Britain's best seaside hotels

As summer rolls around, and given it's the Year of the Coast in the UK, it's the ideal time to put together a selection of Britain's best seaside hotels that boast some of the most scenic locations. From beach hotels in Devon to properties nestled on clifftops overlooking the water in Cornwall, there's plenty to mull over. Get reading, then get booking!

Luccombe Manor

This scenically situated Victorian-era Isle of Wight hotel boasts fabulous sea views and 23 charmingly decorated bedrooms. There's a summer spa pool, an outdoor hot tub, private gardens and a games room, and guests have access to 29-room Luccombe Hall, their adjacent sister property. The owners also have a collection of super-stylish self-catering apartments at Shanklin Villa Aparthotel.

The Relais Cooden Beach Hotel

Mixing chic New England decor with the charm of a British holiday by the seaside, The Relais Cooden Beach is a stylish 45-bedroom seafront property in Bexhill, East Sussex – the ideal destination for a few days by the coast relaxing and recharging. And who knows, you might even take a dip in the sea – handily located just a stone's throw from your room! You may also want to check out their sister hotel: The Relais Henley.

Sands Resort Hotel

You won't find a more family-friendly hotel than Sands Resort on the north Cornish coast, with swimming pools, a playground, bouncy castle and babysitting services. Outside of the school holidays, it’s equally as good for grown-ups. After all, who doesn't love views out to the water and an enviable location? You're just a five-minute walk from Newquay’s Porth Beach and it's a dog-friendly place to stay, too!

Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa

This beautiful country house hotel in Climping, West Sussex is home to 39 rooms, located in a series of charming houses and cottages overlooking the landscaped gardens and sea. Each is different, from medieval-style bedrooms with four-posters to more modern designs. What's more, dogs are welcome – also at the two other properties under the Historic Sussex Hotels umbrella: Ockenden Manor and the Spread Eagle.

Saunton Sands Hotel

When it comes to Britain's best seaside hotels, this is another of our faves, perched high above the magnificent Saunton Beach and the expanse of dunes at Braunton Burrows just behind. The Art Deco building is fantastic, and the vibe is relaxed and family-friendly – as you'd expect from a place that was voted one of the 'Top 100 family hotels in the UK'. Meanwhile, the rooms come in all shapes and sizes, from cosy up to apartments.

Elephant Rock Hotel

People have been holidaying on the Portrush Peninsula in Northern Ireland since Victorian times, drawn in by the sea and sand of its wonderful beaches. These days, modern visitors feel at home thanks to boutique hotels like Elephant Rock – independently-owned and truly one of a kind. Its black-and-pink finish catches the eye, and inside, the guest rooms are contemporary, and there's an on-site restaurant and cocktail bar, too.

Rocksalt Rooms

There's a lot to like about this romantic boutique bolthole, not least the exceptional location on the South Kent coast and its first-rate restaurant that's just a short stroll away. Set on Folkestone Harbour, the rooms are comfy and luxurious, and the vibe is warehouse-rustic, with funky fabrics and bare brick walls. Also worth keeping in mind is The Duke of William, their Kentish pub with rooms that's just as stylish.

Blue Hayes

A sumptuous boutique hotel awaits you in Cornwall – a grand, aristocratic residence located high on a clifftop with five capacious suites, some with panoramic sea vistas, and others with patio gardens. The position is fabulous and there's a personal approach to service, plus a convivial bar and dining room. You're also just a short amble from St Ives. What more could you ask for?

Cary Arms & Spa

Nestled on scenic Babbacombe Bay, Cary Arms couldn’t have asked for a better location, perched on the rocks above the pebble beach. Offering all the style and comfort you expect from a contemporary spa hotel, you won’t want to leave. The sister property of another favourite of Cool Places – The Eastbury in Sherbourne – Cary Arms has 10 rooms, plus four self-catering cottages, six quirky huts and two suites on the beach.

Riva Boutique Hotel

Riva's Scottish Highlands location on the Helensburgh seafront is superb – on the shores of Gare Loch and the Clyde, with some of the best panoramas in the area. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park are on your doorstep, plus Glasgow is just a 40-minute journey away. Fashioned from a series of converted townhouses, there are 14 very comfortable bedrooms ranging from doubles to spacious kings.

Budock Vean Hotel

Here you have a very well-equipped South Cornwall hotel, spa and resort set on a private estate above the Helford River that's also home to a nine-hole golf course. There are 57 rooms, a huge pool, an open fire and a sauna, plus a terrace with a hot tub – the ideal spot for families and couples alike. The property also has seven holiday cottages and contemporary houses, if seaside self-catering is more your thing.

Artist Residence

This quirky hotel has 23 individually designed bedrooms and three apartments – a boutique getaway by the sea in Brighton, where each space is decorated with an eccentric mix of vintage furnishings. All en-suite rooms have wonderful views out to the West Pier, and if you're feeling peckish, there's an all-day restaurant and bar. They also have equally appealing properties in Penzance, London, Bristol and Oxfordshire.

If seaside hotels aren't top of your list, we have an array of additional outstanding options ranging from city centre hotels and woodland cabins to dog-friendly B&Bs and wallet-friendly hostels. We also offer a host of destination guides spanning the Peak District, North Wales and the Scottish Borders.

What Customers say about Cool Places

Everything I needed for a stay

I'm already looking forward to going again and would highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting the area. It definitely deserves a five star rating!

Nathan, Verified Customer

6 out of 5!!!!

This place was amazing… I could not recommend this place enough, I’ll be singing their praise for many years to come and we are going to book again soon.

Barbara, Verified Customer

Easy to navigate

Great site that offers a really broad range of places to stay across the UK. Easy to navigate and book holidays.

Patrick, Verified Customer

Such a great variety of properties

Found this website when looking to book a staycation for later in the year. Such a great variety of properties and the website is really easy to use. Already shared with my family and friends.

CT, Verified Customer

Great, simple, straightforward

Great, simple and straightforward. I will definitely be using Cool Places again.

SM, Verified Customer