Tiree

Known as the Hawaii of the North, Tiree is sure to provide a tranquil heaven for holidaymakers to relax and unwind. With breath-taking white-shell beaches and crystal-clear waters, Balephuil Bay is the perfect place for a swim or even a windsurfing session, thanks to the warm waters brought in by the Gulf Stream.  When visiting this idyllic spot, be sure to take your binoculars, as this is a favourite place amongst nature-lovers, with a wealth of wildlife living around this part of the island’s north-west coastline.

Although only 10 miles long and five miles wide, the most westerly island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland is noted as one of the sunniest places in Britain. Tiree often beats everywhere else in the UK for daily hours of sunshine, with the view of the horizon bringing stunning sunsets and the streetlight-free island transforming into a spectacular destination for stargazing on a warm summer’s night

Barra

60 miles from mainland Scotland, flights to Barra are a spectacular experience which all the family are guaranteed to enjoy, with sweeping views of the scenery from above, before touching down onto a two-mile cockleshell beach runway. An apt addition to any bucket list, Traigh Mhor is a vast expanse of firm golden sand which serves as Barra’s airport and is renowned as the only tidally dictated runway in the world. Loganair’s service to Barra is the only one in the world with a regular scheduled beach-landing.

Upon arrival, pause to marvel with local spectators watching the incoming flights on this unique runway, before making your way to Tangasdale Beach, found on the west coast of this beautiful Isle. This serene location makes for the perfect place to sit with a good book, and the small rock outcrops at either end are ideal for keeping kids occupied, as they uncover the rock pools left behind by the retreating tide.

Stornoway - Lewis & Harris

Fly to Stornoway for the tranquillity of the isles of the Outer Hebrides. As the main town of the Western Isles chain, Stornoway is a lively harbour, with a variety of attractions close by including Lews Castle and the An Lanntair Art Centre. Stornoway also places you in the perfect position to hop across to Lewis and Harris, which are not two islands but one, with beaches on each which are guaranteed to take your breath away.

With one of the largest beaches on Harris, Luskentyre, boasting miles of sweeping white sand and turquoise water, it is named as one of the UK’s best beaches in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards.

In contrast, Mangersta on Lewis provides raw beauty, with a rugged shoreline, featuring sea stacks, dunes and machair (seashore meadows), with the best views taken in by walking, cycling, birdwatching, kayaking, coasteering, surfing or via local boat trips, to appeal to every member of the family.

Jersey

Ok, not quite the UK, but a Crown Dependency within the Common Travel Area means you don’t have to worry about foreign travel advice here. Despite the place names being French, Jersey is very much a part of the British Isles. 

On Jersey you are never more than ten minutes from the sea, yet you could be a million miles away from anywhere, such is the relaxing effect of this enthralling, characterful island. Despite being a smallish place, at only nine miles by five, you can readily lose yourself in the abundance of fun there is to be had.

Jersey provides the best of both worlds with stunning white sand beaches and dramatic cliffs, with an array of activities for all the family to enjoy, with the likes of surfing, sea safaris, walking, cycling, kayaking and the new sport of coasteering – exploring rugged sections of coast by rock climbing, scrambling, swimming and supervised cliff jumping on offer.

Or simply relax by taking a leisurely stroll into the 12th century on the battlements of a castle, delve into the Zoo and the Botanical Gardens, or kick back entirely and let the sunset on St Ouen’s Bay do its spellbinding thing.

Exeter - Devon

With over 120 miles of spectacular coastline, South Devon is home to several of England’s award-winning beaches for water and beach quality.

With two coasts and a variety of water sports on offer, Devon promises waters that cater to surfers of every level, alongside secluded coves, private white-sand beaches, and dog-friendly bays.

No matter the time of year, there is something for the full family to enjoy with a range of attractions nearby and a number of walking routes that highlight the natural beauty of the coastline, with the famous World Heritage Jurassic Coast located a mere stone’s throw away.