Sandbanks ranked as the UK's most photographed beach

Jessops has ranked the top 10 most photogenic beaches in the UK based on the number of Instagram hashtags.

Sandbanks topped the chart with 48,600 hashtags, making it the most photographed beach in the country.

With its golden sand and clear blue waters, Sandbanks is located on a peninsula at the meeting point of Poole Harbour and the English Channel.

The beach is Blue Flag certified, indicating that it is one of the cleanest, safest and best-maintained beaches in the UK.

A spokesperson for Jessops said: "If you're looking for picture-perfect beach days, Sandbanks ticks every box - and the nearly 50,000 Instagram hashtags agree.

"With golden sand, clear blue waters and sweeping views over to the Jurassic Coast, it's no surprise this small but mighty stretch of coastline is one of the UK's favourite seaside escapes."

Sandbanks is not only popular for its natural beauty but also for the range of activities it offers, including mini golf and various water sports.

The popular beach has also made appearances in films such as Dunkirk and Walking on the Moon.

Durdle Door, also in Dorset, secured the second spot with 41,300 hashtags.

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Durdle Door's iconic limestone arch, shaped by the sea over thousands of years, makes it one of the most iconic coastal landmarks in the country. (Image: Jessops) Its well-known limestone arch is a must-see landmark that has attracted both photographers and tourists alike.

Other beaches that made it to the top 10 include Whitstable Beach in Kent (40,900), Holkham Beach in Norfolk (40,600) and Cuckmere Haven in East Sussex (34,100).

Lizzie James, a product specialist at Jessops, said: "Most of the UK’s most photographed beaches are clustered in the south.

"But you definitely shouldn’t be overlooking the north. There are some real gems up there too, like the dramatic cliffs of Whitley Bay and the rugged beauty of St Bees in Cumbria."

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The full rankings of most photographed beaches. (Image: Jessops) In addition to listing the most photographed beaches, the report also provides tips for beach photography.

Lizzie James suggests working with the sun to capture the best shots, particularly during the early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer.

She also advises capturing the smaller details that add character to the beach and tells the full story of a visit.

She said: "Sure, the beach makes for a great wide shot.

"But the images that stand out most to me are the ones that capture the quieter moments - paddleboards resting on the sand, swimmers dotted across the water, or even a coastal cafe dishing up lunch.

"These kinds of shots add character and help tell the full story of your visit."