UK beach that rivals Maldives with white sands also boasts swim-friendly waters
A UK beach that wouldn't look out of place in the Maldives has been named one of the best for swim-friendly waters this summer.
With its picture-perfect white sands and crystal-clear waters, it's no surprise that Porthcurno Beach in staycation hotspot Cornwall regularly tops rankings of the UK's best beaches.
The National Trust site gets its postcard-esque white sands from the soft shells that form its shores, but its freshwater stream makes it a must-visit on those hot summer days. In fact, it's recently topped rankings of England's best shorelines for warmer waters if you want to take a dip to cool off.
Beautiful white sand beach is one of 'best in Europe' with crystal-clear waters
Tenerife's 'sunniest beach' happens to also be the island's 'most beautiful'
The research was conducted by the team at Iglu Cruise who looked at TripAdvisor's rankings of the top 10 best beaches in England, and then worked out the average sea temperatures in summer (July) using World Sea Temperatures, to determine the rankings.
Oh, and keep your eyes peeled across the horizon as between May and October, those warmer waters can draw in the likes of basking sharks and dolphins, as well as a plethora of birds that nest in the region.
If you are going to take a dip, take note that the beach can get some strong currents, and there are only seasonal lifeguards on offer. You can find out more on the National Trust website.
Holiday experts have previously recommended that Brits visit the gorgeous beach which they say rivals even the prettiest of Spanish shores. "If you're looking for a beach in the UK that offers white sand, dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters and lush greenery similar to the Costa Brava in north-east Spain, then head to Porthcurno Beach in Cornwall," the team at HolidayCottages.co.uk previously explained.
"Reminiscent of a tropical paradise, the beach is framed by towering cliffs, providing a peaceful retreat from the wind, and a scenic backdrop that enhances its secluded and calm atmosphere. Lastly, the beach's clear waters make it ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and exploring marine life."
It's not just travel insiders who are impressed; visitors have taken to social media and TripAdvisor to share their own takes on the beach, and they're overwhelmingly positive. "Just stunning. One of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen," one person wrote on TripAdvisor. "First time at Porthcurno and will definitely be returning. Just hope it doesn't rain this time."
Another added: "Amazing beach , great relaxed atmosphere, amazing walks off the beech. Lovely clean surroundings, Minnack theatre right next door."
Meanwhile a third person who was impressed by the beach did flag that you'll want to keep an eye on kids, due to a steep drop off. They wrote: "What a lovely beach. Fairly small bay with clean sand. It has quite a steep drop off so isn't great for children playing in the surf. It has toilets, a cafe and car park very close."
It wasn't just Porthcurno Beach that impressed in the Iglu Cruise study; Cornish beaches took the top three spots in the rankings, which you can check out below.
Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall
Fistral Beach, Cornwall
Perranporth Beach, Cornwall
Woolacombe Beach, Devon
Tunnels Beaches, Devon
Frinton-on-Sea Beach, Essex
Clacton-on-Sea Beach, Essex
Crosby Beach, Merseyside
Brighton Beach, East Sussex
Camber Sands, East Sussex
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