Summer-on-Sea has a certain ring to it, don’t you think?
It’s not just a phrase, but a feeling. It’s simply impossible to spend time by the sea and not come away with a spring in your step!
The Victorians understood the many health benefits of sea-bathing, although back in the mid-18th century it was only the rich who could afford a seaside break.
Just as it was back then, spending lazy days stretched out on the sand and splashing around in the surf – not to mention a slap-up fish and chip supper! – is a fun and indulgent summertime treat.
So, now that beach holidays are thankfully accessible to most of us, why not take full advantage?
One more thing. By booking a unique retreat to go alongside all that glorious seaside fun, your holiday will inspire memories that have the potential to last a lifetime.
Feeling inspired? At the time of writing, each of these unusual places to stay has availability for an impromptu summer stay-by-the-sea and is 20 minutes drive or less from the coast.
Author: Nina Jervis
Main image: Tregonhawke Beach Lodge, Cornwall
Southwold, Suffolk, England
Lovingly custom-created havens, rich in holiday luxuries and peacefully secluded on a private estate just minutes away from the beach.
Bedrooms: 1, 2 or 4
Sleeps:
Seaside summer availability at Still Southwold's The Warren House - stunning sea views and practically private beach- available 6 July - 3 Aug and 27 Aug- 3 Sept. Discounts for lower occupancy.
Rothiemay, Moray, Scotland
A sumptuous collection of hot-tub retreats for couples and families, secluded on a sweeping, heritage-rich Scottish estate in the natureful Deveron Valley.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: 6
Summer availability perfectly located close to the Moray Firth coastline and Scotland’s magical Castle Country.
St Osyth, Essex, England
A petite and pretty glamping site featuring Megapods, a CargoPod, Armadillas and two farm cottages with glorious countryside and estuary views.
Bedrooms: varies
Sleeps: varies
Seaside camping and glamping availability during July and August, weekends and week days - also check out Lee Wick Farm's wonderful Lusha Suites!
Mount, Cornwall, England
Exclusive hire of a vintage bus with relaxed Scandi-style interiors, parked in a scenic Perranporth setting with on-site yoga and a wild spa, and incredible Cornish beaches a mere ramble away.
Experience Scarangar's Cornwall coastal stay and tours.
Near Bridport, Dorset, England
A stylish bolthole on a welcoming Dorset farm, perfect for an eco-friendly, all-weather rural escape from everyday life.
The Cider House currently has availability for a number of dates in July/August, situated 15 mins drive from the Jurassic Coast.
Hartland, Devon, England
A heavenly, hand-crafted tree-treat with designer interiors, mood-lighting, and a courtyard hot tub, perfect for a luxurious romantic getaway or family and dog-friendly escape to the soothing Devonshire countryside.
Nest Treehouse has 2 dates available in August: 23rd-26th and 26th-28th. We are 10min from most spectacular Atlantic coast on Hartland Peninsula.
Brighton, East Sussex, England
A movie-themed, award-winning vintage haven by Brighton seafront, complete with teacup chairs and whimsical décor for a large group break that inspires the playful children in you!
Beachfront location with great midweek availability for larger families or groups at low midweek rates. Discounts for stays longer than 2 nights.
Chichester, West Sussex, England
Ultra-luxurious, dog-friendly hot-tub retreats, beautifully secluded by a wildlife meadow in the picture-perfect South Downs National Park.
Bedrooms: 2 or 3 per unit
Sleeps: 4 or 6 per unit
We have availability in August across our properties (sleeping 4 to 6 guests each with possibility to book together for larger groups) and we are 15 minutes from the gorgeous West Wittering Beach (rated one of top 10 best sandy uk beaches) and 3 mins from beautiful historic coastal village of Bosham.
Aberporth, Ceredigion, Wales
A unique, award-winning architect designed ‘boat house' that's ideal for an adventure-packed beach break, next to the invigorating Welsh Coast Path.
Bedrooms: 3
Sleeps: 12 (or 4 per cabin)
Availability in July and August with * special offer * still of 3 nights for the price of 2, or 5 nights for the price of 3, and 7 nights for the price of 5!
Bratton Fleming, Devon, England
A welcoming, family-run retreat featuring delightfully eclectic accommodation, in an idyllic rural setting that's close to both the North Devon coast and Exmoor National Park.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: Varies
Summer availability - enjoy close proximity to some of the finest beaches on the North Devon coast (including Woolacombe, Croyde, and Saunton) and Exmoor National Park.
Bideford, Devon, England
A selection of luxurious, award-winning hideaways for couples and families, with indulgent on-site facilities and surrounded by North Devon countryside.
Bedrooms: Open plan
Sleeps: Varies
Coastal Cabins is just 1.5 miles from the coast with plenty of summer availability, all with * 25% off and free theme park tickets *!
Arthog, Gwynedd, Wales
A wild and wondrous glamping site, with eclectic, dog-friendly accommodation beautifully set within 45 private acres of Snowdonia National Park.
Bedrooms: Varies (8 units)
Sleeps: 1-5 guests
We overlook the Mawddach Estuary with one of the best views in Wales. Walk or bike along the coast path to the seaside which is 10 minutes drive or bus.
St Ives, Cornwall, England
Innovative glamping pods with stargazing roofs, secluded in a leafy hilltop hideaway with stunning views of St Ives Bay.
Bedrooms: Open plan
Sleeps: 4 or 5 per pod
Stay in peaceful Wildflower Wood, where you can wake up to wonderful views across St Ives Bay. With eight gorgeous golden sandy beaches within 5 miles, it’s perfect for seaside lovers.
Braunton, Devon, England
A sublime and secluded off-grid Devon retreat with a dreamy private deck to bring you blissfully back to nature, batteries fully recharged.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2 (+2)
The Linhay's unique location means you can be completely alone, immersed in a haven of glorious seclusion. There’s no need to see another soul if that’s what you need… When you’re ready to explore a little further, North Devon’s stunning coastline & beautiful beaches are just a few minutes’ drive away. Wild & wonderful Exmoor is within easy reach too. We're 6 miles from North Devon's golden sandy beaches - Saunton, Woolacombe, Croyde & Putsborough - all perfect for surfing too.
Hunmanby, North Yorkshire, England
A peaceful and welcoming 18th century farmstead in the Yorkshire Wolds with a mix of glamping and self-catering accommodation for couples, friends, families… and their dogs!
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: 6
Good availability for summer stays, only 10 minutes drive from beautiful Filey Bay.
Williton, Somerset, England
With an idyllic trackside location on the West Somerset Steam Railway, the Railway Carriage is the perfect escape for children, trainspotters, and everyone in between!
Due to a cancellation there is currently availability at The Railway Carriage from Monday 12th to Friday 16th August- was £1500 now £995. 5/10 mins drive to beaches including dog friendly ones - and fossil beaches. Hot tub and amazing views of The West Somerset Steam Railway Line! Secure garden, 2 dogs welcome.
Bideford, Devon, England
Rediscover your creative spirit in a heavenly slice of North Devon, complete with wildflower meadows, artists' workshops, and lovingly-crafted retreats.
Bedrooms: 1 or 2 per unit
Sleeps: 2-4 guests per unit
Availability in July and August. 15 min drive to Peppercoombe beach in North West Devon.
Barnstaple, Devon, England
A sustainable sanctuary nestled amongst woodland and meadow on the scenic edge of Exmoor National Park, with the sweeping North Devon coast practically on the doorstep.
Bedrooms: Open plan
Sleeps: 2 per tipi
HARTA retreat is only 20 mins away from the UK’s 1st World Surfing Reserve 🏄 Absolutely stunning sandy beaches - Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton Sands. The latter also known as a film location - Aquaman, Operation Mincemeat… and for one of Pink Floyd’s albums!
Sheerness, Kent, England
Eclectic accommodation and seasonally-inspired dining on a National Nature Reserve in Kent, with an abundance of wildlife right on your doorstep.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: Varies
Summer availability on a family-owned National Nature Reserve on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent - with its own private beach!
Holditch, Dorset, England
A distinctive, design-led RIBA award-winning treehouse - complete with hot tub - inspired by warship camouflage, expertly crafted and blissfully secluded on an adults-only site in rural Dorset.
Summer availability at Mallinson's Woodland Retreats' stunning Dorset treehouses, also including the Woodman's Treehouse and Pinwheel Treehouse - just 9 miles from Lyme Regis on the Jurassic coast world heritage site & AONB.
St Germans, Cornwall, England
View the best of Cornwall's unspoilt countryside from the window of your very own eco-friendly, lovingly restored railway carriage at Railholiday.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: 2-6
Harvey of Hayle is a 1950’s railway carriage packed full of original features, that is within easy walking distance of three miles of golden sand.
Ullapool, The Highlands, Scotland
Two lovingly-crafted eco-cabins, peacefully secluded among unspoilt coastal woodland in the Scottish Highlands, on a family-run site that's dedicated to sustainability.
Bedrooms: 1 or 2 per cabin
Sleeps:
Our cabins overlook the sheltered sea loch of Lochbroom and they are under 10 minutes walk from the beach. The beautiful coastal village of Ullapool is 3 miles away and we are always happy to point our guests in the direction of some of our favourite sections of our fantastic local coastline.
Cardigan, Ceredigion, Wales
A charmingly hand-built cabin that's dog-friendly, off-grid, and set in an idyllic Welsh meadow corner, achingly close to historic Cardigan.
We are about 10 minutes drive from the sea and just 5 mins from the Wales coastal path which runs through Cardigan (which is 15-20 minutes walk from the Den.)
Whitsand Bay, Cornwall, England
A jaw-dropping retreat that overlooks the sea in Cornwall's ‘Forgotten Corner', complete with hot tub and spectacular views.
Summer availability in July and August in this Cornish coastal gem.
Seasalter, Kent, England
Check into a light, bright and lovely beachfront cabin with spectacular sea views, set just a pebble-skim away from Whitstable.
Two weeks in August available in this beachfront cabin near Whitstable, Kent.
