15 of the best quiet beaches in the British Isles

The editor of Coast magazine picks uncrowded sands – and places to stay nearby – ideal for a seaside escape from May onwards

When the tide is low, it’s easy to access this beautiful beach via Three Cliffs Bay; when the tide is high, clambering down the footpath is the only option, so, despite being in the popular south Gower, this sandy stretch is virtually empty when others are bustling. The nearest car park is in Penmaen village, a 20-minute walk away. There are no facilities or lifeguards, but for experienced surfers there can be good waves from mid to high tide.
• The Oxwich Bay Hotel offers Secret Garden pods for 2 from £79 a night in summer; other accommodation options include hotel rooms, caravans and cottages, oxwichbayhotel.co.uk