Somerset hotspots
Cottages by the Sea in Somerset
Somerset is famous for its rolling countryside and legendary cider orchards, but its varied coastline holds a charm all of its own. Running from the massive mudflats of the Severn Estuary down to the dramatic, wooded cliffs of Exmoor, this stretch of coast offers a brilliant mix of wide sandy bays, historic harbour towns, and fossil-rich shingle beaches. Choosing one of our Somerset cottages by the sea gives you a front-row seat to this diverse shoreline, where the coastal air is fresh and the pace of life slows right down.
What makes Somerset a perfect seaside getaway destination
The Somerset coast is packed with character and offers a completely different experience depending on where you choose to stay. If you love classic British seaside traditions, the long sandy stretches at places like Burnham-on-Sea are ideal: look out for the iconic, nine-legged wooden lighthouse standing on the sands. Further west, the coast gets rugged and dramatic. This is where Exmoor National Park meets the Bristol Channel, creating towering cliffs and deep, wooded valleys that run right down to the water.
You can spend your days exploring historic ports like Watchet, where you can watch the boats bobbing in the marina, search for ancient fossils along the rocky shoreline, or eat fresh fish and chips on the harbour wall. Steam train enthusiasts can hop aboard the West Somerset Railway, catching a vintage locomotive that chugs along the coastline, offering brilliant views of the sea from your carriage window. Walkers can head to Minehead to find the official starting point of the South West Coast Path, offering miles of cliff-edge walks with views across the water to Wales on a clear day. For a bit of history, the medieval Dunster Castle sits just a short walk from the beach, towering over the surrounding landscape.
Why a Somerset sea view cottage is the ultimate base
There's nothing quite like waking up, opening the curtains, and seeing the water stretching out to the horizon. Staying right on the coast means you don't have to pack up a car and drive to find the sea: it's right there on your doorstep. You can feel the cool breeze on your face as you step outside with your morning brew, or listen to the gentle rumble of the tide as you drift off to sleep.
Our handpicked properties are designed to make your coastal break extra special. We've got cosy coastal cottages with private hot tubs where you can soak under the stars after a long day of walking. If you're travelling with a dog, you'll find plenty of properties with secure, enclosed gardens, meaning your four-legged companion can enjoy the trip just as much as you. From luxury modern apartments with floor-to-ceiling glass looking out over the water, to large family homes with access to swimming pools, we have the ideal property to suit your style of holiday.
Book your Somerset coastal escape today
We've got a brilliant selection of coastal properties along this beautiful stretch of coast, making it easy to find your next break. Whether you want to base yourself in the lively resort of Minehead with its sandy beach and steam railway, find a quiet escape in the historic port of Watchet, enjoy the massive sandy beaches of Burnham-on-Sea, or head to the traditional resort of Weston-super-Mare with its famous Grand Pier, we've got you covered. Browse our properties today, find your favourite spot, and start planning your Somerset seaside adventure.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the best spots for fossil hunting along the Somerset coast?
The stretch known as the West Somerset Coast forms part of the Jurassic Coast's wider geological trail, with spots like Kilve Beach and Watchet being absolute hotspots for finding ancient ammonites and reptile remains. Kilve Beach features dramatic wave-cut platforms of exposed shingle and rock shelves where fossils are remarkably easy to spot embedded in the cliffside strata. Low tide is always the best time to head out onto the shore for the safest and most fruitful exploring.
Which Somerset beaches welcome dogs all year round?
While some popular sandy stretches enforce seasonal bans during the summer months, places like Berrow Beach and stretches of Minehead offer fantastic year-round access for four-legged family members. Berrow Beach is famous for its massive expanse of hard-packed sand and mud flats stretching for miles, giving dogs plenty of room for a proper run around without getting under anyone's feet. For anyone planning a trip with a canine companion, our Somerset cottages by the sea feature fantastic dog-friendly setups so the whole pack can tag along for the adventure.
What are the top family friendly coastal attractions in Somerset?
Clevedon Pier is an absolute must-visit as one of the finest intact Victorian piers in the country, where you can walk out over the Bristol Channel and grab an ice cream at the pump house at the end. Further down the coast, Weston-super-Mare delivers classic seaside fun with its grand pier, donkey rides along the massive sandy beach, and traditional fish and chip shops lining the prom. When you are done exploring the arcades and coastal paths, we have got plenty of spacious coastal cottages with private swimming pools ideal for keeping the kids entertained.
How do you make the most of the Severn Estuary tidal range?
The Severn Estuary boasts the second highest tidal range in the world, meaning the landscape changes dramatically between high and low tide, particularly around Burnham-on-Sea and Portishead. This huge movement of water creates powerful currents, so swimming in the open estuary is generally discouraged unless you are at a dedicated supervised lido or pool. Instead, the shifting tides make for brilliant coastal walking along the seawalls and salt marshes where you can spot wading birds and dramatic muddy vistas. After a long windswept walk along the shore, nothing beats unwinding in one of our coastal properties featuring a private hot tub to soothe any tired legs.