog walking
Most UK beaches lift restrictions from 1 October to 30 April.
Great for wellbeing
Walking by the sea reduces stress, improves mood and clears the mind.
Storm watching
Safely from the dunes or cliffs – always keep distance from big surf.
Tips for Safe & Enjoyable Winter Beach Walks
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Dress in layers – coastal wind is colder than inland.
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Wear waterproof boots or wellies.
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Check tide times: some beaches vanish at high tide.
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Keep dogs safe near cliffs and large waves.
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Bring a flask of something warm – game-changer.
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Aim for morning or late-afternoon light for the best photos.
Winter is one of the most magical times to explore the UK coastline. With dramatic scenery, peaceful sands and invigorating weather, these 10 beaches offer some of the finest coastal walks in Britain. Whether you’re travelling with your dog, your partner, or simply seeking space and fresh air, a winter beach walk is the perfect escape.
If you’re thinking of booking a coastal stay in winter, check out our huge range of coastal holiday cottages, many that offer substantial savings during the off-peak winter months. With most beaches happy to accept pets, it’s the perfect time of the year to enjoy dog friendly coastal holidays in the UK, no doubt your faithful hound will agree!