Coastal Holiday Cottages by the Sea

Browse coastal holiday cottages across the UK, from stays with direct beach access or sea views to homes within walking distance of the shore or a short drive from the coast.

The right coastal cottage depends on what you want from the location. You may be looking for a beach on the doorstep, a sea view from the property, a walk to a harbour or coast path, or a practical base for exploring a stretch of coastline. Use the filters to narrow your search, then check each listing for the exact coastal relationship, distance and access details before booking.

 

  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Perched atop a hill in Mawgan Porth, Pepperpots enjoys ocean views. The sophisticated holiday cottage in North Cornwall welcomes pets and offers contemporary comforts close to sandy surfing beaches along the Cornish coastline. Beautiful gardens capture the views and provide space for sunbathing on hot summer days.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

7 Harlyn Cottages is a beautifully furnished, modern holiday home at Harlyn Bay near Padstow in North Cornwall. Within a short walk of a white sandy beach for surfing and rock-pooling, this family-friendly holiday cottage sleeps six and welcomes pets.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Pendeen lighthouse holiday cottages in a clifftop location
  • Sleeps 3
  • Bedrooms 2

Argus Cottage is a unique coastal cottage set inside Pendeen Lighthouse atop the cliffs of Pendeen. The pet-friendly cottage boasts stunning ocean views and an abundance of wildlife, as well as a generously sized, furnished garden, contemporary design features, a sea breeze and access to the Cornwall coast and South West Coast Path.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Bayview is a large Cornish coastal cottage in Portwrinkle, a tiny fishing village in Whitesand Bay. Bayview is a pet-friendly holiday cottage with a hot tub. This large property sleeps eight guests in four bedrooms. It's perfect for golfing or family beach holidays.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages

Choose the right kind of coastal stay

“By the sea” can mean different things. A cottage with direct beach access offers a different experience from a property with a sea view, while a home a few miles inland may suit guests who want to explore several beaches and coastal towns by car.

If you are looking for…Check the listing for…
Time on the beachDirect access, walking distance, beach type and the route to the shore
A sea viewWhere the view is from and whether it is open, partial or seasonal
Coastal walksAccess to the coast path, route details and nearby parking
A family beach holidayBeach distance, parking, outdoor space and bedroom layout
A dog-friendly breakProperty dog rules and any seasonal restrictions on nearby beaches
A quieter coastal baseThe nearest town, beach, road access and local amenities

What to check before booking a cottage by the sea

  • Distance to the coast: Check whether the beach is on the doorstep, walkable or reached by car.
  • Beach access: Look at the route, including paths, steps, roads, cliffs or tide-dependent access where relevant.
  • Sea views: Confirm whether a view is from the property itself and which rooms or outdoor areas it can be enjoyed from.
  • The beach and local area: Sand, shingle, harbour, surf beach and coastal-path access can suit different kinds of break.
  • Parking and transport: Coastal villages and popular beaches can have limited parking, particularly in busy periods.
  • Dogs: Check both the cottage’s dog policy and the local beach restrictions for your travel dates.
  • Booking details: Confirm availability, stay length and total price for the dates you want.

More coastal holiday ideas

For properties by rivers, lakes, canals and other waterways, browse our waterside cottages. You can also combine your search with dog-friendly cottages, walking holidays, short breaks, cottages with hot tubs or cottages with swimming pools.

Frequently asked questions

No. Some have direct beach access, some have sea views or are within walking distance of the shore, and others are a short drive from the coast. Check the individual listing for the exact location details.

No. A coastal location does not automatically mean a sea view. Look for a specific sea-view description on the property listing.

This varies by property. Check the distance, route and access information before booking, especially if you are travelling with young children, limited mobility or a dog.

Many welcome dogs, but rules vary between properties and local beaches can have seasonal restrictions. Check both before making plans.

Not always. Waterside cottages can be beside rivers, lakes, canals or lochs. For a holiday focused on the sea and shoreline, use this Coastal Cottages collection.