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There’s a reason romantic getaways by the sea never go out of style. The coast has a way of slowing everything down — soft light over the water, the rhythm of the tide, long shoreline walks with no agenda, and that feeling of being a little further away from everyday life than you expected.
When you add a sea view cottage into the mix, the experience becomes even more special. It’s not just about being near the beach — it’s about waking up to the horizon, watching the weather roll in from a cosy sofa, and ending the day with sunset colours from your terrace or window. A sea view creates a sense of escape that doesn’t rely on constant plans or packed itineraries. Often, the view itself becomes the main event — and that’s exactly what a romantic break should feel like.
In this guide, we’re sharing our favourite sea view cottages for romantic breaks, perfect for couples who want a peaceful coastal base with a view worth staying in for. If you get time to browse some other fabulous holiday homes, check out our list of 10 seafront gems, all of which enjoy direct beach access.
The Benefits of Sea View Cottages for Couples
Sea view accommodation is consistently one of the most booked types of coastal stays — and for romantic breaks, it’s easy to understand why. The view becomes part of the stay, not just a nice extra.
1) Sea views create instant escapism
When you arrive at a cottage and you can see the sea from the window, it changes everything. Even if you’re only away for two or three nights, the horizon makes it feel like a proper holiday. It’s a small shift that brings a big psychological reset.
2) You don’t need an itinerary
Some breaks are about ticking off attractions; romantic breaks are often about the opposite. With a sea view, you can spend a day doing very little and still feel like you’ve experienced something. Breakfast becomes slower, afternoons become calmer, and evenings feel more meaningful — all with the sea in the background.
3) You get the best part of the coast — even in bad weather
Not every seaside trip comes with sunshine, and that’s part of the magic. Sea view cottages are brilliant in all seasons:
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In summer, you get bright mornings and golden evenings
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In autumn, the light is softer and beaches are quieter
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In winter, storm watching from a warm cottage is a joy
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In spring, everything feels fresh and new
A view means you still feel connected to the coast even if you stay indoors.
4) The sound of the sea is genuinely relaxing
Many cottages close to the shoreline bring something you don’t realise you need until you have it: the constant sound of waves. It’s natural white noise, calming and grounding — ideal for long lie-ins and early nights.
5) Sunsets, moonlight and “wow” moments
One of the best things about a sea view cottage is that it naturally creates memorable moments without planning. Sunset drinks on a balcony, a sky full of stars, or waking early and watching the tide come in — these are the kinds of details couples remember.
6) Romantic breaks work best when life feels easy
Sea view cottages often encourage the kind of break that feels effortless. You’re close to coastal walks, beaches and food spots — but you can also retreat back to your own space without crowds. It’s the balance that makes it so appealing. If you’re travelling out of season, you may be interested in our guide to the best 10 beaches for winter walks, perfect for couples on romantic staycations.
10 Best Sea View Cottages for Romantic Breaks
1) Nutshell
Sleeps 2 – Bedrooms 1 – Bathrooms 1 – Pet Friendly
Nutshell is a superb coastal base for couples travelling with a dog, offering a comfortable retreat for exploring Mounts Bay and the surrounding West Cornwall beaches and coast paths. Recently updated and thoughtfully styled, it’s bright, airy and far more roomy than you’d expect from a one-bedroom cottage. The open-plan living space upstairs features vaulted ceilings and sweeping views across the bay towards St Michael’s Mount.
2) Westward Ho Couples Pad
Sleeps 2 – Bedrooms 1 – Bathrooms 1 – No Pets
Set right on the seafront in Westward Ho!, this stylish apartment is a brilliant choice for couples or solo travellers seeking a modern coastal escape. With generous living space and lovely views across the beach, it suits everything from sunny weekend getaways to longer, slower stays spent unwinding by the sea and discovering the local area.
3) Wonderful Brixham Rental
Sleeps 2 – Bedrooms 1 – Bathrooms 1 – No Pets
This postcard-worthy spot isn’t just lovely to look at — it’s brilliantly placed too. Set right in the heart of Brixham, it’s an ideal base for exploring the English Riviera and the surrounding countryside. Whether you’re into coastal walks, lazy beach days or local attractions, there’s always something close by to enjoy.
4) Dawlish Holiday Retreat
Sleeps 2 – Bedrooms 1 – Bathrooms 1 – No Pets
Set within a residential development in Dawlish, South Devon, this superb third-floor holiday apartment enjoys an enviable clifftop position on the edge of this popular seaside town. A full-length balcony spans the property, offering breathtaking, uninterrupted 180-degree sea views and access from both the bedroom and the living area. The apartment sits in a sought-after building with lift access, making seaside escapes feel effortlessly comfortable.
5) Swan's Nest
Sleeps 2 – Bedrooms 1 – Bathrooms 1 – No Pets
Beautifully updated and just moments from the beach, this detached couple’s retreat in the South Hams village of Torcross is made for relaxed coastal escapes. Swan’s Nest is arranged over two levels, with a stylish ground-floor master bedroom and shower room, while upstairs you’ll find a bright open-plan living space with kitchen and dining. The first floor is designed to take full advantage of the wonderful views across Slapton Ley, with a chaise by the window providing the perfect place to sit back and enjoy the scenery.
6) Fabulous Seaton Property
Sleeps 2 – Bedrooms 1 – Bathrooms 1 – No Pets
This lovely first-floor apartment forms part of a coastal house and enjoys outstanding sea views. Set right on Seaton’s seafront in Devon, it looks out across Lyme Bay with wide panoramas of the Jurassic Coast and the Beer cliffs. Recently refurbished, the interiors feel fresh, light and airy, with furnishings and finishes chosen with care and presented to a high standard.
7) Provident, Maritime Suites
Sleeps 2 – Bedrooms 1 – Bathrooms 1 – No Pets
Set on the top floor of a beautifully restored historic building, this elegant boutique retreat is the penthouse suite within The Maritime’s collection of five luxury apartments. With views across Brixham’s lively harbour and marina, Provident offers couples a wonderfully indulgent base to soak up local life in one of Devon’s best-loved fishing towns.
8) Excellent Mundesley Retreat
Sleeps 3 – Bedrooms 2 – Bathrooms 1 – Pet Friendly
Perched above the coastal town of Mundesley, this inviting cottage is a lovely base for a couple or small family. It has a warm, home-from-home feel, a generous shared garden, and wide-reaching views towards the sea. Inside, you’ll find cheerful interiors with patterned fabrics, colourful artwork and thoughtful finishing touches throughout. The open-plan lounge, kitchen and dining space is wonderfully bright, with large picture windows that flood the room with light and showcase the coastal scenery beyond.
9) Charming Ilfracombe Escape
Sleeps 2 – Bedrooms 1 – Bathrooms 1 – No Pets
With far-reaching views across the Ilfracombe coastline, this attractive fourth-floor apartment is ideal for solo travellers or couples craving a restful seaside break in North Devon. Ilfracombe’s harbour, just 0.5 miles away, is well worth exploring, with its museum, theatre, independent shops, beaches and a great choice of places to eat. Walkers will appreciate being close to Exmoor National Park for scenic routes, while surfers can head to Woolacombe (6.5 miles) to catch some of the area’s best waves.
10) De’nada, Vernon Court
Sleeps 2 – Bedrooms 1 – Bathrooms 1 – No Pets
Set high above the bay in Torquay, this beautifully renovated sea-view apartment is a superb couples’ retreat for anything from a weekend escape to a longer, indulgent stay on the English Riviera. The living room has been arranged to showcase the outlook, with three separate seating areas, each enjoying sea views through sliding glass doors and a striking central picture window. Sink into the contemporary sofas, or claim one of the Scandi-style upholstered beechwood armchairs — the perfect spot for morning coffee or sunset drinks.
The Magic of Romantic Sea View Stays
A sea view cottage is more than just a place to stay — it becomes part of the experience. The horizon sets the tone for your holiday, the tide becomes your background soundtrack, and the simple act of being near the water helps you slow down and reconnect.
Whether you want a long weekend, a midweek escape, or a special celebration, these sea view cottages for romantic breaks offer the kind of coastal atmosphere that feels effortless: long walks, relaxed meals, and the luxury of doing very little — together.
To see more accommodation options, check out all of the sea view cottages on Beach Stays, using the filters to choose from options like dog friendly, hot tubs and private parking.