The 10 stunning UK beaches starring in a new Hollywood movie – from little-known coves to underground tunnels
THE new movie The Salt Path is coming to cinemas next month and it will show off some of the UK’s best beaches.
Actors Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs walk the South West Coast Path in the film, which is based on a true story.
The Salt Path, written by author Raynor Winn, is based on her and her husband Moth who walked around 630 miles along the South West Coast Path.
It’s England‘s longest walking trail from Minehead to Poole – of which almost half is in Cornwall.
Along the way are rugged cliffs, incredible beaches, coves and headlands – and we’ve rounded up some of the destinations you can visit.
Somerset
The journey begins in Minehead, which is the official starting point of the South West Coast Path.
The beach is sandy with small areas of pebbles and rock pools.
It’s also great for watersports, from paddleboarding and kayaking to beachcombing.
Minehead is where the world’s earliest fossilised forest was discovered in 2024.
The route to the neighbouring beach of Porlock Weir takes around four to five hours to walk, with the distance being 9.6 miles.
Porlock Weir is a coastal village and former port in West Somerset.
Found on the edge of Exmoor National Park, it’s known for its harbour, pebble beach and long tradition of oyster farming.
Devon
In Devon, one of the filming and book locations is Heddon’s Mouth.
The name is derived from the mouth like valley where the River Heddon opens up to the sea.
It’s a recognisable rocky cove on the coast of North Devon where you can walk through ancient woodland.
One keen hiker ventured there and wrote on Tripadvisor: “The coastal path here is spectacular, steep climbs but wonderful views once you get up to some of the highest cliffs in England. Not for those with a fear of heights!”
Another added: “This coastal walk is amazing stunning breathtaking views an awesome coastline – couldn’t put my camera away.”
Ilfracombe, the seaside resort in Devon is a long-standing destination for holidays.
In Ilfracombe, you’ll find Tunnels Beaches which is a network of hand-carved tunnels leading to secluded beaches and a tidal bathing pool.
Another stop on the coast path is Clovelly, the beautiful seaside village that was once owned by the Queen of England.
The village was owned by royalty until the 1200s.
Since then, Clovelly has been owned by different families and is currently under the care of John Rouss, who inherited the village from his mum in 1983.
If you plan a visit, the village looks like it’s stuck in time with steep and quaint cobbled streets that lead down to the beach that is known for its charming harbour.
13 miles along the path away from Clovelly is Hartland Quay, a secluded corner of North Devon.
For anyone venturing to Hartland Quay, you’ll find it has its very own hotel and bar on the South West Coast Path.
Hartland Quay hasn’t just been featured in The Salt Path, it was also the backdrop for Disney‘s Treasure Island and Sky series, House of Dragons.
North Cornwall
One beach featured in the stretch of North Cornwall is Port Quin.
Port Quin is a cove that faces the Atlantic Ocean that sits in a deep inlet between Port Isaac and Polzeath.
Like many coastal villages Port Quin forms a natural harbour and once had a thriving fishing industry.
According to legend, the town was deserted after the loss of the fishermen who all drowned one night during a terrible storm.
In reality, it’s more likely that people left because of the decline in the fishing and mining industry.
Only a handful of people live in Port Quin today.
Up on the cliff-top, you’ll be able to spot Doyden Castle which is owned by the National Trust – and you can even book a stay there, but it doesn’t come cheap.
Padstow is a much more bustling fishing port and has lots of stunning beaches to relax on.
It’s said that Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs caused quite a stir when they were spotted filming there during the summer of 2023.
From Hawker’s Cove, Harbour Cove and St George’s Well Cove – these golden sandy beaches all have stunning views over the estuary.
Fistral Beach in Newquay is called the “Home of British Surfing”, and has soft sand for anyone donning a bucket and spade.
It’s known for its vibrant atmosphere too, especially during festivals like Boardmasters, which hosts pro-surf competitions.
If you’re lucky enough, you could spot Humpback whales and dolphins.
Fistral beach is also dog-friendly, making it popular with holiday-makers.
Holywell Bay has rolling sand dunes, grasses and sea caves. It’s popular with people wanting to explore hidden coves too.
One visitor revealed in Tripadvisor: “There are a number of rock pools and caves to explore at low tide, including The holy well in St Cuthberts Cave.”
It’s also a beach where you can spot wildlife like kestrels and seals.