Award-winning UK beach dubbed 'hidden gem' is ranked amongst European destination hotspots

An award-winning UK beach has been ranked amongst top European holiday hotspots, with visitors praising its stunning scenic views and beautiful 'golden' sands. Gorleston-on-Sea Beach lies just south of Great Yarmouth in Norfolk and has been given the TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Best of the Best award. The sandy spot finds itself nestled amongst locations like Greece and Spain on the list, and ranks in the top two of UK beaches.

The 'Best of the Best' title is given to beaches that receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions on TripAdvisor over a 12-month period. The website explains that out of 8 million listings, fewer than 1% of spots achieve this milestone, which puts Gorleston-on-Sea on an impressive pedestal.

The beach offers views of grassy cliffs, as well as a pitch and putt, bowling greens, tennis and basketball courts, and a children's playground. There is ramp access to the beach, as well as a model yacht pond and a splashpad for children to enjoy.

One of the big draws is the free parking as well as public toilets, including disabled loos. Gorleston-on-Sea beach is also known for its popularity with surfers and body boarders.

The town centre is five minutes away and there are shops, cafes, and amusements nearby for visitors to enjoy. Gorleston has an Edwardian theatre with seaside shows throughout the year. For those who enjoy walking, there is a trim-trail on the cliff top where walkers can take in views of the beach and harbour.

One visitor wrote of the beach on TripAdvisor: "A lovely place to visit. Lots of space and not overcrowded. A great play park on the clifftop which we had to ourselves even in school holidays. Few cafes and good toilet facilities. Lovely and clean area." Another praised its "old fashioned charm" and "miles of sandy beach", while a third visitor said they enjoyed the "beautiful beach and calming atmosphere".

One tourist said: "Beautiful beach, so clean, so long and so relaxing. Sandy parts, stony parts, lots of lovely views. Amenities nearby and public loos." Someone else posted: "Beautiful beach with all that you need for a lovely family day at the beach. Drinks, ice cream and delicious fish and chips. Added bonus of plenty of free parking. Would defo recommend."

Gorleston is known to be a great touring base for Norfolk and Suffolk, and is easily accessible from Great Yarmouth, whether by car or public transport. There are a number of bus services that go between Great Yarmouth and Gorleston.