The best beach hotels for a coastal staycation in the UK
Britain is blessed with an exceptional coastline – Jane Knight selects the very best hotels for a break by the sea
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With summer around the corner, our instinct may be to head straight for the Mediterranean for a beach break, but why not save yourself the airport queues and stay closer to home?
With more than 11,000 miles of coastline, Britain punches well above its weight when it comes to seaside holidays. From the South Coast’s wide, sandy bays to dramatic cliffs in Wales and Scotland’s wild shores, some of the UK’sfinest beaches look as if they’ve been lifted from European climes, complete with turquoise coves and Blue Flag credentials. Others are pure postcard nostalgia: wind in your hair, a Mr Whippy ice cream and the scent of salt in the air.
Better still, scattered all along our shores are some remarkable beach hotels, from family-friendly resorts to secluded escapes and dog-friendly retreats.
Wherever you head, there’s a coastal escape to suit you. So book somewhere fast and get the bucket and spade at the ready.
For more UK hotel reviews, read our guides to thebest hotels with swimming pools in the UK, the best family-friendly hotels, the best hotels in Cornwall, the best dog-friendly hotels and more.
At a glance
1. South Sands hotel
Salcombe, Devon
Stay just steps away from a sheltered beach at the smart and contemporary South Sands hotel. Head out on a boat, take the sea tractor linking South Sands to quaint Salcombe or just relax in the sun at this dog-friendly haven. When you’re hungry, there’s something for everyone, from a cream tea on the terrace to fish and chips or Salcombe’s best seafood. If you’re a curry fan, there’s a dedicated night each Wednesday.
Rooms are decked out in nautical colours; the best has a Caesar-size bed, its own balcony and two freestanding baths in a bay window, perfect for admiring the sea view.
Address: Bolt Head, Salcombe TQ8 8LL
Price: From £185 per night
Read more: Our travel team's favourite beaches in the UK
Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight
There are few better settings on the Isle of Wight than the one enjoyed by the The Albion Hotel, which looks out over the sea and pebbly shore of Freshwater Bay, with Tennyson Down hill rising up behind. The glorious sands of Compton Beach are just minutes away.
Some of the coastal-chic bedrooms open onto a sea-facing terrace and you can dine on delicious seafood right by the waves – the seafood linguine is particularly good. Dogs are treated as part of the family, with treats by reception. The hotel has access to some great walks in the downs.
Address: Freshwater Bay, Freshwater PO40 9RA
Price: From £138 per night
Read more: The best hotels in Newquay
Portmeirion, Gwynedd
Enjoy a beach stay with a difference at Hotel Portmeirion, which visionary architect Clough Williams-Ellis designed as the focal point of the surrounding village. Overlooking the golden sands of the Dwyryd estuary in Snowdonia, and with a swimming pool on the lawn, plus an Art Deco bar and dining room designed by Sir Terence Conran, it makes a great base from which to explore the Italianate resort (and if you stay in the hotel, you don’t have to pay the £20 village entry fee).
As well as 14 traditional rooms in the hotel proper, there are more contemporary ones in Castell Deudraeth and others scattered around the village.
Address: Portmeirion, Penrhyndeudraeth LL48 6ER
Price: From £251 per night
Read more: All the best things to do in Pontcanna, Cardiff’s most stylish neighbourhood
Scarista, Western Isles
It feels like you’re on the edge of the world at Scarista House, which sits on miles of remote, crowd-free sands on the south-western coast of South Harris. Yes, the sea might be a tad nippy for a dip, but you can go surfing, kayaking or sailing as well as walking. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, return to a three or four-course gourmet dinner. The menu changes each day and almost everything is made from scratch, from bread and cakes to pasta and ice cream.
Two of the traditionally styled bedrooms have sea-facing sitting areas and there’s a self-catering cottage if you want to bring your dog.
Address: Scarista, Isle of Harris HS3 3HX
Price: From £325 per night
Read more: The best hotels in Penzance
Camber Sands, Sussex
A cool New England feel and a relaxed vibe characterise The Gallivant, which is just over the road from the glorious Camber Sands. Start the day with yoga in the studio or on the spectacular dunes, followed by a swim in the sea. Bedrooms come with wood panelling, white-painted rafters and jazzy headboards; most have a terrace.
Elsewhere, there are slouchy sofas and book-lined walls, with English wines on the menu at the copper-topped bar. If you book the full package, it includes not only breakfast but also wine at 5pm, an exquisite dinner at its restaurant, Harry’s, and daily morning yoga. Small dogs are welcome, but only kids over 12 are allowed.
Address: New Lydd Rd, Camber, Rye TN31 7RB
Price: From £274 per night
Read more: The Gallivant, East Sussex hotel review
Burton Bradstock, Dorset
It feels like a mix between Edward Hopper’s Cape Cod and an Edwardian seaside hotel at The Seaside Boarding House, a white-painted villa above Chesil Beach. Owners Mary-Lou Sturridge and Tony Mackintosh, who created London’s Groucho Club, have filled the stripped-back interiors with marine salvage, seascapes and antique shop booty.
Enjoy a drink on the terrace with its views over Lyme Bay (there’s a happy hour every evening) before eating here or moving into the candlelit dining room. The bright, light rooms have views of the coast along with a retro dial phone and radio. Dogs are welcome in some bedrooms for no extra charge.
Address: Cliff Rd, Burton Bradstock, Bridport DT6 4RB
Price: From £265 per night
Read more: This boutique Jurassic Coast hotel and its saltwater sauna are a delight for the senses
Mullion, Cornwall
The spectacular setting of this white clifftop edifice with mesmerising sea views takes some beating. You can walk down to Polurrian on the Lizard’s own little beach, just 10 minutes away, or take a longer hike along the South West Coast Path, which runs alongside it.
Bedrooms are simple, with a contemporary style, and there’s an all-day menu catering to every taste, whether you want just a sandwich or a steak. It’s a great place for children and the hotel can supply potties, changing mats and bottle sterilisers.
Address: Polurrian Rd, Mullion, Helston TR12 7EN
Price: From £231
Read more: Family-approved things to do in Cornwall on a rainy day
Aberdovey, Wales
Family-run for more than a century, this imposing white hillside hotel commands views across the golf course to Ceredigion Bay. Although neither hip nor boutique, Trefeddian’s rooms are nevertheless welcoming and nicely done out in marine colours. This is a great place for children: under-fives stay and eat for free, while under-16s get reduced rates. There’s a playroom and outdoor play area, an indoor pool and a putting green.
After a day crabbing on the jetty, paddling or building sandcastles, there’s early supper times for the young ones, and a nightly changing menu for those who prefer to stay up later.
Address: Trefeddian Hotel, Aberdovey LL35 0SB
Price: From £254
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The hotels featured in this list have been carefully selected by The Independent's expert travel writer, Jane Knight who is the author of The Good Hotel Guide. Our contributors either live in these locations or visit frequently, ensuring a personal and informed perspective. When picking which hotels to include, they consider their own experience staying in the hotels and evaluate location, facilities, service and all the other details that make for an exceptional stay for all types of traveller.
