The summer holidays are almost upon us. But while many of us have been busy enjoying the latest spell of sunshine, we still haven’t booked a getaway for the big summer break. Luckily, it’s not too late – there’s still time to book a last-minute summer holiday in one of our luxury cottages beside the coast – from family piles to sea-view apartments.
Whether you’re seeking white-sand beaches, culture by the coast, or fun family days out in a seaside town, we’ve rounded up the best retreats still available for summer.
16 Arwenack Street, Falmouth, Cornwall
Best for: Bird’s eye sea views with a hot tub
Sleeps 8
From £2,604 per week. Limited availability in August
Slink away to a gorgeous three-floor apartment towering high above the water in the harbour town of Falmouth. Step out to food and drink hotspots beside the sea, attractions such as the National Maritime Museum Cornwall and Pendennis Castle, and the Blue Flag beaches of Gyllyngvase and Swanpool. You can even follow the South West Coast Path all the way to Mawnan Smith and the dreamy delights of the Helford Estuary. Or you could just soak it all in from your rooftop hot tub, making the most of your elegant apartment just footsteps from the shore.
Seafront Cottage, Gardenstown, Aberdeenshire
Best for: A remote Scottish beach escape
Sleeps 4
From £895 per week. Limited availability in August only.
Hideaway in a traditional fisherman’s cottage on the wild and rugged northeast coast of Scotland, where you’re guaranteed peace and quiet, leaving the summer chaos worlds’ away. Your cosy home sits on the wave-gnawed bay of Gardenstown, where there’s little to do except soak up the solitude, take windswept strolls along the waterfront and pop into the ‘wee shoppie’, gallery and teashop down by the harbour. There’s wifi, Netflix and all the mod cons if you need them, but you might prefer to gaze out the window looking for dolphins.
Instow Retreat, Instow, Devon
Best for: Sea views and cycling the Tarka Trail
Sleeps 8 + 1 dog
From £3,970 per week. Limited availability in August
Wake up footsteps from Instow Beach, wander into the village for just-baked pastries from the local deli – best enjoyed post sea dip, we think. Instow is a wonderful base to combine beach life with biking along Devon‘s Tarka Trail, and you can also hop on the foot ferry to Appledore, just across the water. Back in your beach retreat you can soak tired legs in your private hot tub, whip up a feast in your open-plan kitchen while the kids play in the games room – or ditch the cooking for cocktails and a seafood platter on the deck at The Boathouse.
Bay View, Rhosneigr, Anglesey
Best for: Active beach lovers
Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
If you’re looking for an active seaside holiday, you’ll love this sleek apartment just 100m from the waves in Anglesey, Wales. The island is renowned for its array of watersports, from sea kayaking to surfing, as well as climbing, cycling and hiking. However you spend your days, come home to sea views and creature comforts, and watch the sun set over the ocean while you plan your next day of adventures.
Mundesley Getaway, Norfolk
Best for: Wild beaches and seaside romance
Sleeps 5
From £2,141 per week in August
Squirrel away with your loved ones on the wild beaches of Norfolk, where you can step outside for the toes-in-the-sand lifestyle, sea dips, boat trips and stunning coastal walks. Lose yourself in panoramic sea views from almost every window of this family brick-and-flint cottage nestled in the heart of Mundesley – a sublime spot to make the most of traditional seaside life and sleep soundly beside the waves. Book now to snap up this charming Norfolk seaside retreat for a last-minute summer break.
Beachdown, Challaborough, Devon
Best for: Contemporary family beach life
Sleeps 6 + 1 dog
From £2,349 per week Limited availability in July & August.
Family beach life comes with buckets of style at this contemporary pad on the South Hams coastline, which is still has limited availability for a last-minute holiday in Devon. Just 150m from the beautiful Blue Flag beach at Challaborough, you can lap up the views from your roof terrace, or skip across the dunes to the beach for a spot of surfing, swimming, sunbathing or strolling with your toes in the sand. Sunny days are sublime spent at the beach or back at home, where you can fling open the bi-fold doors and dine on the decked patio with your favourite summer soundtrack on.
Broughton Mills Getaway, Cumbria
Best for: Luxury in the Lake District
Sleeps 7 + 1 dog
£1,652. Limited availability in July & August.
We love the Lake District in summer for its fresh air, rolling peaks, sparkling lakes and mile-upon-mile of wide open space for adventures big and small. Base yourself in Broughton-in-Furness and you can head inland to Coniston Water and hit the fells for a hike, or head to the coast and stroll along the sands at Haverigg Beach. In a landscape that was once home to Beatrix Potter, as well as inspiration for literary lights Tennyson and Turner, perhaps a summer sojourn here will spark your inspiration and encourage you to put pen to paper when you’re back with your feet up under the beams of your luxury country cottage.
Kestrel, Aberdovey, Gwynedd
Best for: Being water’s edge in Wales
Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
From £1,090 per week. Limited availability in August only
Wake up to the water winking back, in this gorgeous hillside retreat in Aberdovey. Just 100m from the sea, beach life is bang on the doorstep, with buckets of fun on land and water. Situated in the grounds of Aberdovey Hillside Village, you don’t have to hit the sand for summer days – there’s plenty to do onsite – from table tennis and air hockey, to an adventure playground and outdoor chess. Book now for a last-minute family seaside break in Wales this summer.
Seaside Apartment, Newquay, Cornwall
Best for: A summer surfing holiday
Sleeps 4
From £1,967 in July & August
Stay in the heart of one of Cornwall’s most popular seaside towns, a pebble’s throw from the beaches and attractions. With easy access to the surf, sand, shops and eateries, you can ditch the car and make the most of this lively location on foot. Or, you can relax at home and cook up a storm, dine alfresco on the patio, soak up the sea views between beach trips, and sink into the sofa for family movie nights. Embrace the surf lifestyle and enjoy a last-minute stay at this smart Newquay property.
There’s still time to book a coastal cottage for the summer holidays
Use our date search tools to find the perfect last-minute seaside holiday cottage this summer.
