No roads, no fences, in fact nothing between your cottage and the sea. The beach is basically your back garden.
Imagine stepping out of your holiday cottage and strolling straight onto the sand - no need to pack up the car or navigate crowds. There’s no schedule, no hassle, just salty air, soft sand, and the freedom to dip in and out of the sea whenever the mood takes you.
With the sound of waves as your soundtrack and the ocean just a few steps away, a cottage with direct beach access isn’t just a place to stay - it’s a destination in itself.
From Cornwall to the north of Scotland, from family and dog friendly beaches, to secret hidden coves, here are 26 of our favourite holiday cottages around the UK (plus a few houses and cabins we couldn't resist) with direct access to the beach.
A charming Devon cottage set in an incredible clifftop location among trees overlooking the sea.
The Sail Loft
Porth - Cornwall
Sleeps 6
Spacious, light-filled holiday home with direct beach access just north of Newquay in Cornwall, perfect for family holidays to the seaside.
Sedgewin
Hayle - Cornwall
Sleeps 4
Sedgewin Beach Chalet is your cosy Cornish escape hidden among the dunes of Hayle Beach, just five minutes from the sea.
Sandcrest Cottage
Mawgan Porth - Cornwall
Sleeps 6
Nestled in the sand dunes on the north coast of Cornwall, with direct access to a top surfing beach, you will find Sandcrest Cottage an ideal getaway!
The Happy Bishop
Uig - Isle of Lewis
Sleeps 2
Contemporary, energy efficient holiday home perched overlooking the Isle of Lewis’ stunning coastline and surrounded by nature.
New Coast House
West Wittering - West Sussex
Sleeps 8
Charming seaside retreat in West Wittering with a beautiful pool, steam room and direct beach access.
Little Polgarron
Nr Padstow - Cornwall
Sleeps 10
Your modern, luxurious and exclusive cottage retreat for large groups perched on the rugged North Cornwall Coast.
Beach House 45
Selsey - West Sussex
7+4 kids in 5 bedrooms
Experience a piece of paradise at Beach 45, a stunning coastal home with panoramic sea views and direct access to the secluded West Sussex beach.
Beach Cottages at Osea Island
Maldon - Essex
Two cottages sleeping up to 12
Available as one or a pair, these beautiful beachside cottages offer each access to miles of beaches and provide the perfect escape on Osea Island.
The Beach Hut
nr. Plymouth - Devon
Sleeps 2
Delightful off-grid South Devon beach hut in the most jaw dropping location with a hot tub, barbecue and its own private beach - The ultimate romantic bolthole.
The Beach House Hayling Island
Hayling Island - Hampshire
Sleeps 11
An upside-down house with a large balcony and gorgeous views of the Hayling Island coast, just a stone's throw from the beach.
4 Coastguard Cottages
Porthgwarra - Cornwall
Sleeps 6
Beautiful Cornish cottage tucked away on the Gwennap Headland in Cornwall offering a fabulous seaside retreat and stunning coastal views.
Girl Annie
Sennen - Cornwall
Sleeps 4
A romantic, cosy Cornish cottage that's perfect for a family for four, with easy access to the beach and great views.
Shingle House
Dungeness - Kent
Sleeps 8
Experience life on the edge in Kent’s most remote but intriguing corner. Shingle House adds modernity and architectural brilliance to Dungeness’ strangely addictive desolation
Short House Chesil Beach
nr. Bridport - Dorset
4-6
A beautiful seaside cottage on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast with spectacular ocean views.
Sea Sunset Cottage
Whitstable - Kent
Sleeps 6
A luxury, beach-front house on the stunning Whitstable coastline…
Portamaggie Cottage
Portpatrick - Dumfries and Galloway
Sleeps 2
Traditional stone cottage with hot tub just yards from a beautiful beach on the stunning coastline in Dumfries and Galloway.
Beach House
St Ives - Cornwall
Sleeps 5
Cosy beach side home with wonderful sea views and a beautiful sun terrace with private steps down to the sandy beach, close to St Ives.
25a and 25b Camuscross
Isle of Skye - Scottish Highlands
2 per cabin
Two architect designed, award winning cabins in Camuscross on the Isle of Skye with wood burners, direct beach access and breathtaking views.
Ankorya
Torpoint - Cornwall
Sleeps 2
This fabulous Cornish retreat sits on a private cliffside location with beautiful interiors and stunning sea views.
Arrowdale Holiday Cottage
Gairloch - Ross-shire
Sleeps 6
Gorgeous, architect-designed home in Ross-shire offering up a peaceful seaside setting with private beach access and incredible views.
Bliss Haus
West Coast - Scottish Highlands
2 - 4
Bliss Haus is a stylish coastal hideaway by the Atlantic ocean, perfect for the ultimate escape from the everyday.
Saltwater Chronicles
Portpatrick - Dumfries and Galloway
Sleeps 6
Beautiful lodge overlooking the sea in a spectacular private estate in rural Dumfries and Galloway.
The Lookout
North Berwick - East Lothian
Sleeps 4
Gorgeous, modern architectural gem overlooking a private beach close to North Berwick offering incredible sea views.
Shangri-La
Waxham - Norfolk
Sleeps 6
Architect designed simplicity offers a modern twist on a traditional Norfolk beach house, just behind the dunes at Waxham beach.
Shell Seekers
Bracklesham Bay - West Sussex
Sleeps 9
Amazing seafront home in West Sussex with an incredible indoor heated swimming pool and direct beach access.
What are the benefits of staying in a holiday cottage with direct beach access?
Staying in a holiday cottage with direct beach access offers unparalleled convenience and privacy, allowing you to enjoy seaside activities at any time of day without the hassle of travel. It provides an intimate connection with nature and often includes stunning views right from your doorstep.
How can I find holiday cottages with direct beach access on Coolstays?
On Coolstays, simply use our search filters to select properties with "Beach Access" or explore curated collections showcasing unique stays by the sea, ensuring you find the perfect coastal retreat.
Are there family-friendly holiday cottages with direct beach access available?
Yes, many of our holiday cottages with direct beach access are family-friendly, offering spacious accommodations, child-safe environments, and sometimes even amenities like outdoor play areas or games rooms for children.
Can I bring my pet to a cottage with direct beach access?
Some Coolstays properties welcome pets and offer direct beach access, making them ideal for a getaway where your four-legged friend can also enjoy the seaside. Use our “Pet-Friendly” filter when searching to find suitable options.
Do these cottages typically have Wi-Fi and modern amenities?
Most beach-accessible cottages listed on Coolstays feature modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, fully equipped kitchens, and contemporary furnishings to ensure comfort while enjoying your coastal escape.
What should I consider when booking a cottage with direct beach access during peak season?
During peak season, consider booking well in advance as these popular properties fill up quickly. Also, check local events or festivals that might enhance your stay experience but could also affect availability and pricing.
Are there eco-friendly options for cottages with direct beach access on Coolstays?
Absolutely! Many of our listings focus on sustainability, featuring eco-friendly designs or practices such as solar power usage or being constructed from sustainable materials while still providing easy beach access.
Can I host events at a cottage that has direct beach access?
Some larger cottages allow small gatherings or special events like weddings and celebrations by arrangement. Check individual property details on Coolstays for specific policies regarding hosting events.
How does staying at a cottage with private beach access differ from public beaches?
Private beach access means fewer crowds and more exclusivity compared to public beaches—ideal for relaxing in peace or engaging in water activities without interruption from other visitors.
What types of activities can I enjoy while staying at these cottages?
You can engage in various activities such as swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, or simply enjoying sunset walks along the shore—all conveniently accessible just steps away from your accommodation.
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