If you are yearning for a break from the hustle and bustle of modern life without the need to venture overseas, the UK boasts some picturesque beaches and stunning coastal destinations to discover.
Indulge yourself with a well-deserved getaway at a location likened by Queen Victoria to a scene from a magical ballet, where you can try your hand at spotting dolphins and seals, or unwind in vast subtropical gardens overlooking a sandy cove before diving into crystal-clear waters for a snorkeling adventure.
From the warm shores of Cornwall and Devon to the secluded Isle of Harris through Snowdonia National Park, the recent selection by the esteemed Good Hotel Guide presents this year’s top five Editor’s Choice seaside hotels, each offering a unique experience for every visitor.
Nestled in two acres of lush subtropical gardens above Carne Beach on the unspoiled Roseland Peninsula, the beloved Ashworth family hotel offers a charming retreat for guests of all generations. With its inviting country-house ambiance and timeless appeal, it is an ideal destination for multi-generational family vacations, lauded by Guide readers for its attentive and welcoming staff.
The more affordable country-view rooms feature cozy seating areas and thoughtful amenities like fresh flowers, magazines, a Roberts radio, and Penhaligon bath products. The hotel amenities include various lounges, a bar, a library, a conservatory, a gym, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, and croquet. Guests can enjoy activities such as building sandcastles, exploring rock pools, snorkeling, hiking along the Southwest Coast Path, or embarking on water excursions aboard the hotel’s motor launch, Alice Rose.
For dining options, guests can savor à la carte meals at the Quarterdeck seafood brasserie, on the terrace, or in the dining room offering a five-course fixed-price menu. The hotel also serves cream teas, Sunday lunches, and early suppers for young children. Dogs are welcome in the bedrooms and gardens, with Carne Beach being one of the few local beaches allowing dogs year-round, provided visitors adhere to the Canine Code.
Prices for country-view doubles start at £406.
Featuring expansive windows offering stunning views of the Atlantic, Emma Stratton’s clifftop hotel above a serene sandy beach with caves and rock pools exudes a fun and modern ambiance. Designed in the Californian Modern style with Scandinavian-inspired interiors, the hotel, established by Emma’s father, a farmer and engineer, in 1959, remains committed to sustainability while evolving with the times.
Catering to families, the hotel provides spacious bedrooms facing the sea or countryside, some accommodating three or four guests. Additionally, apartment suites for four to six visitors boast separate living spaces, bedrooms, and balconies or patios. Children can enjoy supervised activities in the play-space crèche or kids’ club, allowing parents time for wellness treatments or relaxation in the sensory spa garden.
The Wild Café offers an all-day menu with a variety of options, from nibbles and salads to seafood and grills. Adults can unwind with cocktails in the bar or terrace, while Ogo restaurant presents wine tastings and refined dining experiences. The menus emphasize local and seasonal ingredients, featuring dishes like lemon sole with mussel butter, risotto, and roasted cabbage with smoked potato.
Bed and breakfast rates for doubles start at £129.
Perched above Babbacombe Beach, Lana de Savary’s dog-friendly spa hotel offers a picturesque setting deemed “beautiful” by Queen Victoria. The property boasts ten coastal-chic inn rooms and suites, along with beach huts, beach suites, and fishermen’s cottages. All accommodations feature mesmerizing sea views, espresso machines, sloe gin, and Temple Spa bath products.
Guests can enjoy various activities like paddleboarding, sea kayaking, and fishing trips, with the restaurant serving delectable dishes such as crab, mussels, and fish and chips. The hotel hosts lobster barbecues with live music on sunny days, providing a relaxing and enjoyable seaside experience.
Starting prices for bed and breakfast doubles are £175.
Highly favored by guests, this long-standing hotel, nestled on a hillside overlooking a golf course, dunes, and a sandy beach, has been a cherished retreat since its inception in the early 20th century. The hotel offers excellent amenities, including
