As the Late May Bank Holiday weekend swiftly approaches, many Brits will be thinking of ways to spend quality time with their family outdoors.
Thousands are expected to flock to the beach and put down their towels, buckets and spades for a day in the sand.
Fortunately, new data has revealed the busy beach hotspots to avoid across the country, and one in South Shields takes the top spot.
Read on to discover the 10 busiest beaches for the late May bank holiday.
1. Littlehaven Beach, South Shields
Littlehaven Beach in South Shields, ranked as the busiest spot in Life360's research
New data from family connection and safety app Life360 has investigated the spots where Brits flocked to in the same period last year, and Littlehaven Beach proved to be the busiest.
Located at the mouth of the River Tyne, Littlehaven Beach is near Sandhaven Beach and a funfair.
It attracts visitors with its open stretch of sand and clear coastal views. There's a promenade that runs alongside the beach too.
However, Littlehaven's water quality isn't a strong point at the moment, if the expected crowds don't deter enough.
It's one of 20 other spots to be rated as having 'poor' water quality - the lowest rating issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) - and means swimming is not recommended.
The beach was newly classified as swimming water only in 2024, so it is unsurprising its rating is still low.
Local councillor Ernest Gibson, lead member for neighbourhoods and climate change, said: 'Littlehaven's rating is as we expected, and we continue to work with our partners, monitoring the water and identifying measures to drive improvement.
'However, we know this is not going to happen overnight and anticipate it will take several years for the water quality to reach the standard we'd like.'
2. Wardie Bay Beach, Edinburgh
Wardie Bay Beach, in Edinburgh, placed second and boasts a sandy shore with grassy banks behind
Located beside Granton Harbour in Edinburgh is Wardie Bay Beach, a small spot that draws in many with its seaside charm.
It has a sandy shore with grassy banks behind, looking out onto sea views. Wildlife enthusiasts often enjoy watching coastal birds pass by.
The beach is popular with wild swimmers and is relatively accessible, however, there are no lifeguards appointed to the area.
The water quality was rated 'good' in 2025 by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).
3. Fisherrow Sands, East Lothian
Fisherrow Sands, East Lothian, is a popular spot located only a short walk away from Musselburgh, a historic coastal town
Another Scottish beach, Fisherrow Sands can be found near the mouth of the River Esk and Fisherrow Harbour.
It boasts a sand and shingle shore with some grassy areas, and beachgoers can enjoy views over the Firth of Forth.
Fisherrow Sands is only a short walk away from Musselburgh, a historic coastal town with a bustling high street to explore.
Its water quality however, leaves a lot to be desired and was rated 'poor' in both 2025 and 2024.
4. Eastney Beach, Portsmouth
Eastney Beach, in Portsmouth, is a pebbled spot that's popular with locals and visitors
Eastney Beach can be found between Southsea Castle and Fort Cumberland, in Portsmouth.
The beach is popular with locals and visitors who want to enjoy the wide, pebbled stretch.
Many enjoy water sports and swimming in the area, and the eastern end of the beach is a space where nudists frequent, according to The Beach Guide, although it isn't officially recognised as a naturist beach.
5. Thorpe Bay Beach, Essex
Popular beaches along the coastline include Thorpe Bay, which is a particularly busy spot, according to the research
Southend-on-Sea in Essex boasts seven miles of sandy beaches and the area attracts over seven million day visitors a year.
Popular beaches along the coastline include Thorpe Bay, which is a particularly busy spot, according to the research.
It overlooks the beautiful Thames estuary and draws people in with its charming beach huts and coastal walks.
6. Alum Chine, Bournemouth
Alum Chine, in Bournemouth, attracts young families with its spacious playground and colourful beach huts available to rent
Located in the bustling seaside resort of Bournemouth is Alum Chine, a sand and shingle spot that ranks number six in Life360's research.
It attracts young families with its spacious playground and colourful beach huts available to rent.
Alum Chine is also a Blue Flag award-winning beach, so it's not surprising the area is expected to be busy this bank holiday weekend.
7. East Winner, Hampshire
East Winner, in Hampshire, is a sand bank that can be reached when the tide is right
East Winner, in Hampshire, is a shifting sand and gravel bank that can be found off the coast of Hayling Island in Hampshire.
When the tide is right, the area becomes accessible to walk on, though it's important to keep an eye on the tide and not get caught out as it only takes less than an hour to rise or submerge, according to photographer @picturepostsouth.
8. Fisherman’s Walk, Southbourne
Fisherman’s Walk Beach, in Southbourne, is a popular Blue Flag status spot
Fisherman's Walk Beach is a long sandy stretch and proudly waves Blue Flag status, drawing in plenty of visitors.
Many access the beach by walking through the Fisherman's Walk nature trail, which connects the clifftop to the sandy beach.
It's popular with families and even has four fixed electric BBQs on the beach that are free to use.
9. South Beach, Northumberland
South Beach, in Blyth, Northumberland is a sandy area backed by dunes and grass
South Beach, in Blyth, Northumberland, is a long sandy spot backed by dunes that are a designated area of Special Nature Conservation.
Surfers frequent the beach and there is even a surf school and other water sport activities.
There's a nearby pier at the mouth of the River Blyth and a bustling town centre with shops, pubs and restaurants.
10. Brighton, East Sussex
Brighton, in East Sussex, sees millions of visitors a year
Brighton rounds off the top ten busiest beaches, with its pebble shores drawing in millions every year.
From water sports to beachside bars and restaurants, visitors have plenty to do on the East Sussex shore.
The city itself is often bustling, day and night, and is packed with independent shops and eateries.