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The best beach hotels in the UK for summer 2024
These beautiful hotels by the sea are calling your name...
Checking in to a beach hotel in the UK is a practically a must during the summer months. When you can soak up the sunshine while embracing the restorative sea air from a hotel on some beautiful sweep of coastline up and down these scenic isles, why would you want to travel anywhere else?
Our pick of the UK's best beach hotels are perfect for enjoying the warm weather by the sea (no matter how short-lived or unexpected those sunny spells may be), complete with breezy coastal walks, sand you can sink your toes into, fresh seafood and endless chances for relaxation.
In Cornwall, a UK beach holiday classic, some of the wide expanses of golden sand are so beautiful they could easily rival any Mediterranean holiday. Take family-friendly Carbis Bay Hotel near St Ives, which sits on a privately owned stretch of stunning Blue Flag beach. Meanwhile, cliffside hotel The Headland Hotel has a prime position over Fistral Beach – ideal for dogs, families, solo travellers and couples alike.
Over in Devon, you can enjoy a bucket and spade staycation in your own beach hut at the beautiful Cary Arms & Spa, and even go bay-hopping on the hotel's classic sailing boat before retiring to your luxe seaside lodgings. A stay here – or any of our best beach hotels in the UK – truly feels like living out coastal living fantasies (you just have to resist the urge to up sticks and move to the beach permanently...)
Meanwhile, Pembrokeshire, Suffolk and the Isle of Wight are just a few other excellent spots to check in to Britain's best beach hotels for a summer escape you'll never forget. Each of them adds grown-up appeal to the nostalgia of a UK beach holiday, which many of us remember very fondly from childhood – and perhaps even more fondly if you now get to bring children and grandchildren along.
Whatever the weather gets up, you'll get to enjoy a deeply relaxing break somewhere beautiful – and surprisingly close to home. The close proximity also means you don't have to worry about navigating an airport, paying above the odds for parking or figuring out whether your passport is still valid. Simply hop on a train, ride a bus or get in the car and you're good to go.
And while staying in self-catering accommodation or a gem of an Airbnb has its own special value, there's something uniquely relaxing about checking into a lovely hotel for the duration of a trip. You don't have to worry about cooking, cleaning or anything else – in fact, the only thing you need to decide is which of these beautiful beach hotels in the UK to check in to first.
Whether you're looking for an affordable pub with rooms or an all-out luxury stay, our roundup of the best UK beach hotels for a staycation has something to suit all tastes. Planning ahead or looking for a last minute spot, there's definitely something for every wish, whim and budget in this excellent list. Just don't forget your sun hat and walking shoes...
Port Hotel, Eastbourne, East Sussex
A chic beach hotel on Eastbourne's seafront, Port Hotel brings a touch of cool European style to the classic East Sussex seaside town. Inspired by its beautiful coastal landscape, the hotel has a calming vibe, with neutral and pastel hues throughout. There are tributes to Eastbourne all around Port: the pinks that reflect the soft hue bouncing off the sea at sunset and round brass bedside tables inspired by the brass detailing found on the pier dome.
The design hotel could easily be mistaken for an address in Berlin, with its minimalist, statement decor. It attracts a diverse range of guests: the multi-generation crowd, couples who have been holidaying in Eastbourne for decades and young staycationers. The rooms feature record players, sumptuous beds and terrazzo tiling in the bathrooms. Breakfast, brunch and dinners are served in the arty restaurant, with a focus on tapas-style small plates celebrating food from Sussex and local artwork displayed on the walls.
The Headland Hotel & Spa, Newquay, Cornwall
Garnering a prime position on a cliff overlooking Fistral Beach, this historic Victorian hotel has wow-factor written all over it. In fact, as beach hotels in the UK go, this famous yet independent five-star spot has to be up there with one of the best.
It boasts a state-of-the-art spa (hello indoor and outdoor pools), ocean-view dining at The Terrace, contemporary coastal-cool rooms and self-catering cottages. There's also a new addition in the shape of RenMor, a new restaurant fresh from a a multi-million-pound refurbishment.
There's a room to suit everyone, from single holidaymakers to families and even the dog, who we're sure will love the wide expanse of golden sand below as much as you will.
The Gallivant, Camber, East Sussex
Overlooking the soft blonde sands and tufty dunes of Camber, The Gallivant is a super-stylish beach house hotel primed to induce severe Instagram envy. Whether you want a gourmet picnic in the sand dunes or to cycle over to the medieval cinque port of Rye and potter around its antique shops and cutesy boutiques, it's the perfect place for a Sussex seaside getaway.
The interior is very much the Hamptons meets Hampstead: briny seaside tones, quirky vintage prints and plenty of greenery inside and out. Out of the 20 rooms, our favourites have direct access to the coastal garden. The food is all local, seasonal and utterly delicious, and both the bar and the restaurant proudly showcases the best of English wines, many of which are created locally in Sussex.
Salcombe Harbour Hotel, Salcombe, Devon
From the sweeping views across the Salcombe estuary, the stylish roof terrace and yoga deck to the swanky spa, the Salcombe Harbour Hotel brings buckets of salt-flecked luxury to the south coast of Devon. Banked by several sandy swimming beaches, there's plenty to do in the area. It's also right on the South West Coast Path if you fancy a breezy romp around the coast. And if the weather turns, hunker down in the spa or catch a movie in the private cinema.
The rooms are a serene delight. Decorated in a palette of calming whites, soft greys and nautical hues. There are some with private balconies with smashing views over the estuary, the perfect spot to enjoy the complimentary gin and tonic before feasting on Salcombe lobster in the beautiful Jetty restaurant. When the weather allows, you can also eat out on the gorgeous waterside terrace – mustering the energy to leave this sunny spot, however, is a different matter.
The Nici, Bournemouth, Dorset
You could easily mistake The Nici's glamorous, tropical-inspired aesthetic for sun-soaked Miami. But it's here on the coast of Bournemouth, two minutes away from the beach on West Cliff, from which this bright, breezy hotel reigns – ideal if you're looking for a beach hotel that feels fresh and modern as well as restorative.
Following a multi-million pound refurbishment, this hotspot has brought a new level of luxury to the area, with a knockout pool (that has a sea view), gorgeous rooms and the aptly named South Beach Restaurant & Bar. New for 2024, the hotel has also revealed Old Harry Rocks Bar & Restaurant by that beautiful pool, serving seasonal dishes from land and sea. The spa is another highlight, as is the in-house cinema and new activity centre, which offers paddle boarding and more.
The Beach House, Milford on Sea, Hampshire
Combine the best of a coastal and country stay at this elegant Victorian seaside villa. Along with direct access to the beach at Westover, it's also just a 10-minute drive from the New Forest, where scenic walks and horse riding stables await.
Pine-clad gardens make the perfect spot for a sundowner, and dinner at elegant wood-panelled restaurant is hearty pub grub fare. This was once a summer home for the Siemens family, but is now a pub with rooms with cracking views of the Isle of Wight and The Needles.
The Beach, Bude, Cornwall
Check in to the beachside boutique hotel for grownup glamour, cocktails on the oceanside terrace, and the chance to discover the bustling town of Bude.
The handful of bedrooms are decked out in a contemporary New England style, and are just a stone's throw from the golden sands of Summerleaze Beach. Although it does have a funky vibe, it is family-friendly as well as being a welcoming spot for four-legged friends.
The George Hotel and Beach Club, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight
Couples will fall head over heels for this fantastic boutique UK beach hotel, which features picturesque views and even better food cooked using ingredients from the ample Isle of Wight larder and served at the airy Conservatory restaurant – or outside practically on the water.
The grand 17th century townhouse has an upmarket but relaxed feel, and is nestled right on the water's edge at Yarmouth. The rooms are classic and extremely comfortable, some with grand four posters. Do stroll into town to discover the independent shops for unusual gifts.
The Sail Loft, Southwold, Suffolk
Another lovely spot right on the Suffolk coast, you can enjoy a beach stroll before breakfast at rustic shack-style Sail Loft. Just 100 yards from Southwold Pier Beach, it's perfect for anyone who appreciates a location on the beach.
Enjoy specialist coffees or craft ales in the relaxed bar, or a well-deserved cocktail after a day of crabbing and rock pooling.
Penally Abbey, Tenby, Pembrokeshire
Ok, not directly on the beach, but this stunning hotel in Wales has views of the sea and is just stumbling distance to the powdery golden sands at Carmarthen Bay.
Sitting on the edge of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, this grand period property manages to combine tradition with light, bright, contemporary interiors – it's the ideal spot for a chic couple's escape.
The Idle Rocks, St Mawes, Cornwall
Ultra-stylish with the relaxed ambience only a beachside bolthole can bring, this Cornish beach hotel is a pure delight. The joyous interiors are bold and beautiful with the odd nod to the nautical; expect pairings like a wall-mounted buoy with a modern yet sophisticated printed headboard.
The hotel sits directly on the beach, and you can simply soak up the rays, or get active with a surfing or paddleboarding lesson. Or try a boat trip to the nearby National Trust Trelissick Gardens for a really memorable experience. A cool, coastal escape that should be on everyone's list of UK beach hotels to visit, this is a great spot for a solo break, too, especially if you want to wake up to the sound of the gently lapping waves.
Star Castle, Hugh Town, Isles of Scilly
Stay at a 16th century castle for a coastal escape like no other. St Mary's Island boasts beautiful beaches, but you can also go island-hopping on the hotel's own boat (which also catches fresh fish and lobster for its two terrific restaurants).
There's everything you need at the castle – an indoor heated pool, its own vineyard, tennis, golf – but the beach and harbour are just a stroll away. Family- and dog-friendly, it's a welcoming UK beach hotel for anyone.
Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate, St Ives, Cornwall
Caribbean or Cornwall? This incredible beach hotel in the UK offers a true slice of paradise right on our doorstep – no planes required. The flour-fine sand could rival any in the Mediterranean and is a privately-owned 25-acre Blue Flag beach.
Accommodation comes in the form of seriously stylish suites, beach houses and coastal cottages, making this sandy spot perfect for discerning families or couples in love.
After you've had your fill of Cornish crab and afternoon tea, head for some relaxation at the C Bay Spa, with its outdoor pool and breathtaking views. Swoon.
Artist Residence, Brighton, East Sussex
Hip, buzzy and arty, this beach hotel is just yards from Brighton beach – and oozes the same cool, laidback vibes. Soak up the views from your super-stylish room (mini Smeg fridges and freestanding tubs included), sip a Cosmopolitan at the funky cocktail bar and enjoy creative cuisine in the chic restaurant.
Whether you're travelling alone or with a companion, there's plenty to keep you entertained in Brighton. The British Airways i360 observation tower and the fashionable Lanes shopping area are just a walk away from the Artist Residence.
Cary Arms & Spa, Torquay, Devon
This 'inn on the beach' is a coastal dream come true. As well as the contemporary suites, there's a choice of six beach huts to stay in, making this hotel by the sea a top choice for families and their pooches.
When you're not building sandcastles and eating ice cream, there's countless coastal walks, sea kayaking, paddleboarding and even bay-hopping on the hotel's classic wooden sailing yacht. Can we come too?
More UK travel ideas:
Best hotels in the Lake District
The best dog-friendly hotels in the UK for 2025
The best spa hotels in London
The best country hotels in the UK
