The beach, a pub, a cottage

Enjoy having your own private haven in the spectacular Scottish Highlands at The Lighthouse in Gairloch.

Gairloch beach is a lovely stretch of golden sand backed by dunes and green hills, just a 10 minute stroll from the house. Make an afternoon of it with the two-mile circular route linking the beach with Charlestown harbour and Flowerdale Arboretum.

The Old Inn is a Highland coaching inn with a cosy, traditional feel. It sits in a splendid location at the entrance to Flowerdale Glen overlooking Gairloch Harbour and serves local seafood, real ale and malt whiskies.

Take in stunning views and explore glorious beaches from your secluded, traditional fisherman’s cottage in North Devon.

Stretch your legs with a 2 mile-ish stroll out to Greysands beach, a lovely hidden gem of pebbles, soft sand and clear waters.

Wet your whistle on the way home at the Royal George, a smart gastropub right on the waterfront at Appledore.

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

Rhossili Bay is three miles of sand, regularly named among the best beaches in Britain. Ten minutes on foot from the door.

It's a five-minute walk inland to the village and the King's Head, a 17th-century coaching inn, good for a hearty post-beach meal or a Sunday roast.

Beautiful Grade II listed cottage in Mousehole with the harbour moments away, sea views, cosy fires and a charming courtyard garden.

The Wheelhouse is just a minute's walk from the soft sandy beach with calm clear water, set within the village harbour.

After an afternoon of building sandcastles, head to the nearby Ship Inn for dinner and a glass of something cold overlooking the harbour.

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

Camber Sands - and this house is right on it. One of the best beaches on the south coast, an enormous half-moon of fine sand backed by acres of dunes.

Treat yourself to dinner and a cocktail at the Gallivant, just over the road from Camber Sands. It's a stylish hotel, with restaurant and bar and laid-back, Hamptons vibes.

Beautifully designed holiday getaway by the sea set in Royal Lymington Yacht Club dinghy yard.

Not so much a beach as a lagoon. Stroll along the neighbouring sea wall with its front row views over the Solent, then down to Normandy Lagoon nature reserve for bird spotting and a salty, blustery walk.

After a turn around the lagoon, stop off at the Haven, a bright and airy bar and restaurant with a terrace overlooking the marina.

Semi-detached 17th-century ham stone cottage with unique Mediterranean-style veranda, stunning sea views and a hot tub, located on Dorset's Jurassic Coast.

A favourite walk from the cottage is the half-hour stroll across fields to the beach at Seatown, a peaceful shingle cove that's good for fossil hunting.

Perched above the beach is the award-winning Anchor Inn, serving first-class locally caught seafood, against the magnificent backdrop of Golden Cap to the west.

Stunning contemporary six person eco-cottage in the Northumberland countryside with amenities in walking distance.

Embleton Bay is beautiful sweep of golden sand, with the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle at the southern edge of the bay. Easily reached on foot along the bridleway, just under 2 miles.

Cottage Inn is only 400 yards from the house, just right for rounding off a walk with a pint and some hearty pub grub in the woodland garden. Or a mile down the road in Craster, the famous Jolly Fisherman serves locally caught seafood and ocean views.