BEACH OF THE YEAR

LUSKENTYRE BEACH ISLE OF HARRIS One of the largest and most spectacular beaches on Harris, Luskentyre gleams with almost Caribbean colour – green-blue water and white sand framed by dunes and views to Taransay. Remote and heavenly.

You said: “Beautiful sands, sparkling azure water, crisp air, wildlife and a mountainous backdrop.” Jane Lidstone Scott

NEWBOROUGH ANGLESEY

Beautiful sand fringed by forest, a lighthouse, fisherman’s cottages and old lifeboat house. The sea view is framed by Llanddwyn Island and the hills of North Wales.

You said: “It’s so peaceful and tranquil, with wild ponies and dolphins. The view of the mountains of Snowdon is beautiful. The pine forest is amazing, as is the sand beach. Good place for the soul.” Peter Astbury

HOLKHAM NORFOLK

An enormous unspoilt golden sandy beach, illuminated by vast kaleidoscopic skies, lined with pine forest and sand dunes. An ideal location for long beach walks.

You said “It is so atmospheric. The sand extends a long way out to sea and is backed by pine forest. The skies are huge and it is impressive in any weather conditions.” Hanna Claydon

GODREVY CORNWALL

This wide beach of golden sand offers great surf, a wealth of rockpools, sand dunes, a National Trust cafe and resident seal colony.

You said: “A glorious expanse of wide open beach, an abundance of rockpools and sand dunes provide an ideal adventure playground for the family, seals are regular visitors and it’s a haven for surfers. All this and breathtaking scenery.” Andrew Wilcock

DOWNHILL BEACH COUNTY DERRY

This is Dragonstone to Game of Thrones fans. But Downhill is a star in its own right, a seven-mile stretch of sand overlooked by the 18th-century Mussenden Temple.

You said: “Beautiful views of the north Atlantic and Donegal, great nature walks, birdlife sightings among cascading waterfalls and sand dunes.” David Stewart