The best luxury seaside hotels in the UK to inspire your next (hopefully) sunny staycation
The chic beachside boltholes we love, up and down the UK
If a balmy sea breeze, ocean vistas, beach picnics, and scenic coastal walks are musts for your 2024 holiday checklist, the best luxury seaside hotels in the UK have got you covered.
When the weather plays ball, there's nothing better than escaping to the coast to soak up the sea air and stay at a chic bolthole.
The best bit? You don't have to jump on a plane to enjoy a beautiful, blissed-out beach holiday. Britain is home to an array of gorgeous places for a seaside staycation, whether you're looking to check into a romantic hotel in Kent or one of the best places to stay in Cornwall for the whole family (or a group of your favourite girlfriends).
Red's UK seaside hotel selection includes the most stylish places to check in to for a beach getaway. These hotels easily rival those in the Med when it comes to views, a friendly welcome and stylish interiors.
There's simply nowhere we'd rather spend the night than at these gorgeous luxury seaside hotels in the UK.
From foodie harbourside havens like The Idle Rocks in Cornwall, to luxury spa destinations like The Headland, there's a host of seaside hotels to suit all tastes and budgets.
So, whether boutique-chic retreats or laidback-luxe pubs with rooms are your thing, you'll want to get comfy on the sofa and scroll through our selection of the UK's best seaside hotels to inspire your 2024 staycation.
The Nici, Bournemouth, Dorset
The Nici just keeps getting better – it arrived in the UK seaside town of Bournemouth last year, transforming the old Savoy hotel, which, alas, was no match for its London namesake. The old Edwardian building it occupies in West Cliff has been upgraded with bright and breezy, Miami-worthy interiors, a screening room and a restaurant overlooking the lawn.
It's also home to a stellar spa, making it one of the South Coast's premier spa hotels, offering treatments by Oskia (especially good for glow-giving facials), and an outdoor pool, lined with pretty pastel-pink parasols and breezy cabanas. The pool is in the gardens, with a view of the hopefully not too grey and dreary English Channel. The grounds also feature a watersports station, ready to arm you with kayaks and paddle-boards to take down to the shore.
Three Mile Beach, Hayle, Cornwall
The UK has plenty of coastline, but some of its most glorious stretches can be found in Cornwall. For the ultimate seaside experience that’s a little more tasteful than some might expect (in some cases, 'British seaside' and 'gaudy' go hand in hand – not here), book one of the beach houses at Three Mile Beach on St Ives Bay. The property was created by the founder of Audley Travel, who has brought his expertise from many days spent globe-trotting to these joyful oversize beach huts.
Each has bright and breezy interiors, with high-ceilinged kitchens, white wooden walls and log-burning stoves – plus, out on the deck, you’ll find a barrel sauna, barbecue and sunken cedar hot tub. All you’ll need is for the sun to shine…
Boskerris, St Ives, Cornwall
One of the finest luxury seaside hotels in the UK, Boskerris is located at Carbis Bay, with a Blue Flag beach on its doorstep. It’s around a mile from the centre of St Ives, where you should head to get your culture fix – the artist's enclave, famous for its golden light, is home to lots of noteworthy galleries. In the distance, you can spy Godrevy lighthouse, made famous by a certain Virginia Woolf novel.
The sun may not always shine on Britain, but when it does the terrace at Boskerris is a fine place for rosé with a view. And for rainy days, there’s all of that art and culture to discover in St Ives, including Barbara Hepworth’s sculpture garden and a Tate gallery.
Southampton Harbour Hotel, Southampton, Hampshire
As the name helpfully hints at, the UK's many Harbour Hotels are all located right beside the Great British seaside. Southampton’s edition overlooks the marina. Happily for budding yachties, boat envy is now a thing of the past, since the hotel has partnered with Princess Yachts. Guests will be able to set sail around the Solent on day charters aboard a luxury vessel and see the southern shores the best way (from the water), with super-fresh seafood lunches and flowing rosé (or English sparkling wine) served along the way.
The group’s star chef Alex Aikens recently celebrated four decades in the industry – his renowned seafood restaurant The Jetty (of which there’s another outpost at sister property Christchurch Harbour Hotel, as well as over in Salcombe) is one of the most sought-after on the South Coast.
Port Hotel, Eastbourne, East Sussex
For a seriously cool seaside break on England's southern coast, look no further than arty Eastbourne and its stylish Port Hotel. This hotel, where traditional seaside charm meats sleek Scandi style, is one of the coolest beach retreats we've come across.
Its colours range from pastel pinks to bold blacks and earthy tones, and the rooms are just delightful, many overlooking the town's pebbly beach below. There are excellent plates to feast on in the restaurant come weekends (it's open for lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday, and lunch on Sunday) and its seafront location affords you the perfect base to enjoy all of the charms of Eastbourne, whether you're looking to hike to Beachy Head, dine at a neighbourhood eatery or check out an exhibition at the Towner gallery.
The Idle Rocks, St Mawes, Cornwall
For the ultimate in cool, coastal escapes, The Idle Rocks is hard to beat, since the hotel is one of the leading luxury hotels in the UK. Its modern take on beach-chic interiors is a breath of fresh (coastal) air – expect bold colours and prints, and popping contemporary art mixed with the bleached woods and nautical references.
Cocktails on the waterfront terrace are a must, while stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking are optional. The hotel is dog- and family-friendly, but you could simply head here solo for a restorative and elegant seaside escape.
Driftwood, Portscatho, Cornwall
Unsurprisingly, many of our edit of luxury seaside hotels in the UK are in Cornwall – the county has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country after all. Along a breathtaking stretch of Cornish coast is Driftwood, which stands out for the way its clifftop setting drops down to its very own private beach.
Food lovers are spoilt for choice in the restaurant, where the menu by head chef Paul Green (formerly of luxurious Scottish retreat, The Torridon) focuses on flavour first, with quality ingredients treated with respect. On summer nights, try alfresco dining on the terrace with an uninterrupted seascape as your romantic backdrop.
St Brides Spa Hotel, Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire
For glorious beach views over Saundersfoot Harbour in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, look no further than St Brides Spa Hotel for a stylish seaside escape in Wales. This wonderful spa hotel's biggest draw is its outdoor infinity pool, which is a delight in the summer.
The seaside theme continues in the light and airy bedrooms. While you're here, you must book a spa treatment. There's a reason why St Brides Spa Hotel is has a reputation for being one of the best hotels in Wales – the food, art, spa and views. This place has it all!
The Gallivant, Camber, East Sussex
Here's one for the Londoners: this hotel is within easy reach of the capital for when a heatwave suddenly hits and everyone is instantly in need of a beach near London. For that sand-between-your-toes feeling, look no further than East Sussex's Gallivant, which sits close to Rye, opposite the dunes of gorgeous Camber Sands. Here, there's sky and beach as far as your eyes can see, and delicious food you can tell has been made with love.
Daily yoga, workshops with experts in food and just a handful of beautiful bedrooms make this a beach getaway you won't want to miss out on.
Salcombe Harbour Hotel, Salcombe, Devon
A boutique and spa destination set on the shores of Salcombe's picturesque estuary, Salcombe Harbour Hotel offers an idyllic getaway in Devon. It's the sister property to Southampton Harbour Hotel. At this peaceful location, you can take in the natural surroundings before sleeping in fine sheets – so if you're after a seaside trip with an unrivalled location and luxurious interiors, this is the place to book.
Dine at The Jetty for locally sourced seafood dishes paired with serene sea views, and relax in the spa that's home to a lap pool, hydrotherapy pool and outdoor sun terrace.
The Rose, Deal, Kent
If you fancy a weekend in what could affectionately be called Hoxton-on-Sea, head to the hip coastal hotspot of Deal in Kent. Just a few steps from Deal Castle Beach, The Rose is a restaurant and bar with rooms that's perfect for a weekend by the sea. There are just eight bedrooms, which combine vibrant colours and luxurious beds with vintage furniture.
There are bars set up in the hallways for you to help yourself to tea, coffee, biscuits and a whisky night cap if you're in need of something a little stronger. The hotel also has vintage bikes, including a tandem, available to rent so you can enjoy the seaside in style.
Fowey Hall, Fowey, Cornwall
This superlatively family-friendly stay is one of the finest seaside hotels in the UK and it truly has something to offer everyone. If you're into heated outdoor pools and chic decor inside a grand country house, has-it-all Fowey Hall is for you. The grand hotel, which is just a 15-minute walk from the beautiful sandy cove of Readymoney, has a beautiful setting with views as refreshing as the sea air itself.
Fresh seafood, an indoor pool and modern spa, and the knowledge that little ones are also well catered for (parents are granted a free 90 minutes of childcare for every night they stay) round things up nicely.
The Godolphin Hotel, Marazion, Cornwall
If you want to dine gazing out to one of the best coastal views in Britain, move this hotel to the top of your staycation wish list. Located in a pocket of paradise on Cornwall’s delightful west coast, The Godolphin is a hotel, restaurant and bar with a spectacular beachfront location. Set in Marazion, the hotel overlooks the iconic St Michael's Mount and the sea, giving you a dreamy seaside setting for your next UK staycation.
While here, you'll want to spend relaxing days sipping cocktails, dining at the restaurant Shutters, calling in at Craby's beach shack for lobster and chips, and testing out surfing or stand-up paddle-boarding as the ideal mode of transport to explore the wild Cornish coast.
The Swan Hotel, Southwold, Suffolk
Over in Suffolk, the scenic seaside town of Southwold, with its famously colourful beach huts, is deserving of a place on your staycation bucket list. Sitting just yards from the beach, The Swan is a terrific spot for soaking up the laidback beach vibes of the pretty promenade. Parts of the hotel date from the 1600s but you'll find many modern luxuries, with bright and colourful furniture setting the scene for your seaside escape.
The food is exciting and creative, while the drinks are also a massive highlight as this hotel is owned and run by Adnams, with references to brewing and distilling beer and cider found throughout the hotel.
The Beach, Bude, Cornwall
This boutique beachside bolthole is a stunning setting, just steps from the shore in Bude. At The Beach on the shores of Summerleaze, you can join the cool crowd for sundowners on the sea-facing terrace, enjoy the stylishly coastal interiors and taste the freshest produce around at the modern restaurant.
You'll love the friendly, buzzing atmosphere, too. The upbeat and lively centre of surfing hotspot Bude is within stumbling distance when you want a laidback culture hit and to check out more restaurants.
Harbourmaster Hotel, Aberaeron, Ceredigion
Set in a building dating back to the 19th century, this historic boutique hotel is the perfect seaside bolthole in Wales. You can't miss it – it's one of the harbour's main landmarks, painted a dazzling shade of blue to help it garner even more attention. The Harbourmaster Hotel offers sea views from each of its original rooms and its location at the water's edge makes for an excellent base to feel a part of the community during your stay.
Inside, the decor is stylish, modern and cosy, with windows to take in the coastal destination and snuggly spots to hole up in the comfort of your room.
The Lifeboat Inn, Huntstanton, Norfolk
Coastal stays don't get much cosier than a visit to this authentic inn, with its snug bar and open fire. With views across the marshes and the sea beyond, it also uniquely boasts direct access onto the coastal path.
A haven for walkers, The Lifeboat Inn is a lovely affordable base to explore the North Norfolk coast. And if you fancy some artisan shops and art galleries, the charming town of Burnham Market is just a 15-minute drive away.
The Beach House, Milford on Sea, Hampshire
A lovely combination of grand yet relaxed, this seaside Victorian villa is a comfortable spot, just 200 yards from the beach. The Beach House's Grade II-listed building blends the old and the new, with stately wood-panelled walls in the restaurant and freestanding copper baths in the bedrooms.
Continuing with the perfect-mix theme, you've got cycling, walking and riding available in the nearby New Forest National Park (1o minutes away), bustling shops and cafes in Bournemouth (30 minutes away), and the coast on your doorstep – everything you need in one staycation.
The Lugger, Portloe, Cornwall
You could base an entire collection of British seaside hotels on the selection in Cornwall alone. But for us, one place stands out in particular: perennial favourite The Lugger, one of the most luxurious inns around, tucked into its own tiny cove on the Roseland Peninsula.
Once a 17th-century smuggler's inn, today it brings together its atmospheric old premises with a relaxed, modern vibe, with 22 simple yet stylish en-suite bedrooms. Guests can also book the Lookout, set in a converted boathouse 40 yards away from the main house.
The Headland Hotel & Spa, Newquay, Cornwall
With a spectacular clifftop position, this iconic hotel (once used as a filming location for the 1990 Roald Dahl adaptation The Witches) has had a very modern makeover. Not only does the Headland pack a style punch, it also has an upscale contemporary spa, with indoor and outdoor pools.
Soak up the sun, as well as incredible views over Fistral Beach below. You can even access the golden sand directly via a winding path straight from the Headland. Families (including dogs), couples, and solo travellers will all love this stylish seaside hotel near Newquay.
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