OK, so it’s not always sunny in the south of England. But according to official Met Office data, you’re more likely to enjoy sunshine-soaked holidays on the south coast than anywhere else in the UK.
And luckily, there are more than 300 miles of mesmerising coastline, World Heritage sites, national parks, and iconic family-friendly attractions on hand for you to make the absolute most of it!
Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional beach break (Kiss Me Quick hats and candyfloss, anyone?) or something a little more refined, the south of England truly has it all.
So here’s a round-up of the best southern seaside holiday hotspots, together with a few of our favourite unusual places to stay in each location. Ideal if you’re looking for extra-special memories, or simply somewhere to fuel excited conversations.
You’ll find each of the retreats we’ve picked is less than half an hour’s drive from the beach – with some mere steps away from the sand! – so you won’t have to travel far to soak up all that’s so amazing about a holiday on the English south coast.
Author: Nina Jervis
Main image: The Island Cornwall | Newquay
Margate
Kent is the sunniest mainland county in England, which makes Margate an excellent choice for a traditional English seaside holiday… with plenty of retro cool thrown in!
Here you can indulge in everything that makes a stay-by-the-sea irresistible, such as sandy beaches, fish-and-chip suppers, and bustling seafront bars. Yet you can also visit the acclaimed Turner Contemporary for a shot of unique art and culture, or indulge your inner child at Dreamland, with its joyous collection of vintage rides (including the world’s oldest wooden rollercoaster!) and pop-up festival-style entertainment.
Margate Beach House
The Courtyard Suite Margate
Khina Cottage
Seventies Studio Margate
Twentieth Century B&B
Salmestone Dutch Barge
Brighton
King George IV fell head-over-heels in love with the iconic Sussex seaside town back in the 18th century, when the magnificent Brighton Pavilion was built as his exclusive seaside retreat.
These days Brighton is well-known for its vibrant creativity and free-thinking inclusivity, with eight glorious miles of sand-and-sea to savour. There’s also a wealth of quirky independent shops and award-winning eateries to weave in and out of, and ornate Regency architecture to snap. Bordered by the South Downs National Park, there’s plenty of scope for a change of scenery if the mood should strike, too.
Champing Lewes
Looking Glass Cottage
Snooze
The Art Deco Apartment
The Garden Room
Bournemouth
The largest town in Dorset, Bournemouth boasts seven miles of idyllic golden-sand coastline to stretch out your beach towels on, with incredible surfing spots and even a pier-to-shore zipwire for adrenaline-junkies!
Dotted with Victorian and Edwardian architecture, there are more than 200 listed buildings in Bournemouth, along with beautiful Grade II-listed public parks to while away some holiday time in when you’re not lazing on the beach. Oh, and if you’re a foodie, time your visit for the ten-day Bournemouth Food and Drink Festival and you’ll be in actual heaven.
South Lytchett Manor Glamping
Classic Yacht Nadine
New Forest Cabin
Wimborne Thatch Villa & Pub
Bournemouth Beach Lodges
Lyme Regis
Breathtakingly positioned on the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast, Lyme Regis is the only place to visit if you’ve got a passion for fossil-hunting! Here, varied and intriguing rock formations span a whopping 185 million years of the Earth’s history.
Along with lazing on its beautiful beaches, any trip to the ‘Pearl of Dorset’ must include a stroll along the famed harbour wall, known as The Cobb. First mentioned all the way back in 1294, the atmospheric wall has featured in novels and films throughout history, including Jane Austen’s Persuasion and John Fowles’ The French Lieutenant’s Woman.
The Lookout Tower
The Lobster Pot
Pinwheel Treehouse
thecabin@greensleeves
Ilfracombe
Situated directly on the South West Coast Path, within the North Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Ilfracombe’s sweeping coast is also a designated marine conservation area due to its rare and diverse species.
As if that wasn’t quite enough, you’ll find the town’s harbour peppered with pretty pastel-coloured houses and a 14th century chapel… not to mention Damien Hirst’s acclaimed statue, Verity, guarding the entrance, bordered by dramatic cliffs. Throw in an eclectic collection of independent shops and some truly stunning beaches (including the iconic Tunnels) and your humble south-coast seaside break is elevated to epic proportions.
Beach Cove Coastal Retreat
The Round House Ilfracombe
Pickwell Manor Tree Houses
The Linhay
Newquay
If you’re looking for an award-winning beach break, Newquay won’t disappoint. Regularly voted one of the nation’s favourite seaside towns, the Cornish town has also been awarded the accolade of Best Family Holiday Destination.
Enticingly set on Cornwall’s sweeping Atlantic coast, you’ll have not one but nine spectacular beaches to choose from in Newquay, including Fistral Beach… officially one of the best surfing spots the UK has to offer! But for those who want to explore beyond the beaches, the Newquay Discovery Trail is a must – comprising 14 hand-carved Cornish slate discs embedded at key places of interest throughout the town.
Halula Beach House
The Island Cornwall
Pentire Penthouse
Red Rails
St Ives
The historic Cornish fishing town of St Ives has inspired many a creative soul throughout the ages, including Virginia Woolf and Elizabeth Day. A thriving and world-famous art scene, you can visit the Tate, the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, and the St Ives School of Painting… to name just a few!
But that’s not all. With its golden quartet of beaches, St Ives is also the ideal setting for a seaside break that has a little something for everyone, whether it’s surfing at Porthmeor, building sandcastles with the kids at Porthminster, or trying your hand at brand-new watersports at St Ives Bay.
Ocean Scene
Nori's Nest
The Landpods at Wildflower Wood
Dune House
Samphire Studio
