For those planning a trip with the family or pets this summer, finding a parking spot can be one of the most stressful parts of the day. To make it easier, temporary car insurance experts Tempcover analysed data based on Brits’ say-so (specifically parking costs, review ratings and the number of reviews), at the UK’s most popular seaside destinations—giving each location a score out of 10 to reveal the best and least favourable to park without blowing the budget.
From Scotland to Devon, the beaches are ranked below, with expert tips on how pre-plan a stress free summer outing.
Barmouth Beach in Wales tops the list as the best UK beach for parking, scoring an impressive 9.69 out of 10 for its cheap parking cost and high review rating. Visitors can enjoy its sweeping sands and stunning views for under £3.10 for four hours, making it an ideal spot to park for a day out at the beach.
Top 10 best UK beaches for parking
| Rank | Beach Location | Avg. review score | Avg. 4hr Parking Cost | Total # of reviews | Parking Score (out of 10) |
| 1 | Barmouth Beach, Wales | 4.53 | £3.07 | 437 | 9.69 |
| 2 | Nairn Beach, Scotland | 4.5 | £1.50 | 301 | 7.96 |
| 3 | St Annes Beach, Lancashire | 4.45 | £3.22 | 378 | 7.71 |
| 4 | Saltburn-by-the-Sea, N. Yorks | 4.42 | £4.00 | 650 | 7.7 |
| 5 | Southwold Beach, Suffolk | 4.3 | £3.00 | 594 | 7.62 |
| 6 | Tenby North & South, Wales | 4.16 | £4.40 | 1140 | 7.5 |
| 7 | Rhossili Bay, Wales | 4.38 | £6.50 | 939 | 7.47 |
| 8 | Whitby Beach, Yorkshire | 4.25 | £7.00 | 1407 | 7.44 |
| 9 | Lowestoft South Beach, Suffolk | 4.14 | £2.94 | 616 | 7.41 |
| 10 | Llandudno Beach, Wales | 4.04 | £5.00 | 1444 | 7.4 |
The least favourable UK beaches for parking in 2025
At the other end of the scale, Camber Sands in East Sussex ranks lowest for parking convenience, with a hefty £18 average fee for four hours and a low average Google rating of 3.8. Popular spots like Brighton Beach (£17.22) and Bournemouth (£9.97) also came in at the lower end of the list.
Top 10 worst UK beaches for Parking
| Rank | Beach Location | Avg. review score | Avg. 4hr Parking Cost | Total # of reviews | Parking Score (out of 10) |
| 1 | Camber Sands, East Sussex | 3.8 | £18.00 | 1146 | 5.31 |
| 2 | Brighton Beach, East Sussex | 3.12 | £17.22 | 4528 | 6.01 |
| 3 | Bournemouth Beach, Dorset | 3.68 | £9.97 | 11587 | 6.33 |
| 4 | Saunton Sands, Devon | 3.76 | £4.44 | 518 | 6.63 |
| 5 | Perranporth Beach, Cornwall | 3.74 | £5.32 | 1052 | 6.74 |
| 6 | Hunstanton Beach, Norfolk | 4.18 | £9.88 | 1056 | 6.81 |
| 7 | Filey Beach, North Yorkshire | 4.3 | £6.20 | 232 | 7.05 |
| 8 | New Quay Beach, Ceredigion, Wales | 4.18 | £4.33 | 192 | 7.09 |
| 9 | Scarborough (South Bay), Yorkshire | 4.1 | £5.74 | 1071 | 7.22 |
| 10 | Cromer Beach, Norfolk | 4.22 | £8.06 | 1455 | 7.28 |
Tips for travelling safely to the beach
A little preparation can make all the difference when it comes to a stress-free beach day. Tempcover shares some top tips to help ensure your journey goes smoothly, from setting off to parking up.
Vehicle checks and familiarisation
Before you hit the road, give the car a basic once-over. Make sure there’s enough fuel or battery charge, the tyres are properly inflated and road-legal, and there are no warning lights on the dashboard. Check that lights, indicators, and wipers are all working, especially if the weather might change.
Beat the traffic and know your route
Holiday traffic, especially on Bank Holidays and during half-term, can quickly turn a short drive into a stressful experience. Leaving early gives you a better chance of beating the rush and securing parking. Use a sat nav or live traffic app to plan your route and avoid unexpected delays.
Pack smart for a stress-free day
Packing the right essentials can also make a big difference. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit, particularly if you’re heading to a remote beach with limited facilities. It’s also worth packing a phone charger and an offline map, just in case.
Stay secure and park responsibly
When you arrive, keep valuables out of sight and double-check that your vehicle is locked. Always read local signage carefully to avoid parking fines.
Consider temporary insurance for a longer drive
If you’re heading further afield to reach the coast or would prefer to share the driving on a beach getaway, temporary car insurance can be a smart option. It’s perfect for covering additional drivers or borrowing a car for the day, helping you stay protected without committing to a long-term policy, so you can focus on enjoying the sand, sea, and sunshine.
Claire Wills-Mckissick, an expert in temporary car insurance at Tempcover, adds:
“To help beachgoers make the most of their trip to the coast, we looked into where people can enjoy stunning coastal spots and a smoother parking experience, from data that includes real-life feedback from Brits and parking fee analysis.”
Whether you’re a budget-conscious family or a spontaneous day-tripper, this research helps people plan ahead with greater confidence. And for those heading further afield, temporary car insurance offers a flexible way to share the drive and make the road trip to the seaside as part of the fun.