Despite a rainy start to the year, the UK is a fantastic holiday destination. If you’re looking to book a staycation in 2024, the country’s best beach has just been crowned. 

The latest ranking from the 50 Best Beaches team has named the best beaches in the world and the UK just earned itself a spot in the top 50. 

While a Caribbean beach was named the best, Kynance Cove in Cornwall landed in 48th position on the list, making it the highest scoring UK entry. 

A National Trust managed beach, Kynance Cove is a white sandy beach with colourful rock stacks. People who walk the South West Coast Path will see the beach from the cliffs. 

Kynance Cove has also had plenty of celebrity fans over the years and was visited by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in the Victorian era. 

The 50 Best Beaches judges said: “Famed for its rugged beauty and serpentine rock formations, this stunning cove in Cornwall features a striking landscape with water a shade of turquoise usually seen in the Caribbean.

“The combination of turquoise waters and white sand makes it a remarkable standout, especially given its more northern location. At low tide, hidden caves and islands become accessible for exploration, adding to the allure of the area. 

“Situated on the Lizard Peninsula, the cove benefits from natural protection, providing shelter from harsher elements. Challenging access via a steep path helps preserve this pristine environment, yet is still attracts admirers year-round.” 

The judges also praised the beach for its unique landscape, quiet and peaceful nature and easy to enter water. 

While tourists can explore the caves and stacks at low tide, they do run the risk of getting cut off by the tide. Kynance Cove has no lifeguards so tourists should take care while exploring. 

Kynance Cove is home to a huge variety of wildlife and plants including rare moths, asparagus and Cornish heath. 

National Trust members can park for free at the car park but should be aware the steps to the beach are quite steep and the walk can take around 10 minutes. 

Kynance Cove does have a cafe which is open year-round and there are toilet facilities in the car park and at the cove. 

Dogs are allowed on the beach between September 1 and June 30 but are banned during the peak summer season.