This UK beach has been recognised as one of the very best beaches in all of Europe – it’s just a few hours away from London, and beat out stunning beaches in Spain, Greece, and Italy

Save

As we cower in our homes, rueing the ceaseless rain that has been hitting the UK virtually non-stop this year, we’re naturally thinking ahead to warmer, sunnier times. And as part of that, we’re dreaming of trips to the seaside and beachy holidays. Conveniently, to help us along with our day-dreaming, TripAdvisor has just released its list of the very best beaches in Europe. And you might be surprised to find out which beaches made the cut…

Now, you might not necessarily think of the UK as being home to some of Europe’s best beaches. And yet, according to TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best awards for 2026, none other than Norfolk is home to a beach worth travelling for. On a list with beaches from places like Italy, Spain, and Greece, Norfolk’s Horsey Beach was named the 13th best beach in Europe. 

So, how exactly did a beach in the UK make it into the rankings? It’s likely down to two main factors: The beach is a stunning spot to visit and watch the thousands of grey seals that take over the shores in the winter months. It’s also wonderfully unspoiled. The beach is home to “long stretches of clean sand made for wandering…. [and] sweeping North Sea views”.

And Horsey Beach wasn’t even the only UK beach to make it onto the list. Bamburgh Beach, found just below the Scotland-England border, slid onto the list in 19th position. But then, who can argue about the majesty of a beach with a full-on castle towering over it? There aren’t many other beaches like it!

Top 10 best beaches in Europe

According to TripAdvisor’s data, which collates reviews and ratings across its site, these are the top 10 best beaches in Europe:

1. Elafonissi Beach – Crete, Greece
2. Balos Lagoon – Crete, Greece
3. Praia da Falésia – Olhos de Agua, Portugal
4. La Pelosa Beach – Sardinia, Italy
5. Falassarna Beach – Crete, Greece
6. Platja De Muro – Majorca, Spain
7. Paleokastritsa Beach – Corfu, Greece
8. Spiaggia dei Conigli – Lampedusa, Italy
9. Playa de Maspalomas – Gran Canaria, Spain
10. Plage de Palombaggia – Corsica, France

See TripAdvisor’s full list of Europe’s Best of the Best beaches here.