21 stays near beautiful beaches

Beautiful couple's retreat in a bright and modern seaside home in Dungeness, Kent.

Atmospheric Dungeness is a site of special scientific interest. It contains rare plants and insects and flocks of coastal birds. It’s a place for birdwatching, long walks and contemplation.

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

You've got Sennen Beach right on your doorstep, a glorious super-size sandy beach, with blue rollers perfect for surfing.

Relax and recharge in peaceful surroundings with uninterrupted views of the stunning Dorset coast.

Explore gorgeous Studland Bay, a famous vast four-mile stretch of sandy beaches, shallow waters and heathland, owned by the National Trust.

Enjoy a marvellous stay in this quirky Northumberland retreat offering vintage décor, cosy interiors and amazing sea views.

A 10-minute stroll takes you to Embleton Beach, an almost Caribbean-like crescent of fine golden sand and clear waters, enclosed by rolling grassy dunes with the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle behind.

Embrace the simple life at this off-grid yet up-to-date bothy-inspired cabin in rural Fife.

The stunning, two mile long sandy sweep of Kingsbarns Beach, wonderful for picnic lunches and blustery strolls, is just a short five minute walk away.

Quaint and comfortable two bedroom, two bathroom cottage in Wells-next-the-sea, Norfolk.

You're walking distance here from both Wells Beach and Holkham Beach, regularly voted one of the best in the UK for its seemingly endless miles of firm golden sand, quiet pine forests and rugged dunes.

Gorgeous rural retreat in Durness on Scotland North West coast with comfy beds, a roaring fireplace, and big, deep bathtubs.

Stroll down the hill to Durness Beach, one of the most northerly on mainland Scotland, a striking cove of sugary sand, dark and dramatic rock formations and turquoise waters.

Architect designed simplicity offers a modern twist on a traditional Norfolk beach house.

Located just behind the dunes at Waxham Beach, a secluded sandy stretch well off the beaten track, perfect for peaceful walks and seal watching.

A uniquely designed, award-winning cottage, overlooking a remote, sandy beach on the Isle of Harris. The perfect Outer Hebrides retreat.

Oran na Mara overlooks Scarista, one of the most breathtaking beaches in the UK. It's a vast stretch of pristine white and sparkling blue water - clean, remote and utterly beautiful.

A 400-year-old water mill restored in a contemporary style provides modern luxury in the south Wales, as well as a log fire and professional kitchen.

No discussion of UK beaches is complete without mention of Rhossili. Regularly voted one of the best beaches in the world, Rhossili Bay boasts three miles of golden sand, backed by towering cliffs and sprayed with wild Atlantic surf - and it's just a 10 minute walk away.

Rest and relax in a luxury bolthole on the Malltraeth estuary shores, surrounded by the rolling green hills of Anglesey.

A walk through the woods, or a short car ride takes you the couple of miles to Newborourgh Beach, a huge expanse of sand bordered by pine forest and with the fairytale-like tidal island of Ynys Llanddwyn at one end - one of the most magical spots in North Wales.

Incredible house directly on the beach with jaw dropping views of St Ives Bay, heated pool, hot tub, fire pit and all that heavenly Cornish fresh air.

You couldn't be closer to exquisite Porthkidney Sands, a picture-perfect and often deserted stretch running from the mouth of the River Hayle to Hawk’s Point in Carbis Bay.

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

Camber Sands is simply stunning, and one of the few soft sandy beaches on the south coast. The windswept dunes and tussocks still feel surprisingly wild and Barefoot's beachfront location means you have the whole beach to yourself once the day-trippers have gone home.

A charming Devon cottage set in an incredible clifftop location among trees overlooking the sea.

The house looks out over Woody Bay, an absolute hidden gem of a cove framed by steep wooded cliffs, with a pebble beach, cascading waterfall and Victorian tidal bathing pool.

Enjoy a relaxing stay in this supremely stylish, modern clifftop home with a hot tub that offers superb views of the rugged Ceredigion coast.

The town beaches at Aberporth are both very pretty, and you’ve good access to some of the best of Cardigan Bay including glorious Mwnt, five or so miles down the coast, with its famous 14th century whitewashed church perched on the clifftops, and a chance of spotting dolphins and seals.

Charming seaside retreat in West Wittering with a beautiful pool, steam room and direct beach access.

Lovely West Wittering is basically the UK version of the Hamptons - chic vibes, upmarket eateries and miles of clean and beautifully soft sand.

This marvellous, historic home sleeps 10 and features a private hot tub and luxurious interiors on a peaceful North Yorkshire estate.

You're well-placed for some of North Yorkshire's best beaches here, with quiet Cayton Bay nearby and the impressive five-mile sweep of Filey Beach just down the road.

Grand group retreat close to the sea in Devon that dates back over 500 years with beautiful interiors, feature fireplaces and exposed beams.

Head to nearby Beer Beach to see the fishing boats, or just along the coast is the lovely Seaton Beach, a quiet mile-long stretch of Jurassic coastline backed by green cliffs and an old fashioned promenade.

Head to the North Cornwall coast at Barford, a stunning holiday home for up to 16 people that offers sea views and luxurious living.

Epic Widemouth Bay is a short walk up the coast, with its two miles plus of fine sand, glorious scenery and the muscular Atlantic swells which make it a surfing hotspot.

Beautiful home for 16 close to the Northumberland coast offering grand social spaces and views of Bamburgh Castle.

A short stroll takes you to the beautiful Bamburgh Beach, an epic location with the magnificent castle looming behind, the wild North Sea ahead and the Farne Islands visible on a clear day.

Spectacular clifftop retreat above Mevagissey harbour with heated pool, tennis court, disco room and sweeping Cornish views.

About a quarter of a mile along the coastal path is Polstreath beach, a secluded sand and shingle cove backed by cliffs and wild greenery. It's reached by about 200 steep steps, but it's the tricky access which gives Polstreath its quiet and secret feel. Come at low or mid tide to make the most of the sweep of sand.