It’s not surprising that most of us are dreaming of a beach break. We’re ready to say goodbye to our sofas and the insides of our houses (which we’ve come to know intimately over the last year), and say hello to a fresh sea breeze, sand between our toes, Oceanfront Bed And Breakfast and the happiness that comes with being by the beach.
Brits have a new-found (or maybe rediscovered) love for staycations. Gone are the days where holidaying in the UK meant drab caravan accommodation, miserable weather and bored children. Holidays in the UK are now about outdoor adventures, culture-filled weekends, pretty scenery and downright stylish places to stay – and yes, even beach breaks. The UK coastline is punctuated by all manner of sandy stretches, cute bays and fun-filled promenades (we’ve even got sunnier summers!), so we thought we’d list our top 10 beach houses here in the UK. You don’t need to hop on a plane and go abroad for a beach holiday, explore your proverbial doorstep instead and check out these places right next to – or on – the coast!
Glen House, Suffolk
Sleeps 8 | Dog friendly
On the beach
Best for: A quiet seaside escape
Right in the heart of the wonderful, historic village of Thorpeness, Glen House, part of the magnificent Ogilvie Hall, offers abundant designer entertainment space. Thorpeness is a magical place, popular as a filming location and close to other Suffolk delights such as Aldeburgh and Southwold. This 50 mile stretch of wild and enchanting coastline is magnificent. The house is luxurious and extremely comfortable. You will rest and sleep well here!
Price from: £29pppn/$40pppn based on 12 sharing
Marine House, Hampshire
Sleeps 15-22 | Dog friendly
Nearest beach: Southsea (100m)
Best for: Multi-generational holidays
This holiday home is in the perfect location within the bustling seaside resort of Southsea, only 10 minutes drive from Portsmouth, and super close to the beach! Everyone’s tastes will be catered for here, kids will enjoy the proximity to the beach (and the PS4 in the house!), and adults will appreciate the bar, sauna and hot tub! The whole family can snuggle down for movie nights in the cinema room, and come together for sunny BBQ’s on the garden terrace.
P.S. You can even organise additional drinks and a cocktail package if you wish!
Price from: £32pppn/$41pppn based on 15 sharing
Beach Bay Cottage, Devon
Sleeps 8 | Dog friendly
Nearest beach: Croyde Beach (1.5km)
Best for: Beach hopping and outdoor adventures
This bright and airy cottage is set in the heart of the village of Croyde, so perfectly placed if you don’t want to venture far as there’s pubs, shops, restaurants and beaches all within walking distance. The inside of the cottage is contemporary and lovingly decorated, giving it a homely feel and the outdoor terrace is perfect for alfresco dining and a good old soak in the hot tub. The sandy beaches of Croyde, Saunton Sands and Putsborough are all nearby, offering great surf (Croyde has been voted one of the best surfing beaches in the world), kayaking, SUP and beach yoga. Alternatively, there’s the Tarka Trail which is great for avid cyclers and a variety of walking trails with stunning coastal views.
Price from: £47pppn/$60pppn
Skyfall, Sussex
Sleeps 11
Nearest beach: St Leonard’s Beach (700m)
Best for: A classy seaside holiday
You get the best of both worlds from this chic retreat – you can stay close to home, and enjoy the unrivalled coastal views from the comfort of your own terrace (hot tub or dining area… your choice!), or you can take a 30-minute stroll to nearby Hastings and soak up all that traditional seaside magic of bygone days: think funfair Pier, busy promenade, a long stretch of beach, arcades etc. For grown-ups, there’s the trendy Old Town with its boutique shops, wine bars and restaurants – or closer to the villa, the refined St Leonards-On-Sea offers independent shops and eateries.
Price from: £19.50pppn/$25pppn
St Ives Cottage, Cornwall
Sleeps 8
Nearest beach: Carbis Bay (0.8km)
Best for: Taking it easy/grown-up fun
If you’re looking for somewhere to dial back the pace and enjoy a slower style of living, then look no further than this gem in charming Carbis Bay. Being in an elevated position, the cottage commands breathtaking views of the bay, Godrevy lighthouse and the North Cornwall coastline, and the panoramic full-length windows frame it perfectly. The open plan living area opens out to the spacious sun deck and garden, with a BBQ area to make the most of those sunny summer days. Being situated in a seaside town means beach days are easy, and if you want to turn it up a notch, St Ives is only a stones’ throw away with all of its activities, attractions and art.
Price from: £29pppn/$38pppn
Sandcrest Cottage, Cornwall
Sleeps 6 | Dog friendly
Nearest beach: Sits on Mawgan Porth
Best for: Surf-lovers and foodies
Forget everything you thought you knew about cottages because this light and airy showstopper only a few yards from the beach blows any idea you had about them out the water! Instagrammable interiors are the backdrop to your chill-out spaces, and you’ve got the choice between two places to have a soak and admire the views: the hot tub overlooking the beach, and – unusually – a roll top bath on the terrace! The beach on your doorstep is well-known for its surfing, with its own surf school… and neighbouring Watergate Bay is a famous surf spot! Foodies will enjoy the great selection of high-quality eateries such as Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Restaurant, Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant and the award-winning Blue Ribbon Bay restaurant, all nearby.
Those looking to truly disconnect from the outside world will be pleased to hear there’s no mobile signal at the cottage – the perfect spot for a coastal detox!
Price from: £61pppn/$78pppn
Woodhill Beach House, Somerset
Sleeps 6-14
On the beach
Best for: Getting back to nature
This French-inspired beach house is raising the game with its homely-yet-chic interiors and furnishings. Commanding uninterrupted views of the estuary, you can open the French doors to the views while soaking in the tub, or cosy up with a book and a coffee while looking out at the river scenery. Close to the town of Portishead, the house is in a great location for local attractions, but if you’d rather just get back to nature you’re perfectly placed to enjoy the wilderness of Somerset whether that’s at the Gordano Valley Nature Reserve, Battery Point or The Clevedon Coast Path. Plus, this dreamy house is on the beach!
Price from: £201pppn/$259pppn based on 6 sharing
Seaside Retreat, Sussex
Sleeps 12-14 | Dog friendly
Nearest beach: Bognor Regis (50m)
Best for: Family-friendly fun
This pretty townhouse is right on the seafront, so the panoramic views from inside are picture-perfect! Being only a short stroll to the Bognor Regis promenade, this family-friendly area is right on your doorstep: there are two excellent beaches, a fun promenade train for little ones, crazy golf and other family activities to get stuck into. Back at the house, there’s a lovely courtyard garden with facilities for a good old fashioned British BBQ!
Price from: £26pppn/$33pppn based on 12 people sharing
Ope Lodge, Dorset
Sleeps 4
Nearest beach: Church Ope Cove
Best for: A romantic getaway
Set in the Dorset Castle Estate this idyllic lodge is perched on rugged clifftops, with remarkable sea views out to Church Ope Cove and beyond. Cosy up indoors while soaking up the coastal views, or take it outside and bask in the sun while alfresco dining. The modern, minimalist interiors give off a sophisticated vibe, and you can easily go for a romantic stroll down the beach – or if you’re looking for a longer walk, the island (Ope Lodge is located on the Isle of Portland) has plenty of walking trails on offer. Whether you’re a couple of couple’s or just the two of you, it’s the perfect coastal escape.
Price from: £39pppn/$51pppn based on 4 people sharing
Tuath Na Mara, Northern Ireland
Sleeps 7-9 | Dog friendly
On the beach
Best for: Rugged wilderness and raw coastal beauty
This villa is striking in every sense of the word – from the design of the villa (by the award-winning MacGabhann Architects) to its scenic backdrop and surrounding wilderness. The open-plan living spaces are great for socialising, and the panoramic views from the floor-to-ceiling windows are just next-level. You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to the outdoors: direct beach access is great for those wanting to stay closer to home, and even the gorgeous Ballymastocker Beach is only a 15-minute walk away. Alternatively, the enchanting Glenveagh National Park with its lakes, mountains and waterfalls is only 45-minutes away… the ultimate day out for the outdoor explorer!
Price from: £28pppn/$36pppn based on 7 people sharing
Just because you’re going on a staycation doesn’t mean you have to forgo the beach aspect of your holiday, these beach houses in the UK are our favourite places to stay if you’re looking for that beachside break. But they’re not our only ones – have a look at the rest of our UK coastal collection to see where tickles your fancy. If you need help, our friendly concierge team are just an email away.
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