By ESTHER MARSHALL

Published: 12:45 BST, 22 April 2025 | Updated: 12:47 BST, 22 April 2025

A stunningly beautiful beach in the UK is so pretty it’s regularly mistaken for being in Thailand.

West Beach on the Isle of Berneray in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides is so tropical-looking it was once used in a Thai advertising campaign. 

Back in 2009 a picture of the Scottish beach was used in a Thai campaign to advertise Kai Bae beach in Thailand. 

It’s thought that the image of West Beach was taken off the internet to save someone having to travel to Kai Bae to take a photo of the correct beach. 

At the time, a VisitScotland spokesperson said: ‘Here in the Outer Hebrides we are fortunate to have some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, right on our doorstep. 

‘They do say imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, so although the use of a photo of a beach on the Isle of Berneray to represent a Thai beach is somewhat misleading, I’m sure it is a compliment in disguise.’  

But it’s easy to see how the advertisers thought West Beach was beautiful enough to fool people. 

Lonely Planet named West Beach among the world’s best beaches in 2025 and celebrated its ‘untamed beauty’. 

West Beach on the Isle of Berneray in Scotland's Outer Hebrides is so tropical-looking it was once used in a Thai advertising campaign

West Beach on the Isle of Berneray in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides is so tropical-looking it was once used in a Thai advertising campaign

Lonely Planet named West Beach among the world's best beaches in 2025 and celebrated its 'untamed beauty'

Lonely Planet named West Beach among the world’s best beaches in 2025 and celebrated its ‘untamed beauty’

The travel guide says: ‘The wilds of this shoreline make it look like an untouched paradise, but these three miles of coast are a draw for tourists as well as locals.’ 

Despite its tropical appearance, tourists will need to be brave to take a dip in West Beach’s inviting-looking waters. 

Lonely Planet warns that the sea at West Beach rarely gets warmer than 13°C/55°F. 

However, it adds that the beach is a ‘paradise for beachcombers, bird-watchers and hikers’. 

Visitors will have the chance of spotting cormorants, gannets and more from the beach’s elevated dunes. 

Lonely Planet recommends tourists travel to West Beach during the spring, explaning that the ‘surrounding landscape is a burst of colour thanks to the abundant wildflowers.’ 

Despite its incredible beauty, West Beach is rarely crowded as it’s relatively difficult to get to. 

Tourists will need to take a ferry to Berneray from Harris and will need a car to fully explore the island. 

Despite its tropical appearance, tourists will need to be brave to take a dip in West Beach's inviting-looking waters

Despite its tropical appearance, tourists will need to be brave to take a dip in West Beach’s inviting-looking waters

Back in 2009 a picture of the Scottish beach was used in a Thai campaign to advertise Kai Bae beach (pictured above) in Thailand

Back in 2009 a picture of the Scottish beach was used in a Thai campaign to advertise Kai Bae beach (pictured above) in Thailand

And Thailand isn’t the only exotic location that Scotland could be mistaken for. 

Scotland experts Laura and Tom (@traveltwo_) previously told MailOnline Travel that they think of the isles of Harris and Lewis as the ‘Caribbean of Scotland’. 

They said: ‘There’s a warmth to the island- even on its coldest days – that shines through its local people and across the stunning, often virtually empty, white sandy beaches.’ 

Scotland is also home to some pretty dreamy seaside towns, including one that has a ‘real magic’ to it. 

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The beautiful British beach that’s so pretty it gets mistaken for one in Thailand

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