The best UK hidden beaches for the perfect holiday

If you're considering where to go at Easter or other holidays and searching for some family holiday ideas, why not make the most of your time off by planning a trip to one of Britain's best beaches? There are some fantastic hidden gems to explore, and they can offer a great day out - or beach holiday - for all ages.

So escape the bank holiday crowds, take a trip to one of these more secluded spots and make some wonderful memories on your own private piece of coastline.

Cornwall is renowned for having some of the best beaches in the UK, however, across peak times such as the Easter holidays, they can become overrun with holidaymakers.

Due to it's more remote location however, stunning Nanjizal Beach is usually very quiet, apart from those walkers who have made the hike on the coastal path from either Porthgwarra, Lands End or Sennen Cove. It takes about 30 minutes to walk from Porthgwarra to Nanjizal Beach, with final access to the sandy cove vis some steep steps.

It's worth it though. There are numerous caves to discover and the ruins of an old watermill too. If all of that walking has made you warm, it's also a great spot for a spot of swimming, with inviting shallow turquoise water. If you have one, you can also take the pup on this adventure, as this lovely Cornish beach is dog friendly all year round.

Don't forget to pack a picnic though, as not only will you want to spend some time soaking in the salty sea air, it's also a long walk back to the car.

With its white sands and crystal blue waters, Rhu Point might make you think that you're in the Caribbean, rather than the west coast of Scotland.

A wonderfully remote beach, it is simply stunning at low tide, and offers beautiful views once you arrive at the sandy shore. The walk to get there is also just as pretty; if the day is clear, there are some superb views over to the Cuillin on Skye. 

Apart from some great rock pools nestling within the rocky outcrops (make sure you search for anemones, crabs, shrimps, limpets, topshells, dog whelks and starfish), you can also collect shells which are particularly prevalent on the shoreline.

There are also many birds and marine animals living on the area, so keep an eye out for sea otters, skylarks and cormorants. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of one of the rare eagles that call this stretch of coast home. If you're looking for Easter holiday getaway, on a remote beach in a beautiful part of the country, this is a wonderful option.

You might start this holiday off on water, but you'll end it on the beach. And what a beach it is....

This Easter getaway starts with a trip on the ferry to the Isle of Wight. Once safely docked, make your way to Vetnor on the sunny south side, where you will find Steephill Cove, arguably the prettiest place on the island.

This traditional fishing cove might make you feel like you've gone back in time, with it's brightly painted beach huts, lobster pots and cheery, colourful deckchairs - and nestled between smuggler's coves and rocky cliffs, there's even a safe, sandy, beautiful beach to enjoy.

Take some time to sit and watch the fishermen bringing in their daily catch, or explore the rock pools and build sandcastles. It's a lovely place for a family holiday

Surrounding the Cove are also the most fantastic coastal walks, offering scenic views and brisk salty air. To the north spend a morning strolling through the Botanical Gardens which contain rare plants from all over the world, surviving here in this microclimate, sheltered from the north winds by the protective down lands.

To the east, Ventnor is a ten minute walk along the cliffs. This town has everything that the Cove doesn't, shopping, more restaurants and some great pubs - the Spyglass Inn on the Esplanade is a must-visit. Further a field another 15 minutes away Bonchurch is a tranquil place named after the "Boniface Down" which towers above its pretty stone houses, large central pond and quaint shoreline.

At any time of year, Bamburgh Beach is one of the most dramatic in the UK, thanks to the imposing castle located on a nearby hill that dominates the skyline. This 2.5km-long sandy beach in Northumbria is perfect for long strolls and for trying to make your own miniature version of the castle behind out of golden sands.

There has been a castle on the site since the 6th century. The the oldest part of the current structure was built in the 12th century, and is worth a visit; the vast collection of arms and armour are great for kids and adults like.

But this holiday by the beach isn't just good for history lovers. Bamburgh also has some of the best waves in the UK, which makes it perfect for surfers and body boarders. Even if that's not your thing, simply watching from the shore can be a thrilling experience.

The remoteness of this beach makes it a haven for wildlife and expect to see a range of rare seabirds and seals on your visit.

There are also rock pools to explore and sand dunes to clamber on, the area behind which is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including some quite rare insects. As such, it has been declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest. There's also a nature reserve at Bundle Bay, a couple of miles walk from Bamburg, so if you're interested in UK wildlife, there's plenty to see here.

If you're looking for truly hidden beaches to visit this Easter, Sandwood Bay should be on your list. Located in the very north of Scotland, this beach is considered to be one of the most unspoilt in mainland Britain.

Unreachable by car, the wild and wonderful beach is accessed by a well-trodden and fairly flat 4-mile-long path from the nearest car park, which adds a sense of remoteness to this enchanting place. There’s the huge sandy beach to explore (visitors have noted that at times, the sand looks pink), as well as the sand dunes and Sandwood loch behind, which is freshwater and full of brown trout.

Sandwood is home to the rare Great Yellow bumblebee, as well as hundreds of nesting seabirds. The sea cliffs around Sandwood attract shags, razorbills, fulmars and guillemots. Seasonal visitors include great northern divers, golden plovers and redwings.

The large cliffs and the impressive sea stack of Am Buachaille also greatly enhance the views out to sea. And due to the isolation of this area, it never gets too busy, so it’ll feel like your own private beach.

When it comes to secret beaches, the UK has so much to offer, from golden sands and shingle beaches, rockpools and sand dunes, caves and cliff walks. There are so many other wonderful Easter holiday ideas too, such as the wide open, family friendly expanse at Camber Sands, rugged Jurassic Coast, stunning shingle of Chesil Beach or chalk cliffs of Botany Bay.

However, if you're still wondering where to go at Easter (or just looking for suggestions of some different beaches to visit at other times of the year) these hidden gems all offer something a little bit different - and are all well worth a visit.