logo
The stunning UK beach that 'looks like Caribbean' with crystal blue water

The stunning UK beach that 'looks like Caribbean' with crystal blue water

Daily Mirror25-05-2025

The Caribbean may be out of your budget this year, but if you want a beach break that's a little closer to home, you might want to consider this stunning UK destination
If you're looking for a beach getaway on a budget, you might want to consider this UK destination that 'looks like the Caribbean' thanks to its white sand beaches and vibrant blue water.
Located on the Isle of Harris in Scotland 's Outer Hebrides, Luskentyre Beach is hailed as one of Europe's most beautiful shorelines. It is one of Harris' largest stretches of coast and also one of the most jaw-dropping shorelines, even earning it a spot among the UK's top beaches as per the TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards. People who live on this remote island are proud to call it home, especially when they can enjoy the beach year-round – often without crowds of tourists.

A woman named Caz took to TikTok to show off the beach's beauty in a video, leaving viewers wondering if they're looking at Scotland or a much sunnier destination.

"Scotland? Or the Caribbean?" Caz wrote on the video before sharing clips of her and her friends enjoying a day at the beach.
The video included shots of them all diving into the crystal-clear water and playing football on the shore.
The Isle of Harris has been basking in a spell of good weather, boasting sun-soaked days with warmer temperatures in the run-up to summer.
This welcome change has allowed residents to spend time on their beach ahead of the busy tourist season in the peak of summer.
The video capturing these sunny scenes garnered over 2.5million views in just three days, prompting some viewers to fantasise about enjoying the beach themselves.

However, some remained sceptical about the location of the beach, as they couldn't quite believe it was right on their doorstep.
"This is not Scotland," one person said, while another asked: "Where the hell are you finding beaches like this in Scotland."
Nevertheless, the doubts were quickly put to rest by several people who had visited Luskentyre themselves. These visitors were quick to share their own experiences of the beautiful beach.
"Luv Luskentyre beach it's gorgeous xx," declared one fan, while another added: "Scotland! I live in Scotland and me and family went there at one point! Gorgeous place!"
"Just remember, that water is cold enough to send you into shock if you're not careful," said another. Meanwhile someone else chimed in with, "Might look like Caribbean but temp is far from it."
According to Hidden Scotland, late spring and summer are the best times to pay a visit to Luskentyre beach. At this time of year you will get the warmest weather, vital for any successful beach day. The 'lingering light' at this time of year also creates beautiful views of the surrounding landscape that are hard to beat.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

'World's best theme park' is just hours away from UK but has no rides
'World's best theme park' is just hours away from UK but has no rides

Daily Mirror

time3 hours ago

  • Daily Mirror

'World's best theme park' is just hours away from UK but has no rides

If you are looking for an alternative holiday spot this summer, one woman has just the recommendation. Despite being named 'best theme park in the world' twice, Puy du Fou in the Pays de la Loire region of France remains a hidden gem to many. Travel expert Bonnie Rakhit posted a clip on TikTok showcasing her visit to what she claims is the country's "best kept secret." "It's without doubt the most magical theme park I have ever visited," she exclaimed. Just an hour's drive from Nantes, Bonnie suggests the site is the perfect quick getaway from the UK. So what makes this place so unique? "There are no rides here," says Bonnie. "Instead you go on a time-travelling adventure from Roman gladiators to Viking raids, and the legend of King Arthur to the splendour of the Palace of Versailles across 50 hectares of breathtaking scenery." Bonnie also notes that the park is home to 20 internationally acclaimed shows, providing an all-encompassing experience for the entire family. Each spectacle has been translated into English, with scripts accessible through the park's mobile app. "The magic doesn't stop at night," Bonnie added. "We stayed at Le Grand Siecle - a hotel inspired by Louis XIV's Court. There's also a medieval village, a Camelot-style tented camp, an ancient Roman town and a castle called the Citadel." Concluding her review, Bonnie said Puy Du Fou plays host to over 2.8million visitors annually. "It's easy to see why," she said. "It's inspiring and completely unique - this isn't just a theme park, it's a journey through time. Add it to your bucket list." Engaging with her post on TikTok, one fan raved: "I have been a few times and it is insane, seriously amazing. The Coliseum is crazy!" Another person remarked: "I love Puy de Fou, used to live in Nantes and went many times. The evening shows are amazing! Planet Sauvage is also fab and the best safari park I have ever seen." Whilst a third praised: "This is genuinely the best park I have ever been to! So incredible I would say Europa Park is good for rollercoasters (although i don't think it's the best one in Europe but it's nice) but Puy Du Fou is amazing for story telling! Like incredibly impressive!". According to the English language section of the Puy de Fou official website, prices for an overnight stay start from £63.38 per person. This not only includes entry to the park and all its spectacles but also an overnight hotel stay complete with breakfast (at either an on-site hotel or in partnership accommodations near Puy du Fou) and complimentary translation services for all attractions. For those looking to visit the park alone, tickets are available for one, two, or three-day adventures, kicking off at a modest £31.69 per person. The site further states: "The Puy du Fou experience is designed for all ages to enjoy. Children and parents alike will be captivated all the way through as the shows are short and feature many amazing effects. "The few scenes that may alarm very young children due to their spectacular realism are indicated by a symbol in the mobile app and Visitor Guide."

He was biking across Iran and documenting it on TikTok. Then war broke out.
He was biking across Iran and documenting it on TikTok. Then war broke out.

NBC News

timea day ago

  • NBC News

He was biking across Iran and documenting it on TikTok. Then war broke out.

From navigating tough weather in Australia to being questioned by police in Egypt, Ian Andersen has faced many challenges in his journeys biking across continents and documenting them on social media. But the American creator, known as 'ridewithian' to his 43,300 followers on TikTok, never had war on his list of possible hurdles — until last week. Amid his 29-day trek across Iran, Andersen found himself stuck just after Israeli forces began a 'pre-emptive' strike on the country. As Iran and Israel continue to trade attacks, visitors like Andersen have scrambled to find ways to safely exit the Middle East. He was among several people to document how he was able to depart the country, and he shared his journey with followers. Andersen said that at first, he was determined to continue his Iran trip 'as intended.' But then his guide, Reza, told him something that made him change course. 'I can no longer protect you,' Reza said, according to Andersen. 'If you're stopped by police, I should just wave goodbye, because there's nothing I can do.' As of Wednesday, the State Department had advised citizens to 'leave Iran now' and to have plans that do 'not rely on U.S. government help.' Other governments have also warned their citizens to leave the region as the conflict unfolds and airspace closes. The United Kingdom has advised against " all travel to Iran." Similarly, Australia has said its citizens should not travel to Israel. Major U.S. carriers like Delta and American have offered rebooking options. Some Americans in Israel have also been able to leave the region after the state of Florida and a nonprofit organization arranged a flight to bring evacuees home. Andersen said his departure was possible only because of Reza, whose last name he did not share to protect his safety, and help from the State Department. 'I had a couple weeks there in country of really positive good experiences," he said in a phone interview. "Experiencing Iran as it should be experienced.' His first vlog from Iran, posted June 2, recorded him crossing into the country from Turkey. Not unlike other influencers whose content focuses on travel, Andersen also posted himself trying different local cuisines — including a fermented yogurt drink, a Persian omelet and kaleh pacheh, a stew made with goat head — and showing the hospitality of the Iranian people. "They tried to give us for free and said we are their guests, but we had to insist," Andersen says in one video, which Reza explains is an example of the "ta'arof," a form of etiquette practiced by Iranians worldwide. As he biked around the country, he also captured the landscape and talked to viewers about the impact of sanctions, asking in one video, "What happens when a country is cut off from the global economy for decades?" The lighthearted, fun tone of his videos began to shift one week ago while he was in Chalus. Many of his followers began commenting, sharing concerns about his safety. "Actually all of us are sad because this is happening," Reza says in one video after they heard news of the attack. "But hope for world without war. ... Everybody needs a peaceful world." The two were headed toward Tehran to try to sort out a visa for Afghanistan, which was the next country on Andersen's itinerary. "It's amazing that even after such an event, you know, an emergency, that people are so friendly," Andersen says after two people eating near them bring them a meal and insist they share with them. The information that was available in Iran was initially unclear, and it left Andersen with questions. Iran plunged into a near-total internet blackout this week, limiting Iranians' ability to access and share information with the outside world. The situation soon became 'too dangerous," Andersen says in another video, and he and Reza decided not to go to Tehran. 'It ended up being a good call, 'cause there was just more and more attacks as the days went by,' Andersen told NBC News as he reflected on his past week. 'There was lots of rumors flying around about what borders might be open," he added. "Like, what, like one of the requirements once you get to the border? Like if you're able to get a visa, if you can just go through. A lifeline came through via an email from the State Department about getting into Azerbaijan." He ultimately was able to exit through Azerbaijan with help from Reza, who drove them to the border. He said he "probably wouldn't be here talking" if it weren't for Reza. "I'm out, and truly grateful for all your prayers, messages, and support," Andersen wrote in a recent video update. "It's an honor to have you following this journey and caring about my wellbeing out here in the Middle East. ... And finally, to my Iranian guide Reza—there's no one I'd rather have had by my side." Andersen said that since he left the country, his thoughts continue to be with the people of both Iran and Israel and that he is also 'thinking about all the people who don't have the option to leave, like I did.' U.K.-based influencers Nadia Akhtar and Irfan Aziz, who go by the handle "fieldofvisions" on TikTok, where they have 60,000 followers, were also in Iran when the strikes began. The couple, who were unavailable for an interview, were traveling with their young son, Zakariya. They quickly realized they were among the last to enter the country on an incoming flight and soon had a front-row seat for the attacks from their balcony. "Iranian forces were intercepting Israeli drones right above us," Aziz says in a video. "That night, we realized this wasn't normal and it's nothing like what has happened before. We needed to start thinking about an exit plan." The advice they got from officials was simple: 'Get out now." Like Andersen, they said they leaned on help from their guide, Ali, to help them get out. Aziz said that at 1:30 a.m. that night, they drove with Ali "through the night despite getting zero sleep" to get to the Turkish border. "It was when we approached Tabriz, seven hours from Tehran, the reality of the situation kicked in," Aziz says in the video, adding that they saw smoke rising in different areas around them. "Locals told us five fighter jets had bombed a cement factory at 5 in the morning. Nowhere was truly safe," he added. Akhtar and Aziz described their goodbyes with their guide when they finally reached Turkey's border as 'emotional.' "Even though we had just met, he sacrificed his own family's safety, leaving them behind in Tehran to help us," Aziz says in part two of his video series about the experience. "And for this, we will forever be grateful to him. But not everyone has the privilege of leaving like we did. Millions of people just like Ali are at the receiving end of the war that has nothing to do with them."

'I went on holiday to Spanish island and couldn't wait to get home'
'I went on holiday to Spanish island and couldn't wait to get home'

Daily Mirror

time2 days ago

  • Daily Mirror

'I went on holiday to Spanish island and couldn't wait to get home'

One holidaymaker visiting a Spanish island admitted she 'couldn't wait to get home' after heading there, as she shared a warning to other travellers in a video that's gone viral Most people look forward to their summer holiday all year after booking it. However, one holidaymaker visiting a Spanish island admitted she 'couldn't wait to get home' after heading there, as she shared a warning to other travel fans. Dannii, who is known on TikTok as @dannii_xo, took to her account to share her experience of visiting Playa Del Inglés in Gran Canaria with her 3,747 followers – and it wasn't a very glowing review. ‌ In her clip, Dannii can be seen filming herself while laying down as she looked glum. Overlay text read: "This is your sign to do your research before booking a holiday, we can't wait to get home." ‌ The video clearly resonated with people as it went viral – racking up 29,000 likes and hundreds of comments. Many people admitted they'd had a similar experience in the area, as one person said: "We were there last week. First day was pure panic because we were in Playa Sel Inglés and went down to the beach and were like [crying emoji]. They added: "Catch a busy to Maspalomas, there's lots of nice eating places. Bus to Puerto Rico and go to Amadores, the beach is so much nicer! And from Puerto Rico get the ferry to Mogán. It was honestly BEAUTIFUL!" Another person added: "We had the same feeling," while a third chimed in: "Yeah Playa is not the best at all, nothing there. Went down the Yumbo centre for a night out that was ok. Tenerife is my new go to!" Someone else also claimed there was "nothing there", but told Dannii to get the bus either way and "she'd be ok". Meanwhile, other people recommended she go to Puerto Rico or Meloneras and Maspalomas instead, however Dannii replied: "I don't think I'll be coming back because it's really put me off, I love main Spain but this experience has been awful!" ‌ Someone else reflected on how things had changed on the island, as they wrote: "That's a shame because Gran Canaria used to be the place to be. Particularly Yumbo but we haven't been in 4/5 years as people have been saying it's getting worse." Despite a lot of people agreeing with Dannii, one person defended the area, writing: "Playa Del Ingles was literally one of my favourite vacations. So pretty. Some days just chilling at the pool or beach and other days going to see the nature. The dunes, the mountains." While another simply said: "I love Gran Canaria." ‌ A third chimed in: "Playa Del Ingles? Mate. Get yourself to Sakura or Cafe Deutsche... El Chacho in Yumbo do amazing Mexican food. It isn't as boring or bland as you think." Dannii later gave an update as she shared more insight to her holiday experience, writing: "FYI: I wasn't talking about the whole island, just the town we're staying in. The hotel's awful, the locals have been incredibly rude for absolutely no reason, I can't travel too far out as I'm with family members that are elderly and it's too much for them. "I did catch a bus to Puerto Rico which was beautiful and I've only booked one trip because everything is so pricey, I feel like I'm being scammed, inflation has increased massively which I get but my family came two years ago and the prices have doubled." Dannii's post comes amid protests and demonstrations over mass tourism in the Canary Islands have taken place over the last year. Protestors took to the streets to demand limits on the impact of holidaymakers, claiming 'tourism is killing the Canary Islands'. Despite this, National Statistics Institute (NSI) figures showed the number of tourists visiting the Canary Islands has continued to grow, even with price hikes.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store