Durdle Door Beach in Dorset UK

Eroded by time and nature, Durdle Door is one of Dorset’s most photographed and iconic landmarks.

It is located on the Lulworth Estate in south Dorset and is part of the Jurassic Coast. The coastline is of such international geological importance that it was designated England’s first natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001 and is now part of a family of natural wonders including America’s Grand Canyon and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

The magnificent natural limestone arch was formed when the power of the waves eroded the rock and forged a hole through the middle. The name Durdle is derived from an old English word ‘thirl’, which means to pierce, bore or drill.

As you look towards the sea, you will see Durdle Door beach on your right. Access to the pebble and shingle beach is on foot via a path and steps over the hill from Lulworth Cove or down from the Car Park (charges apply) which is located on the cliff top at Durdle Door Holiday Park. There is a coach drop off..

Barafundle Bay Beach in Wales UK

Holiday cottages in Wales
Small but beautifully formed, Wales is known for its rocky coastline, rolling hills and lush valleys, mountainous national parks, and ancient Celtic culture rooted in mystical folklore.

The UK's only coastal national park is in Pembrokeshire, and throughout the length of the shoreline of Wales there are sweeping, uncrowded beaches offering plenty of water sport activities or simple rock-pooling.  Snowdonia, with its Ice Age-formed mountains offers exceptional opportunities for hiking, biking, mountaineering or wild swimming.  Or visit the heather-bedecked Brecon Beacons National Park for horse-riding, caving or breathtakingly scenic walks.

Wales is home to over 400 castles, but if you are looking for a more contemporary holiday then a cottage near Cardiff, with its restored waterfront, vibrant nightlife and top-class restaurants is an ideal choice.

Bantham Beach in Devon UK

Holiday cottages in Devon
Wild moors, rugged coastal paths, pub gardens in scenic English villages, cream teas, sand between the toes – a cottage in Devon is the ideal setting for a wholesome holiday in the great outdoors.  Devon boasts two National Parks; Exmoor with its remarkable moorland, oak woods, and striking coastline, and open, untamed Dartmoor with its Neolithic monuments, granite tors and wild ponies.

If you are drawn to the glorious shoreline of Devon, you can head towards the north coast towns of Woolacombe or Croyde to learn to surf in the Atlantic swell and to enjoy the sandy beaches, and while you are there walk the Tarka Trail or visit the black leopard at Exmoor Zoo. On the south coast, nicknamed the English Riviera, take in the maritime history of harbour towns Torquay and Brixham. Hunt for fossils whilst walking the Jurassic Coast pathways, visit the Norman cathedral in Exeter or sample cider in the laid-back market town of Totnes.  Mingle with the yacht-owners in smart and pretty Salcombe, or go kayaking on the river Dart.
Discover divine holiday cottages to rent in Devon here.

Blackpool Sands Beach in Devon UK

Holiday cottages in Devon
Wild moors, rugged coastal paths, pub gardens in scenic English villages, cream teas, sand between the toes – a cottage in Devon is the ideal setting for a wholesome holiday in the great outdoors.  Devon boasts two National Parks; Exmoor with its remarkable moorland, oak woods, and striking coastline, and open, untamed Dartmoor with its Neolithic monuments, granite tors and wild ponies.

If you are drawn to the glorious shoreline of Devon, you can head towards the north coast towns of Woolacombe or Croyde to learn to surf in the Atlantic swell and to enjoy the sandy beaches, and while you are there walk the Tarka Trail or visit the black leopard at Exmoor Zoo. On the south coast, nicknamed the English Riviera, take in the maritime history of harbour towns Torquay and Brixham. Hunt for fossils whilst walking the Jurassic Coast pathways, visit the Norman cathedral in Exeter or sample cider in the laid-back market town of Totnes.  Mingle with the yacht-owners in smart and pretty Salcombe, or go kayaking on the river Dart.
Discover divine holiday cottages to rent in Devon here.

Pedn Vounder Beach in Cornwall UK

Holiday cottages in Cornwall
Cornwall is deservedly a well-loved UK holiday destination; a mild climate, stunning beaches and pretty fishing villages, cliffy coasts and numerous attractions, it offers a wonderful holiday cottage setting.  For activities, try surfing in Newquay or St Ives; walk the prehistoric moors of Penwith, sail in St Mawes or Fowey, or cycle to Land’s End.

For sightseers, St Michael's Mount, the Lost Gardens of Heligan, the National Maritime Museum, Tate St Ives, King Arthur's Castle and Merlin's Cave in Tintagel, the Eden Project and Bodmin Moor form part of a huge range of fascinating days out. 

But perhaps you are more interested in Cornwall's legendary coastline, in which case a choice of hundreds of beaches on Cornwall’s 250 miles of shore, ranging from hidden rocky coves to sweeping expanses of sand will meet your seaside needs; communities such as Megavissey, Padstow and St Austell provide good bases for holidays centred on the coastal life. Search the crème de la crème of Cornish cottages here.

Piha Beach in Auckland New Zeland

Not all beaches are created equal as anyone who’s ever fought traffic, stalked people for parking, endlessly searched for a spot not occupied by tourists or trash, and then tolerated whichever aspiring DJ decided to set up camp 20 feet away, can attest.

But with the right scenery... and the right shoreline... and the right conditions, whatever hassles and headaches it took to get you to that idyllic stretch of sand cease to matter. Some beaches are near mystical in their powers to slow time, erase reality, and hook you into a force greater than yourself. Here are 20 of the world’s most beautiful beaches: Whether you’re into majestic cliffs and rock formations or smooth, wide nothingness, sugary white sand or pink or black or golden, they’re all perfect no matter how tough the journey.

Zlatni Rat Beach in Brac Croatia

Croatia has no shortage of beautiful beaches, but Zlatni Rat stands out for its striking and unusual shape (which actually changes depending on the current). Though it looks like a golden sand beach, its shoreline is made up of smooth, tiny pebbles and stretches out for half a mile on either side of the tip. It's not just a place to lounge: Zlatni Rat is also a popular spot for windsurfing, jet-skiing, and stand-up paddle boarding.