Our top coastal cottages for 2025

Accommodation, Coastal

Posted by Clare Willcocks on 3rd December 2024

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

Colourful one-line kitchen of Driftsands, with teal units, wooden worktops and a matching island on wheels. | Bifold doors opening from the lounge area with a sofa and armchair. Basket seats are on the decking overlooking the sea. | Wicker-style loungers are on decking beneath a wooden pergola, backed by wood-clad walls – a picnic area sits to the right, surrounded by bushes and tiered planting.

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

Discover Driftsands

The elegant front of Caerffynnon Hall. | Large, sunken indoor hot tub. | Attractive room with blue panelled wall, marble fireplace, elegant floral curtains, Chesterfield style furniture and glass-topped wooden coffee tables.

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

Discover Caerffynnon Hall

Grey and black toned kitchen with lounge area in the foreground. | Looking from the top of a wall with flowers on, down to a sunny elevated courtyard, with views over rooftops and the beach in the distance. | An open window reveals uninterrupted views of Woolacombe Beach, complete with grass-topped cliffs and rocks giving way to sand and sea.

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

Discover Shell Bay

Aerial view of Stafford House, showing the lawn. | French doors open onto a balcony with bucket seats and views of the sea. | An indoor pool with mosaic dolphin motif in a brick room with windows and a wood panelled ceiling.

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

Discover Stafford House

A sumptuous-looking bed in a pale teal room with rattan-style furniture. | A green velvet sofa in a double-height room, with open-plan kitchen in a khaki green colour to the rear. | Balcony overlooking the estuary with a bistro set.

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

Discover The Lookout – South Snowdon Wharf

The large terrace of Waters Edge with BBQ, garden furniture and a large hot tub, overlooking the water. | Elegant lounge in tones of grey, with high ceilings and a chandelier – views of the sea are visible through the window. | A four-poster bed in a bright bedroom, with seats and a low table next to a sea-view window.

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

Discover Waters Edge – Dunoon

The golden-stone of Coastguard Watch Cottage, with dining furniture set in the courtyard. | A comfortable bedroom with sea blue sofa, and matching throw on the metal-framed bed; there is coastal artwork on the walls. | Exposed stone walls in the lounge, with large clock and artwork, leather sofas, wooden coffee table and sideboards, and a wood burner – the balcony is visible through the window.

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

Discover Coastguard Watch

Seashells, a red brick house with picket fence garden, overlooking the sea. | A small sunroom with a blue armchair and a side table, looking out over a grassy area, the drive and the sea. | The corner of the garden, with bench on a patio, planted pots, and a picket fence; there are open fields beyond.

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

Discover Seashells

A dining table leads the eye towards comfortable seating, and bifold doors opening out onto a balcony overlooking the harbour. | A comfortable lounge with flowers on a wooden coffee table, a fire in the wood burner, and a painting of boats hanging above. The kitchen area is in the background. | A comfortable seat next to bifold doors, leading onto steps onto a balcony with bistro table, overlooking the harbour.

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

Discover Harbour Master's House

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

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.