Woolacombe, a beach in Devon, has been named the UK’s best for the second year in a row by TripAdvisor users.

Ratings given to the hill-backed stretch of golden sand were higher than those given by reviewers to any other UK beach on the site over a 12-month period.

The best beach in the world was revealed as the seven-mile Grace Bay in Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, while the best in Europe was Ses Illetes on Formentera, next to Ibiza.

Woolacombe beach is a perennially popular spot, providing opportunities for water sports such as surfing and body boarding.

“It fully deserves its place,” said Suzy Bennett, our Devon travel expert.

“The reasons why are simple and old-fashioned: it’s clean, safe and very, very long. The three miles of white sands, backed by rolling dunes, mean that even in the height of summer, it’s easy for visitors to find their very own bit to stretch out on. There’s plenty of space for games, whether it’s beach cricket, volleyball, frisbee or sandcastle building.

Woolacombe is popular with active families Credit: Alamy

“It’s wonderful for children too,” she said, “with rock pools to splash about in, pristine water, and clean, gently sloping sands monitored by lifeguards. And dog lovers are welcome - there’s a special section where pooches can run free."

She described the facilities as top-notch, with reasonably-priced parking, interesting shops, pubs and cafes - and the showers and toilets are always immaculate.

Weymouth beach was users' second favourite Credit: Alamy

Weymouth Beach in Weymouth, Dorset, was second on the list, followed by St. Brelade's Bay Beach, which is located in St. Brelade, on the island of Jersey.

Cornwall appeared to be our most blessed county for beaches, being home to four in the top ten - Porthmeor Beach, Porthminster Beach, Fistral Beach and Perranporth Beach.

The top ten UK beaches according to TripAdvisor:

1. Woolacombe Beach, Woolacombe, Devon

2. Weymouth Beach, Weymouth, Dorset

3. St. Brelade's Bay Beach, St. Brelade, Jersey

4. Rhossili Bay, Rhossili, Swansea

5. Porthmeor Beach, St Ives, Cornwall

6. Fistral Beach, Newquay, Cornwall

7. Porthminster Beach, St Ives, Cornwall

8. Perranporth Beach, Perranporth, Cornwall

9. Hengistbury Head, Bournemouth, Dorset

10. Luskentyre, Isle of Harris

Telegraph Travel's experts have come up with their own top 20 list of UK beaches. Some of the nominations are deservedly popular spots along the south and western coast of Britain, while others are of the wild and unspoilt variety, where even at the height of summer you can find a secluded spot beneath cliffs or among dunes.

(If you are looking for more suggestions for wild, out of the way places, see our guide to the UK's 20 best hidden beaches also).