Holiday cottages by sandy beaches
Nothing says summer more than warm sand between your toes and turquoise waters lapping onto golden beaches. Visit the West Country for Britain’s bestRead more
The poet Robert Frost declared, rather despondently, that ‘nothing gold can stay’: clearly he had never been to the West Country. Here, miles of sandy beaches offer the perfect family holiday in a myriad of destinations.
Somerset’s 50 miles of coastline combines warm waters, soft sand and traditional seaside towns. Try Burnham-on-Sea and Brean Cove beach for sandy exploits; bustling Minehead or extrovert Western-super-Mare for family-friendly attractions on their respective miles of sands.
On the South Coast, Dorset competes with equally as attractive towns bursting with beach-side fun. Quaint Lyme Regis and pretty Swanage offer sand-a-plenty as well as all the amenities needed on a self-catering holiday.
But sandy beaches don’t have to be busy…venture further south to Devon and Cornwall to discover seclusion and serenity on your own stretch of golden sand. On the North Coast, tiny coves offer secret slivers of beach perfection: check out Bossiney, Daymer Bay and Constantine Bay for your idyllic romantic getaway or Valentines’ break.
Miles of flat sands are the perfect host for beach-sports: try your hand at kite-buggying at Watergate Bay, Westward Ho! or Perranporth.
Beach breaks abound along the Devon and Cornwall coasts: jump into the surf, then relax on soft sands at Fistral Beach, Praa Sands or Sennen Cove.
If gentle waves lapping onto sugary sands is more your style, explore the calmer waters around Falmouth or Devon’s famed, ‘English Riviera’ stretching between the towns of Torquay, Babbacombe, Paignton and Brixham.
Wherever you choose your cottage in the West Country, a sandy beach is never far away.
We have 558 self catering cottages by a sandy beach.
7 nights from £428
Trebah
56011 bedroom apartment with sea views in Praa Sands, West Cornwall.
With a beautiful sandy beach only two minutes' walk away and spectacular sea views from the large picture window in the sitting area, Trebah is a surprisingly spacious studio apart...
7 nights from £428
7 nights from £433
Homesdale
45141 bedroom holiday apartment near the beach in Shaldon, South Devon.
In the heart of Shaldon village, found at the mouth of the Teign estuary, is Homesdale. This charming apartment is the perfect hideaway, just right for a couple wanting to enjoy th...
7 nights from £433
7 nights from £437
3 Harbour Court
50511 bedroom, dog friendly apartment with sea views in Portscatho.
Welcome to 3 Harbour Court, a stylish bijou first floor apartment perfectly placed in the beating heart of Portscatho village and just a stone's throw from the pretty harbour, scen...
7 nights from £437
7 nights from £440
19 Seaview Bay
49261 bedroom self catering cottage near the beach in Seaview, Isle of Wight.
Escape to the delights of 19 Seaview Bay to enjoy a slice of stunning Island coastline, a gentle stroll around the pretty local shops, relax with an afternoon tea at Seaview Hotel ...
7 nights from £440
7 nights from £442 *
Stella Maris
56324 bedroom, dog friendly cottage with sea views on Benbecula.
As you step into Stella Maris its warm and cosy interiors will welcome you. Guests will love the large kitchen/diner set against the amazing backdrop of the shoreline. It will be ...
7 nights from £442 *
7 nights from £448
1 North Parade
29951 bedroom cottage near the beach in Portscatho, South Cornwall.
This is a gorgeous little bolthole, right in the middle of lovely Portscatho on the Roseland peninsula and just yards from Tatam's beach (and Tatam's boutique cafe selling deliciou...
7 nights from £448
Our property managers are local experts who handpick perfect places to stay.
Local experts
We scour the coast and country to winkle out bits worth sharing with you, the best properties in lovely locations. While we’re out and about, we gather together the best things to do so that you can start planning your holiday as soon as you’ve booked.
The ‘Explore Nearby’ tab on our cottage pages show what’s nearby along with relevant articles from our holiday guides from Notes and Stories, where you’ll find hand-written experiences of outings across the South and West, from dog-friendly pubs on the Isle of Wight to free things to do in south Devon and everything in between.
7 nights from £450 *
Pink Cottage
57452 bedroom, dog friendly cottage near the beach near Marazion.
Tucked away in the heart of the bustling village of Goldsithney is this cute retreat, a lovingly restored cottage perfect for small families or couples. Arty and characterful, Pink...
7 nights from £450 *
7 nights from £451
Lowenna
41941 bedroom apartment with sea views in Coverack, West Cornwall.
A charming apartment with dramatic views over the Lizard peninsula; Lowenna means 'joy, happiness and bliss' in the Cornish language which we believe is the perfect description for...
7 nights from £451
From £65 per night
The Pilchard Shed
5278Cabin near the beach in St Mawes, South Cornwall.
Just a stone's throw away from the vibrant harbourside in the magical Roseland village of St Mawes, The Pilchard Shed is an oh so cute hideaway, tucked up a cobbled pathway and per...
From £65 per night
7 nights from £453
Tinners Cottage
55881 bedroom holiday cottage near the beach near St Ives, West Cornwall.
Welcome to Tinners Cottage a Grade II Listed stylish, romantic hideaway. It is found in the heart of a peaceful hamlet near the north Cornish coastal village of Pendeen. Located wi...
7 nights from £453
