MAIN Beaches International England & UK Beach Guide

Sure, those "sceptered isles" are not always sunny, but when the clouds finally break at the height of the summer you'll find many Brits escaping the heat - at their favorite beaches and resorts that dot the UK's 19,000 miles of coastline.

The most famous of them is Brighton Beach, a one-hour train ride south of London, and perhaps more notable for its restaurants and social scene than its pebbly beach. For scenic natural beauty and wilder surf, head a little further west to West Wittering and Bournemouth which regularly make it on to the Top Ten list of best beaches in the UK.

To find Britain's most popular beach by far, travel further north and west to Devon for a jewel of UK family friendly fun — at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, attracting 6 million tourists a year to its sun, surf, and awesomely spectacular roller coaster.

Elsewhere in England, experienced travelers and British beach goers usually head for the coasts of Dorset and Cornwall to find the country's best beach and surfing spots.

On Wales' "Gold Coast" peninsula, Swansea is a major hub for visiting Gower region beaches, famed for both its bays and coves as well as its long stretches of gold sand beaches. While here, don't miss a trip to the medieval walled city of Tenby noted for its lovely beach, restaurants and shops.

More about UK beaches around the Web:

On the Web, discover more about the surprising variety of summer fun to be had all around the British Isles, with expert travel tips, maps and photos and top picks by visitors and travel writers in guides to the UK's best beaches...

UK's Best Beaches - The BBC guide to the hottest beaches in the UK with an interactive map and complete descriptions. Tool around the rest of the site for facts and information on the Southeast, North, Midlands, Scotland and Wales, and Northern Ireland, with related resources.

UK Good Beach Guide - Browse or search for beaches approved for cleanliness and bathing within the UK by the Marine Conservation Society, with related news and resources.