UK's 'top beach' has sandy dunes and beautiful panoramic island views

A sandy beach off the coast of the UK mainland is rated as one of the top beaches in the country. Par Beach on the , a crescent-shaped beauty stretching for half a mile, has previously been crowned the 'greatest beach' in the UK. Boasting light sandy dunes and sweeping views of the uninhabited Eastern Isles, Par Beach is a hit with families and dog walkers, offering a plethora of activities from kayaking to sailing, alongside traditional seaside pastimes like bathing and swimming.

"I tripped over it [the beach] during the pandemic, in that time when we were all meant to be discovering our own country," shared Chris Leadbeater, travel correspondent at , who dished out the award.

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"And it did feel like a discovery, as I approached by water – and found myself staring besotted at this largely unadorned crescent, with its little jetty and handful of rowing boats."

Nestled on St Martin's Island, visitors are spoilt for choice with nearby accommodation options, including the charming shepherd huts at St Martin's Vineyard and Winery.

Far from the typical cramped and basic shepherd huts, these hand-built havens boast mains water pressure showers and extra width for comfort, ensuring a cosy stay just a stone's throw from the beach.

To enhance your appreciation of the stunning surroundings, all power for the hut is sourced from solar panels and battery storage on the farm or via its renewables-only energy provider.

The huts are priced at £820 per week, but savvy guests can snap up a deal in February, March and November when the rate drops to £670 for two adults per week.

Alternative lodgings can be discovered at Carron Farm and Scilly Farm Holidays or if you're partial to a yurt, Scilly Organics has one available for booking from £450 for a week.

Wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled with Seal Snorkelling Adventures' 2.5-hour excursions where guests can have an intimate encounter with Atlantic grey seals. Wetsuits, snorkels, masks and the boat trip are all bundled into the cost, which stands at £65 per person.

For those who'd rather avoid the chilly ocean waters, there's a plethora of cafes scattered across the island. Open between Easter and October, The Island Bakery whips up handmade treats using local and Cornish ingredients.

The local Polreath Guest House also boasts its own tea room, a fixture since the 1950s and family-run for the past 21 years.

Venturing further inland, visitors will stumble upon The Seven Stones Inn, a charmingly rustic family-run pub offering breathtaking views across the island. All produce at the pub is locally sourced as much as possible.

Par Beach presents the ideal staycation spot, particularly for those who prefer to stay close to their accommodation and immerse themselves in the local community.