Portstewart Strand named best beach in UK

Portstewart Strand has claimed the top spot as not only Northern Ireland's but the UK's top beach of the year.

A top 50 list has been compiled by the Times and the Sunday Times, with beaches judged on factors including cleanliness, water quality, and dog-friendliness.

In his description of Portstewart Strand, Chris Haslam, chief travel writer at The Times and The Sunday Times, said, “Yes, you can drive onto the beach, and will you look at the size of it? Backed by dunes, it would run all the way to Magilligan Point, were it not for the salmon-rich Bann River cutting it in two miles west.”

“Surfers, paddleboarders, kayakers and especially wild swimmers come to play here, while others come simply to stare at the sea: some sitting in their cars, others on the cocktail deck of Harry’s Shack.”

Mr Haslam said; “If beauty was all it took to win Beach of the Year then Ballycastle, Whitepark, Tyrella or almost any other Northern Irish beach could have taken the crown. But being the best takes more: excellent water quality, clean sands, lifeguards, a cracking cafe and the sense that the beach is loved and cherished by the local community.”

“Being allowed to drive onto the strand is an added bonus that makes all the difference for families and those less mobile. Portstewart has it all.”

Beaches in Cushendall, Ballycastle, Ballintoy and Runkerry also made it onto the top 50 list.