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There’s something undeniably special about staying right on the seafront. It’s not just about proximity to the beach – it’s about immersion. The rhythm of the tides, the ever-changing light on the water, the smell of salt in the air and the constant presence of the sea create a holiday experience that feels deeply restorative.
Beachfront accommodation removes barriers between you and the coast. No packing bags for the day, no long walks to the beach, no rushing to secure a parking space. Instead, the beach is simply there – waiting for early morning strolls, spontaneous swims and sunset walks straight from your front door.
In this guide, we explore 10 coastal gems right on the seafront, showcasing properties where the sea is not just nearby, but a central part of your stay. Here’s why staying right on the seafront continues to be one of the most sought-after coastal experiences.
Why Staying Right on the Beachfront Feels Different
Being positioned directly on the seafront creates an immediate connection to the coast. From the moment you arrive, the sea sets the pace of your holiday. You notice the wind direction, the tide times, the changing colour of the water – details that are often missed when staying further inland.
Beachfront stays tend to encourage:
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Slower mornings and unhurried evenings
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More time outdoors, even in cooler months
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Spontaneous beach moments without planning
There’s also a sense of escapism that comes from knowing there’s nothing between you and the horizon but water.
The Luxury of Direct Beach Access
One of the biggest advantages of seafront accommodation is direct beach access. For families, this can be a game-changer – children can move easily between house and sand, and beach gear becomes less of a logistical challenge.
For couples and adults, it means:
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Early morning walks without crowds
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Evening swims or paddleboarding as the sun drops
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Effortless sunset strolls with no drive home
Direct access also encourages flexibility. A quick dip before breakfast, a lunchtime wander along the shore, or a late-evening walk listening to the waves – all become part of daily life rather than planned outings. If you are travelling with pets, check out our dog friendly holiday guide for tips and recommended areas.
Falling Asleep to the Sound of the Sea
Few things are as soothing as the sound of waves. Whether it’s a gentle lap or a more dramatic swell, the sea provides natural white noise that many people find deeply relaxing.
Seafront properties often allow you to:
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Sleep with windows open, listening to the waves
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Wake naturally with the sound of the morning sea
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Feel more connected to the coastal environment
For many, this sensory experience is one of the most memorable aspects of staying by the sea – and one that draws people back year after year.
Parking: A Seafront Advantage You’ll Appreciate
In popular coastal towns and villages, parking can be one of the biggest challenges. Choosing a seafront property that includes private or allocated parking removes a major source of stress.
The benefits include:
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Easy arrivals and departures
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No daily search for public parking
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Convenience for loading beach gear, shopping or bikes
When everything you need is within walking distance, having secure parking becomes a quiet but invaluable luxury.
10 Coastal Gems Right on the Seafront
Below, you’ll find 10 carefully selected seafront properties, each offering direct access to the coast and a front-row seat to life by the sea. If you are travelling with children and need some inspiration on where to go, check out our guide to best beaches for kids in the UK.
Bexhill-on-Sea Beachfront, East Sussex
Sleeps 12 – Bedrooms 5 – Bathrooms 6 – Pet Friendly
Striking beachfront property on the East Sussex coast in Bexill-on-Sea. The impressive holiday home boasts large social spaces for enjoying quality time together and has a whole host of luxurious facilities to enjoy, including a swimming pool, hot tub, and TV room. The sleepy coastal town of Bexhill-on-Sea is just 2.5 miles away.
Bay Harbour View No.7, Sandbanks
Sleeps 6 – Bedrooms 3 – Bathrooms 2 – No Pets
Wonderful penthouse apartment overlooking the beach – a narrow stretch of land connecting Sandbanks to Poole Harbour in Dorset. The apartment boasts far reaching views of the harbour to the front, and breathtaking sea views across to the Purbecks and the Isle of Wight to the rear. A short walk away from the local amenities including water-sports, cafes, an Italian bistro and Rick Stein’s restaurant.
Great Whitstable Property, Kent
Sleeps 4 – Bedrooms 2 – Bathrooms 2 – Pet Friendly
Located in the centre of Whitstable right on the beach, with extensive sea views makes this ideal for families or couples looking for a seaside escape on the Kent coast. Whitstable is well known for its oysters which are celebrated every August at the Oyster Festival. There are several local pubs and restaurants just moments from the cottage.
Mumbles Seaview Retreat, South Wales
Sleeps 6 – Bedrooms 3 – Bathrooms 2 – Pet Friendly
Wake up to breath-taking sea views across Swansea Bay from this modern 3-bedroom holiday cottage on Mumbles seafront. Spread out across 3 floors and complete with well-appointed kitchen, comfortable lounge area and cosy attic hideout.
Fantastic Newquay Retreat, Cornwall
Sleeps 6 – Bedrooms 3 – Bathrooms 3 – Pet Friendly
Located in the heart of Newquay, this spacious apartment offers contemporary open-plan living with stunning views overlooking Tolcarne Beach, making it the perfect seaside retreat for a group of friends or family on a beach holiday in Cornwall.
Cresswell Holiday Home, Northumberland
Sleeps 8 – Bedrooms 4 – Bathrooms 3 – Pet Friendly
Located directly on the sandy beach in the village of Cresswell. This lovely spot on the Northumberland coast is great for beach walks, picnics in the sand dunes, bird watching at nearby Cresswell Nature Reserve, and dolphin spotting. Pop into the nearby ice cream parlour for a treat, and stroll to the beach café (0.3 miles) for lunch.
Shingle House, South Devon
Sleeps 8 – Bedrooms 4 – Bathrooms 3 – Pet Friendly
Overlooking the beach at Torcross in Devon, this house has a large living room with wood burner providing plenty of space to relax, a modern and well equipped kitchen diner and four generous bedrooms; two with en-suite shower rooms. A front terrace overlooks the seafront and at the rear of the house there is parking for two cars.
Super Aberdovey Rental, Gwynedd
Sleeps 10 – Bedrooms 5 – Bathrooms 5 – No Pets
Just a stone’s throw from the beach in Aberdovey, this luxurious house is perfect for a large family or a group of friends. With direct access to a private beach, the property boasts three sun-drenched terraces, a bubbling hot tub, and a grand piano for music enthusiasts. The residence includes a self-contained studio annexe, two ground-floor bedrooms and two super-king bedrooms with balconies upstairs each with its own en-suite.
Lovely Pevensey Bay Chalet, East Sussex
Sleeps 8 – Bedrooms 3 – Bathrooms 1 – Pet Friendly
Located on a quiet shingle beach in Pevensey Bay, this property is packed with seaside charm, making it the perfect coastal bolthole for families or groups of friends. Light and airy throughout and entered via some steps, the open-plan home is flooded with natural light, with large windows and bi-folding doors letting the outside in.
St Ives Holiday Retreat, Cornwall
Sleeps 6 – Bedrooms 2 – Bathrooms 2 – No Pets
Set in one of St Ives most sought after locations apartment is set over two floors and offers superb views of Porthmeor Beach from the balcony which leads to the lounge and main bedroom. The open plan lounge/kitchen/diner has a split level cooker, microwave and fridge, TV and access to the lovely beach side balcony.
The Timeless Appeal of the Seafront
With the beach at your feet and the sea as your constant companion, everyday routines fall away and are replaced by the natural rhythm of the coast. At Beach Stays, we specialise in exceptional coastal accommodation that places you right where you want to be – by the sea. These 10 coastal gems right on the seafront offer the chance to experience the coast at its most immersive, whether for a short weekend break or week-long seaside retreat. To see more wonderful holiday cottages with direct beach access and sea views, check out the link below.