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 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Sunset View is an award-winning Cornish coastal cottage in Newquay boasting ocean views. The sophisticated pet-friendly cottage near Porth beach enjoys authentic coastal chic and an elevated position. It offers a hot tub, an open fire, outdoor entertaining spaces, an upside-down design and close to the beach.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A large large stone barn conversion in Devon surrounded by open fields and mature trees
  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 4

Swallows Reach is an exquisite large holiday cottage in Halwell, a dream South Devon holiday home with a swimming pool. This impressive farm cottage boasts five beautifully appointed bedrooms, four with en suite facilities, spanning three levels. Enjoy the inviting open-plan living space, including a lounge with a wood-burning stove, and relish the fully equipped kitchen. With the added allure of an indoor pool, shared play area, and the convenience of off-road parking, Swallows Reach promises a perfect pet-friendly getaway for families or groups.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Farm Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
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  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

A large waterside holiday cottage in the Norfolk Broads steps from the popular Broadland village of Horning, Swan Dyke Cottage offers a peaceful retreat from which to explore this picturesque region, a two-storey pet-friendly cottage with brick panelling, open fire, and four spacious bedrooms.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Coastal Cottages
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  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 5

Swanage Driftwood is a large, modern coastal cottage in Dorset boasting light and airy spaces and contemporary chic. The pet-friendly holiday cottage in Swanage lies just moments from the beach and offers a sun-filled interior and multiple outdoor entertaining spaces, plus access to bespoke Wellness packages.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
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  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of an 18th-century terraced holiday cottage in Aylsham.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 3

Ideally situated just steps from the heart of the market town of Aylsham, Norfolk, lies Ted’s Place, a mid-terrace period home renovated to a high standard, a pet-friendly cottage with a modern kitchen, three pretty first-floor bedrooms, freestanding rolltop bath, and enclosed lawned garden.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
Lawns surround the exterior of a large rural holiday cottage.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Thatch Barn is a charming holiday home in Acle on the edge of the picturesque Norfolk Broads. This inviting retreat can accommodate up to eight guests, making it the perfect choice for families or groups looking to escape to the country. The cottage has been lovingly restored to retain many original features, while also offering a modern and comfortable atmosphere. With its scenic countryside location, Thatch Barn provides a peaceful and relaxing base for coast and countryside holidays in Norfolk.

  • Active Holidays
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Exterior of a Cambridgeshire, brick built barn conversion in a courtyard.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

The Barn is a lovely base for a relaxing family holiday in the Lincolnshire countryside within easy reach of The Wash coast. The 19th-century detached barn conversion near Wiobech is well-presented and thoughtfully furnished, blending rural style with modern comforts. Pets welcome.

  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Outdoor dining chairs cluster around a table on a tree-lined lawn on Osea Island. Behind them is a cross-timbered holiday cottage on Osea Island.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Introducing The Chase, a charming cottage situated on the tranquil Osea Island. This elegant retreat in Essex features a cosy lounge area with a log burner, spacious bedrooms, and three well-appointed bathrooms. Whether you're looking for quality time with family or some peaceful moments to yourself, this cottage offers the perfect ambience. With its four-poster beds and roll-top baths, you are guaranteed a comfortable stay. During summer, you can relax in the private garden with a fire pit and barbecue. Osea Island provides a range of private amenities, including beaches, a saltwater lido, an outdoor pool, a tennis court, a cinema room, a games room, and much more. So, come to Osea Island and experience your ideal seaside getaway.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Fishing Holidays
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  • Short Breaks
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Exterior  of a stone-built, single-storey Chirnside holiday cottage.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Come to experience the rich history of the village of Chirnside or spend your days relaxing on the local beaches just outside town. Beautiful countryside awaits you at The Coach House! This lovely, romantic cottage offers a cosy country getaway on the Scottish Borders for two.

  • Coastal Cottages
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  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
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  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

The Compass is a stylish one-bedroom apartment in the heart of the resort town of Swanage, Dorset, a romantic flat within a pleasant courtyard that makes a cosy holiday escape for couples, with a private parking space, fully fitted kitchen, breakfast bar, tiled bathroom, and comfy sitting area.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Short Breaks
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Exterior of a stone-built barn conversion in Bideford with large floor-to-ceiling windows on the ground floor overlooking a courtyard with flower pots lining the wall.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Enjoy a rural escape in the North Devon countryside with a stay at The Corn Tallet, one of a group of child-friendly holiday cottages near Bideford on a working sheep farm. It features a heated swimming pool and upside-down accommodation for up to six guests.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
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  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

The Dairy Barn is a charming rural holiday cottage near Fakenham bursting with a traditional character set on 7 acres of grounds in Toftrees, Norfolk. The 18th-century barn conversion welcomes pets and boasts lovely gardens, exposed beams, a swimming pool, and a games room featuring brick walls and a contemporary setting.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A single storey Tintagel Garden Apartment overlooks a large rockery.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

The Garden Apartment is a small, romantic cottage for couples with sea views on the spectacular North Cornwall coast between Tintagel and Bossiney Cove. Features a wood burner, TV, double bedroom, and fitted kitchen—close to great beaches and stunning seaside scenery. Pets welcome.

  • Coastal Cottages
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  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Small Cottages
Entrance to a single storey seaside barn conversion in front of which is a wooden picnic table.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Couples on holiday in the north of England enjoy cosy accommodation at The Goat Shed, a barn conversion in the rural hamlet of High Normanby, North Yorkshire, a pet-friendly holiday cottage that retains much of its original character and sits near the Yorkshire coast and in North York Moors National Park.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A stone-built barn conversion surrounded by open countryside with a ramp to the front door.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

The Grain Store possesses all the charm of a stone-built 19th-century grain store and offers superb views of the sea and Cader Idris from its lush garden. The pet-friendly property spoils guests with exposed beams and contemporary facilities and lies just moments from lovely Abersoch in North Wales.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays

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.