Bank Holiday tradition sends many Britons to coastal hotspots: Brighton’s pier and promenade, Bournemouth’s golden shoreline and Cornwall’s main attractions. North Sea favourites like Scarborough and Whitby with arcades, lifeguards and fish-and-chip queues down the quay are also popular for good reason. But if you crave peace and quiet without the crowds, you might consider some secluded alternatives.
Here are 10 beaches in England where you stand a good chance of avoiding the biggest crowds this Bank Holiday weekend.
Birling Gap, between Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters in East Sussex, is a relatively remote, shingle-and-rock-pool beach that’s ideal if you want a quiet day by the sea.
Despite its dramatic cliff backdrop, the beach is reasonably easy to reach via the National Trust car park off the A259 near East Dean, by walking from East Dean village, or on seasonal bus services. There are steps down to the foreshore—though these can close after cliff falls, so check before you go.
Birling Gap is noticeably quieter than nearby alternatives like Brighton Beach, Eastbourne’s main seafront, Seaford Beach and Camber Sands because parking is limited, facilities are minimal, and amusements are minimal.
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Although Dunwich Beach is only a short distance away from Southwold, it's much less busy. It's surrounded by nature, and tourists walk through the heather to reach the beach.
The facilities are modest: a café, loos, and not much else, which is precisely why it's better for a quiet day out, with fewer parking spaces, no pier or amusements, and a shingle strand that filters out casual beachgoers.
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Brightlingsea beach is often seen as a quieter, more peaceful spot than some of the busier Essex beaches, such as Clacton or Southend. Although it has a promenade with beach huts and is a popular choice for families, it's generally more relaxing and has a rich maritime heritage.
Visitors have praised its "unspoilt" feel on TripAdvisor, with some saying that it is "great for peace and quiet" like on a lazy Sunday walk.
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