Beaches

The Dubai skyline behind undulating sand dunes (Credit: Getty Images)

Seven of the best spring getaways for 2026

From hidden boat-to-beaches in Puerto Rico to carnival street parties in Cape Town, these global escapes will provide a welcome springtime reset for both body and soul.

10 hrs ago

16 hrs ago

Six women smile at the camera. They are sat in a sauna in a mix of multicoloured swimming costumes, with patterns including sunflowers and polka dots.

Why sauna culture is hotting up across the South

With over 600 saunas across the UK, users and experts explain why heat is good for your health

16 hrs ago

3 days ago

View from the top of the cliffs looking down at Durdle Door beach and the steep steps leading down to the sand. The bottom section of the steps appear to be missing along with a chunk of the cliff that has been washed away.

Durdle Door beach access closed after storm damage

Access to the popular beach has been temporarily closed by Lulworth Estate for public safety.

3 days ago

4 days ago

Sandy beach at Weymouth with the pavilion to the right hand side and see in the background - several diggers and dumpers are working on the beach.

Beach reopens after storm-shifted sand levelled

Diggers and dumpers have levelled out the sand at Weymouth Central Beach after winter storms.

4 days ago

19 Feb 2026

A wide, calm bay with blue water stretching out towards a sandy beach in the foreground. The beach curves gently along the shoreline, with only a few tiny figures walking near the water’s edge and there is a rocky headland covered in green trees.

Council backs plan to leave Blue Flag beach awards

A council meeting hears new requirements set out by the awards would be a "nightmare".

19 Feb 2026

18 Feb 2026

A person working outdoors in a field on a cloudy day. The person is wearing a blue hoodie, a cap and gloves, and is using a tool to dig into the soil. Wooden stakes stand in rows around them, marking out young plants or newly planted saplings. The ground looks muddy and the person’s trousers are dirty from the work. In the foreground, an open white-and-black plastic bag sits crumpled, partly blocking the lower right corner of the frame. The landscape behind the worker stretches into rolling green hills with fencing running along the field’s edge.

Huge tree‑planting project aims to clean up river

Landowners say the trees will help filter water running off farmland to protect a swimming spot.

18 Feb 2026

14 Feb 2026

The picture shows a wide, calm bay with blue water stretching out towards a sandy beach in the foreground. The beach curves gently along the shoreline, with only a few tiny figures walking near the water’s edge. The sea looks still and clear, with light ripples close to the coast. Further out, a rocky headland covered in green trees juts into the water.

Resort plans to scrap Blue Flag awards for beaches

The council says the Blue Flag awards scheme no longer suits the bay and costs too much.

14 Feb 2026

13 Feb 2026

Aerial view of the operation to remove a sandbar from the outer harbour at West Bay. An orange crane is on the quayside and the large sandbar can be seen beneath poking out of the water across the harbour entrance

What to do if a storm dumps a beach in your harbour

A range of methods are being used to remove the sediment that blocked the entrance of West Bay Harbour.

13 Feb 2026

Canvey Island's beach, with the photo taken from behind the concrete sea wall. Adults and children are on the beach. The blue painted sea wall, facing out to sea, can be seen curving round the bay. It is slightly overcast above.

Canvey beach could become official bathing spot

Seawater at the Essex attraction may soon be subject to regular testing.

13 Feb 2026

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