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Stars or surf? The best UK stays for stargazing and beach days

Published 27th July 2026

Dark skies, bright stars and tranquillity - or sea air, salty swims and exhilaration. Which one do you need right now?

Choose one of our top 10 places by the beach for bracing morning dips, coastal path walks and sunsets over the sea.

Or take a look at our top 10 stargazing stays and find a peaceful cabin in the middle of nowhere, where you can stoke up the fire and watch the stars twinkle above.

[Side note, it's a great time for stargazing. The Perseid meteor shower is currently lighting up our skies in July and peaking on 12th August.]

So which are you choosing - stars or surf?

And if you can't decide, there's no rule saying you can't have both.

Top 10 stays for stargazers

The Observatory

The Observatory

Houghton - West Sussex

Sleeps 2
Cosy retreat for two offering incredible views of the River Arun Valley and the South Downs National Park. Set in a designated Dark Sky Reserve, the cabin is a prime spot for evening stargazing under a clear sky.
Nova Dome

Nova Dome

Hereford - Herefordshire

Sleeps 2
Stargazing dome hideaway in the peaceful Herefordshire hills with a wood-fired hot tub.
Raven

Raven

Hexham - Northumberland

Sleeps 2
A unique watchtower, inspired by the castles of the surrounding landscape, awaits you in the depths of Northumbrian woods. Enjoy views of the Milky Way from your own private battlements, or through the stargazing rooflight located above the luxurious freestanding bathtub.
Woodcock Cabin

Woodcock Cabin

Cwymystwyth - Ceredigion

Sleeps 2
Situated on 38 acres of private land in the Cambrian Mountains is this cosy off-grid cabin, complete with wood-fired hot tub, woodland hammock and some of the darkest skies and brightest stars the UK has to offer. Order in a delicious stargazing hamper and make a night of it.
The Rook's View

The Rook's View

Bromyard - Herefordshire

Sleeps 2
Luxury treehouse hideaway in Herefordshire with sweeping valley views, hot tub and private spa deck, where clear countryside skies and a stargazing telescope make a magical spot for seeing the stars at night.
The Black Hut

The Black Hut

Isle of Jura - Argyll & Bute

Sleeps 2
Enjoy a romantic retreat on the Isle of Jura offering an outdoor bath, amazing sea views and exceptional stargazing - book a session with the powerful onsite telescope to see stars.
Cynefin Retreats

Cynefin Retreats

Hay-on-Wye - Hereford

Sleeps 2
Luxury romantic pods in Herefordshire ideal for couples with sweeping views and private hot right near the England/Wales border.
Laundry Cottage

Laundry Cottage

Tywyn - Gwynedd

2 +1 kid
Charming cottage escape with access to a superb pool and wonderful woodland walks on the Llanfendigaid Estate close to the Eryri (Snowdonia) coast. The area is one of only eighteen International Dark Sky Reserves in the world – you can expect a soul-enriching stay and spectacular stargazing opportunities.
Rowan

Rowan

Hexham - Northumberland

Sleeps 4
Rustic log cabin in remote countryside with outdoor sunken bath and a magical stargazing setting within Northumberland's Dark Sky Park.
Blackhouse Lodge

Blackhouse Lodge

Selkirk - Scottish Borders

Sleeps 14
Marvellous lodge in the Scottish Borders that perfectly combines modern grandeur with classic Scottish design to offer big groups a charming break. The lodge is entirely off-grid and with no light pollution for miles, the night skies here are nothing short of spectacular.

Top 10 stays for beach lovers

Beach Cottage

Beach Cottage

Anderby Creek - Lincolnshire

Sleeps 2
Beautiful beachfront hideaway at Anderby Creek with sand dune views, log burner and veranda overlooking the sea.
THE PIG - on the beach

THE PIG - on the beach

Studland - Dorset

2 per room
Relax and recharge in peaceful surroundings with uninterrupted views of the stunning Studland Bay coast in Dorset.
The Crow's Nest Cabin

The Crow's Nest Cabin

Ventnor - United Kingdom

Sleeps 2
A romantic cabin hideaway set on Ventnor Beach, Isle of Wight with panoramic sea views, a large balcony and a hot tub.
Sandpipers

Sandpipers

Sennen - Cornwall

Sleeps 2
This stylish cottage offers superb sea views and is just minutes from the sandy shore below offering an ideal Cornish getaway.
The Lookout

The Lookout

North Berwick - East Lothian

Sleeps 4
Gorgeous, modern architectural gem overlooking a private beach close to North Berwick offering incredible sea views.
Serena

Serena

Carbis Bay - Cornwall

Sleeps 6
Sleek, modern apartment just a short hop to the fabulous town of St Ives and with amazing views over Carbis Bay - a gorgeous beach for a swim.
Shangri-La

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.
Barefoot Beach House

Barefoot Beach House

Camber - Kent

Sleeps 8
Step straight onto the beach from this stunning house nestled in a dune of the famous Camber Sands near Rye
Greenshutters

Greenshutters

Freshwater East - Pembrokeshire

Sleeps 10
Architect-designed coastal retreat in Pembrokeshire with sweeping sea views, sauna option and direct beach access.
Barford Beach House

Barford Beach House

nr. Bude - Cornwall

12 (+4)
Head to the North Cornwall coast at Barford, a stunning holiday home for up to 16 people that offers sea views and luxurious living.
Whether your perfect escape ends with sand between your toes or a sky full of stars, there's no wrong answer. Explore more unique Coolstays coastal escapes, remote cabins and extraordinary hideaways across the UK and beyond.