'I travelled the world in hunt for best beach but it's actually right here in the UK'

From the palm-tree-lined shores of Santa Monica to Thailand's famous Maya Bay - who would've thought a tiny slice of the UK could come out triumphant? It's no secret Britain's coastline needs some major PR damage control: infamous for its , litter-strewn sands, and piles of steaming donkey s**t.

When I was little, I was more than happy to swim in brown water that closely resembled an over-brewed cuppa, as long as I could finish the day off with a Mr Whippy drenched in raspberry sauce and sherbet. But once I ventured out of the UK - I fell helplessly into the arms of sugar-like sand and cobalt waters.

I have been lucky to embark on multiple trips around Europe, and two years ago ventured on a late-life 'gap year' - bringing my total country count to 40. I'm yet to explore the wonders of South America (pending) but managed to tick off dozens of Instagram-worthy destinations like Indonesia, the Bahamas, the Philippines, , Sri Lanka, , and the USA.

I spent a week on Cambodia's Koh Rong Samloem, a tranquil island often touted as a more. It checked all the essential beach criteria you could think of: pure white sands, crystal-clear water filled with fish, plenty of shack-like bars serving up £1 beers, and night-time BBQs filled with fresh seafood and local produce.

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At night time, you could wave your hands through the water and marvel at the bioluminescence plankton sparkling shades of sapphire. In many ways, it was a tropical paradise; the epitome of what I thought a perfect beach had to look like. But, when my partner and I walked through the island's woodlands over to another beach - we realised the island was being bulldozed down, with plans to transform the sleepy hotspot into a concrete jungle filled with five-star hotels and busy main roads.

The sight left a bitter feeling, and after speaking to several locals, we were told the huge renovation meant they would all eventually be kicked off the island. Suddenly, the eviction notices spray painted on the side of hotels and restaurants seemed to be everywhere. It may have looked perfect on the surface, but the magic was swiftly fading.

The experience altered the way I started to view natural attractions like beaches. I visited some of the most serene shores in the - like Nusa Pendia's Kellingking Beach (a huge tourist attraction filled with selfie sticks) and the surfing hotspot of Marissa. At first glance, they all look beautiful - and are guaranteed to turn your photo gallery into an absolute dream. But they also come with their vices: whether it's common sightings of clear animal abuse, irresponsible tourists driving onto the sands and littering, general over-crowding, or expensive beach clubs trying to push out non-paying customers - including locals.

I realised the best beach didn't need to have perfect sands or turquoise waters. It just needed to welcome everyone.

Last week, I visited with my family - opting to stay at the Haven Greenacres Holiday Park near Porthmadog. You can stay in a caravan here for four nights for as little as £49, depending on the season, making it a great option for those on a budget. Our caravan was a mere thirty-second walk from Traeth y Greigddu - Black Rock Sands, a two-mile stretch of golden sand with breathtaking views of Snowdonia National Park. Despite its name, there are no black rocks to watch out for - but do be mindful of the huge jellyfish that occasionally get washed up onto the shore.

I didn't expect to have any kind of reaction to the beach, but when I saw it in all its glory - on a beautifully balmy evening as the sun was melting into the horizon - I felt like I'd finally found a winner. This coastal stretch ticks all of the classic criteria (golden sand, clear water, lilac skies) and boasts some pretty stunning views that made me think of my time in New Zealand.

I'm a sucker for grassy dunes, and loved how the green blended effortlessly into the sand. But it was the atmosphere of the beach that really grabbed my attention: families (including mine) were playing rounders, elderly couples were taking their for an evening stroll, my nephews were trying to find pound coins with their metal detectors, while paragliders were zooming around in the sky. It was a beach that is allowed to be used - one that welcomes everyone. It offered more than an -picture-opportunity and made me nostalgic of a time when a beach was an endless stretch of fun.

You can drive onto sections of the beach here, which is great if you're travelling with anyone that has mobility issues - or for parents that don't want their buggy sinking into the sand. Despite the array of vehicles, it still felt like you had the entire beach to yourself - and meant that the ice cream van can pull up right next to you. Naturally, a Mr Whippy with raspberry sauce and sherbet was ordered.

Traeth y Greigddu is just under 250 miles from London, meaning you'll need to prepare for a 5-hour and 22-minute drive. From Manchester, you're around two hours and 43 minutes away, while Liverpool is just two hours and 15 minutes away. Train journeys from the Big Smoke may actually add an hour onto the journey - but with tickets starting from just £30 - it can be great option for those who don't drive.

If you're happy with games of Bingo, a small arcade, and a stunning beach - I highly recommend the Greenacres Holiday Park. They also rent out lodges, which start from £309 for four nights, for those wanting to upgrade from a caravan!

*Prices based on Trainline and Haven listings at the time of writing.

What's your favourite UK beach? Let us know in the comments section below