Planning a group holiday by the sea is all about finding the right balance. You want enough space for everyone to relax, somewhere special that feels like a proper getaway, and a location that keeps the whole group entertained — whether that’s lazy beach days, coastal walks, water-sports or long evenings around the table.
Beach houses are particularly well suited to group stays. Generally located close to the beachfront, they offer space, views and direct access to the outdoors, while still providing the comfort and privacy that larger groups need. From family reunions and milestone birthdays to friends escaping for a long weekend, a well-chosen beach house can turn a simple break into a memorable holiday.
In this guide, we’re highlighting 10 of the best UK beach houses for groups. If you need to see more properties before making up your mind, then spend a few moments browsing all of the UK beach houses for rent listed with us, many with sea views, some with direct beach access.
One of the biggest advantages of a beach house is space. Large coastal holiday homes are often designed with socialising in mind, offering generous living areas, multiple seating zones and dining spaces that can comfortably accommodate everyone. This means you can enjoy time together without feeling on top of one another.
Bedrooms are usually spread across different floors or wings, which is ideal for mixed groups — early risers, night owls, couples, children and grandparents can co-exist without getting in each others way.
Staying close to the beach removes the need for planning every day. Some people can head straight out for a morning swim, others can enjoy a slow breakfast with sea views, while the rest of the group can come and go as they please. With the beach just moments away, it’s easy for everyone to dip in and out of activities throughout the day.
This flexibility is especially valuable for larger groups, where not everyone wants to do the same thing at the same time.
Beach houses are generally designed with large communal spaces in mind. Big kitchens, open-plan dining rooms and living areas with views that create the perfect setting for group gatherings. Add outdoor terraces, balconies or gardens and you’ve got the ideal setting for barbecues, sunset drinks and long summer evenings.
For off-season stays, features like wood burners, snug rooms and big cosy sofas make it easy to enjoy time together indoors. And there is still plenty to do, whether you’re into storm watching, surfing or long walks on the beach in winter with family or friends.
Sleeps 9 | Bedrooms 4 | Bathrooms 2 | Pet Friendly
Broad Reach is a charming detached home set on the Sandbanks Peninsula in Dorset, directly opposite the harbour. Stylishly furnished throughout, it offers comfortable living with two reception rooms, a generous garden, four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Well suited to a special celebration or an unforgettable family break by the sea, the house is just moments from Sandbanks’ eight miles of Blue Flag sandy beaches and within easy walking distance of cafés, restaurants and a local convenience store.
See more beach houses in Sandbanks >
Sleeps 8 | Bedrooms 4 | Bathrooms 4 | Pet Friendly
Designed with families and groups in mind, this striking reverse-level holiday home enjoys direct access onto the peaceful shingle beach at Pevensey Bay. Just two miles away, Pevensey Castle invites visitors to explore historic ruins and learn about centuries of conflict, including the arrival of William the Conqueror. For a livelier seaside atmosphere, Eastbourne lies around 4.5 miles to the south, offering miles of shingle shoreline, a classic pier filled with amusements and plenty of cafés serving traditional fish and chips.
See more beach houses in East Sussex >
Sleeps 8 | Bedrooms 5 | Bathrooms 3 | Pet Friendly
This stylish holiday home in Shanklin provides a relaxed coastal base right in the centre of the Isle of Wight’s much-loved seaside resort. The spacious four-bedroom property features an open-plan design and a choice of indoor and outdoor areas for socialising. From here, boutiques, cafés and restaurants are just a short stroll away, along with traditional seaside fun including amusement arcades and crazy golf.
See more Isle of Wight beach houses >
Sleeps 10 | Bedrooms 5 | Bathrooms 5 | Pet Friendly
Ideal for group celebrations, this large and stylish holiday home sits beside Orford Ness Nature Reserve and is well suited to holidays in any season. Inspired by its coastal setting, the property features a reverse-level design that maximises the sweeping views.
See more beach houses in Suffolk >
Sleeps 12 | Bedrooms 5 | Bathrooms 6 | Pet Friendly
This impressive beachfront retreat on the East Sussex coast provides a wonderful setting for bringing friends and family together. Spacious shared areas make socialising easy, while luxury facilities such as a swimming pool, hot tub and TV room add to the experience. For days out, the charming town of Bexhill-on-Sea lies only 2.5 miles from the property.
See more beach houses in South East England >
Sleeps 16 | Bedrooms 8 | Bathrooms 6 | Pet Friendly
With impressive sea views, this characterful holiday home is well suited to families and larger groups, offering easy access to nearby attractions. Just a short distance away, Hunstanton is a traditional Victorian seaside resort with an entertainment centre, a long promenade and a wide sandy beach.
See more beach houses in Norfolk >
Sleeps 10 | Bedrooms 5 | Bathrooms 5 | Pet Friendly
This high-quality seaside cottage near Padstow enjoys lovely views, spacious interiors and a large garden for alfresco dining. Sleeping up to ten guests, it’s well suited to group holidays centred around surfing, outdoor activities, family attractions and local dining.
See more beach houses in Cornwall >
Sleeps 12 | Bedrooms 6 | Bathrooms 5 | Pet Friendly
Designed to make the most of the beautiful views, this impressive holiday home near Ilfracombe in North Devon blends original 18th-century details with contemporary architectural touches. Elegant throughout, the property accommodates up to 12 guests in comfort and style, making it an excellent choice for larger family gatherings or group holidays with friends.
See more beach houses in Devon >
Sleeps 10 | Bedrooms 5 | Bathrooms 5 | Pet Friendly
This detached holiday home in Seahouses offers a comfortable coastal retreat, with underfloor heating on the ground floor and in both upstairs bathrooms. The five spacious bedrooms feature generous storage and zip-and-link beds for flexible sleeping arrangements. A handy boot room leads into a large open-plan kitchen and dining space, where a double-sided wood burner adds warmth to both areas.
See more beach houses in Northumberland >
Sleeps 16 | Bedrooms 8 | Bathrooms 5 | Pet Friendly
Occupying a superb position with far-reaching sea views, this detached farmhouse has been thoughtfully restored and lies on the Welsh Coastal Path near Abersoch. Sleeping 16 guests, it’s ideal for seaside breaks or celebrating special occasions with family and friends.
See more beach houses in Wales >
There’s something special about sharing a coastal setting with people you care about. Waking up to sea air, spending days on the beach and coming together in the evenings creates a rhythm that works beautifully for groups.
The best UK beach houses for groups offer space, comfort and location in equal measure, making it easy to relax, reconnect and enjoy the coast at your own pace. If you need to see more options, then take a look through all of the large group beach houses listed with us, some that boast games rooms, hot tubs and private pools, locate next to some of the UK’s best beaches and coastal towns.