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.

 

A mature garden slopes up to a large house backed by trees.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Gaze across the coastline of Porlock Bay from Elthorne, a large Exmoor coastal cottage just moments from the centre of Porlock, a desirable little seaside town in Somerset. Play with your pets in the beautiful private gardens and relax in the 1930s cottage with a wood burner and spacious light-filled rooms.

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Exterior of a bubgalow surrounded a a garden with trees and mature shrubs and off-road parking space
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Exmoor View is a charming one-bedroom holiday bungalow in Wootton Courtenay, perfect for couples. This Exmoor holiday let features an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area with a gas 'wood-burner'. Enjoy stunning views of the Avill Valley and Dunkery Beacon from the patio and garden. The property includes WiFi, heating, and bed linen. Off-road parking is available. Nearby, the village shop and Parish Church add convenience. Discover more about this tranquil rural retreat in Exmoor National Park by viewing the full property description.

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A single-storey holiday cottage overlooks a courtyard with a table laid for a meal
  • Sleeps 9
  • Bedrooms 5

Discover comfort at Firm Anchor, a pet-friendly South Devon coastal cottage in Salcombe. With spacious living across three floors, a well-equipped kitchen, and estuary views from the terrace and balcony, it's a super family-friendly retreat. The property accommodates up to 5 guests, boasts a child's relaxation area, and is just a 10-minute walk from the town centre. Explore the detailed description of this inviting seaside holiday haven for more information.

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Climbing roses surround the porch of a country cottage in Somerset.
  • Sleeps 3
  • Bedrooms 1

Forge Cottage is situated in Wootton Courtenay, one of the most desirable villages in Exmoor. This pet-friendly cottage promises couples romance and serenity. The spacious rural holiday cottage lies close to the heart of the village and offers cosy comfort plus access to the Somerset coast and the Exmoor National Park.

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A modern bungalow in an elevated remote rural location wit sea views.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Enjoy Somerset holidays at Gapperies in West Porlock, where you'll revel in the awe-inspiring vistas that grace nearly every room of this modern retreat. With sweeping views over fields and salt marsh to the picturesque coastline of Porlock Bay, Gapperies offers an ideal sanctuary for those searching for a peaceful escape in the unspoiled realm of Exmoor. The ever-changing panorama outside your window promises a continuous source of delight. This exquisite property accommodates up to 6 guests.

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A two-storey Essex holiday cottage overlooking a lawn with a parasol on Osea Island
  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 5

Garden House is a warm and inviting Essex holiday cottage on Osea Island located near the waterfront, boasting a charming and cosy atmosphere. The interior is tastefully decorated, radiating comfort and sophistication, making it an excellent choice for a luxurious holiday retreat. This holiday home is situated in the central village area of the island, providing convenient access to all the island's attractions while also offering a private and secluded refuge.

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A wisteria-clad, single-storey brick building with large windows overlooks a garden full of shrubs.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Garden House is a gorgeous rural holiday cottage near Aylsham in Norfolk set on the lavish grounds of a grand private estate. The pet-friendly cottage boasts beautiful views and 150 acres of grounds with lakes. It combines rural charm with modern elegance in a cottage with an open fire and coastal access.

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  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

They say that the view can make a holiday truly special, and families can certainly experience this at Glintings, a holiday cottage located in Polperro. This spacious and pet-friendly cottage in Cornwall can accommodate up to six people and boasts stunning views of the village and harbour from its sunny hillside location.

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A terrace of Somerset cottages and front gardens.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Grace Cottage is a characterful 19th-century holiday cottage in Porlock on the West Somerset coast. The stone-built cottage sleeps four and welcomes pets. It offers a suntrap garden, abundant natural light, an open-plan design, a log fire, and easy access to the coast and the Exmoor National Park.

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Exterior of a Dunster holiday cottage with a pave courtyard and sun loungers.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Grist Mill is a large and characterful rural holiday cottage in Dunster, a medieval village on the West Somerset coast. It is a charming semi-detached cottage that can accommodate up to eight guests. It boasts a spacious leafy garden with furnished areas, a brand-new sunroom, unique decor and furnishings, an open-plan design, a modern style, and a warm and inviting wood-burning stove.

The large semi-detached cottage sleeps eight and features a large leafy garden with furnished areas, a new sunroom, quirky décor and furnishings, an open-plan design, a contemporary style, and a cosy wood-burning stove.

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Modern, 3-storey Dorset eco-lodge overlooking a patio and large lawn.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 3

Harbour Lights is a spacious seaside cottage located in Dorset, situated between Bridport and West Bay. The cottage provides modern amenities and offers breathtaking views of both the countryside and the sea. It is pet-friendly and comes with a large furnished terrace, perfect for hosting gatherings. Inside, the cottage features elegant Corian work surfaces, as well as marble and wooden floors.

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Exterior of a thatched cottage facing a paved, flower-filled courtyard in Brixham.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Hearthstone East Cottage is a large, thatched holiday cottage in Brixham, a popular seaside resort in Torbay. Set in idyllic surroundings, the pet-friendly cottage boasts stone walls, exposed beams, tiled floors and antique furnishings, plus a log fire, a lovely sunny garden and proximity to sandy beaches.

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  • Waterpark Nearby
An exterior of s Victorian holiday villa in Torquay with ample car parking space in front.
  • Sleeps 12
  • Bedrooms 6

Holcombe House is a large and luxuriously presented Torbay holiday cottage in Torquay. This detached period property can sleep twelve people in six bedrooms.

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  • Waterpark Nearby
Double-fronted cottage exterior with traditional quarter-light windows.
  • Sleeps 13
  • Bedrooms 5

Holmdale is a large, character-laden coastal cottage in Porlock, a sought-after location in Somerset. The pet-friendly holiday cottage within the Exmoor National Park boasts sea views, exposed beams, a farmhouse-style kitchen, a cosy log fire, and a spacious garden with outdoor seating and dining furniture. Explore the coast and countryside of Exmoor in true style.

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A large house with a portico overlooks a lawn bordered by mature shrubs.
  • Sleeps 12
  • Bedrooms 5

Explore Holset House, a large coastal property in South Devon offering the perfect setting for self-catering holidays in East Portlemouth. With breathtaking views of Dartmoor, this luxurious and well-equipped retreat features five bedrooms, a formal dining room, and expansive lawns for relaxation. Just over half a mile from sandy beaches and a short ferry ride to Salcombe, it's an ideal escape for families and friends. Discover comfort, grandeur, and convenience in this exceptional holiday home. View now for an unforgettable experience.

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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.