White sand beaches and crystal clear waters are usually reminiscent of a holiday in the Seychelles.
But one UK beach has been declared so beautiful you’d be forgiven for mistaking it for the pristine tropical island.
Travellers have declared Nanjizal Bay in Cornwall the ‘best beach in the UK’.
With its turquoise waters and dramatic rock formations, it’s certainly a great alternative if you can’t afford a holiday so far-flung.
The boulder-covered beach lies along the Cornish coast, around 10 miles from Penzance, and is sheltered by rugged cliffs.
Known for its striking rock formations and tidal pools, the beach is tucked away down a narrow path with no direct road access – visitors must take a scenic walk to reach it.
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What are people saying about Nanjizal Bay?
Those who have discovered Nanjizal Bay have not left disappointed. The secret spot is being shared far and wide on social media.
One traveller shared a clip of the hidden cove to TikTok. The user, @sammys_sanctuary, wrote: ‘POV: you found the best beach in the UK.’
The video gained hoards of comments, with users declaring it ‘stunning’ and some asking: ‘Surely this isn’t in the UK?’
The beach has gained similar traction on Tripadvisor, where it has a 4.5-star rating based on nearly 50 reviews.
One reviewer, ‘TravekUK’, wrote: ‘When it’s beautiful weather it looks amazing, nearly like the Seychelles.’
Another ‘tootusCornwall’, added: ‘This place is stunning, peaceful, tranquil and awe-inspiring. You would think you were in a tropical country.’
Reviewer ‘MichaelLindaG’ added: ‘What a magical little cove, the beach is just beautiful.’
What is there to see at Nanjizal Bay?
Nanjizal Bay is relatively undiscovered, according to Cornwall Beaches.
‘Due to its relative inaccessibility, Nanjizal has remained more or less untouched and never gets busy,’ the local guide reads.
‘There are an abundance of caves and interesting rock formations for those not content with taking the view.’
However, the website notes that the beach has gained popularity in recent years due to its ‘numerous Instagram appearances’.
One of the beach’s most striking features is the ‘Song of the Sea’.
The tall rock archway, originally known as ‘Zawny Pyg’ or ‘pointed chasm’, is surrounded by emerald water and is a ‘beautiful spot for taking a dip’, when the tide is right.
The beautiful bay had a brief moment of fame in 1966 when it served as the filming location for Doctor Who’s ‘The Smugglers’ episodes, where the Tardis materialised on the sand.
The beach is a great spot for seal watching, with pups often seen bobbing around the shore. Wild ponies can sometimes be spotted grazing nearby.
How to get to Nanjizal Bay in Cornwall
There are several ways to reach the hidden beach, but visitors should note that they all involve a hike.
The most popular route is the seaside trail from Land’s End in the north or Porthgwarra Beach in the south. Both trails are roughly around a mile long and offer official parking.
In terms of accessibility, the only way to get down to the beach is via a steep wooden staircase. You’ll then have to navigate some large rocks and pebbles before reaching the sand.
There are no lifeguards stationed at the beach, and Cornwall Beaches advises checking the tides before visiting.
The website recommends visiting during low to mid tide as the beach size is reduced during higher tides.
Things to do near Nanjizal Bay
If you’re making the trip to Nanjizal Bay, why not explore more of what the area has to offer?
The hidden beach is located a 10-minute drive (or 40-minute walk) away from Land’s End, one of the most famous landmarks in the UK.
The landmark, located near Penzance, is Britain’s most south-westerly point and features 200-foot-high granite cliffs rising out of the Atlantic Ocean.
Land’s End is most famous for the iconic signpost which marks the 874-mile distance to John O’Groats.
Porthchurno Beach, just two miles from Nanjizal, is another must-visit. The popular stretch of sand is known for its turquoise waters and is often described as a ‘tropical paradise’.
Minack Theatre, a ‘spectacular’ open-air theatre carved into the cliffs, overlooks the beach below.
For the more adventurous travellers, Sennen Cover is a great spot for surfing. The wide sandy beach boasts consistent waves and is a popular choice for surfers of all levels.
The area boasts a few laid-back cafes and restaurants where you can admire the ocean view.
Five stunning beaches in the UK
The UK has plenty of stunning beaches that rival those found abroad, including:
- Holkham Beach, Norfolk – Frequently named one of the best beaches in the world, Holkham Beach is considered ‘the jewel of the North Norfolk Coast.
- Durdle Door, Dorset – Set against the backdrop of Dorset’s Jurassic, this natural limestone arch is one of Dorset’s most photographed and iconic landmarks and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Rhossili Bay, Gower – Situated at the very end of the Gower peninsula in Wales, the small village of Rhossili boasts three miles of golden sands.
- West Beach, Berneray – Tucked away on the remote island of Berneray in the Scottish Highlands, the beach boats powdery white sand and a backdrop of the mountains of Harris.
- Saundersfoot Beach, Pembrokeshire – This Blue Flag Beach is known for its wide golden sands and shallow waters.
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