The title of ' Britain's best beach ' has been awarded to an idyllic secret spot boasting three miles of pristine golden sands, hidden behind a vast expanse of dunes. Expert Chris Haslam gave his verdict after a 48-day journey around Britain this spring. The Sunday Times travel writer traversed the southern, eastern, northern, and southwestern coasts of England, and ventured through Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales - all in pursuit of 2024's best beach.

Accompanied by his trusty Jack Russell, Dave, he covered a distance of 5,583 miles before selecting the ultimate winner. Chris was thorough in his beach evaluations, employing an 11-point checklist assessing aspects ranging from available cafes to parking facilities, restrooms to dog-friendliness. A crucial factor was excellent water quality and the feasibility of accessing each beach on foot within an hour, reports the Mirror .

Get the latest news straight to your phone by joining us on WhatsApp Whether you're after a beach for leisurely summer days or winter walks, Great Britain's miles of coastline mean you're sure to find the one for you. But out of the 543 beaches scrutinised, Chris singled out "magnificent" Towans in Cornwall as the finest, with the beach concealed beyond 1,700 acres of dunes. Stretching from the east bank of the Hayle estuary to Godrevy Head, the beach spans three miles and has been divided into six distinct sections by geographers.

The water quality at this beach is deemed excellent, and it boasts.