Cottages by the Sea: Where to Find the UK’s Best

Posted 28th November

There’s something magical about staying in a cottage by the sea. The sound of the waves, the fresh coastal air, and the freedom to step straight onto a sandy beach or dramatic clifftop path create a holiday experience that’s both soothing and unforgettable. Across the UK, you’ll find a huge variety of coastal rentals – each with its own character, scenery, and charm. Whether you’re dreaming of turquoise waters, rugged cliffs, quiet coves, or wildlife-rich shores, these ten regions offer some of the most beautiful seaside cottages in the country.

1. Cornwall: Turquoise Waters & Iconic Beaches

View over Mawgan Porth beach in Cornwall from the coastal path.

Cornwall is the UK’s poster child for coastal escapes – and for good reason. Its sweeping beaches, hidden coves, and laid-back surf towns make it ideal for cottage holidays by the sea. Places like St Ives, Padstow, Newquay, and Bude offer traditional fisherman’s cottages with direct views of sparkling blue bays. From cliff-top retreats on the South West Coast Path to tucked-away boltholes overlooking secret coves, Cornwall’s seaside cottages are some of the most sought-after in the UK.

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2. Devon: Family-Friendly Shores & Dramatic Coastlines

Collection of cottages by Woolacombe beach with sea views and beach access.

Devon promises the perfect mix of sandy beaches, quaint villages, and wild coastal scenery. The English Riviera – Torquay, Paignton and Brixham – offers warm microclimates and colourful seafront cottages. Meanwhile, North Devon’s Woolacombe, Croyde, and Westward Ho appeal to surfers and beach lovers. Devon’s seaside properties range from modern beachfront apartments to cosy thatched cottages with sea views, making the region ideal for both romantic seaside breaks and family beach holidays.

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3. Dorset: Iconic Cliffs & Jurassic Coast Wonders

Aerial view of Sandbanks peninsula in Dorset dotted with beach houses and seaside apartments.

Home to the UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast, Dorset is a dream for nature lovers and coastal explorers. The region’s cottages often sit close to world-famous landmarks such as Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, and Old Harry Rocks. In locations like Lyme Regis, Swanage, and West Bay, you’ll find charming coastal rentals with wide ocean views and easy access to fossil hunting beaches, clifftop walks, and traditional seaside charm. Then there’s Sandbanks with its glittering coastline and luxury cottages on the beachfront. Dorset’s tranquil pace and dramatic scenery make it perfect for scenic cottage escapes.

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4. Norfolk: Big Sky Beaches & Wildlife-Rich Shores

The empty sandy beach at Wells-next-the-Sea in Norfolk on a sunny cloudy day.

Norfolk’s coastline is famous for its huge sandy beaches, salt marshes, and peaceful coastal villages. Hunstanton, Wells-next-the-Sea, and Cromer are popular destinations offering spacious seaside cottages ideal for families, dog walkers, and wildlife watchers. Birdlife thrives in the Norfolk Coast AONB, and the gentle landscape makes for easy, scenic strolls along dunes and boardwalks. With its open horizons and calm, crowd-free atmosphere, Norfolk is perfect for relaxed sea-view cottage holidays.

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5. Anglesey: Welsh Island Charm & Quiet Coastal Paths

Families and couples on the beach at Benllech in summer on the Isle of Anglesey.

Anglesey’s circular coastal path leads past windswept beaches, ancient ruins, lighthouses, and crystal-clear bays. Its seaside cottages are often nestled in remote, peaceful spots where you can enjoy sunsets over the Irish Sea with barely another soul in sight. Popular areas in North Wales include Rhosneigr, Moelfre, Beaumaris, and Benllech. With its mix of wild beauty and charming seaside towns, Anglesey is ideal for travellers seeking a quieter cottage-by-the-sea experience.

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6. Pembrokeshire: Rugged Cliffs & Golden Bays

Looking across Broad Haven beach in Pembrokeshire with people walking on the sand in full sunshine.

Pembrokeshire is home to some of the UK’s most dramatic coastal landscapes. Its award-winning beaches, Barafundle Bay, Tenby, and Whitesands – are backed by rugged cliffs and bright blue waters. Renting a seaside cottage in Pembrokeshire often means uninterrupted sea views, private access to coastal paths, and easy routes to explore wildlife-filled islands like Skomer. From colourful cottages in Tenby and Saundersfoot to remote retreats on the St Davids Peninsula, the region offers coastal escapes that feel wonderfully wild.

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7. Scottish Highlands: Wild Shores & Untouched Coastlines

Windy day at Gairloch beach in the Highlands with small waves rolling in.

For those who want true wilderness, cottages by the sea in the Scottish Highlands offer breathtaking solitude. Think remote coastal hideaways overlooking lochs, mountains and vast northern seascapes. The Highland coastline is dotted with white-sand beaches that look almost tropical – such as Achmelvich, Arisaig, and the bays around the North Coast. Many of the Scottish cottages by the sea are traditional stone cottages or eco-friendly cabins perched above the water, perfect for stargazing and slowing down.

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8. Yorkshire: Rugged Cliffs & Characterful Fishing Villages

Filey beach on the Yorkshire Coast on a sunny day with gentle waves lapping on the shores.

Yorkshire’s coastline blends dramatic cliffs with picture-postcard villages that cling to the hillsides. Robin Hood’s Bay, Whitby, and Scarborough offer some of the most charming seaside cottages in northern England, many with steep steps leading directly to cobbled streets and tiny harbours. Walkers will love the coastal trails, while foodies can enjoy some of the country’s best fish and chips. Yorkshire’s seaside cottages offer character, history, and sweeping sea views.

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9. Isle of Wight: Classic Seaside Ambience & Hidden Coves

Shanklin Beach on the Isle of Wight showing the wooden groynes and people walking on the sand.

Just a short ferry ride from the mainland, the Isle of Wight feels like a world away. Its coastline wraps around sandy beaches, fossil cliffs, Victorian promenades, and quiet coves perfect for swimming. Popular seaside cottage spots include Shanklin, Ventnor, Bembridge, and Sandown. With its mild climate and slow pace of life, the island is a fantastic destination for families and couples seeking a sunny coastal break.

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10. Northumberland: Castles, Dunes & Endless Empty Beaches

Northumberland empty sandy beach with sand dunes in the distance.

Northumberland offers some of the most dramatic and least crowded beaches in the UK. From the huge dunes and wide sands at Bamburgh and Beadnell to the rugged beauty of the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, the region is rich in history and natural beauty. Its cottages by the sea often sit close to ancient castles, bird reserves, and peaceful golden beaches that stretch for miles. If you’re looking for space, serenity, and scenic coastal walks, Northumberland is unbeatable.

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Final Thoughts

The UK’s coastline is incredibly diverse – ranging from Cornwall’s cosy coves to the untamed wilderness of the Highlands. No matter what kind of coastal escape you’re seeking, these ten regions offer beautiful cottages by the sea where you can relax, explore, and experience the magic of the shoreline. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a romantic break, or a solo retreat, there’s a perfect seaside cottage waiting for you.