Our England Holiday Cottages by the Sea
A coastal holiday in England can include much more than time on the beach. The South West Coast Path runs through Cornwall, Devon and Dorset, passing fishing villages, harbours and landmarks along the way. Other sections of the coast are protected within national parks and National Landscapes, including the North York Moors, South Downs and Northumberland coast.
There are also nature reserves, historic ports, castles and coastal attractions within easy reach of many properties. Boat trips run from numerous harbours, while surfing, sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, cycling and coastal walking are available in different parts of the country.
Seaside Towns, Landmarks and Things to Do
Cornwall has some of England’s best-known coastal towns, including St Ives, Newquay, Padstow and Falmouth. St Ives is home to Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, while Land’s End and St Michael’s Mount are among the county’s major coastal landmarks.
In Devon, places to visit include Woolacombe, Ilfracombe, Dartmouth, Salcombe and the English Riviera towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. Further east, Dorset’s Jurassic Coast includes Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and Old Harry Rocks.
Brighton Pier, Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters are highlights of the Sussex coast, while Kent has the White Cliffs of Dover and seaside towns including Whitstable, Broadstairs and Deal. On the east coast, Cromer and Wells-next-the-Sea provide access to the Norfolk coast, while Scarborough and Whitby are two of Yorkshire’s main seaside towns. In Northumberland, Bamburgh Castle, Holy Island and the Farne Islands are all close to the coast.
Apartments, Beach Houses and Sea View Cottages
The collection includes different types of self-catering accommodation for couples, families and larger groups. Apartments are common in larger seaside towns and resorts, while smaller coastal villages have traditional cottages, converted buildings and detached holiday homes.
Sea view cottages can include balconies, terraces and large windows overlooking the water. Some properties are located directly beside the beach, including beach houses and cottages with private or direct access to the shoreline.
Dog-friendly cottages are available around much of the English coast, including properties with enclosed gardens and walking routes nearby. Large group cottages offer additional bedrooms, bathrooms and shared living areas, while some coastal cottages have private hot tubs. Depending on the property, other features can include swimming pools, games rooms, off-road parking, EV chargers and outdoor dining areas.
Beaches to Visit Around England
Cornwall has hundreds of beaches and coves, including Fistral Beach, Perranporth, Watergate Bay and Porthmeor. Across the border in Devon, popular beaches include Woolacombe, Saunton Sands, Bantham and Blackpool Sands. Dorset adds Weymouth Beach, Studland Bay, Swanage and West Bay.
Along the South East coast, Camber Sands and West Wittering provide large stretches of sand, while Brighton and Eastbourne are known for their shingle beaches and long seafronts. The Isle of Wight has its own varied coastline, with beaches including Sandown, Shanklin, Compton Bay and Freshwater Bay.
Further north and east, Holkham and Wells-next-the-Sea are two of Norfolk’s best-known beaches. Yorkshire has sandy beaches at Filey, Scarborough and Whitby, while the Northumberland coast includes Bamburgh Beach, Embleton Bay and Beadnell Bay.
Facilities vary from fully equipped resort beaches with toilets, cafés and seasonal lifeguards to quieter beaches with little development. Dog rules also vary, so it is worth checking local restrictions before visiting during the summer.
