Beaches

A woman swings on a vine into the water at El Nido Beach in the Philippines (Credit: Alamy)

Eight of the world's best beach escapes

From secluded inlets on Italy's volcanic coastlines to white sand paradise in Tasmania, BBC journalists love these unique and unexpected beach holidays.

2 days ago

3 days ago

A large beach has lime kilns in the far distance under a darkening blue sky. In the forefront of the photo is a black spaniel.

Off-lead dog ban 'will not happen' on popular beach

Beadnell Parish Council accepts the policy would be unwelcome and may put dog owners off visiting.

3 days ago

9 Mar 2026

A large dog splashing in the water as it bounds in ocean waves on the coast. One of its ears is up and the other is down. it is holding a bright yellow tennis ball in its mouth.

Off-lead dog ban considered for popular beach

Beadnell Parish Council is considering introducing restrictions from May to September.

9 Mar 2026

28 Feb 2026

A snorkeller swims through the waters of Raja Ampat, Indonesia. She is surrounded by jellyfish (Credit: Alamy)

Six of the best spring getaways for 2026

From hidden boat-to-beaches in Puerto Rico to carnival street parties in Cape Town, these global escapes will provide a welcome springtime reset for both body and soul.

28 Feb 2026

27 Feb 2026

Six women smile at the camera. They are sat in a sauna in a mix of multicoloured swimming costumes, with patterns including sunflowers and polka dots.

Why sauna culture is hotting up across the South

With over 600 saunas across the UK, users and experts explain why heat is good for your health

27 Feb 2026

24 Feb 2026

View from the top of the cliffs looking down at Durdle Door beach and the steep steps leading down to the sand. The bottom section of the steps appear to be missing along with a chunk of the cliff that has been washed away.

Durdle Door beach access closed after storm damage

Access to the popular beach has been temporarily closed by Lulworth Estate for public safety.

24 Feb 2026

23 Feb 2026

Sandy beach at Weymouth with the pavilion to the right hand side and see in the background - several diggers and dumpers are working on the beach.

Beach reopens after storm-shifted sand levelled

Diggers and dumpers have levelled out the sand at Weymouth Central Beach after winter storms.

23 Feb 2026

19 Feb 2026

A wide, calm bay with blue water stretching out towards a sandy beach in the foreground. The beach curves gently along the shoreline, with only a few tiny figures walking near the water’s edge and there is a rocky headland covered in green trees.

Council backs plan to leave Blue Flag beach awards

A council meeting hears new requirements set out by the awards would be a "nightmare".

19 Feb 2026

18 Feb 2026

A person working outdoors in a field on a cloudy day. The person is wearing a blue hoodie, a cap and gloves, and is using a tool to dig into the soil. Wooden stakes stand in rows around them, marking out young plants or newly planted saplings. The ground looks muddy and the person’s trousers are dirty from the work. In the foreground, an open white-and-black plastic bag sits crumpled, partly blocking the lower right corner of the frame. The landscape behind the worker stretches into rolling green hills with fencing running along the field’s edge.

Huge tree‑planting project aims to clean up river

Landowners say the trees will help filter water running off farmland to protect a swimming spot.

18 Feb 2026

...