Our Guide To The Best UK Sunbathing Spots

Last updated: 26/07/2024 A medium shot of Thank You Farmer and Ultra Violette SPF sunscreen laying on a blue and white striped beach towel with a glass of drink on the side.

Our Summer State of Mind series focuses on that free, easy-going mentality of summer – we're refusing to pack comparison culture (think: unattainable body ideals or out-of-reach jet set lifestyles). Instead, we’re shining a spotlight on different perspectives and the way we bring summer sentiment into the everyday – from the people you spend time with and the music you play, to the lightweight formulas you lather and fresh scents you spritz. After all, summer is a mindset, not just a season.With summer fast approaching we find ourselves wanting to make the most of the warmer weather (because let’s face it, we never know how long it’s going to last). And while the UK may not be renowned for its sandy shores and balmy beaches, its coastlines and commons are becoming increasingly more popular when catching rays.

With that in mind, here at Cult Beauty, we’ve done the hard work for you and searched high and low for the best sunbathing spots in the UK. Using four different ranking factors (ranging from the average temperature of each location to its average rainfall during the summer months) we’ve rounded up the top 20 suntraps that make everyday a holiday – whether you’re in your local park or on a cross-country getaway. And if that wasn’t enough, we’ve also given you a sneak peek into all the sun-shielding saviours that will be accompanying us on our daily outings…

THE BEST UK SUNBATHING SPOTS

A pink and white data table showing the top 20 best sunbathing spots in the UK. Data shows all four ranking factors and overall index.

Our top 20 sunbathing spots feature parks and beaches spanning all over the country, from the shores of Dorset to the greens of London, Cornwall and beyond…

1) Richmond Park, London

Sitting comfortably at number one is London’s largest Royal Park, Richmond Park. Originally dubbed the Manor of Sheen by King Edward I, it was renamed in 1501 by King Henry VII. Home to approximately 650 deer and 30 lakes and ponds, it stretches over 2,500 acres – so you can enjoy a different location with every visit.

2)Hampstead Heath, London

Tucked away in the heart of north London, Hampstead Heath sprawls over 800 acres and has some of the most iconic views of the city. A prime location to escape your everyday and find your creative flair, it’s not only the setting that inspired C.S Lewis to write The Chronicles of Narnia but it was also where renowned artist, John Constable, spent his final years painting.

3) Cannock Chase Country Park, Staffordshire

Located in the Midlands, Cannock Chase Country Park strikes the perfect balance between an active and relaxing day out. While there’s woodland walks and cycling trails for those who prefer to be on the move, there’s also peaceful places to lay down, relax and enjoy the warm, summer breeze.

4)Windsor Great Park, Berkshire

Filled with forests, grasslands, lakes and gardens – not to mention farms, a vineyard and residential lettings – Windsor Great Park covers 15,800 acres stretching from Windsor Castle to Camberley and everywhere in between. A prime place for picnics and days spent soaking up the sun, it surrounds you with flourishing florals and focuses on the sun’s energy with its annual summer solstice bathing event.

5) Weymouth Beach, Dorset

Awarded TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards in 2024 and ranked the 19th best beach in Europe, Weymouth Beach is overlooked by the Georgian seafront on the Jurassic Coast. Set on sandy shores and the town’s sheltered bay, the resort is renowned for its shallow waters and balmy bathing spots. Deck chairs at the ready…

WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR SUNBATHING SESSION

So, now we know where to spend the sunnier days in the UK, it’s time to pack your bags and enjoy the rays – the safe way…

SPF

A non-negotiable all year around – but especially during the summertime – SPF should hold prime position in your basket, tote or any other bag you wear. Going beyond their call of duty, hybrid sunscreens such as Kora Organic’s Silky Sun Drops 100% Mineral Sunscreen Serum not only shields skin against UVA and UVB rays, but it’s also packed with antioxidant-rich botanicals to boost hydration and support your protective barrier too. Or if you’re looking for a formula that’s easy to apply (and reapply) when you’re out and about, opt for a stick or spray – think: Glow Recipe's Watermelon Glow Dew Balm SPF 30 and Ultra Violette's Preen Screen SPF50 Reapplication Mist.

Kora Organics Silky Sun Drops 100% Mineral Sunscreen Serum 30ml

£52.00

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Balm Sunscreen Stick SPF 30 16.5g

£27.00

Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF 50+ Reapplication Mist 75ml

117

£32.00

Hello Sunday The Shimmer One Mineral Glow Stick SPF45 20g

£22.00

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF50+ 50ml

1018

£22.00

£35.00

SHOP ALL SPF >>> READ MORE ABOUT SUNSCREEN >>>

FACE MIST

A hard-working multitasker you don’t want to be without, face mist dial up the dew and offer a burst of hydration anywhere at any time. Blending a variety of vitamins and minerals they not only serve up a much needed refresh but target different skin care concerns from oiliness to dry skin too. Our top tip? Keep summer saviours such as RMS Beauty's SuperSerum Hydrating Mist and Lancaster’s Cooling Invisible Mist SPF50 at arms lengths at all times…

£39.00

Lancaster Sun Sport Cooling Invisible Mist SPF50 200ml

£32.00

£35.00

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Sun Protection Invisible SPF50+ Face Mist 75ml

253

£17.90

NUXE Delicious Sun Spray High Protection SPF50 face and body, Nuxe Sun 50ml

£12.00

Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray for Sensitive Skin 50ml

£5.75

SHOP ALL FACE MISTS >>> READ MORE ABOUT FACE MISTS >>>

STYLING PRODUCTS

No matter your hair type, muggy weather can be your mane’s arch nemesis – that's where humidity sprays come into play. Defying the laws of humidity, these hair styling products are the ultimate tress tamers. Locking in your lengths’ look (no matter what the forecast predicts), they enhance a soft and shiny finish. As amika’s Shield Anti-Humidity Spray protects and provides superior levels of hydration and hold to both hair and scalp, OUAI’s Anti-Frizz Crème coats your locks with strengthening squalane that keeps flyaways well and truly at bay.

£26.00

Color Wow Extra Strength Dream Coat Ultra Moisturizing Anti Frizz Treatment Travel Size 50ml

£14.50

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Joia Milky Leave-In Conditioner 210ml

279

£28.00

Hair By Sam McKnight Cool Curls Refresh & Revive Mist 150ml

£28.00

£45.00

SHOP ALL STYLING PRODUCTS >>> READ MORE ABOUT SUMMER HAIR CARE >>>

FRAGRANCES

When it comes to your summer staycation fragrance you can go one of two ways. Firstly, you can stay true to your go-to aroma and enjoy it in a smaller size for easy travel. Or you can join the forever trending body mist hype. Think of them like your signature scent’s little sibling – fun, playful and always on hand when you need them. For a sweet yet subtle sign off, Sol de Janeiro’s Cheirosa ‘68 Perfume Mist has you covered from top-to-toe while MALIN + GOETZ’s Dark Rum Perfume Oil is easily applied when soaking up the sun.

Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 68 Perfume Mist 90ml

368

£24.00

£29.00

ESCENTRIC MOLECULES - MOLECULE 01 REFILL (30ML)

207

£55.00

KAYALI Oudgasm Rose Oud 16 Eau de Parfum 10ml

£35.00

£40.00

GUERLAIN Aqua Allegoria Flora Salvaggia Eau de Toilette 75ml

£91.00

SHOP ALL FRAGRANCES >>> READ MORE ABOUT FRAGRANCES >>>

So there you have it, now you know all the best sunbathing spots in the UK, all that's left to do is pack your SPF and relax under the sun's rays.

SHOP ALL SUMMER SHOP >>>

*METHODOLOGY*

This dataset ranks the top 25 sunbathing spots across the UK. To do this, four different factors were used. Once the data for the factors was collected, it was then totalled and ranked from highest to lowest based on total score.

The factors used are as follows:

Average monthly summer sunshine hours: the average monthly sunshine hours, are calculated by the average for the months June, July and August.
Average temperature: the average summer temperature in degrees Celsius, calculated from the average temperatures for June, July and August.
Average monthly summer rainfall: the average amount of rainfall in mm, per month in the summer on average, calculated from the monthly rainfall for June, July and August.
Number of TikTok hashtags: the number of hashtags for each location on TikTok, indicating the popularity of the location.

Trifonia Asmar Writer and expert

Cult Beauty’s Senior SEO Copywriter, Trifonia started out in the industry when bold brows were just becoming a ‘thing’, and shares a passion for all things fashion and beauty. Currently embracing her curly girl journey (after endless years of straightening her strands), she is finally reverting to her natural ways! When Triffy isn’t busy testing out the latest curl-saving solutions, you’ll find her binging the latest reality TV show or on a long walk listening to her ever-evolving country music playlist.

SUMMER IS A STATE OF MIND: THE BEST UK SUNBATHING SPOTS…