Portstewart Strand Crowned UK’s Best Beach In 2025 Guide

After earning the title of best place to live in Northern Ireland last year, Portstewart has added another major honour to its name — this time for its iconic beach.

Portstewart Strand has been named the best beach in the UK in this year’s Sunday Times guide. Judges praised the area for having a clear sense that it is “loved and cherished by the local community”.

The prestigious guide also highlights beaches in Cushendall, Ballycastle, Ballintoy, and Runkerry — all located in County Antrim.

In total, 50 beaches across the UK were selected for inclusion, showcasing the extraordinary natural beauty found along the coastline.

To compile the list, The Times and Sunday Times chief travel writer Chris Haslam personally visited and inspected 756 beaches during a month-long campervan journey around the UK.

Each beach was assessed using an 11-point checklist, covering factors such as water quality, cleanliness, accessibility, and dog-friendliness. Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Richard Stewart, described the recognition as a “true testament to the breath-taking natural beauty, exceptional water quality, and warm community spirit that defines Portstewart Strand”.

“Whether it’s surfers and swimmers enjoying the water, families taking in the spectacular views, or visitors relaxing at the renowned Harry’s Shack, Portstewart Strand has something for everyone.

“It is one of the crown jewels of our coastline and a place we as a community are incredibly proud of,” he said.

“To be recognised not only as Northern Ireland’s best beach but as the top beach across the entire UK is no small achievement.

“This honour reflects the hard work and dedication of the National Trust, our local businesses, lifeguards, council teams, and the many volunteers and visitors who help keep the Strand clean, accessible, and welcoming year-round.

“Whether it’s surfers and swimmers enjoying the water, families taking in the spectacular views, or visitors relaxing at the renowned Harry’s Shack, Portstewart Strand has something for everyone.

“The ability to drive onto the beach, making it more accessible to all, only adds to its unique appeal.”
Mr Stewart also invited people to discover the “magic of Portstewart Strand for themselves”.

TUV councillor for the Causeway area, Allister Kyle, said the local community would be “delighted” by the award.

“We're very privileged here on the north coast to have so many Blue Flag beaches, whether that’s the West Strand, East Strand or at Portrush,” he said.

“But I suppose for Portstewart in particular, it’s the stunning scenery that adds to it, as well as the great effort the council and National Trust go to when it comes to keeping the beach clean. we don't get more super weather just to enjoy it, but we can't do anything about that, unfortunately.”

Describing Portstewart Strand, Chris Haslam said:
“Yes, you can drive onto the beach, and will you look at the size of it?

“Backed by dunes, it would run all the way to Magilligan Point, were it not for the salmon-rich Bann River cutting it in two miles west.

“Surfers, paddleboarders, kayakers and especially wild swimmers come to play here, while others come simply to stare at the sea: some sitting in their cars, others on the cocktail deck of Harry’s Shack.”

He continued:
“If beauty was all it took to win Beach of the Year then Ballycastle, Whitepark, Tyrella or almost any other Northern Irish beach could have taken the crown.

“But being the best takes more: excellent water quality, clean sands, lifeguards, a cracking cafe and the sense that the beach is loved and cherished by the local community.

“Being allowed to drive onto the strand is an added bonus that makes all the difference for families and those less mobile. Portstewart has it all.”

This latest recognition follows Portstewart’s selection as the best place to live in Northern Ireland in last year’s Sunday Times guide.