Weymouth has found itself on a list of coastal spots described as the ‘best hidden beaches’ in the UK.

To some it might seem quite surprising that the town’s beach is considered a hidden gem, however, a study by Betfair Casino has named it as the second best 'hidden beach' to visit in the UK this summer.

It was pipped to the top spot by Botany Bay in Kent and Kynance Cove in Cornwall with both beaches claiming joint first.

Incredibly, Blackpool - one of the country's most popular seaside destinations - is also on the list, ranked fourth.

READ: Weymouth Beach awarded Blue Flag and Seaside Award

The popularity of each beach was measured by a unique index score - based on the number of hashtags and views each venue has racked up on Instagram as well as Trip Advisor rankings and Google ratings, with the lower the overall index score the higher the ranking. 

The latest accolade to be bestowed upon Weymouth Beach comes as it was once again was awarded Blue Flag status and was awarded a Seaside Award from the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.

The news has also been welcomed by the town’s new mayor, Cllr Jon Orrell.

He said: “To some Weymouth is a hidden gem, to many it is the jewel of the English coast.

“I’m glad that people have recognised our fantastic beach, which is perfect for families and welcomes visitors.”

READ: Weymouth Beach among TripAdvisor best beaches in Europe

The beach was also rated the best in the UK on a list of the top 25 beaches in Europe and 19th overall by travel website TripAdvisor.

It beat Bournemouth Beach which was rated 20th on TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice Awards 2024.

Weymouth Beach was also named the second best beach in the UK to visit over the early May bank holiday - missing out on the top spot due to the cost of parking in the town.

READ: Weymouth second best beach in UK due to parking charges

Despite all the positives, there were scenes of mountains of rubbish left behind after the first hot weekend of the year.

Dave Taylor of Weymouth and Portland Marine Litter Project said it was ‘one of the worst states he has ever seen.’

READ: Weymouth Beach covered in litter as hot weather hits

After about two hours of cleaning he took away six sacks full of litter.

A list of the top 10 "hidden beaches": 

1. Botany Bay, Kent and Kynance Cove, Cornwall

2. Weymouth Beach

3. Cuckmere Haven Beach, Seaford, East Sussex 

4. Blackpool Beach, Lancashire

5. Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland and Cromer Beach, Norfolk

6. Filey Beach, North Yorkshire and Cleethorpes Beach, Lincolnshire

7. Runswick Bay, Yorkshire and West Wittering Beach, Sussex

8. Barmouth Beach, Wales and Whitby Beach, Yorkshire

9. Oxwich Bay, Wales

10. Troon Beach, South Ayrshire, Saltburn Beach, North Yorkshire and Achmelvich Beach, Inverness, Scotland