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.

 

Exterior of a single-storey seaside holiday cottage in Skinningrove.
  • Sleeps 3
  • Bedrooms 1

A stay at Bishop Cottage in the former fishing and mining village of Skinningrove, North Yorkshire, offers small groups on holiday in North East England a coastal cottage with a communal garden area to gather at night after a long day exploring the region’s sandy beaches and haunting moorlands.

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A lighthouse complex on a rugged clifftop in Cornwall.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Bishop Rock is a cosy seaside cottage located within Lizard Lighthouse, which boasts panoramic views over the ocean from atop the cliffs. The unique property near Lizard Village promises modern comforts, subtle décor, and direct access to this beautiful stretch of the Cornish coast.

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  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 2

Nestled in the picturesque countryside outside Caernarfon and nearby Snowdonia, Bluebell Cottage is a lovingly restored, two-bedroom barn conversion with the boundless hills of Welsh mountain countryside and coast on your doorstep - perfect for a relaxing family break in North Wales.

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An extended farmhouse holiday cottage overlooks an expansive lawn.
  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 5

Bonython Farmhouse is a large luxury holiday cottage on Bonython Estate near Helston. It boasts one of ‘The Great Gardens of Cornwall’, including a hidden valley and lakes. The pet-friendly coastal cottage boasts woodburning stoves plus a perfect blend of rural charm and modern design.

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A single storey barn conversion with Frenchwindos and a mature garden of shrubs and small trees.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Bradbridge Barn is a gorgeous stone-built rural cottage in a peaceful location in Newton Ferrers in Devon. The sophisticated, open-plan cottage sleeps 4, retains features such as exposed beams and wooden panelling, and boasts a handcrafted kitchen, a lovely furnished garden, and tranquillity.

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  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

This secluded, 2-bedroom Aberdovey holiday cottage is perfect for a family of four who want to get away but not so far away as to not have access to the shops, pubs and beaches in nearby Aberdovey. Just minutes away from the sea, enjoy the beautiful rural views from Braich-Y-Celyn Lodge.

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A large Cumbrian with spacious sunroom with a raised, flower-filled terrace.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Elegance permeates Briarcliffe Cottage, a stone-built semi-detached Lake District holiday cottage in Lindale. Nestled in a traditional village with quaint narrow streets, the rural cottage possesses country charm, a gorgeous garden, modern comforts, a summer room and a cosy open fire. It sleeps six in three bedrooms.

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A single-storey North Yorkshire barn conversion with small lawn and drive.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Broadings Cottage is a charming single-storey barn conversion ideal for small families located on a working farm on the edge of Whitby. Maintaining much of its original character, the pet-friendly cottage is a perfect getaway in the North York Moors for seaside and countryside holidays.

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A single-storey barn conversion with folding French windows opening onto a dining terrace.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Enjoy the country and the coast at Bromholm Barn, a luxurious 200-year-old cottage in Ridlington, Norfolk. The pet-friendly cottage offers a single-level open-plan design, exposed stone walls and beams, abundant natural light, a southwest-facing courtyard, ample grounds, and even a tent.

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A stone-built cottage with a first floor that forms an arch over a driveway to a courtyard.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

This smart, peaceful end-of-terrace holiday cottage is in Newton Ferrers, a scenic waterside village in a rural valley 1 1/2 miles from the South Devon Coast. It has three bedrooms and can sleep six people.

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Aerial view of a Cornish Lighthouse complex overlooking the sea.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Brook Cottage is a sophisticated coastal cottage set above the cliffs within Trevose Head Lighthouse near Padstow. The pet-friendly cottage enjoys spectacular ocean views and a sea breeze. It offers enclosed lawned gardens with furnished spaces, coastal chic and proximity to the many delights and attractions on the North Cornwall coast.

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A timber eco-lodge backed by trees overlooks an open field.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Brook Lodge is an award-winning eco-friendly cottage surrounded by lush green fields in Piddinghoe, Sussex, just moments from the scenic Egrets Way Footpath. This rural cottage boasts wonderful countryside views and offers extensive grounds, large windows to capture the views, and a stylish contemporary interior.

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  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

A quiet, charming rural holiday getaway in Llwyngwril on the Gwynedd coast in Snowdonia, Brynteg Cottage is only minutes from the sea. This bright, welcoming, spacious holiday cottage in North Wales sleeps six guests. An excellent base for exploring a gorgeous coastal area.

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Exterior of a 2-storey contemporary home with twin floor-to-ceiling French windows opening onto the garden.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Bucket & Spade is a beautiful coastal cottage in East Devon, just a stone's throw away from the pristine white sands of Seaton. The pet-friendly holiday home boasts a spacious garden with an outdoor relaxation area, a cosy log fire, and an open-plan design with a chic coastal feel.

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Larger raised and paved terrace with picnic tables and railings overlooks a stone barn conversion and fields.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Butterwell Barn is a Victorian barn converted into a comfortable South Devon holiday home that sleeps up to eight near the seaside town of Dartmouth. This pet-friendly rural cottage offers reverse-level accommodation with high vaulted ceilings, oak beams, and four en-suite bedrooms.

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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.