Including rivers, lakes and the sea, let us know what our Great British waters mean to you and for every entry we get, we will make a donation to MCS, ensuring it can continue its vital work preserving our coastal environments.
Entering the competition is easy: read our terms and conditions and get the full details by clicking the button below. The competition will run from 17 July 2023 to 21 August 2023.
Our Great British Waters #Summersbythewater
PROMOTER: holidaycottages.co.uk as part of The Travel Chapter Limited.
ADDRESS: Travel Chapter House Gammaton Road Bideford EX39 4DF Company No. 02431506.
If you can’t find the information you’re looking for below, please contact a member of our team and we’ll be happy to answer any queries.
- Entries open on 17 July 2023 and will close at 11.59pm on 21 August 2023. Any entries received after this date will not be considered.
- The competition is open to UK residents who are over 18 only.
- Entries must be made via the holidaycottages.co.uk social posts.
- There is no limit to the number of images or videos a participant can enter in this competition, however, any individual photo or video should only be entered and counted once.
- No employees, their families, or agencies of holidaycottages.co.uk are eligible to apply.
- No purchase is necessary to apply. holidaycottages.co.uk has the right to withdraw the offer at any time without notice.
- By entering the competition, you are giving holidaycottages.co.uk the right to repost your entry photo/video on its website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram account.
- By entering the competition, the entrant is indicating their agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions.
- Entries to this competition can be made in either of the following ways:
a. Commenting on the holidaycottages.co.uk competition social post and including #SummersByTheWater in your comment.
b. Sharing a post on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, tagging one of our official social channels and including #SummersByTheWater in your caption.
- For each entry, holidaycottages.co.uk will donate 50p to Marine Conservation Society, a registered UK charity working for seas full of life. Registered charity no. 1004005 (England & Wales); SC037480 (Scotland). www.mcsuk.org.
- The total donation will be limited to a maximum of £1,000.00 and is paid by Travel Chapter to MCS Sales Limited (registered in England no. 01766795), which passes its net profits to the Marine Conservation Society (registered charity no. 1004005).
- The company reserves the right to cancel or amend the position and these terms and conditions without notice in the event of a catastrophe, war, civil or military disturbance, or any actual or anticipated breach of any applicable law or regulation or any other event outside of the promoter’s control. Any changes to the position will be notified to entrants as soon as possible by the company.
- The selection process is as follows: one winner and 15 runners-up will be selected following an internal decision process in which 20 entries will be shortlisted. These will then be presented to a panel of judges at Marine Conservation Society who will then make the final selection.
- The decision will be final and no further correspondence about the decision will be entered into.
- The successful winner will receive a £500 holidaycottages.co.uk voucher. Terms and conditions apply to the voucher and can be viewed here.
- The successful winner will also receive a Marine Conservation Society membership and an Ordnance Survey OS Maps Premium 12-month access.
- Fifteen runners-up will receive an Ordnance Survey OS Maps Premium 12-month access.
- The position and prizes are as stated, and no cash or other alternatives will be offered. The prizes are not transferable. Prizes are subject to availability, and we reserve the right to substitute any prize with another of equivalent value without giving notice.
- The terms and conditions will be governed by English law and any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England.
- The successful applicant agrees to the use of his/her name and image in any publicity material, as well as their entry. Any personal data relating to the successful applicant, or any other entrants will be used solely in accordance with current UK data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the entrant’s prior consent.
- At holidaycottages.co.uk, part of The Travel Chapter Group, your privacy is paramount to us. You can read in our privacy statement how we safeguard your data. You can opt out at any time.
- Use of an automated system to participate is prohibited and will result in disqualification.
- The successful applicant will be chosen and notified as quickly as possible. If a winning applicant cannot be contacted, holidaycottages.co.uk reserves the right to select an alternative shortlisted applicant.
- Should the competition be cancelled, holidaycottages.co.uk is not liable for any loss of money or expense incurred by entrants or the winner.
- A correspondent at holidaycottages.co.uk will reach out to the winner at this time and send the vouchers to them.
- This position is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or any other social network.
- You are providing your information to The Travel Chapter Limited and not to any other party.
- You can read more about holidaycottages.co.uk’s privacy policy: https://www.holidaycottages.co.uk/privacy
Our waterside cottage collection

In need of some inspiration?
We would love to see some photographs of you making the most of our Great British waters, whether that’s trying out some thrilling water sports, enjoying a relaxing waterside walk, stone skimming with your kids, or simply appreciating a great view.
Lakes, rivers, the sea; all our waters are included in the competition. For inspiration, read on to discover some of the winning entries that we received last year for our Memories of the Water competition.
Memories of the Water competition entries 2022

Winning photo: watching the wild waves at Scarborough
The Great British waters aren’t just made for sunny summer days; they take on a life of their own during winter storms, as captured perfectly by @WellHelloSally. She says she loves the rough seas and “how fierce they can become with huge waves”, and we concur. The huge spray under the dappled mackerel sky is a highly evocative image of the power of the water.
Yorkshire coastal cottages

Finding some peace at Durdle Door at sunrise
Durdle Door is one of the most iconic and recognisable landforms on the Great British coast, but this photo by @AHumbleHobbit takes it to the next level. The clever ‘keyhole’ photo was taken at sunrise, with the sun peeking through the limestone arch of Durdle Door, casting the sea and sky in a tranquil pinkish hue. The photographer says: “You simply can’t beat the views and calmness of the Great British waters” – we couldn’t agree more.
Dorset coastal cottages

Spying some of Britain’s thriving bird colonies
Alyson captured this jaw-dropping image of “razorbills and guillemots doing a bit of high-rise living near St Bees, Cumbria”, which wouldn’t look out of place in a nature documentary. There must be hundreds of birds clinging to the near-vertical cliff. Alyson adds: “Wildlife off the UK coast can be as good as anywhere in the world if we look after it” – find out how you can help protect our coastal environment with the Marine Conservation Society.
Cumbria coastal cottages

Soaking up a quintessentially Cornish view
The former tin mine at Wheal Coates on the North Cornish coast is one of the most iconic images of this ever-popular county, and @Bernadette71 has captured it perfectly. The silhouette of the old mine gives a fascinating glimpse into Cornwall’s industrial past while the white sands and crystal sea showcase exactly why so many people choose this part of the UK for an idyllic beach break. Bernadette sums it up: “The sound of the waves, the clear blue water…nature at her best!”
Cornwall coastal cottages

Roaming the South West Coast Path in Dorset
One of the best ways to take in the spectacular coastal landscapes of our glorious country is on foot, walking one of the many coastal paths that track the perimeter of Great Britain. @DebbieK16010579 has captured one of the most popular – the South West Coast Path – which runs from Swanage in Dorset to Minehead in Somerset. This section in Dorset follows the awe-inspiring Jurassic Coast; in the image, the sandy shades of the coastline as the tide goes out mirror the geological layers of the rocky cliff above. Read more about our favourite Dorset coastal walks that will take you along this fabulous stretch of sea.
Dorset coastal cottages

Spotting puffins on the Yorkshire coast
Puffins are among some of the most delightful creatures you can spot along the Great British coast, with their smart black and white feathers contrasting with their clownish bills – and a sighting is made even more special as there are only a few places in the UK you can find them. @WellHelloSally was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of these beautiful birds at Bempton Cliffs on the Yorkshire coast and kindly snapped a picture to share with us all too.
Yorkshire coastal cottages

Enjoying island life on the Isle of Wight
You don’t have to travel far to enjoy island living – just over the Solent, in fact! @Godmancunian sent us this image which is dear to her heart, explaining: “"I love the Great British waters as I was born in Portsmouth. Dad was in the Royal Navy, so the sea is in my blood. From our house, I could even see the Isle of Wight, which is still a favourite place to visit. I am always at my most relaxed on a beach.” The scale of the sea and cliffs in this photo makes it easy to see why the Isle of Wight is such a well-loved destination.
Isle of Wight coastal cottages

Feeling invigorated on the Durham coast
The North East coast is a hidden gem, home to many stunning yet secluded beaches that could rival its South West counterparts. @Diamondsjackie showcases the rugged beauty of the Durham Heritage Coast with this captivating photo where the fluffy white clouds, deep blue sea and flower-dappled clifftop create a dreamy scene. She adds: “Whatever the weather, a walk along any British coastline is refreshing, invigorating and enjoyable.”
County Durham cottages

Capturing the colours at Whitby
When you picture the beach, your mind may conjure up images of tranquil blues and golden sands – but @roden_jannette’s photo of a wild sea at Whitby shows that coastal tones come in a whole rainbow of colours. The burning yellow of the sun behind the headland combines with the blue-grey, wind-whipped waves, making this a dynamic and vibrant image. Jannette describes it as “absolutely stunning” and we think you’d be hard pushed to find anyone who’d disagree!
Whitby holiday cottages
Supporting the Marine Conservation Society
The Great British coast has been the setting for magical memories for generations; the Marine Conservation Society wants to ensure our coastal environment will be there to enjoy for many more generations. There are so many ways you can help out with its vital conservation work: you can join a beach clean, survey jellyfish and turtles, or record living seaweed next time you’re at the beach.
If you’ve been inspired to make memories of your own at the coast, why not take a look at our range of coastal cottages? Whether you’re planning a romantic break to a beachside bolthole or want to take the whole family away on a seaside adventure, we have the perfect base for your next beach break.
Our coastal cottage collection