This stunning two-mile golden beach is a haven for water-sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike – and has just topped the league tables for the best UK beach in 2025
With two miles of soft golden sand, cobalt waters, and rugged green cliffs – this slice of coastal paradise seems worlds away from the dreary UK.
Sandwiched between the acclaimed Giant’s Causeway and the Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Portstewart Strand could easily compete with the postcard-worthy beaches of the Mediterranean. Located in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, the Blue Flag beach, which is owned and managed by the National Trust, is the perfect place to soak up the rays with a good book – or chat the evening away with a lazy picnic.
The beach also draws in a more active crowd, and is an ideal spot to surf, kayak, and paddleboard (if you’re brave enough to submerge into the freezing cold waters). “SUB6 are based at the beautiful Portstewart Strand and are the only Accredited ASI (Academy of Surfing Instructors) Surf & Stand-Up Paddle School in Northern Ireland with an Instructor training centre,” National Trust states.
Travellers can also explore the 6,000-year-old dunes, some of which soar 30m high, or trek over to the Bann Estuary, which is a wildlife sanctuary for waterfowl and wading birds. Portstewart Strand is also the starting point for the 33-mile-long Causeway Coast Way to Ballycastle – making it a popular destination for hikers.
With all of this in mind, it’s no real surprise that Portstewart Strand was crowned the winner of the UK’s 50 best beaches for 2025 by The Times. “You can spot the first-timers as they drive down past the golf club and onto Portstewart Strand,” the publication wrote. “They pause. They look at all the locals’ cars parked on the sand, with picnic tables set up in their lee, and slowly their confusion turns to delight. Yes, you can drive onto the beach, and will you look at the size of it?”
There are also disabled toilets, adult-sized changing bench facilities, and a beach equipment loan – making it one of the country’s most accessible beaches. In 2023, Portstewart Strand also welcomed its unique Sauna and Sea experience onto the sands – allowing Brits to sweat out their sins while watching the sun rise on those chilly mornings.
Experiences can be booked for 30, 60, or 90-minute periods, with prices starting at £80. You can book your slot here.
To get to Portstewart Strand, you’ll first need to fly into Belfast. You can get here directly from most UK airports, including Glasgow, Nottingham, Manchester, Newcastle, and London Stansted. If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab return fares in August for as little as £29.
After touching down in Northern Ireland, you’ll need to travel some 60 miles north to get to Portstewart. This takes around one hour and 14 minutes in the car, while public transport will double the journey time – but is still feasible.
There is a range of accommodation types in Portstewart, from cosy inns to modern apartments. For example, a weekend’s stay (Friday, August 8-10) at Port 56, a recently renovated guest house just 16 minutes away from the beach, will set you back £225. This is based on two adults sharing a Budget Double Room.
For those wanting a more luxurious stay, check out Me & Mrs Jones. This stylish property boasts chic rooms, a family-friendly restaurant and a sun terrace. Staying in a Luxe Room on the exact same dates costs £538, and includes an ‘exceptional’ breakfast.
*Prices based on Skyscanner and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.
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