Last updated: 26/07/2024
With that in mind, here at Cult Beauty, we’ve done the hard work for you and searched high and low for the best sunbathing spots in the UK. Using four different ranking factors (ranging from the average temperature of each location to its average rainfall during the summer months) we’ve rounded up the top 20 suntraps that make everyday a holiday – whether you’re in your local park or on a cross-country getaway. And if that wasn’t enough, we’ve also given you a sneak peek into all the sun-shielding saviours that will be accompanying us on our daily outings…
THE BEST UK SUNBATHING SPOTS
Our top 20 sunbathing spots feature parks and beaches spanning all over the country, from the shores of Dorset to the greens of London, Cornwall and beyond…
1) Richmond Park, London
Sitting comfortably at number one is London’s largest Royal Park, Richmond Park. Originally dubbed the Manor of Sheen by King Edward I, it was renamed in 1501 by King Henry VII. Home to approximately 650 deer and 30 lakes and ponds, it stretches over 2,500 acres – so you can enjoy a different location with every visit.
2)Hampstead Heath, London
Tucked away in the heart of north London, Hampstead Heath sprawls over 800 acres and has some of the most iconic views of the city. A prime location to escape your everyday and find your creative flair, it’s not only the setting that inspired C.S Lewis to write
3) Cannock Chase Country Park, Staffordshire
Located in the Midlands, Cannock Chase Country Park strikes the perfect balance between an active and relaxing day out. While there’s woodland walks and cycling trails for those who prefer to be on the move, there’s also peaceful places to lay down, relax and enjoy the warm, summer breeze.
4)Windsor Great Park, Berkshire
Filled with forests, grasslands, lakes and gardens – not to mention farms, a vineyard and residential lettings – Windsor Great Park covers 15,800 acres stretching from Windsor Castle to Camberley and everywhere in between. A prime place for picnics and days spent soaking up the sun, it surrounds you with flourishing florals and focuses on the sun’s energy with its annual summer solstice bathing event.
5) Weymouth Beach, Dorset
Awarded TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards in 2024 and ranked the 19th best beach in Europe, Weymouth Beach is overlooked by the Georgian seafront on the Jurassic Coast. Set on sandy shores and the town’s sheltered bay, the resort is renowned for its shallow waters and balmy bathing spots. Deck chairs at the ready…
WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR SUNBATHING SESSION
So, now we know where to spend the sunnier days in the UK, it’s time to pack your bags and enjoy the rays – the safe way…
SPF
Hello Sunday The Shimmer One Mineral Glow Stick SPF45 20g
17 reviews
£22.00
Kora Organics Silky Sun Drops 100% Mineral Sunscreen Serum 30ml
6 reviews
£52.00
Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF50+ 50ml
992 reviews
£22.00
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Balm Sunscreen Stick SPF 30 16.5g
61 reviews
£27.00
Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF 50+ Reapplication Mist 75ml
106 reviews
£32.00
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF30 50ml
27 reviews
£35.00
FACE MIST
Lancaster Sun Sport Cooling Invisible Mist SPF50 200ml
5 reviews
£32.00
Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray for Sensitive Skin 50ml
42 reviews
£5.75
RMS Beauty SuperSerum Hydrating Mist 9g
1 reviews
£39.00
Gun Ana UV Body Mist SPF30 150 ml
2 reviews
£35.00
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Sun Protection Invisible SPF50+ Face Mist 75ml
239 reviews
£17.90
NUXE Delicious Sun Spray High Protection SPF50 face and body, Nuxe Sun 50ml
3 reviews
£12.00
STYLING PRODUCTS
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Joia Milky Leave-In Conditioner 210ml
249 reviews
£28.00
amika The Shield Anti-Humidity Spray
4 reviews
Oribe Impermeable Spray 200ml
20 reviews
£45.00
Color Wow Extra Strength Dream Coat Ultra Moisturizing Anti Frizz Treatment Travel Size 50ml
67 reviews
£14.50
8 reviews
£28.00
OUAI Anti Frizz Creme Full Size 177ml
14 reviews
£26.00
FRAGRANCES
Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 68 Perfume Mist 90ml
345 reviews
£24.00
ESCENTRIC MOLECULES - MOLECULE 01 REFILL (30ML)
200 reviews
£55.00
MALIN + GOETZ Dark Rum Perfume Oil
66 reviews
£29.00
Jo Loves A Fragrance Paintbrush
33 reviews
Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Flora Salvaggia Eau De Toilette 75ml
£91.00
KAYALI Oudgasm Rose Oud 16 Eau de Parfum 10ml
25 reviews
£35.00
So there you have it, now you know all the best sunbathing spots in the UK, all that's left to do is pack your SPF and relax under the sun's rays.
*METHODOLOGY*
This dataset ranks the top 25 sunbathing spots across the UK. To do this, four different factors were used. Once the data for the factors was collected, it was then totalled and ranked from highest to lowest based on total score.
The factors used are as follows:
Average monthly summer sunshine hours: the average monthly sunshine hours, are calculated by the average for the months June, July and August. Average temperature: the average summer temperature in degrees Celsius, calculated from the average temperatures for June, July and August. Average monthly summer rainfall: the average amount of rainfall in mm, per month in the summer on average, calculated from the monthly rainfall for June, July and August. Number of TikTok hashtags: the number of hashtags for each location on TikTok, indicating the popularity of the location.