Best Disability Friendly Beaches in the United Kingdom

Balmedie Beach is a stunning coastal destination located near Aberdeen in Scotland. It is renowned for its extensive sandy shoreline, which stretches for miles and is backed by rolling sand dunes and wetland areas. This beach offers a tranquil and natural atmosphere, making it perfect for visitors seeking both relaxation and connection with nature. The landscape is complemented by wooden boardwalk nature trails that guide guests through the dunes, enhancing the experience of exploring the area's diverse flora and fauna.
With its unspoiled beauty and relatively untouched environment, Balmedie Beach is a popular spot for family gatherings, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The wide open spaces and scenic vistas provide ample opportunities for photography and peaceful walks. The beach’s gentle waves and clean, fresh air contribute to its reputation as a refreshing seaside retreat.
Balmedie Beach’s welcoming vibe is enhanced by the presence of local community activities and events, making it a vibrant, yet peaceful beach destination year-round. Its combination of natural charm and accessibility continues to attract visitors looking to enjoy the quintessential Scottish coastal experience.

North Berwick West Beach has a long stretch of sand with views to the island of Craigleith and the Bass Rock. It is a popular family beach providing an ideal location for sunbathing, bird watching, paddling, picnics and dog walking.

Boscombe Pier Beach, located in Bournemouth, England, is a vibrant coastal destination known for its iconic pier and family-friendly atmosphere. The beach features golden sands stretching along the English Channel, offering panoramic views and a relaxed seaside charm.

Boscombe's laid-back vibe attracts surfers, families, and sun-seekers alike, with its mix of traditional beach activities and modern amenities. The area has undergone significant regeneration, including the addition of an artificial surf reef, making it a hotspot for water sports enthusiasts.

Whitmore Bay Beach is a popular tourist spot known for its various cafes, sports facilities, and amusements. Located walking distance from a cricket field, a soccer field, and several tennis courts, Whitmore appeals to the athletic sports buff while still attracting families with its amusement parks and video game arcades. With a lifeguard on duty, Whitmore is a great place to relax on the beach or play in the water during the summer months. Regardless of the day, visitors can always walk along Whitmore's promenade and watch the waves roll into the shore.

Level access with a flat viewing area, a sandy play area, and a beach café make up the charm of Summerleaze Beach. Summerleaze Beach is located less than a five-minute walk from the center of Bude and is accessible for families and disabled visitors. Clean, safe, and easy on the eye, Summerleaze is popular among families, surfers, and beach-lovers. The beach has a variety of activities ranging from water sports, hiking, kayaking, fishing, climbing, and coasteering with professionals. Visitors to the beach can also take lessons from one of the excellent local surf schools, Bude Surfing Experience and Big Blue Surf School are among the most popular. The waves at the beach are generally small go mid size, making it suitable for surfers of all levels. Visitors can relax under bookable beach huts and sand chairs (affordably priced between £10 - £20 per day) or enjoy the tranquil view of bobbing fishing boats on the river. The sea pool nestled at the foot of the cliffs adds to the appeal of Summerleaze. Part man-made and part natural rock pool, the salt-water pool has attracted swimmers since the 1930s. You don’t want to miss out on this gem!

Skegness Beach, located along the picturesque Lincolnshire coast in East Lindsey, England, is a vibrant and welcoming seaside destination known for its classic British beach charm. Stretching along the North Sea, this expansive coastline offers golden sands, traditional piers, and a lively promenade that caters to families, tourists, and beach enthusiasts alike. The beach’s unique blend of modern amenities and nostalgic appeal creates an inviting atmosphere for all ages, blending casual seaside leisure with vibrant events and cultural activities.
Visitors to Skegness Beach can enjoy its gently sloping sandy shores, perfect for sunbathing, beachcombing, and casual strolls. The town behind the beach is a hub for entertainment and relaxation, featuring arcades, fairgrounds, and shopping areas that enhance the overall experience. With a friendly community vibe and accessibility features, the beach draws diverse crowds including LGBTQ+ visitors and families with children, ensuring a lively yet inclusive environment throughout the year.
Notable for its Blue Flag status, Skegness Beach emphasizes environmental quality and safety, with lifeguard services during peak seasons and a clean, well-maintained beachfront. Visitors often praise the balance between natural beauty and practical conveniences, making it a favored spot for both day-trippers and longer stays.

Torre Abbey is the main beach serving Torquay. It has calm, shallow water, making it a great location for families with small children. Although the beach is quite safe, families should note that there is no lifeguard on duty and there are some rocks that jut out of the water. Everyone should stay on the lookout. Nonetheless, the beach's location is great, as it is in close proximity to several cafes, restaurants, and hotels that sit just off the shore.

Gyllyngvase Beach, arguably the most popular beach in Cornwall, has a multitude of offerings that would satisfy any beachgoer. Gyllyngvase is home to the Gylly Beach Cafe, watched by lifeguards during the high season, and visually stunning.

Naples Beach, located on Florida's Gulf Coast, is renowned for its pristine white sand, clear turquoise waters, and gentle waves, offering a serene and family-friendly atmosphere. Stretching along part of the city’s coastline, this beach is a favorite among both locals and visitors for its accessibility, cleanliness, and breathtaking sunsets. Its proximity to downtown Naples means guests can seamlessly blend a day of relaxation with shopping, dining, and cultural experiences, making it a versatile destination for all types of travelers.

User-generated reviews frequently highlight the beach’s well-maintained facilities, the friendly vibe among visitors, and the abundance of wildlife, including frequent dolphin and pelican sightings. Whether you're seeking a quiet sunrise walk, a lively volleyball game, or a romantic sunset, Naples Beach delivers a postcard-perfect experience. The beach’s laid-back ambiance, combined with its natural beauty, ensures it remains a cherished retreat for those looking to unwind and connect with nature.

Poppit Sands Beach at the tip of the Teifi Estuary has golden sands and sprawling grassy dunes. Its humble beauty helped this beach capture the Seaside Award in 2016, and its cleanliness allowed it to obtain the Blue Flag Award in 2016. This beach is most populated during the summer months, and lifeguards cover the beach seasonally. It is also the starting location of the Pembrokeshire Coast walking path, which stretches 180 miles in length. Dogs are welcome, but only in certain areas of the beach during the summer. The rustling waters make for excellent sailing, surfing, and canoeing. From the comfort of your boat or the shore, you can spot an array of sea life, including bottlenose dolphin, seals, and porpoise. Poppit Sand Cafe & Shop is a local and tourist gathering place for all of your food, drinks, and beach essentials. Camp and caravan around the beach or enjoy more refined accommodations in the nearby town of St. Dogmaels, which also has a number of spots that serve up golden-fried fish and chips. Be sure to explore the ruins of the St Dogmaels Abbey, which dates back to the 12th century. During the first week of August, the Abbey also hosts outdoor Shakespeare plays.

Saunton Sands Beach, situated next to the Saunton Sands Villa, is very popular with long-boarders because of its waves and families for its massive san dunes.

Portstewart Strand is a beautiful beach located in Northern Ireland, known for its stunning views and golden sand. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering a serene atmosphere for relaxation and recreation. The beach is surrounded by scenic coastal walks and offers a range of activities such as swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The nearby town of Portstewart provides a charming backdrop with its shops and restaurants.
The beach is well-maintained, with lifeguards on duty during peak hours, ensuring safety for all beachgoers. Visitors can enjoy the sunsets and take part in various water sports available in the area. The proximity to the town allows for easy access to amenities like cafes and shops.
The natural beauty and accessibility make Portstewart Strand a must-visit destination for beach lovers.

Broad Haven Beach is a picturesque coastal destination located in Pembrokeshire, Wales, renowned for its expansive sandy shoreline and stunning natural beauty. Nestled along the western coast, the beach offers breathtaking views of the bay and cliffs, providing a tranquil setting for visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure. Its unique charm lies in the perfect blend of rugged landscapes and gentle waves, making it an ideal spot for families, nature lovers, and beach enthusiasts alike.
Visitors to Broad Haven Beach appreciate its clean, well-maintained environment, supported by local conservation efforts. The beach experiences a lively yet laid-back atmosphere, drawing a diverse crowd including surfers, swimmers, and photographers eager to capture the golden sands and vibrant sunsets. Wildlife spotting is also a popular pastime, with various marine creatures occasionally visible from the shore, adding to the beach's rich ecological appeal.
With its accessibility and local amenities, Broad Haven Beach stands out as a versatile destination offering both active pursuits and peaceful retreats, enhanced by the welcoming community and scenic surroundings that define this iconic Welsh coast spot.

Whitley Bay Beach is a popular destination located in Whitley Bay, England, known for its beautiful coastline and vibrant atmosphere. The beach offers a relaxing environment with nearby attractions like the iconic Spanish City complex. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including swimming and beach volleyball, while taking in the stunning views of the North Sea. The area is also historically significant, with remnants of its past as a major seaside resort still visible today.
Whitley Bay is a favorite among families and couples alike, offering a mix of leisure activities and cultural experiences. The beach is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. The surrounding town provides a range of dining options and shopping opportunities, making it a perfect spot for a day out or a longer stay.
Throughout the year, Whitley Bay hosts various events and festivals, adding to its appeal as a lively and engaging destination.