Best Holiday Parks Near the UK’s Most Beautiful Beaches
The UK is home to some of the most scenic and diverse beaches in Europe, with coastlines ranging from wide sandy bays to rugged coves shaped by dramatic cliffs. These coastal locations offer ideal destinations for short breaks, whether you’re travelling as a couple of family.
Staying at a nearby holiday park provides a flexible and comfortable base for exploring the coastline, with many HARPA member parks located within easy reach of some of the UK’s most beautiful beaches.
In this guide we share some of our favourite UK beaches along with some of the best holiday parks to stay nearby.
Kynance Cove, Cornwall
Kynance Cove is one of the most iconic beaches in Cornwall. This picture-perfect spot sits on the Lizard Peninsula and is home to dramatic sea stacks and rock pools, which are revealed as the tide goes out.
At low water, a white sand beach is exposed – perfect for sunbathing and paddling in the turquoise water. On as summers day you’ll feel like you’re in the Caribbean!
If the tide is in, or you don’t fancy walking down to the beach itself, you can admire its beauty from the South West Coast Path, which passes above.
Where to Stay Near Kynance Cove
- Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat (7 miles, 24 minutes’ drive)
- Silver Sands Holiday Park (7 miles, 24 minutes’ drive)
- Kennack Sands Park (5 miles, 20 minutes’ drive)
- Sea Acres Holiday Park (5 miles, 20 minutes’ drive)
- Gwendreath Farm Holiday Park (7 miles, 24 minutes’ drive)
- Franchis Holiday Park (5 miles, 20 minutes’ drive)
Camber Sands, East Sussex
Camber Sands is one of the most popular beaches in the South East, thanks to its proximity to London. It boasts nearly five miles of unspoilt golden sand, perfect for exploring whatever the weather.
The beach attracts watersports enthusiasts looking for an adrenaline fuelled day out. It is a hotspot for kite surfing, with lessons and equipment available to hire nearby.
One of our favourite things about Camber Sands is the sand dunes, which are home to more than 250 species of plants and wildlife. Enjoy a peaceful stroll and see how many you can spot!
Where to Stay Near Camper Sands
- Camber Sands Holiday Park (next to the beach)
- Romney Meadows Caravan and Camping Park (8 miles, 15 minutes’ drive)
- Romney Sands Holiday Park (11 miles, 20 minutes’ drive)
- Sandy Bay Caravan Park (16 miles, 35 minutes’ drive)
Ganavan Sands, Argyll and Bute
Ganavan Sands sits just outside of Oban, a popular seaside resort on the West Coast of Scotland. It is easily accessible via car or bus and promises a peaceful day out by the sea.
This stunning beach affords visitors incredible views in every direction. On a clear day, you’ll see the islands of Lismore and Mull ahead of you.
Ganavan is popular with dog walkers and cold-water swimmers. There’s even a sauna in the car park, so you can warm up after your dip.
Where to Stay Near Ganavan Sands
- Oban Holiday Park (5 miles, 15 minutes’ drive)
- North Ledaig Caravan Park (8 miles, 18 minutes’ drive)
- Loch Awe Holiday Park (16 miles, 28 minutes’ drive)
Lytham St Annes, Lancashire
Lytham St Annes is a traditional seaside resort in the North West of England. It is famed for its vast stretch of sandy beach, attractive gardens and traditional pier.
Despite being Blackpool’s quieter neighbour, there’s still plenty to keep you entertained during a beach day at Lytham St Annes. Enjoy donkey rides, food and drink kiosks or simply watch the world go by from the comfort of your deckchair.
If you’re looking for something a little different, you can even hire an award-winning beach hut. Fitted with mains electricity, kitchens, fresh water and crockery, provide the perfect base for a day at the beach.
Where to Stay Near Lytham St Annes
- Eastham Hall Holiday Park (5 miles, 15 minutes’ drive)
- Donkey Creek Farm Caravan Park (9 miles, 23 minutes’ drive)
- Norcross Caravan Park (10 miles, 23 minutes’ drive)
- Mowbreck Holiday & Residential Park (11 miles, 24 minutes’ drive)
- Little Orchard Caravan Park (11 miles, 24 minutes’ drive)
Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland
Bamburgh is the perfect destination for a breezy coastal walk. It offers visitors a unique mix of spectacular scenery and cultural heritage, with the historic Bamburgh Castle providing a striking backdrop.
The beach was recently ranked third in the ‘One of a Kind’ category in TripAdvisor’s World’s Best Beaches awards. This category recognises beaches that offer something beyond sun and sand and Bamburgh is a strong example of this.
Landscape photographers are drawn to the area at sunrise and sunset to capture the rolling sand dunes and castle views. Golden hour is an ideal time to enjoy a peaceful visit.
Where to Stay Near Bamburgh Beach
- Waren Caravan & Camping Park (3 miles, 7 minutes’ drive)
- South Meadows Caravan Park (6 miles, 13 minutes’ drive)
- Lucker Country Park (4 miles, 10 minutes’ drive)
- Seafield Caravan Park (3 miles, 6 minutes’ drive)
- Beadnell Bay Caravan Park (6 miles, 16 minutes’ drive)
Whitby Beach, North Yorkshire
Whitby Beach offers a great day out for all the family. It’s a mix of sand and pebbles, backed by fossil-rich cliffs that stretch for miles.
The Blue Flag waters make it a popular spot for swimming or paddling, while the reveals rockpools filled with marine life.
You can also see Whitby abbey in the distance, with the gothic ruins perched high on the cliff top.
Where to Stay Near Whitby Beach
- Whitby Holiday Park (3 miles, 10 minutes’ drive)
- York House Hotel & Caravan Park (4 miles, 12 minutes’ drive)
- Rigg Farm Caravan Park (5 miles, 15 minutes’ drive)
- Middlewood Farm Holiday Park (x miles, x minutes’ drive)
- Ladycross Plantation (6 miles, 18 minutes’ drive)
- Burnt House Holiday Park (10 miles, 19 minutes’ drive)
Holkham Beach, Norfolk
Holkham Beach sits within the Holkham National Nature Reserve, a protected area known for its unique habitats and rare species of flora and fauna. It is an ideal place to enjoy a picnic or relax while children play on the sand.
If you’re visiting in July, you might see the Household Cavalry bringing their horses to the beach for training and a dip – a tradition that has taken place for over 20 years.
The beach is backed by impressive pinewoods, which provide welcome shade during the warmer months. There are also bird hides where avid bird watchers can spot Little Terns, Oyster Catchers and other wildlife.
Where to Stay Near Holkham Beach
- Pinewoods (3 miles, 20 minutes’ drive)
- Orchard Holiday Park (3 miles, 15 minutes’ drive)
- Friary Farm Caravan Park (11 miles, 30 minutes’ drive)
- Deepdale Camping & Rooms (7 miles, 20 minutes’ drive)
- The Croft Caravan Park (9 miles, 26 minutes’ drive)
Maplethorpe Beach, Lincolnshire
Maplethorpe is as Blue Flag award-winning beach on the Lincolnshire Coast. It is particularly popular with families thanks to the wide range of beachside facilities available.
Enjoy a day on the sand before heading to nearby attractions such as a fairground, crazy golf or donkey rides. Of course, no trip to the seaside is complete without fish and chips.
For those seeking something more active, wind surfing, sailing or kayaking are available nearby. The beach benefits from an RNLI lifeguard service for added peace of mind.
Where to Stay Near Maplethorpe Beach
- Swallow Park (2 miles, 6 minutes’ drive)
- Golden Sands (2 miles, 6 minutes’ drive)
- Holivans (2 miles, 6 minutes’ drive)
- Mermaid Caravan Park (1mile, 4 minutes’ drive)
- Towervans Caravan Park (1 mile, 4 minutes’ drive)
- Seacroft Holiday Estate (1 mile, 5 drive)
- Greenfield Caravan Park (1.5 miles, 5 minutes’ drive)
- Sutton Springs Holiday Estates (1.5 miles, 5 minutes’ drive)
Three Cliffs Bay, Gower Peninsula
Three Cliffs Bay is one of the most scenic beaches in Wales, located on the famous Gower Peninsula. It is best known for its combination of sand dunes, salt marsh and the three limestone cliffs from which the beach takes its name.
A stream runs through the beach, creating a distinctive feature that is particularly popular with photographers. The golden sands provide a peaceful setting to relax and take in the surrounding views.
Where to Stay Near Three Cliffs Bay
- LLanrhidian Holiday Park (7 miles, 15 minutes’ drive)
- Greenways of Gower Premier Leisure Park (4 miles, 11 minutes’ drive)
- Green Meadow Leisure Park (4 miles, 11 minutes’ drive)
- Horton Farm Caravan Park (5 miles, 15 minutes’ drive)
- Carreglwyd Caravan Park (8 miles, 20 minutes’ drive)
- Skysea Caravan & Camping Site (8 miles, 20 minutes’ drive)
Why Stay at a Holiday Park Near the Coast
A holiday park is a great option if you’re looking for a coastal break, whether you’re travelling as a couple or family. They are well equipped for comfortable stays, offering a range of accommodation options suited to both short breaks and longer holidays.
FAQs
What are the best beaches in the UK?
The UK is home to a wide range of scenic beaches. Popular examples include Kynance Cove in Cornwall, Camber Sands in East Sussex and Three Cliffs Bay on the Gower peninsula.
Which UK beaches are best for families?
Family-friendly beaches in the UK include Lytham St Annes, Maplethorpe and Whitby. These locations offer a range of facilities, attractions and easy access, making them ideal for visitors with children.
Are there holiday parks near UK beaches?
Yes, there are many holiday parks located near some of the UK’s most popular beaches. HARPA member parks provide a convenient and comfortable base for exploring the coastline.
When is the best time to visit UK beaches?
The best time to visit UK beaches is typically between June and September for warmer weather. However, coastal areas can be enjoyed year-round, with autumn and winter offering quieter conditions and scenic coastal walks.