Coastal Staycations with a Sea View

Wake up to the Waves!

Posted on 17-06-25, updated on 13-03-26By: Claire S. | 3 minute read

There’s nothing quite like waking up to the soothing sounds of the sea. Whether it’s the gentle lapping of waves or a salty sea breeze drifting through your window, a coastal escape offers a timeless kind of relaxation – no passport required.

We invite you to discover a curated collection of UK seaside retreats, each just a stone’s throw from the beach.

From harbourside hideaways to clifftop views and sandy-footed family favourites, here are some of the best beachside breaks across Britain for your next staycation with cottages.com…

Wellesley Retreat, Hastings, East Sussex

Sleeps 2. 1 bedroom. 2 pets. 7 nights from £595.

Perched within a grand Grade II listed building once home to the Duke of Wellington’s headquarters, Wellesley Retreat is a truly unique coastal hideaway for two. Offering uninterrupted sea views from both the lounge and the bedroom, this second-floor apartment blends historic charm with luxurious modern comfort.

Found in the heart of Hastings Old Town, which is just a short stroll from the beach, vibrant bars, and artisan boutiques, it is the ideal setting for a romantic getaway. There is even a statement roll top bath that invites you to relax as you gaze out to sea!

Driftwood Cottages - Driftwood, Porth, near Newquay, Cornwall

Sleeps 2. 1 bedroom. 7 nights from £343.

Set in a peaceful courtyard mere moments from Porth Beach, Driftwood is a stylishly converted cottage perfect for couples or solo travellers looking for a beachside escape. With a decked terrace offering sea views ideal for sunny breakfasts or evening barbecues, and the local beachfront pub just a short stroll away, the setting couldn’t be more idyllic.

Newquay’s famed surf beaches are a scenic walk along the coast path, while Truro, Padstow and the Camel Trail offer rewarding day trips further afield.

Just 15 yards from the shore and overlooking the town’s charming promenade, this elegant one-bedroom retreat is made for two, plus one very lucky dog, with pets staying free.

Wake up to the sound of the sea as you enjoy your morning coffee on the patio and spend your days wandering nearby sandy beaches or exploring local gems like Llandudno, Conwy, and Snowdonia.

The Haven, South Cliff, Scarborough, Yorkshire

Sleeps 4. 2 bedrooms. 7 nights from £523

Just moments from Scarborough’s South Bay beach, The Haven is a beautifully designed apartment in a grand Victorian townhouse, offering elegant coastal living with a contemporary twist. Set on the prestigious South Cliff, this first-floor retreat features stylish interiors, side sea views, and a spacious open-plan layout ideal for unwinding after days spent exploring the Yorkshire coast.

Enjoy the Italian Gardens nearby, stroll the three-mile Marine Drive or take the cliff tram to the seafront. With Robin Hood’s Bay, Filey and the Cleveland Way all close by, and historic York just an hour away by train, this is the perfect base for a chic and scenic seaside staycation.

Harbourside, Shoreham-by-Sea, near Brighton, Sussex

Sleeps 3. 2 bedrooms. 7 nights from £955.

Elevated above the mouth of the River Adur, Harbourside offers uninterrupted 180-degree coastal views from a stylish fourth-floor apartment in Shoreham-by-Sea. Floor-to-ceiling windows and dual-aspect balconies showcase sunrises over Brighton and glowing sunsets across the estuary, making it a striking setting for a seaside escape.

The beach is just a short stroll away, while Shoreham’s charming town centre, with its cafés, galleries and riverside pubs is right on the doorstep ripe for exploration. Enjoy local beach days, walks across Shoreham Beach Nature Reserve, or take a 20-minute trip into Brighton for boutique shopping, iconic sights and fine dining.

High View House, Mundesley, Norfolk

Sleeps 14. 6 bedrooms. 2 pets. 7 nights from £3,439

Set just a short stroll from one of the region’s most celebrated sandy beaches, this luxury holiday retreat offers more than just a prime coastal location. The ultimate seaside escape for families and groups of up to 14 guests (with six beautiful bedrooms and sea views from every rear-facing room), you’ll find comfort and style in equal measure.

Unwind in the private hot tub, let the children run wild in the enclosed garden, or simply savour your morning coffee while watching the North Sea glisten on the horizon.

From free stays for pets to a games room and chef-worthy kitchen, this is the kind of place where lifelong holiday memories are made.