MANY people have a favourite beach in the UK, but Bournemouth beach has been voted the nation's favourite.

The study, carried out via OnePoll, saw 2,000 adults vote for their favourite beach in the UK.

Bournemouth claimed the number one spot while Weymouth beach was voted number 12 with Sandbanks beach ranking at 28 in the top 50.

The study also found that half of those polled love the beach because it makes them feel free, helps them to clear their head and allows them to escape the stresses and strains of everyday life, including the pandemic.

For eight in 10, sitting by the ocean is good for their mental wellbeing, with a third wanting to visit the coast to help clear their head and get some peace and quiet.

Also, 87 per cent would be upset if their visits were ruined by environmental factors.

As a result, two thirds are passionate about the care of the ocean and its wildlife and are concerned about climate change and the state of the UK oceans.

Head of marine policy at WWF-UK which commissioned the research in partnership with Sky Ocean Rescue, Sarah Young said: “While we wait for travel restrictions to be lifted, there are a number of things we can be doing at home to protect our beautiful coastlines and ensure staycations can be enjoyed for years to come.

"Over the months ahead, Sky Ocean Rescue and WWF will be setting out the actions that we can take as individuals to become ocean heroes, while also encouraging stronger leadership from the UK government to support vital ocean recovery that’s so urgently needed.

"At this critical time for climate and nature, we hope that millions of people will join us to show they care about our oceans and help to turn the tide on ocean recovery."

To find out more about WWF’s partnership with Sky Ocean Rescue visit: https://www.wwf.org.uk/ocean-heroes