A stunning island in the UK has beaches that are every bit as beautiful as those in Cornwall – but they are an 800-mile drive away. 

Cornwall has long been a hugely popular staycation destination – and it’s easy to see why.  It’s home to what has been named the UK’s ‘most beautiful harbour’ and a village described as being the loveliest in England’.

Cornwall has also at least two Caribbean-like beaches that are regularly named among the world’s best – Kynance Cove on The Lizard, and Pedn Vounder, on the other side of Mount’s Bay, near Land’s End. 

But if you’re looking for an alternative to Cornwall, equally stunning beaches can be found at the other end of the British Isles – in Scotland… 

It’s untamed beauty all the way – and this includes all four corners of its stunning coastline.  And, if it’s beaches you want, the Aird of Sleat – also known as Camas Daraich – rivals the very best of what faraway Cornwall has to offer. 

This pristine beach in the southwest of the island boasts white sands, and turquoise waters. It also has great views of the Knoydart peninsula and mountains of Rum and Eigg. 

Over in Skye’s southeast, Elgol Beach beach is one the island’s most atmospheric beaches.  With otherworldly rock formations – and magical views of the Small Isles – its reputed to be one of the best places to watch a Skye sunset.

Up in the northwest of Skye, Claigan’s Coral Beach (See the photo at the top of this article) is perhaps the most well-known of all the family beaches on Skye. Its beach is made tiny fragments of sun-bleached coral-like seaweed – which makes the water look tropical.