Portstewart Strand has been crowned the best beach in the UK in this year’s Sunday Times guide, with judges noting the sense that it is “loved and cherished by the local community”.
The renowned guide also gives a shout out to beaches in Cushendall, Ballycastle, Ballintoy and Runkerry, all of which are in Co Antrim.
Some 50 top beaches across the UK have been selected for the guide, showcasing the remarkable beauty of our seaside.
Portstewart Strand
Chris Haslam, chief travel writer at The Times and Sunday Times, personally visited and inspected 756 beaches during a month-long campervan tour of the UK’s coasts in order to compile the list.
The beaches were evaluated through an 11-point inspection checklist, with criteria including water quality, cleanliness, dog-friendliness and accessibility.
Causeway Coast and Glens deputy mayor Richard Stewart said the accolade is 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.
Portstewart Strand
Mr Stewart took the opportunity to invite visitors to experience the “magic of Portstewart Strand for themselves”.
Causeway TUV councillor Allister Kyle said the community will be “delighted” with the recognition.
“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’re very fortunate to have such amazing facilities. I suppose it’s just maybe a pity we don’t get more super weather just to enjoy it, but we can’t do anything about that, unfortunately.”
In his description of 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 added: “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.
Portstewart Strand
Watch: Portstewart has been named best place to live in Northern Ireland
“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.”
The news comes after Portstewart was named the best place to live in Northern Ireland in the Sunday Times guide last year.