The UK holiday spots with the prettiest sunsets named - from coastal viewpoints to city skylines

The UK holiday spots with the prettiest sunsets named - from coastal viewpoints to city skylines
Plymouth revealed as top UK staycation |

GB NEWS

Sarra Gray

By Sarra Gray


Published: 09/04/2026

- 17:58

Updated: 09/04/2026

- 17:59

Places across the UK have been recommended

Longer evenings are finally here, which means there is more opportunity to enjoy sunsets in the UK's most scenic destinations.

Sunset-watching is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to make the most of the season, whether it is a coastal stroll, a countryside viewpoint or even a city skyline, golden hour offers the perfect excuse for a spontaneous staycation moment.


To help inspire your next picturesque staycation, researchers at holidaylodges.co.uk have analysed TikTok’s most-liked sunset videos to reveal the UK’s most beautiful sunset spots for 2026.

Taking the top spot is Pentire Point in Cornwall, crowned the UK’s most viral sunset location with an impressive 7.1 million views and 1.3 million likes.

Pentire Point near Newquay, Cornwall

Pentire Point is a scenic staycation spot with beautiful sunsets

|

GETTY

The UK’s top 10 sunset spots

  1. Pentire Point
  2. Old Winchester Hill
  3. Richmond Hill
  4. Botany Bay
  5. Fistral Beach
  6. Conic Hill
  7. Holywell Bay
  8. Brighton Pier
  9. Stipperstones
  10. Tareth Llanddwin

Pentire Point, set along Cornwall’s rugged north coast, is known for its dramatic cliffs, sweeping Atlantic views and wide-open skies that stretch endlessly at sunset. The location offers uninterrupted views over the ocean, making it a favourite for photographers and walkers alike.

Its position also means you can watch the sun slowly dip below the horizon with nothing but the sea in front of you.

In second place is Old Winchester Hill in Hampshire, attracting 3.6 million views and nearly 600,000 likes. Located within the South Downs, this elevated viewpoint offers panoramic views across rolling countryside, which take on a warm glow as the sun sets. Unlike coastal locations, Old Winchester Hill delivers a quieter, more peaceful sunset experience than busy beaches and tourist hotspots.

Its height and open landscape make it ideal for uninterrupted views, while the surrounding nature adds to the calm, reflective atmosphere.

Proving you don’t need to leave cities for a stunning view, Richmond Hill ranks third with 2.6 million views and over 430,000 likes.

Richmond river

Some of the best sunsets are in London, with Richmond making the list

|
GETTY
Fistral Beach Cornwall

Fistral Beach was another Cornish location making the list

|
PA

Overlooking a protected stretch of the River Thames, Richmond Hill is one of London’s most iconic viewpoints. At sunset, the river reflects the changing colours of the sky, while the surrounding greenery softens the cityscape into something surprisingly tranquil.

It’s one of the few places in London where the view is legally protected, meaning it remains as picturesque today as it has for centuries. For city dwellers, it’s an easy and accessible way to enjoy a memorable sunset without travelling far.

One clear trend from the rankings is Cornwall’s dominance, with three locations in the top 10. From Pentire Point to Fistral Beach and Holywell Bay, the region’s rugged coastline and expansive ocean views make it a natural hotspot for dramatic sunsets.

As the days get longer and summer approaches, these locations offer the perfect inspiration for a spontaneous evening trip or a full weekend staycation. Whether you’re chasing sea views, countryside calm or city skylines, the UK has no shortage of places to watch the day end in style.