White Rocks Beach

The cliffs here are properly white - blindingly so on a bright day. White Rocks Beach, just outside Bushmills, is a sweep of golden sand backed by these dramatic chalk and basalt formations that look like they've been bleached. You can walk the length of the beach at low tide, though the rocks themselves aren't climbable and frankly shouldn't be - they're unstable and people do get injured poking about on them.

It's genuinely lovely for a couple of hours if you've got kids. The beach is wide enough that even on busy days it doesn't feel rammed, and there's proper space for running about or building something ambitious with sand. The rock pools at either end reward a poke around, especially if the tide's been out for a bit. Adults will appreciate the walk itself - the path from the car park is gentle, and the views along the Causeway Coast stretch for miles on a clear day.

Bring a packed lunch because there's nothing nearby except what you've got in the car. Parking is free and straightforward. You'll want to check tide times before you go - low tide is when the beach is biggest and the walk is best. High tide compresses everything considerably.

If you're staying at Causeway Country Pods nearby, this is an easy 15-minute drive. Pair it with a visit to the Giant's Causeway itself (it's literally down the coast) and you've got a proper half-day sorted. The beach is at its best in calmer weather - windy days can be grim.