
As a nation surrounded by ocean, we are blessed with a long and varied coastline. Tumultuous waves crash against weatherbeaten cliffs; clear, turquoise water laps sugar-soft beaches; and colourful boats bob in lively harbours, and that’s just for starters.
The call of the sea is strong, and it’s not surprising that many of us are drawn to the coast when we’re planning a holiday. To find out which coastal properties have the strongest appeal, we’ve compiled a list of the most-viewed coastal cottages on our website in 2024.
Amongst these holiday cottages by the sea, you’ll find luxurious houses with jaw-dropping vistas; cosy romantic boltholes, a stone’s throw from the dunes; and welcoming family homes, close to coastal adventure. Read on to discover our top coastal cottages.
Coastal cottages

Driftsands, Cornwall
- Studded into the cliffside, with uninterrupted sea views
- Bi-fold doors to a sunny terrace – made for indoor/outdoor living
- Cosy wood burner for evenings in watching the ocean waves
The miles of dazzling sea views are the highlight of this characterful abode, which perches on the Tregonhawke cliffside in South Cornwall, just 500 metres from Clifftop Cafe where a hearty breakfast awaits. Soak up the panorama from Driftsands’ spectacular terrace, complete with loungers and a secluded outdoor dining area in a Mediterranean-style setting. Back through the bi-fold doors lies a stylish living space for two, with wooden floors, colourful accents and carefully curated artwork. A boutique kitchen, a luxurious bathroom (with a double-ended bath!) and an inviting sea-view bedroom complete this outstanding coastal lodge.
Cottage profile
Sleeps: 2 guests + 2 dogs
Bedrooms: 1 king-size
What’s nearby: Tregonhawke Beach and other secluded coves, Rame Head, Kingsand and Cawsand, Looe, Mount Edgecombe Country Park
Why guests love it: “What a fabulous find this property was, just breathtaking views and a stunning property. There was everything you could possibly need to create a relaxing and cosy trip away and I couldn’t recommend it enough.” – Cheryl
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Caerffynnon Hall, North Wales
- Elegant stately hall with a stunning interior and beautiful gardens
- Luxurious private spa with a sauna, steam room, swim spa and outdoor hot tub
- Excellent entertainment options, including a cinema room, gaming area and full-size pool table
Gather all your friends and family for a holiday to remember in salubrious Caerffynnon Hall near Portmeirion in North Wales. The grand decor, elegant furnishings, stained-glass windows and four-poster beds are just the tip of the iceberg: this home was made for socialising. Pamper yourselves in the rather decadent private spa; watch your favourite films on the big screen from the comfort of the cinema-style seats; challenge each other in gaming marathons and pool tournaments; and gather for garden parties and picnics while admiring the beautiful estuary views.
Cottage profile
Sleeps: 18 guests
Bedrooms: 3 super-king-size zip-and-link, 1 ambassador-size four-poster bed, 2 king-size four-poster beds, 2 king-size, 1 bunk bedroom
What’s nearby: Snowdonia National Park, Portmeirion, Harlech, Royal St David’s Golf Course, Porthmadog
Why guests love it: “The house and spa were immaculate. All the equipment worked perfectly. The house comfortably held the full quota of people. The bedrooms were spacious, and the mattresses were very comfortable. Best night’s sleep in ages! Couldn't find fault. Very happy customers!” – Joseph
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Shell Bay, Devon
- Far-reaching views of Woolacombe Beach
- A short hop, skip and jump to the South West Coast Path
- Dog-friendly apartment overlooking a pup-welcoming beach
Aptly named Shell Bay is an intimate coastal retreat for two, with the most astounding of sea views over the broad expanse of Woolacombe Beach in North Devon and to the island of Lundy. From the one-bedroom apartment’s second-floor vantage point, the impressive 3-mile-long beach is visible in all its glory. Stride out from the doorstep to enjoy scenic walks along the South West Coast Path, meandering back through the welcoming village to pick up a takeaway to enjoy alfresco on the communal patio.
Cottage profile
Sleeps: 2 guests + 2 dogs
Bedrooms: 1 double
What’s nearby: Woolacombe Beach, South West Coast Path, Arlington Court, Exmoor National Park, Croyde, Saunton, Ilfracombe
Why guests love it: “What an amazing place with stunning views. It was perfect for me and my two dogs. Everything I needed for a week. Lots of places to visit in the area and if you want to stay close, the beach is across the road. What more can you ask for?” – Chris
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Stafford House, Devon
- Elevated position with staggering views over Westward Ho! and Bideford Bay
- Inviting indoor swimming pool, hot tub and sauna
- Multiple socialising spaces including two lounges, a large dining area and a games room
The perfect coastal retreat for a big family getaway, Stafford House in North Devon offers plenty to entertain its guests, both inside and in the local vicinity. Make a splash in the superb indoor swimming pool, and enjoy indulgent home spa days, making the most of the sauna and hot tub. The views from the gorgeous bedrooms take the limelight, while outside, the large, enclosed garden offers an idyllic spot in which to relax with sundowner drinks as the sky turns into liquid gold out over the island of Lundy.
Cottage profile
Sleeps: 12 guests + 3 dogs
Bedrooms: 1 super-king-size, 2 king-size, 3 twins
What’s nearby: Westward Ho!, Appledore, Bideford, Instow, Barnstaple, The Big Sheep, The Milky Way Adventure Park, Tarka Trail
Why guests love it: “Perfect house for our stay again – ticks all the boxes for a family aged between 4 and 78. Location is great, and the views are perfect. Spacious for 12 and the swimming pool is such a treat. We’ll be back.” – Florence
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The Lookout – South Snowdon Wharf, North Wales
- Watch sailing boats zipping by from the private balcony
- Breathtaking estuary views from the double bedroom
- Lofty living space with elegant contemporary furnishings
A quirky, architect-designed sailing lodge, The Lookout offers waterside accommodation in a fantastic setting in Porthmadog, close to the highlights of Snowdonia National Park. Hunker down in this romantic retreat with your loved one, waking up to the morning sun glistening on the estuary beyond the bedroom window, and reviving your senses with a coffee on the enclosed balcony. The high-ceilinged, open-plan lounge/kitchen/diner is a haven of style and comfort, and an additional bedroom offers flexibility for friends staying together.
Cottage profile
Sleeps: 2 guests
Bedrooms: 1 king-size, 1 single which can be made up on request
What’s nearby: Porthmadog, Snowdonia National Park, Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways, Borth Y Gest, Portmeirion
Why guests love it: “We had an amazing time in this cottage and the area, lovely accommodation, lovely views and an amazing place to explore too! I would highly recommend!” – Ann Marie
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Waters Edge – Dunoon, Argyll and Bute
- Immaculate waterfront period house
- Private beachside decking with a large hot tub
- Elegant interior with plenty of space for socialising
A special place for a group getaway, Waters Edge in Dunoon, Argyll and Bute lies right on Victoria Parade, with the glittering water and the beach lying tantalisingly close to the front door. With a Victorian pier, scenic promenade, water sports and golf to enjoy locally, there’s much to add to your holiday itinerary, but you’ll want to leave plenty of time to relax back at base and make the most of this glorious home. Sea views aside, the property’s highlights are its impeccable calming decor and relaxing social spaces. The kitchen is geared up for cooking a storm, while the second lounge, with its cosy wood burner-effect electric fire, is the perfect spot for kicking back and appreciating the view. Eight inviting bathrooms and Smart TVs in all eight bedrooms ensure that guests can indulge in quiet time away from the rest of the group too.
Cottage profile
Sleeps: 18 guests + 4 dogs
Bedrooms: 1 super-king-size zip-and-link, 1 king-size, 1 four-poster king-size, 3 doubles, 2 family rooms with 1 king-size bed and 1 single
What’s nearby: Dunoon, Castle House Museum, Firth of Clyde, golf clubs at Cowal and Innellan, Kilbride Forest, Bishops and Puck’s Glens, Benmore Botanic Gardens, Isle of Bute
Why guests love it: “What a property – spacious and clean, with stunning views of Clyde. Bedrooms were beautiful and spacious, with plenty of en suites and bathrooms for a larger party. Loved the two living rooms/communal areas – with the one upstairs being very cosy. We ate out locally and were able to easily walk back to the property.” – Lisa
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Coastguard Watch, Northumberland
- Honey-coloured stone cottage with direct harbour views from a Juliet balcony
- Charming courtyard with dining furniture
- Thoughtful touches include a wood burner and an outside utility shower
An aesthetic stone cottage on the harbourfront at Seahouses, Northumberland, Coastguard Watch’s blend of traditional features and contemporary decor makes it a space you’ll want to spend plenty of time in. Fire up the wood burner in the golden stone hearth, and let it crackle away as you drink in the outstanding harbour view beyond the doors of the Juliet balcony. The upside-down layout makes the most of the outlook, and the outside courtyard provides space to dine in the sun, with the handy addition of a utility shower/dog drying room to spruce up when returning from the beach.
Cottage profile
Sleeps: 6 guests + 2 dogs
Bedrooms: 1 king-size, 1 twin, 1 double
What’s nearby: Seahouses, Farne Islands, Holy Island, Bamburgh Castle, Dunstanburgh Castle
Why guests love it: “Fantastic cottage, perfect location, I could have spent the whole holiday sat looking out of the windows. Perfectly equipped. We will be back the next time we holiday in Northumberland. We had family staying with us from Canada, and they loved it.” – Nicky
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Seashells, Norfolk
- Secluded and spacious red brick bungalow
- Unrivalled sea views from the clifftop garden
- Overlooking the beach, which can be accessed in just 600 metres
Another cottage which lives up to its seaside-themed name is Seashells, an idyllic clifftop hideaway for two on the Norfolk coast. Giving off writer’s retreat vibes, the red brick bungalow is bright and airy, reflecting the landscape that surrounds it: a broad, open expanse of green grass, blue sky and azure ocean. Deliciously secluded, it’s a romantic spot to get away from it all, soak up some seaside air, and simply relax, when you’re not out tramping the coast path, cruising on the Norfolk Broads, or exploring the local towns, that is.
Cottage profile
Sleeps: 2 guests + 1 dog
Bedrooms: 1 king-size
What’s nearby: Walcott Beach, North Walsham, Wroxham, Norfolk Broads National Park, Happisburgh
Why guests love it: “We loved our stay at Seashells. The cottage was just what I had envisaged. It is perfect for people with dogs or couples who want a bit of peace and quiet. It was beautifully decorated with a seaside theme and had all the equipment we wanted.” – Jennifer
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Harbour Master’s House, Northumberland
- Beautiful setting alongside Craster’s charming harbour
- Inviting village pub next door for hearty dinners without the washing up
- Dining table with a view, perfect for sampling Craster kippers for supper
If you like your sunsets with a side-serving of ocean and a tipple in hand, look no further than Harbour Master’s House in pretty Craster, Northumberland. Perched above the village’s characterful harbour, you’ll be in a prime position for watching the maritime activities. While fishermen bring in the early morning catch of the day, you can pad out through the bi-fold doors onto the decking to savour your coffee, having enjoyed a restful night’s sleep in one of the cottage’s cosy bedrooms. Stone brickwork, flagstones and wooden floorboards lend the property a traditional feel, in keeping with the historic coastal village.
Cottage profile
Sleeps: 6 guests
Bedrooms: 1 king-size, 1 double, 1 twin
What’s nearby: Craster, Embleton, Longhouton, Dunstanburgh Castle, Seahouses, Bamburgh Castle
Why guests love it: “We found this to be a delightful cottage, with the view out across the harbour and the restless sea towards Dunstanburgh Castle captivating. The cottage is well equipped with a nice, homely feel about it, although we took advantage of the various options to eat out on our travels. It made an excellent base which we were sad to leave behind.” – Keith
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Find your perfect coastal cottage
If the coastal holiday cottages featured above have got you dreaming of an escape to the seaside, pop the kettle on and settle down to browse our carefully curated coastal collection. These coastal cottages across the UK will leave you perfectly positioned for adventures by the sea, whether that be with family, friends, your partner, solo, or even with your canine pal.
Select your key criteria to narrow down your search and home in on your dream holiday cottage by the sea. Click the button below to get started.
Coastal cottages