The Good Hotel Guide is the leading independent guide to hotels in Great Britain & Ireland, and also covers parts of Continental Europe. The Guide was first published in 1978. It is written for the reader seeking impartial advice on finding a good place to stay. Hotels cannot buy their way into the Guide. The editors and inspectors do not accept free hospitality on their anonymous visits to hotels. All hotels in the Guide receive a free basic listing. A fee is charged for a full web entry.
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10 of the best beach hotels on the South Coast
There are few places are more beautiful than the UK's south coast, home to the the 630 mile stretch that is the South West Coast Path, running from Minehead in Somerset to
Beach Hotel, Bude
Featured Hotels
The Nare
Veryan-In-Roseland, Cornwall
'40 Winks Break' Special Offer
'It's like going back in time to more gracious living,' writes a reader after an annual visit to the Ashworth family's hotel in sub-tropical gardens above Carne Beach.
Soar Mill Cove Hotel
Salcombe, Devon
'February First Week Staycation Saver' Special Offer
This single-storey hotel enfolded in a gorse-clad valley with views of the sea has been in the Makepeace family for three generations.
Cary Arms & Spa
Babbacombe, Devon
'Celebration Hideaway' Special Offer
A cosy beamed pub is the warm heart of this hotel, in the shelter of wooded, red sandstone cliffs that reminded the young Queen Victoria of 'a ballet or a play where nymphs appear'.
The Old Coastguard
Penzance, Cornwall
Winter Escape Special Offer
'My favourite hotel anywhere in the world,' writes a reader of this welcoming pub-with-rooms in an enchanting Cornish fishing village.
The Gallivant
Sussex
The name says it all: a place to skip along Camber Sands, enjoy backgammon in the bar, chill in the garden or relax with yoga – and with no children to disturb the peace.
Tresanton
St Mawes, Cornwall
'You feel as though you're on the French Riviera' at Olga Polizzi's seaside hotel 'in one of the most idyllic locations you could hope to come across'.
Driftwood Hotel
Porthscatho, Cornwall
'This hotel is all about position – on the cliffs above the beach and beautiful gardens,' a reader writes.
The Pig on the Beach
Studland, Dorset
There is a hint of Castle Gormenghast about this fairytale 1820s marine villa, with its jumble of roofs, gables, gargoyles, towers and dormers, in gardens running down to a sandy beach.
Boskerris Hotel
St Ives, Cornwall
It's blue heaven, on a sunny day, to sit on the terrace of this adults-only, 1930s hotel overlooking a white-sand Blue Flag beach and the clear waters of St Ives Bay, with a chilled glass of wine or a cream tea.
More hotels on the South Coast
Beachcroft Hotel
Bognor Regis, Sussex
Christmas and New Year Festive Package Special Offer
A stay in Felpham inspired William Blake to write of 'England's green and pleasant land', but it's the beach that draws holidaymakers to the de Savarys' South Coast hotel.
Watersmeet
Woolacombe, Devon
Spring 'Escape to the Coast' Special Offer
'The location is stunning, with views of the Devon coast with its sandy beaches and tumbled rocks,' writes a reader delighted by this family-friendly hotel.
Hotel Meudon
Falmouth, Cornwall
'The Meudon Weekend' Special Offer
Meandering down to a private beach, glorious subtropical gardens enfold this secluded Victorian mansion.
Belle Tout Lighthouse
Eastbourne, Sussex
A beacon of hospitality on a remote cliff-top between the English Channel and the rolling downs, this decommissioned 19th-century lighthouse found new purpose in 2010 as a unique B&B.
Talland Bay Hotel
Talland-By-Looe, Cornwall
In 'one of the most idyllic spots ever', this dog-friendly hotel 'near the end of an extremely narrow lane' overlooks cliff-top gardens filled with larky sculpture and Wonderland whimsy.
The Gallivant
Sussex
The name says it all: a place to skip along Camber Sands, enjoy backgammon in the bar, chill in the garden or relax with yoga – and with no children to disturb the peace.
The Seaside Boarding House
Burton Bradstock, Dorset
A playful mix of Edward Hopper's Cape Cod and Edwardian seaside hotel, this white-painted villa above Chesil Beach has an easy-going stylishness, conducive to fun.
The 25 Boutique B&B
Torquay, Devon
This delightfully eccentric boutique B&B, a stroll from Torquay's seafront, has won numerous awards for its singular style and luxurious standards.
Captain's Club Hotel
Christchurch, Dorset
Berthed on the banks of the Stour since 2006, this child-friendly, dog-friendly, glass-and-steel hotel, with the sleek lines of a cruise liner, was built for leisure.
Albion House
Ramsgate, Kent
This chic and stylish small hotel in a restored Regency building has an enviable clifftop position overlooking the beach and Royal Harbour.
There are few places are more beautiful than the UK's south coast, home to the the 630 mile stretch that is the South West Coast Path, running from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset, not to mention an array of award-winning beaches and seaside activities.
When it comes to things to do however, the water takes precedence. This is a part of the UK that's ahead of the game when it comes to taking care of the environment, and with little wonder considering its natural beauty. Visitors delight in Blue Flag beaches that meet strict criteria for cleanliness, and of course, everyone is always asked to be respectful of the landscape.
From beginners to experts, one of the most popular activities by the sea is surfing. Amongst the best places to surf head to the likes of Fistral Beach in Newquay, Croyde Bay in North Devon, Crackington Haven in North Cornwall, Perranporth in Cornwall and Bantham in the South Hams. Then again, for those who prefer to swim, take a dip at Man O'War Beach at Lulworth, Tunnels Beach at Ilfracombe, Broadsands Beach at Combe Martin, Sharrah Pool at Dartmoor, Hope Cove and Thurlestone Arch near Salcombe, South Cornwall's Lantic, Lantivet and Lansallos beaches, or The Lizard Peninsula's Cadwith, Coverack and Mullion Cove. Don't forget there's also a host of places where you can take part in other water sports as well, ranging from boat hire to kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, sailing, water skiing and more.
One of the most beautiful aspects of the South Coast is that it really is a holiday destination for everyone. While families delight in the wealth of outdoor adventures, tucking into ice creams, seafood, cream teas and ciders as you go about your day, many are also thrilled by the dog-friendly destinations. There are plenty of walks along the clifftops as well as further inland, and of course many of the hotels are thrilled to welcome four-legged friends alongside their owners. Equally, few things make for a romantic getaway quite like strolling along secluded sands, visiting sub tropical gardens, dining in bijoux restaurants and taking trips to attractions like the open air Minack Theatre at Porthcurno or visiting the beautiful private island, Burgh Island.
