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 507 self catering cottages by a sandy beach.
7 nights from £280
The Battenburg Studio
36641 bedroom self catering apartment near the beach in Shanklin, Isle of Wight.
This contemporary studio apartment enjoys a great location in Shanklin. With modern decor and open plan living, it makes a cosy retreat for a couple looking for a coastal break. ...
7 nights from £280
7 nights from £280
The Beatrice Studio
36661 bedroom self catering apartment near the beach in Shanklin, Isle of Wight.
Located on the first floor of Shanklin Villa, a lovely Victorian property, this small studio apartment packs a punch despite its size. Enjoying beautiful sea views from its elevate...
7 nights from £280
Need more time? Reserve any cottage for up to 24 hours before booking.
24hr no commitment reservations
You can reserve your holiday dates on your favourite cottage for up to 24 hours. You might need to check with other guests in your party or simply consider whether this cottage is right for your holiday, either way we’re happy to give you the time to step away and mull over your options before paying a penny.
We’ll send you a reminder to see if you want it or not so you won’t lose out. Take time to think it over, you don’t have to rush your decision. Have a cup of tea and when you’re ready, hit the button to book your holiday and start looking forward to it.
7 nights from £285
The Garden Flat
32641 bedroom apartment near the beach in Penzance, West Cornwall.
Overlooking the beautiful sub-tropical Morrab Gardens, a short walk from the Penlee Gallery and just 200 yards from Penzance promenade, The Garden Flat is the perfect base for expl...
7 nights from £285
7 nights from £287
The Queens Quarters
24351 bedroom, dog friendly apartment near the beach in Penzance.
The Queens Quarters has all the facilities of a good hotel with the freedom of your own private apartment. With sea glimpses from the large comfortable sitting/dining-room, this is...
7 nights from £287
7 nights from £292
Mariners Cove
36281 bedroom self catering apartment near the beach in Bembridge, Isle of Wight.
This charming one bedroom apartment forms part of a country house, set around a shared Spanish-style courtyard, just outside the bustling village of Bembridge. You can enjoy th...
7 nights from £292
7 nights from £294
Neptune
16541 bedroom apartment near the beach in Porthcurno, West Cornwall.
Porthcurno is a truly magical place, with its beautiful sandy beach and sparkling blue waters. Neptune, a ground floor apartment with a contemporary feel, is the perfect destinatio...
7 nights from £294
7 nights from £295
Bay Retreat
32271 bedroom, dog friendly apartment with sea views in Falmouth.
A stylish and cosy apartment with views towards the sea at Swanpool beach tucked away on the outskirts of Falmouth. The beach and nature reserve are just a short stroll through gra...
7 nights from £295
7 nights from £299
Sundial
21182 bedroom apartment near the beach in Falmouth, South Cornwall.
Sundial is an immaculately presented ground floor apartment in a quiet residential area above Falmouth’s town centre. Ideal for both couples and families, all the town’s facilities...
7 nights from £299
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 £300
1 Harrow Cottages
46421 bedroom self catering apartment near the beach in Seaview, Isle of Wight.
This charming first floor apartment is in Nettlestone, just up the hill from Seaview and within walking distance of the beach. Surrounded by countryside there are lovely views from...
7 nights from £300
7 nights from £303
The Old Loft
31681 bedroom, dog friendly cottage near the beach near Portscatho.
Ideal for couples this detached, single-storey converted barn is located at Treluggan, a small country hamlet in the heart of the Roseland peninsula. There are some lovely coas...
7 nights from £303