A STUNNING beach with two miles of golden sand has been named the best in the country.
Travel experts have pulled together a new Staycation Nation guide which reveals the top UK Destinations for nightlife, families, nature and beaches.
It comes as stats have shown that just over eight in 10 Brits have opted for a UK staycation over a trip abroad at least once, with millennials and couples leading the trend.
Scots are the most likely to stay close to home with 67 per cent of us opting for a holiday on our doorsteps.
And that’s likely because we have so many beautiful spots to explore, including St Andrews’ West Sands beach, which was named top in the country.
That’s according to the Post Office staycation which ranked the best 10 UK coastal destinations.
West Sands was made famous as the shooting location for the opening scenes of the iconic 1981 film Chariots of Fire.
It’s two miles of uninterrupted sand which is backed with dunes and world-renowned golf destination The Old Course.
It’s a popular spot for walking and running as well as for swimming with the town’s shops and restaurants close by.
Natural beauty and beaches, like West Sands, and outdoor activities are the top reasons for picking a staycation destination, according to the Post Office.
For those seeking picturesque landscapes, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs is the top choice for countryside escapes and outdoor activities like hiking.
And for those looking for culture, Edinburgh came out trumps.
Topping the beach list for the wider UK is Weymouth.
The spot is known for its gently sloping seabed, clean waters and family-friendly environment, making it ideal for swimming and sports.
Coming in a number two is Brighton Beach.
Relaxation is the number one reason for a staycation for nearly half of Brits, followed by discovering new places in the UK and avoiding the hassle of going abroad.
However, the unpredictable British weather remains the biggest deterrent for one in five respondents who have not been on a staycation, alongside a lack of information on activities and uncertainty about the best staycation locations.
Almost half of Brits never buy travel insurance for a UK trip, rising to 57 percent among over 55s.
While the NHS can cover emergency medical treatment, travel insurance can cover costs if your well-earned break is cut short by unexpected events like getting sick or injured, so you don’t have to pay extra if your trip is suddenly interrupted.
Paul Paddock, Protection Director at the Post Office, said: “Even for a British staycation, when to buy travel insurance should be a key part of your plans. Many people assume that because they’re staying within the country, they don’t need cover—but unexpected cancellations, belongings getting lost, or medical emergencies can happen anywhere.”
