Idyllic coastal cottages to rent
There's few ways we'd rather spend the great British summertime than on a bucket-and-spades holiday by the sea. From fish and chips and cream teas on the rugged Cornish coast to picturesque pubs with sea views in Devon and remote fishing villages in Scotland, nothing quite beats a breach break in the UK. To help plan yours, we've rounded up the loveliest coastal cottages to rent (that are actually also great year-round)...
1/24Beachcombers, Gorran Haven, Cornwall
House locations don't come much more enviable than this, right on the edge of the bay at Gorran Haven, a glorious spot on the Cornish coast. Think postcard-ready fisherman's cottages, narrow winding streets and calm seas . Beachcombers is a large house with four bedrooms and a wood-burning stove to keep you cosy on windswept evenings.
Sleeps: 8
From: £1,160 per week
More info: thebeachhousecompany.co.uk
2/24Beach Bay Cottage, Croyde, Devon
North Devon has a beautiful coastline with a selection of award-winning beaches to choose from and Croyde is one of the choice spots. This lovely cottage sits right in the heart of the village and has been decorated with charming interiors, making it a lovely place to stay in any season. Summer is obviously one of the most popular and with a Big Green Egg barbecue and pizza oven in the garden, this cottage really has it all.
Sleeps: 8
From: £2,436 per week
More info: oliverstravels.com
3/24Ukiyo, Coverack, Cornwall
This eco-friendly home on the Cornish coast has some of the best views around and makes the most of them with uninterrupted windows and a terrace for watching the sun rise and set and the boats sail by into nearby Coverack. Inside, it's pure Scandi-chic and has two bedrooms.
Sleeps: 4
From: £1,250 per short break
More info: uniquehomestays.com
4/24Shore cottage, Saddell, Kintyre, Argyll and Bute
This secluded little cottage opens right up onto the beautiful wild and windswept beaches of Saddell Bay, overlooking the Isle of Arran. It's wood cladded interiors make for a cosy spot to hunker down after a day outdoors.
Sleeps: 6
From: £337 per four nights
More info: landmarktrust.org.uk
5/24Ferry Cottage, Near Brixham, Devon
This chocolate-box thatched cottage, with roses clambering up its stone walls, sits on the edge of the Dart Estuary, with contemporary interiors belying its exterior. If you ever tire of soaking up the view from the terrace, hop over the river for a drink at the Ferry Boat Inn – just ring the bell at the jetty and the ferry man will soon arrive to take you across.
Sleeps: 4
From: £660 per week
More info: nationaltrust.org.uk
6/24Treverra Cottage, Rock, Cornwall
The owner of this three-bedroom cottage has acquired an enviable collection of antique furniture, including plenty of maritime treasures, decorating each room with character and a distinct Cornish charm. It's position on a hill above the bay of Porthilly - a peaceful pocket of the seaside town Rock - means that the house offers unrivalled views out over the Camel Estuary and to Padstow the other side.
Sleeps: 8
From: £500 per night
More info: ckrock.com
7/24Salt Cottage, Norfolk
Ancient limed oak beams salvaged from neighbouring Sharrington Hall combine with bleached driftwood floors and salt-washed linens in this beach house with design details you'll want to steal. The breezy north Norfolk coastline, with its abundance of village pubs and shops, is a short drive away.
Sleeps: 2
From: £900 per week
More info: sharringtonhall.com
8/24Ford Cottage, Coombe, Cornwall
Visiting the village of Coombe feels like stepping back in time, with its cluster of thatched white-washed cottages on the banks of a river that runs half a mile to the sea (and pebble beach) at Duckpool. Ford Cottage is perhaps the loveliest of them all, dating back to the mid-17th century, with a large sitting room with high ceilings and slate floors, and a garden dotted with apple trees.
Sleeps: 4
From: £302 per four nights
More info: landmarktrust.org.uk
9/24Clavell Tower, Kimmeridge, Wareham, Dorset
Built in 1830, this four storey circular tower can be seen from miles off, on a cliff overlooking the dramatic Dorset coastline. It's decorative exterior is contrasted with simple, pared back interiors.
Sleeps: 2
From: £480 per four nights
More info: landmarktrust.org.uk
10/24Bridge Cottage, Peppercombe, North Devon
In peaceful Peppercombe Valley, this picture-perfect pink (inside and out) cottage is made from the traditional material of cob, mud mixed with straw, and is just a stroll down the hill away from a secluded pebble beach.
Sleeps: 3
From: £258 per four nights
More info: landmarktrust.org.uk
11/24Monkton Old Hall, Monkton, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Medieval Old Hall retains all the character of its 1400 origin, with its vaulted ceilings, huge stone fireplace and spiral staircase. Head to the seaside village of Saundersfoot for fish and chips and ice creams on tap.
Sleeps: 7
From: £467 per four nights
More info: landmarktrust.org.uk
12/24Doyden Castle, Port Quin, Cornwall
Port Quin might just be the prettiest spot on the Cornish coast, with its cluster of cottages and turquoise lagoon-like bay nestled between wild flower-covered cliffs. Up there lies Doyden Castle, with its arched gothic windows. The one-bedroom property has an open fireplace, perfect for hunkering down with after coming off the coastal footpath.
Sleeps: 2
From: £814 per week
More info: nationaltrust.org.uk
13/24Luttrell's Tower, Eaglehurst, Southampton
Built in the 1700s, Luttrell's Tower is thought to be the only surviving work of Thomas Sandby, who was the first Professor of Architecture at the Royal Academy. It's rooms, including two bedrooms, are large and airy, painted in seaside blue and sunshine yellow. The best bit? There's still a 'smugglers tunnel' that runs from the tower to the beach.
Sleeps: 4
From: £726 per four nights
More info: landmarktrust.org.uk
14/24Little Cottage, Praa Sands, Cornwall
The family holiday home of Soho House architect Alex Michaelis, Little Cottage (which, with four bedrooms, isn't all that little) is a design-led property with open-plan spaces, and glass walls making the most of its view out over one of Cornwall's best beaches, Praa Sands. It's games room and bunk beds make it a great family rental.
Sleeps: 11
From: £281 per night
More info: beachspoke.com
15/24Tremerlin, Helford, Cornwall
This former 1920s artist's retreat sits on the banks of the Helford River above Penarvon Cove and has been lovingly restored by the owner of Plain English kitchens Katie Fontana and her husband Greg Powlesland. Painted tongue and groove boarding, old pine doors, red cedar (reclaimed from an old cider vat) and blue slate combine with antique furniture to create an eclectic refuge.
Sleeps: 6
From: £250 per night
More info: tremerlin.co.uk
16/24Herringbone, Mousehole, Cornwall
Owned by photographer Paul Massey, Herringbone cottage is situated on the water's edge in the characterful Cornish fishing village of Mousehole, looking out upon the bobbing boats in the harbour and St Michael's Mount beyond. The interiors are ridiculously pretty - all white-washed floorboards, wooden tabletops, soothing grey walls and maritime decoration, such as maps, shells and driftwood.
Sleeps: 2
From: £795 per week
More info: uniquehomestays.com
17/24Beach House, Widemouth Bay, Cornwall
A double-height atrium with floor to ceiling windows makes an impact on entrance to this modern beach house overlooking the secluded beach of Wanson Mouth in Widemouth Bay. Party-ready, there's a wood-fired hot tub and sauna, cinema room and even an underground cocktail bar.
Sleeps: 16
From: £658 per night
More info: stayonedegree.com
18/24Loma Beach House, Camber, East Sussex
This typical Fifties beach house has been transformed by former fashion stylist Gigi Sutherland and her partner, Matt Sellers, into an eco-friendly, Scandi-inspired hideaway, full of treasures bought from local antiques dealers. Roll out of bed and down the dunes and you're on Camber Sands, a huge expanse of uninterrupted white sand. A five-minute drive away is the town of Rye, with its many great pubs and shops.
Sleeps: 14
From: £450 per night
More info: loma.co
19/24Freston Tower, Near Ipswich, Suffolk
This six-storey Tudor folly looks out over the River Orwell, with a room on each floor - the sitting room at the top benefitting from unrivalled views out over the Suffolk countryside, the coast just a short drive away.
Sleeps: 4
From: £453 per four nights
More info: landmarktrust.org.uk
20/24The Calfshed, Braunton, Devon
Named after its original purpose as a building to house the farm's cows and calves, The Calfshed has been converted into a charming holiday let, with the barn's arches now floor-to-ceiling French doors leading out into the courtyard terrace. Inside is light-filled and airy, with Farrow & Ball-painted walls and fresh linens in neutral tones.
Sleeps: 4
From: £1,600 per week
More info: upcottfarm.com
21/24Margells, Branscombe, Devon
The village of Branscombe lies just over the hill from the sea, home to this lovely three-bedroom cottage with well-restored 16th-century interiors that include fine wall paintings and exposed oak beams.
Sleeps: 5
From: £417 per four nights
More info: landmarktrust.org.uk
22/24The Old Rectory, Rhossili, South Wales
Situated above Rhossili Bay on the Gower Peninsula, this cottage is blissfully secluded and, being the only property in the bay, benefits from uninterrupted views. With four bedrooms, it's the perfect rental for a family holiday, with the village pubs of Rhossili and Llangennith nearby. The beach is also one of South Wales’ best surfing spots - just remember to pack your wetsuit!
Sleeps: 7
From: £1,062 per week
More info: nationaltrust.org.uk
23/24Tan y Bwlch, Pwllheli, Gwynedd, Wales
This traditional Penllyn crog loft cottage has beautifully restored 19th-century interiors including an inglenook fireplace, slate, tile and wooden floors and original beams. The one-bedroom nook has amazing views over the Llyn Peninsula.
Sleeps: 2
From: £458 per week
More info: nationaltrust.org.uk
24/24Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage, Lynton, Devon
Situated on a cliff's edge along the Exmoor Heritage Coast, Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage is a unique property alongside a still-functioning lighthouse. With six bedrooms, the house suits larger parties, particularly keen walkers with the South West Coast Path on the doorstep.
Sleeps: 10
From: £1,224 per week
More info: nationaltrust.org.uk
