A beautiful UK beach has been named among the best in Europe but remains uncrowded.

Gorleston is a seaside town in east Norfolk, close to the resort town of Great Yarmouth. It has a sandy Edwardian beach dating back to its days as a holiday hotspot.

The seafront was included in a list of Europe’s top beaches in the 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards by Tripadvisor. It was one of only two beaches in the UK to make the list.

Tripadvisor dubbed Gorleston as a “quintessential British beach”. They said it’s ranking was due to the two-mile stretch of golden sand, which curves around a picturesque bay “making it perfect for bucket-and-spade outings”.

They went on to advise visitors looking for a bit more action to try surfing, bodyboarding and kite flying, or visit the nearby promenade for beautiful views as well as a selection of cafes and shops.

“The beach rarely gets crowded, so you’re in for a quiet day of walking, sunbathing, and relaxing by the sea,” the TripAdvisor statement said. “Fancy a treat? Pop over to a café on the promenade and treat yourself to delicious ice cream.”

It previously made the list in 2023, and was given another Travellers’ Choice Award in 2024. But despite this, it remains a secret among visitors, with few tourists paying it a visit.

One user gave it a five-star review, calling it “absolutely beautiful”. They said: “Hidden gem, I don’t want to share it. So quiet. Large beach and hardly a soul to be seen. Just me and my dogs. About a mile and a half of wide sandy beach. 

“One end has the Pier Hotel, Pavilion Theatre, amusement arcade, fish and chips and ices. The other end is a world away. Perfect peace and friendly dog walkers who stop to chat.”

Gorleston Beach also featured in the 2019 Danny Boyle film Yesterday, where the main character launches his album of Beatles rip-offs from the beachside Pier Hotel. Other scenes were shot at Gorleston Pavilion, Ocean Bay Amusements and a house near the Cliff Hotel.

The only other UK beach included in Tripadvisor’s list was Weymouth in Dorset, which ranked 20th out of 25. Topping the list was Elafonissi Beach in Greece. 

Also on the list was Praia de Faledia in Portugal, Plage de Palombaggia in France, Reynisfjara Beach in Iceland and Spaddia de Cofete in Italy.