Hidden gem UK beach 'just like Caribbean' with white gold sands and turquoise water

Standing on the white sands of Hushinish Beach you could be forgiven for thinking you have a line of palm trees behind you on a scorching hot seafront in the Caribbean.

This stunning beach in the Outer Hebrides is on the West side of the Isle of Harris.

The beautiful soft sands and clear turquoise water make it an idyllic swimming spot throughout the year, although people are warned the water can be very cold. You can access the beach by car which will take 30 minutes down a relatively windy road.

Sawdays holidays says the crystal waters mean if you "squint a little and you could be in the Caribbean." It added this Isle of Harris beach is one of Scotland's "truly spectacular" beaches.

There is a campervan site by the beach so there are some larger vehicles using the road, according to Scotland Less Explored. You can also park at the beach for free.

There are also free toilets and hot water showers at the beach if you are visiting the spot at a colder point in the year or find yourself desperate for the bathroom after a long journey.

Within the Huisinis Gateway building which is open from 7am to 7.30pm every day, you can find information about local wildlife. You can also take a picnic and enjoy it here on a rainy day as the glass windows show a sneak peak of the beach.

Swimming at the beach is possible. Unlike many quaint little bays on the island which are not sheltered from the open ocean, meaning there are large waves and strong currents, here the bay is protected by headland meaning you can take a dip in easily.

If you are looking for a sweeping viewpoint of the beach - stop just before the carpark on the on the B887. You will be able to take a beautiful panoramic picture of the beach and the bordering peninsula. Park your car and walk back a few hundred metres in the direction you came from for a souvenir your friends and family will be jealous of.

If you get bored of beautiful views there is also a spot of history to explore nearby. The Bunavoneader Whaling Station, built in the early 1900s by a Norwegian company operated on and off for almost 60 years.

Today, one of the original three red brick chimneys remains as well as mammoth concrete platforms where ships would return with the enormous beasts.

There is also the North Harris Eagle Observatory which you can cycle to from the beach. Or you can walk it in less than half an hour.

The building is a small wooden structure which allows you to quietly observe wildlife through the large glass windows - keeping an eye out for the majestic golden eagle.