Editor's Choice

Seaside Hotels 2024

Special
offer

The Nare

The Nare

Veryan-In-Roseland, Cornwall

'Four Day Break' Special Offer

Overlooking subtropical gardens and sandy Carne Beach, the Ashworth family's hotel delights readers with its country-house style, superlative service and retro classics in the dining room.

Special
offer

Trefeddian Hotel

Trefeddian Hotel

Aberdovey, Gwynedd

Seasonal Escapes Special Offer

Although the Cave-Browne-Cave family has sold its big, white hotel above Cardigan Bay, which it has operated since the days of silent film, new owners BLS UK Hotels Ltd are expected to keep things very much as they always have been, maintaining the existing management.

Special
offer

Rathmullan House

Rathmullan House

Rathmullan, Co. Donegal

Midweek Autumn Getaway Special Offer

Pass the little gate lodge to drive up to this bay-fronted country house in wooded grounds edged by a beach on Lough Swilly.

Special
offer

Scarista House

Scarista House

Isle Of Harris, Western Isles

Last minute Easter Break Special Offer

The long drive is worth it to this edge-of-the-world location, where a Georgian manse, with pretty, traditional rooms and superb food, overlooks a long sandy beach.

The Seaside Boarding House

The Seaside Boarding House

Burton Bradstock, Dorset

High on the cliff top above Chesil Beach, this is an effortlessly hip, relaxed, fun hotel with a Cape Cod vibe, light and airy bedrooms, a bar serving cocktails and seriously good cooking in the restaurant.

The Ship Inn

The Ship Inn

Elie, Fife

The catch of the day could be Shetland hake in the restaurant or nifty fielding on the sands at this pub-with-rooms overlooking the Firth of Forth, with its own beach cricket team.

The Henley

The Henley

Bigbury-On-Sea, Devon

The 'amazing views' over Bigbury-on-Sea's sands towards Burgh Island are what first impress about this former Edwardian holiday home, but guests also appreciate the 'wonderful welcome, comfortable, characterful bedrooms, and accomplished cooking' at The Henley.

Hell Bay Hotel

Hell Bay Hotel

Bryher, Isles Of Scilly

With 'nothing in between to Canada', this pretty blue-and-white weatherboarded farmhouse, which sits above a secluded cove on Bryher's rugged west-facing coast, is England's most westerly hotel.

Porth Tocyn Hotel

Porth Tocyn Hotel

Abersoch, Gwynedd

Guide readers are unswervingly loyal to this family-friendly country house by the sea, with peerless views to Snowdonia across Cardigan Bay, run by the Fletcher-Brewer family since opening in 1948.

The Gallivant

The Gallivant

Sussex

East Coast America meets South Coast England at this single-storey, seaside-chic hotel with appealing room choices, fantastic locally sourced food, a spa cabin, beach yoga workshops, and a vast expanse of sands, washed by the English Channel, just over the spectacular dunes.

Editor's Choice

Seaside Hotels 2023

Special
offer

The Nare

The Nare

Veryan-In-Roseland, Cornwall

'Four Day Break' Special Offer

Overlooking subtropical gardens and sandy Carne Beach, the Ashworth family's hotel delights readers with its country-house style, superlative service and retro classics in the dining room.

Special
offer

Rathmullan House

Rathmullan House

Rathmullan, Co. Donegal

Midweek Autumn Getaway Special Offer

Pass the little gate lodge to drive up to this bay-fronted country house in wooded grounds edged by a beach on Lough Swilly.

Special
offer

Scarista House

Scarista House

Isle Of Harris, Western Isles

Last minute Easter Break Special Offer

The long drive is worth it to this edge-of-the-world location, where a Georgian manse, with pretty, traditional rooms and superb food, overlooks a long sandy beach.

The Seaside Boarding House

The Seaside Boarding House

Burton Bradstock, Dorset

High on the cliff top above Chesil Beach, this is an effortlessly hip, relaxed, fun hotel with a Cape Cod vibe, light and airy bedrooms, a bar serving cocktails and seriously good cooking in the restaurant.

Polurrian on the Lizard

Polurrian on the Lizard

Mullion, Cornwall

'Hotel settings don't get much more spectacular than the Polurrian's, on the cliff edge overlooking its own beach,' writes a guide insider. The relaxed family and dog-friendly hotel makes the most of the coastal views.

No. 33

No. 33

Hunstanton, Norfolk

In this west-facing Victorian resort, Jeanne Whittome's unstaffed B&B appeals to independent spirits who don't need to be cosseted, with stylish bedrooms, a lounge and DVD library, a dining room with log burner, and breakfasts from sister property Thornham Deli.

The Gallivant

The Gallivant

Sussex

East Coast America meets South Coast England at this single-storey, seaside-chic hotel with appealing room choices, fantastic locally sourced food, a spa cabin, beach yoga workshops, and a vast expanse of sands, washed by the English Channel, just over the spectacular dunes.

Hotel Portmeirion

Hotel Portmeirion

Portmeirion, Gwynedd

There is nowhere in the world quite like Sir Clough Williams-Ellis's Italianate resort village, where hotel bedrooms are spread around various properties, centred on a Victorian mansion on wooded slopes above the sandy beaches of the Dwyryd estuary.

South Sands

South Sands

Salcombe, Devon

The restaurant, terrace and many of the New England-style bedrooms overlook South Sands beach at this contemporary hotel, where you can bring your dog, dine alfresco on Fowey mussels or crab linguine, and sleep within sight and sound of the waves.

Editor's Choice

Seaside Hotels 2022

Special
offer

Trefeddian Hotel

Trefeddian Hotel

Aberdovey, Gwynedd

Seasonal Escapes Special Offer

Although the Cave-Browne-Cave family has sold its big, white hotel above Cardigan Bay, which it has operated since the days of silent film, new owners BLS UK Hotels Ltd are expected to keep things very much as they always have been, maintaining the existing management.

The Henley

The Henley

Bigbury-On-Sea, Devon

The 'amazing views' over Bigbury-on-Sea's sands towards Burgh Island are what first impress about this former Edwardian holiday home, but guests also appreciate the 'wonderful welcome, comfortable, characterful bedrooms, and accomplished cooking' at The Henley.

Hotel Tresanton

Hotel Tresanton

St Mawes, Cornwall

In an idyllic location, cascading down the cliffs at St Mawes with views to St Anthony's lighthouse, Olga Polizzi's seaside hotel continues to delight readers. Once home to a yacht club, it is spread across a cluster of houses and has a feel of the French Riviera about it.

Viewfield House

Viewfield House

Isle Of Skye, Highland

With porte cochère, crenellated tower and fine Victorian interiors, this country house overlooking Loch Portree is redolent of the history of the Macdonald family, who have lived there for more than 200 years.

The Pig on the Beach

The Pig on the Beach

Studland, Dorset

Hogwarts in style, this fairytale 1820s marine villa with its jumble of roofs, gables, gargoyles, towers and dormers, is set in gardens running down to a sandy beach. It delivers the usual Pig magic, with its dressed-down interiors, mismatched furniture, casual vibe, house bedrooms, shepherds' huts, thatched dovecotes, and a kitchen garden.

The Gallivant

The Gallivant

Sussex

East Coast America meets South Coast England at this single-storey, seaside-chic hotel with appealing room choices, fantastic locally sourced food, a spa cabin, beach yoga workshops, and a vast expanse of sands, washed by the English Channel, just over the spectacular dunes.

Rosleague Manor

Rosleague Manor

Letterfrack, Co. Galway

In 30 acres of private gardens, this pink-washed Georgian manor house overlooking Ballinakill Bay has the warmth and ambience of a much-loved home, its traditional interiors filled with artworks, antiques and curios. An eclectic, daily-changing menu of locally sourced dishes is served in the dining room.

Editor's Choice

Seaside Hotels 2021

Special
offer

The Nare

The Nare

Veryan-In-Roseland, Cornwall

'Four Day Break' Special Offer

Overlooking subtropical gardens and sandy Carne Beach, the Ashworth family's hotel delights readers with its country-house style, superlative service and retro classics in the dining room.

Special
offer

Soar Mill Cove Hotel

Soar Mill Cove Hotel

Salcombe, Devon

'Stay Longer Save More' Special Offer

You'll find everything you need for a holiday at this family-run, child-friendly, dog-friendly hotel tucked away in a valley, with a path to a secluded sandy beach.

Special
offer

Scarista House

Scarista House

Isle Of Harris, Western Isles

Last minute Easter Break Special Offer

The long drive is worth it to this edge-of-the-world location, where a Georgian manse, with pretty, traditional rooms and superb food, overlooks a long sandy beach.

Special
offer

Rathmullan House

Rathmullan House

Rathmullan, Co. Donegal

Midweek Autumn Getaway Special Offer

Pass the little gate lodge to drive up to this bay-fronted country house in wooded grounds edged by a beach on Lough Swilly.

The Ship Inn

The Ship Inn

Elie, Fife

The catch of the day could be Shetland hake in the restaurant or nifty fielding on the sands at this pub-with-rooms overlooking the Firth of Forth, with its own beach cricket team.

Artist Residence Brighton

Artist Residence Brighton

Brighton, Sussex

With views to the sea across a Regency square, this townhouse hotel, which is the flagship of a small, privately owned chain, has a hip, bohemian vibe, bedrooms with bare brick walls, retro and reclaimed pieces, and a café-bar and lounge for casual all-day dining.

The Pig on the Beach

The Pig on the Beach

Studland, Dorset

Hogwarts in style, this fairytale 1820s marine villa with its jumble of roofs, gables, gargoyles, towers and dormers, is set in gardens running down to a sandy beach. It delivers the usual Pig magic, with its dressed-down interiors, mismatched furniture, casual vibe, house bedrooms, shepherds' huts, thatched dovecotes, and a kitchen garden.

Editor's Choice

Seaside Hotels 2020

Special
offer

Soar Mill Cove Hotel

Soar Mill Cove Hotel

Salcombe, Devon

'Stay Longer Save More' Special Offer

You'll find everything you need for a holiday at this family-run, child-friendly, dog-friendly hotel tucked away in a valley, with a path to a secluded sandy beach.

Special
offer

Rathmullan House

Rathmullan House

Rathmullan, Co. Donegal

Midweek Autumn Getaway Special Offer

Pass the little gate lodge to drive up to this bay-fronted country house in wooded grounds edged by a beach on Lough Swilly.

The Royal Hotel

The Royal Hotel

Ventnor, Isle Of Wight

'Sail, Dine & Stay' Special Offer

With sweeping sea views over subtropical gardens, what started life in 1832 as a coaching inn, has grown into a classic, large, family-friendly, dog-friendly hotel with outdoor heated pool and fine-dining restaurant.

Porth Tocyn Hotel

Porth Tocyn Hotel

Abersoch, Gwynedd

Guide readers are unswervingly loyal to this family-friendly country house by the sea, with peerless views to Snowdonia across Cardigan Bay, run by the Fletcher-Brewer family since opening in 1948.

Talland Bay Hotel

Talland Bay Hotel

Talland-By-Looe, Cornwall

There is great food and serious fun to be had at this clifftop hotel on the South West Coast Path, its interiors filled with whimsical touches, its bedrooms all unique, its subtropical gardens a wonderland of witty sculptures.

Hotel Tresanton

Hotel Tresanton

St Mawes, Cornwall

In an idyllic location, cascading down the cliffs at St Mawes with views to St Anthony's lighthouse, Olga Polizzi's seaside hotel continues to delight readers. Once home to a yacht club, it is spread across a cluster of houses and has a feel of the French Riviera about it.

The Pierhouse

The Pierhouse

Port Appin, Argyll And Bute

On the shores of Loch Linnhe, with blissful views to Lismore and the mountains of Moven, this former pier-master's house is a lovely hotel with stylish bedrooms and a sea-facing dining room, where helpful, personable staff deliver mussels and langoustine from loch to table, via chef Michael Leathley's excellent kitchen.

The Gallivant

The Gallivant

Sussex

East Coast America meets South Coast England at this single-storey, seaside-chic hotel with appealing room choices, fantastic locally sourced food, a spa cabin, beach yoga workshops, and a vast expanse of sands, washed by the English Channel, just over the spectacular dunes.

Editor's Choice

Seaside Hotels 2019

Special
offer

Trefeddian Hotel

Trefeddian Hotel

Aberdovey, Gwynedd

Seasonal Escapes Special Offer

Although the Cave-Browne-Cave family has sold its big, white hotel above Cardigan Bay, which it has operated since the days of silent film, new owners BLS UK Hotels Ltd are expected to keep things very much as they always have been, maintaining the existing management.

Special
offer

The Nare

The Nare

Veryan-In-Roseland, Cornwall

'Four Day Break' Special Offer

Overlooking subtropical gardens and sandy Carne Beach, the Ashworth family's hotel delights readers with its country-house style, superlative service and retro classics in the dining room.

Special
offer

Cary Arms & Spa

Cary Arms & Spa

Babbacombe, Devon

25% Discount Autumn/Winter 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'.

Special
offer

The White Horse

The White Horse

Brancaster Staithe, Norfolk

Third Night B&B Free Special Offer

The superb setting of the Nye family's hotel overlooking salt marshes to the sea and Scolt Head Island is matched by 'exceptional food and service', say readers who go back year after year.

The Seaside Boarding House

The Seaside Boarding House

Burton Bradstock, Dorset

High on the cliff top above Chesil Beach, this is an effortlessly hip, relaxed, fun hotel with a Cape Cod vibe, light and airy bedrooms, a bar serving cocktails and seriously good cooking in the restaurant.

Argyll Hotel

Argyll Hotel

Isle Of Iona, Argyll And Bute

Overlooking the water towards Mull, in a 'wonderful location near the sea and harbour', this hotel on the Hebridean island of Iona has a deserved reputation for its warm welcome, fresh and creative food, and feel of restorative peace.

Hotel Tresanton

Hotel Tresanton

St Mawes, Cornwall

In an idyllic location, cascading down the cliffs at St Mawes with views to St Anthony's lighthouse, Olga Polizzi's seaside hotel continues to delight readers. Once home to a yacht club, it is spread across a cluster of houses and has a feel of the French Riviera about it.

Hell Bay Hotel

Hell Bay Hotel

Bryher, Isles Of Scilly

With 'nothing in between to Canada', this pretty blue-and-white weatherboarded farmhouse, which sits above a secluded cove on Bryher's rugged west-facing coast, is England's most westerly hotel.

Artist Residence Brighton

Artist Residence Brighton

Brighton, Sussex

With views to the sea across a Regency square, this townhouse hotel, which is the flagship of a small, privately owned chain, has a hip, bohemian vibe, bedrooms with bare brick walls, retro and reclaimed pieces, and a café-bar and lounge for casual all-day dining.

Editor's Choice

Seaside Hotels 2018

Special
offer

The Nare

The Nare

Veryan-In-Roseland, Cornwall

'Four Day Break' Special Offer

Overlooking subtropical gardens and sandy Carne Beach, the Ashworth family's hotel delights readers with its country-house style, superlative service and retro classics in the dining room.

Special
offer

Cary Arms & Spa

Cary Arms & Spa

Babbacombe, Devon

25% Discount Autumn/Winter 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'.

Hotel Tresanton

Hotel Tresanton

St Mawes, Cornwall

In an idyllic location, cascading down the cliffs at St Mawes with views to St Anthony's lighthouse, Olga Polizzi's seaside hotel continues to delight readers. Once home to a yacht club, it is spread across a cluster of houses and has a feel of the French Riviera about it.

The Seaside Boarding House

The Seaside Boarding House

Burton Bradstock, Dorset

High on the cliff top above Chesil Beach, this is an effortlessly hip, relaxed, fun hotel with a Cape Cod vibe, light and airy bedrooms, a bar serving cocktails and seriously good cooking in the restaurant.

Porth Tocyn Hotel

Porth Tocyn Hotel

Abersoch, Gwynedd

Guide readers are unswervingly loyal to this family-friendly country house by the sea, with peerless views to Snowdonia across Cardigan Bay, run by the Fletcher-Brewer family since opening in 1948.

The Beach

The Beach

Bude, Cornwall

Above a sandy surfer's beach, this Victorian gabled hotel has a youthful vibe, with cool New England styling, contemporary comforts, a cocktail bar, sun terrace, modern bistro-style cooking, and now a sister hotel, The Edge of the Beach, next door.

The Pig on the Beach

The Pig on the Beach

Studland, Dorset

Hogwarts in style, this fairytale 1820s marine villa with its jumble of roofs, gables, gargoyles, towers and dormers, is set in gardens running down to a sandy beach. It delivers the usual Pig magic, with its dressed-down interiors, mismatched furniture, casual vibe, house bedrooms, shepherds' huts, thatched dovecotes, and a kitchen garden.

The Idle Rocks

The Idle Rocks

St Mawes, Cornwall

With a waterside terrace above the Fal estuary, David and Karen Richards' Edwardian hotel on the Roseland Peninsual has 19 coastal-chic bedrooms, most with a sea view, while in the restaurant menus are big on fish and seafood delivered by the hotel's dedicated fisherman.

Editor's Choice

Seaside Hotels 2017

Special
offer

Cary Arms & Spa

Cary Arms & Spa

Babbacombe, Devon

25% Discount Autumn/Winter 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'.

Special
offer

The Nare

The Nare

Veryan-In-Roseland, Cornwall

'Four Day Break' Special Offer

Overlooking subtropical gardens and sandy Carne Beach, the Ashworth family's hotel delights readers with its country-house style, superlative service and retro classics in the dining room.

Special
offer

The White Horse

The White Horse

Brancaster Staithe, Norfolk

Third Night B&B Free Special Offer

The superb setting of the Nye family's hotel overlooking salt marshes to the sea and Scolt Head Island is matched by 'exceptional food and service', say readers who go back year after year.

Special
offer

The Old Coastguard

The Old Coastguard

Penzance, Cornwall

Winter Escape Special Offer

In an enchanting Cornish fishing village not far from beaches and gardens, the Inkin brothers' third pub with rooms has long been a firm favourite with readers.

Special
offer

Soar Mill Cove Hotel

Soar Mill Cove Hotel

Salcombe, Devon

'Stay Longer Save More' Special Offer

You'll find everything you need for a holiday at this family-run, child-friendly, dog-friendly hotel tucked away in a valley, with a path to a secluded sandy beach.

The Idle Rocks

The Idle Rocks

St Mawes, Cornwall

With a waterside terrace above the Fal estuary, David and Karen Richards' Edwardian hotel on the Roseland Peninsual has 19 coastal-chic bedrooms, most with a sea view, while in the restaurant menus are big on fish and seafood delivered by the hotel's dedicated fisherman.

The Pig on the Beach

The Pig on the Beach

Studland, Dorset

Hogwarts in style, this fairytale 1820s marine villa with its jumble of roofs, gables, gargoyles, towers and dormers, is set in gardens running down to a sandy beach. It delivers the usual Pig magic, with its dressed-down interiors, mismatched furniture, casual vibe, house bedrooms, shepherds' huts, thatched dovecotes, and a kitchen garden.

From harbourside retreats to remote escapes, the UK has the most spectacular coastline that never fails to feed the soul. Estuaries and salt flats, sandy beaches and secluded cliff top locations, the hotels by the sea combine spectacular views, natural beauty and excellent customer service with sand, surf and occasionally sunshine as well.

Here are the Good Hotel Guide's Editor's Choice top 10 seaside hotels.