Best Beach Hotels in the UK

Head to one of these beautiful beach hotels for your next seaside break.

Best Beach Hotels in the UK and Ireland

Housel Bay, Cornwall

The views are incredible from Housel Bay hotel, situated on Cornwall’s most southerly tip, the Lizard Peninsula. From your bedroom window you’ll be able to hear the crash of waves on Housel Bay’s golden beach, which can be reached via a footpath from the hotel’s garden. Easy peasy. houselbay.com

The Pig – At Harlyn Bay, Cornwall

Housed in a 15th-century Cornish manor, the most south-westerly of The Pig’s litter is just a short stroll from the Harlyn and Constantine Bay beaches – paradises for surfers both new and experienced. It’s also ten minutes’ drive from Padstow’s famous harbour and restaurants. thepighotel.com

Polurrian On The Lizard, Cornwall

This historic hotel’s spectacular clifftop setting offers panoramic views over the Lizard peninsula. Polurrian Cove is a mere ten minute stroll away, and if you fancy exploring further afield, then the South West Coast Path can be found at the end of the garden. polurrianhotel.com

The Old Coastguard, Cornwall

Charming Mousehole is the perfect place for a family-friendly escape, and The Old Coastguard is situated in the heart of it, with views of the ocean. Potter around the village’s cafes, galleries and ice cream shops, or set up a pitch on the sand in the harbour. oldcoastguardhotel.co.uk

The Harper, Norfolk

A stone’s throw from the salt marshes of Blakeney Nature Reserve, The Harper is the perfect base from which to explore this wild and beautiful part of Britain. Here, the beaches are wide and golden, tufted with grass and kissed by salty sea breezes. theharper.co.uk

Seaham Hall, Durham

Colourful, characterful Seaham Hall is moments from wild and wonderful Seaham Beach, and the perfect spot for exploring the delights of County Durham. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Durham city, as well as the beautiful swathes of parkland and nature reserves nearby. seaham-hall.co.uk

The Relais Cooden Beach, East Sussex

(c) Gregoire Gardette

Boasting its own private beach, this is a stylish retreat on the Sussex coast, offering a fun-filled beach club in the summer months, and reflective retreat in winter. Book a Seascape Room for uninterrupted views of the English Channel. therelaisretreats.com

The Nici, Dorset

On Bournemouth’s West Cliff, The Nici offers spectacular sea views and easy access down to miles of sandy beaches. All 80 of the rooms and suites have been luxuriously recently renovated with flair and a touch of fun, and the South Beach bar and restaurant is a stylish spot for lunch or afternoon tea. thenici.com

The White Hart Inn, Essex

Packing Shed Mersea Island © Lilla Szanto

A mere 250 yards from the steps to Mersea Island’s Monkey Beach, The White Hart Inn is the ideal location to explore Britain’s most easterly island. A popular holiday destination since Roman times, Mersea has tons to explore: beaches, creeks, boardwalks, oyster beds and more. whitehartinnmersea.co.uk

Hotel Meudon, Cornwall

Surrounded by acres of exotic gardens – palm trees aplenty thanks to Falmouth’s mild climate – Hotel Meudon has its own secluded cove to discover. Here you can wild swim, snorkel or paddleboard to your heart’s content. meudon.co.uk

The Cary Arms & Spa, Devon

Sheltered Babbacombe Bay in east Devon is the home of the Cary Arms & Spa, a chic coastal escape offering a choice of rooms, suites, cottages and beach huts. There’s plenty more hidden coves to discover along this sun-kissed stretch of coast. caryarms.co.uk

The Victoria at Holkham, Norfolk

Moments from the golden sands of Holkham Beach (famous for its appearance in many Hollywood films), The Victoria is a traditional, dog-friendly inn with 20 bedrooms. Base yourself here to explore handsome Holkham Hall and the 9,600 acres of the wild and beautiful nature reserve. holkham.co.uk

The Gallivant, West Sussex

© Wild Yoga

The gloriously wide swathes of Camber Beach can be found just over the road from The Gallivant, a wonderfully thoughtful and considered hotel. Fresh seafood and English sparkling wine are on the menu here, as is a Bamford spa cabin for indulgent treatments, and yoga – both indoors and al fresco. thegallivant.co.uk