Britain's 'greatest beach' is a half-mile stretch with sandy dunes and clear waters

Par Beach on the Isles of Scilly, a stunning crescent-shaped stretch of sand spanning half a mile, has been crowned the 'greatest beach' in the UK by the Daily Telegraph. Boasting light sandy dunes and sweeping views of the uninhabited Eastern Isles, Par Beach is celebrated for its natural beauty. It's a hit with families and dog walkers alike, offering a variety of activities such as kayaking, diving, snorkelling, fishing, and sailing, alongside traditional seaside pastimes like bathing and swimming.

Chris Leadbeater, a travel correspondent for The Telegraph, said: "I tripped over it [the beach] during the pandemic, in that time when we were all meant to be discovering our own country," he remarked. "And it did feel like a discovery, as I approached by water and found myself staring besotted at this largely unadorned crescent, with its little jetty and handful of rowing boats."

Situated on St Martin's Island, visitors will find an array of accommodation options near Par Beach. Notably, the shepherd huts at St Martin's Vineyard and Winery offer a cosy stay just a stone's throw from the shore.

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Far from the dilapidated shacks some might expect, these hand-built huts feature full mains water pressure showers and are designed wider than typical to afford couples a comfortable night's sleep without the need to clamber over one another, reports the Mirror.

The huts, which are powered by solar panels and battery storage on the farm or through a renewables-only energy provider, cost £820 per week. However, guests can secure a deal in February, March and November when the price drops to £670 for two adults per week.

Alternative accommodation options include Carron Farm and Scilly Farm Holidays, while Scilly Organics offers a yurt available for booking from £450 per week. Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy 2.5-hour Seal Snorkelling Adventures, where they can interact with Atlantic grey seals. The £65 per person fee includes wetsuits, snorkels, masks and the boat trip.

For those who prefer to stay dry, there are numerous cafes on the island. The Island Bakery, open between Easter and October, offers handmade bakes using local and Cornish ingredients.

Polreath Guest House also has its own tea room, dating back to the 1950s and family-run for the past 21 years. Further inland, visitors can discover The Seven Stones Inn, a unique family-run pub offering stunning views across the island and locally sourced produce.

Par Beach is an ideal staycation spot, particularly for those who prefer to stay close to their accommodation and immerse themselves in the local community.