The best sea view holiday homes in the UK

With direct beach access, beautiful local walks and, of course, amazing coastal views, these beachfront rental homes are set in the perfect location for ocean lovers.

1 Chycoose Cottage, Restronguet Point, Cornwall
Sitting on the banks of Restronguet Point, Chycoose is a beautifully renovated cottage providing a peaceful waterside escape to Cornwall. Views across the creek can be seen from every room, including the upper floor living area with a glass-fronted balcony – a lovely spot for listening to the birdsong and watching wildlife at low tide. The rooms below open up onto the terrace where you can enjoy outdoor meals by the water’s edge. It’s set in a brilliant location for exploring more of Cornwall, or for just staying home and soaking up the superb scenery. Sleeping five, a seven-night stay at Chycoose starts from £940 (01326 375972, creeksidecottages.co.uk).

2 Quayside Lookout, Wells-next-the-sea, Norfolk
As the name suggests, this modern second-floor apartment has stunning views across the harbour, salt marshes and to the sea. Open the French doors and sit out on the delightful balcony with a glass of wine while admiring the view. With a nautical theme running throughout, you’ll feel the comfort of the sea whatever room you’re in. As for the location, Wells-next-the-Sea boasts everything you would want in a traditional seaside town – sandy beaches, great local pubs, delicious fish and chips, and perhaps you’ll want to try your hand at crabbing along the quayside. Sleeps two and costs from £552 per week (01485 211022, norfolkhideaways.co.uk).

3 Craster Waves, Craster, Northumberland
For those who love a rugged shoreline, this two-bedroom retro-styled property has some magnificent views for watching the wild waves wash over the rocks. The open living space with wood-burning stove invites you to sit and enjoy the scenery while staying snug, or step through the bi-fold doors onto the balcony and breathe in the sea air. For ramblers, it’s also situated at the beginning of a wonderful walk to the atmospheric ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, or Craster village is also only a short walk away. Craster Waves sleeps up to four people, with short break prices starting from £552 (0191 2851272, coastalretreats.co.uk).

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4 Merlin House, Freshwater East, Pembrokeshire
Located in a sheltered bay with a luscious sandy beach just steps away, Merlin House is a magnificent contemporary property in the Welsh village of Freshwater East. The decked balcony edged with glass is an idyllic spot for al fresco dining, and the floor-to-ceiling sliding doors make sure the stunning seaside vista is uninterrupted and welcomed into the large living space. Stay close to base and wander to the local pubs, or explore further afield – there are many other Pembrokeshire gems nearby. Sleeping up to 11 people, the price for seven nights starts from £1,355 in low-season (01473 765765, coastalcottages.co.uk).

5 Fridays Barn, Salthouse, Norfolk
For a charming coastal retreat, Fridays Barn is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural beauty with salt marshes, dunes and the sea to the front of the property, and beautiful countryside to the rear. It’s only a 10-minute walk to the pebbled beach, or travel a little further out to discover more villages and coastal delights. Return to your comfortable home-from-home and snuggle up on the sofa next to an open fire. Wildlife-lovers can enjoy birdwatching out the window over the marshes, or take a trip to Norfolk Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre down the road. For two people, a three-night stay starts from £484 (01485 211022, norfolkhideaways.co.uk).

6 Morvoren, Mousehole, Cornwall
An enchanting getaway for couples only, Morvoren is a white-washed, luxurious fisherman’s cottage situated on the waterfront in Mousehole. The crystal-clear Cornish seas are right outside every window – pure bliss for both the eyes and the ears. Sit outdoors on the garden terrace and watch the waves roll in, and perhaps even spot some seals off St Clement’s Isle. Stay in and cook up some fresh seafood from the nearby markets or go out and enjoy village life by eating at the local artisan cafés, visiting the beach or paddle-boarding in the harbour. Two nights cost from £559 or book seven nights from £745 (01872 241241, cornishgems.com).

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7 The Reach, Hallsands, Devon
After climbing up 43 stone steps, you’ll reach the front gate to this beautiful cliff-top bolthole for two people on the Start Bay coastline. Overlooking Hallsands village and shingle beach, the seascape can be admired from the comfort of the cosy open-plan lounge or sitting outdoors on the stone terrace, where you can sip a cup of coffee and listen to the lapping waves. Bring your walking boots for some exploration on foot, as the South West Coast Path runs straight past the door, leading to historic sites such as the lost village of South Hallsands and some fabulous eateries in Beesands. Prices start from £445 per week (01548 802170, coastandcountry.co.uk).

8 Beadnell Beach House, Beadnell, Northumberland
This impressive architect-designed beach house is one of the few places in Northumberland with private steps leading down to the beach – the coast couldn’t be any closer! Enjoy sea views dining out on the spacious terrace, luxuriating on the hammock or even relaxing upstairs in the second living room, with large cathedral-style windows and balcony. Take a long stroll by the sea from Smugglers Cove beach towards Seahouses, or visit Beadnell’s pubs, bistro and village store, which are just minutes away. Great for families and large groups, Beadnell Beach House sleeps up to 10 with prices starting from £1,766 for a short break. (01912 851272, coastalretreats.co.uk).

9 Cefn y Mor, Upper Solva, Pembrokeshire
If you’re looking for breathtaking sea views in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, this sweet cottage ticks all the boxes. Relax outside on the private terrace and gaze below at the boats bobbing in Solva Harbour, across to St Brides Bay and beyond. Hop onto the coastal path which passes by the end of the garden and take a short stroll to the beach, bustling quay, and colourful, charming village high street. If you venture just three miles to the west, you’ll reach the tiny cathedral city of St Davids. Starting price from £865 for a week’s rental (01437 720027, stbridesbaycottages.com).

10 Stargazy, St Ives, Cornwall
With the panoramic views as magical as its name, Stargazy is a spectacular second-floor apartment in St Ives sleeping up to four people – perfect for family holidays. The main living area and both bedrooms overlook the gorgeous golden sands of award-winning Porthminster Beach, which is only a short walk away. The accommodation is also ideally located for visiting the harbour, shops, restaurants and other local attractions of this popular town, and if it couldn’t get any more luxurious, complimentary spa passes are offered for two guests. Prices start from around £639 during the quieter seasons (01736 630015, carbisbayholidays.co.uk).

For more holiday inspiration, head to our Coastal Places section, or pick up a copy of Coast.