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 £508
Rosemerryn Cottage
43011 bedroom, dog friendly cottage near the beach near Falmouth.
A truly charming semi-detached cottage set in tranquil countryside of the Helford; this sunny sheltered spot is the perfect place to relax and a fabulous base for exploring this pr...
7 nights from £508
7 nights from £509
The Chalet on the Beach
3351Chalet on the beach sleeping two in Lyme Regis, Dorset.
Imagine a holiday right on the seashore of a very special beach, relaxing on your verandah with a glass of something refreshing, watching the gentle waves at one of the most famous...
7 nights from £509
7 nights from £511 *
No 7 Churchtown
53082 bedroom, dog friendly cottage near the beach in St Agnes, Cornwall.
Nestled in the very heart of the charming Cornish town of St Agnes, No 7 Churchtown is a simply gorgeous, dog friendly cottage - ideal for that cosy cottage holiday by the sea, any...
7 nights from £511 *
7 nights from £513 *
Ferrycombe
44823 bedroom, dog friendly cottage with sea views in Bigbury-on-Sea.
Welcome to Ferrycombe, this characterful barn conversion is perfectly situated within a private complex which hugs the edge of Bigbury-on-Sea and the beautiful golden sandy beaches...
7 nights from £513 *
7 nights from £518 *
Seaview
54122 bedroom apartment with sea views in Ilfracombe, North Devon.
Perched high above the north Devon coastline, Seaview offers everything you could wish for, from fabulous interiors to beautiful styling and the cherry on top has to be the picture...
7 nights from £518 *
7 nights from £525
Hayloft
31291 bedroom, dog friendly, rural cottage near the beach near Portscatho, Cornwall.
This lovely stone-built barn is set back from an unspoilt country lane just outside the harbourside village of Gerrans. One of just two recently renovated barns (Long Linhay (3142)...
7 nights from £525
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 £526 *
High Cliff
57314 bedroom, dog friendly holiday cottage with sea views near Cardigan.
Located in the stunning hamlet of Gwbert, near Cardigan, directly opposite the shimmering water of the Teifi Estuary with far reaching, spectacular sea views across Cardigan Bay an...
7 nights from £526 *
7 nights from £526 *
The Rigging
54703 bedroom, dog friendly cottage near the beach in Polperro, Cornwall.
Come and live the coastal life at The Rigging, our most charming, white-washed cottage set in the idyllic harbourside village of Polperro. With bags of original features paired wit...
7 nights from £526 *
7 nights from £527
Bosun's Locker
52131 bedroom apartment near the beach in St Mawes, South Cornwall.
Welcome to Bosun's Locker, a hidden away apartment conveniently situated in the heart of the vibrant Roseland village of St Mawes and perfect for a car-free Cornish getaway for two...
7 nights from £527
7 nights from £530
The Chocolate House
37941 bedroom holiday cottage near the beach in Penzance, West Cornwall.
A perfect retreat for a couple to relax, The Chocolate House is a beautifully renovated 18th Century cottage set in iconic Chapel Street in Penzance. Although located close to the ...
7 nights from £530
