Where is Britain’s best beach?

Many of us are opting for a seaside jaunt in old Blighty this summer. Our local beaches might not boast the sunshine levels of Greek islands, but with spectacular vistas, tolerable water temperatures and even the chance to take your dog along, there are plenty of reasons to find somewhere new to hammer in your windbreak this summer.

For picturesque perfection – Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire

After a gentle amble across windswept fields from Stackpole Quay, your first glimpse of Pembrokeshire’s prettiest beach is framed by a crumbling old stone archway. Duck under, traversing the rocky path down towards the waterfront and you’ve reached Barafundle Bay – arguably Britain’s most beautiful beach. Clichés are rich pickings when describing shorelines, but there’s little else to use for Barafundle – it’s all deep, soft and golden sand curving around aquamarine waters, bleached driftwood branches and shallow paddling aplenty. Thanks to its location between two rocky Welsh headlands, swimmers can even chance the chilly Irish Sea.