10 Unusual Places to Stay by the Sea UK

If you want a coastal break with a difference, skip the usual suspects and try one of these weird and wonderful seaside spots. Each one has its own unique atmosphere, character and sense of place you won’t find in your average beach town. This list showcases a diverse range of unusual seaside properties, each offering something special for guests seeking a memorable stay. By choosing these places, guests are also helping to support and conserve these unique locations for future generations. With thousands of coastal cottages and holiday homes available for rent in the UK and Ireland, there’s no shortage of options to explore.

The Blacksmith’s Shop

Dungeness, Kent

Britain’s only desert, and probably its weirdest beach. A shingle headland with fishing boats, weathered cottages, modern architecture and a power station looming in the background. Located in England, it is bleak, beautiful and completely unforgettable.

Sandunes is a stylish house in Camber, East Sussex, this pet-friendly abode boasts family-friendly facilities.

Baa Lamb Cottage – A beautiful two-bedroom cottage resting on the outskirts of Burmarsh, Kent.

Flat 4 is a third-floor penthouse apartment situated along the coast in Hythe, Kent, boasting a south-facing wraparound balcony with stunning sea views.

Kits Cottage – A well-appointed, semi-detached cottage boasting an elevated position in the centre of Hythe, Kent.

Sandunes, Camber

Lympstone, Devon

A peaceful estuary village with bobbing boats, old pubs and pastel cottages. Less about crashing waves, more about estuary charm, birdlife and waterside walks. Time seems to slow down here, and the good effects of being by the sea are felt in the relaxing atmosphere.

Jams is a beautiful barn conversion in the village of Lymstone, Devon, boasting ground-floor living and is close to several amenities.

The Quay – A stylish waterfront cottage in Lympstone. Splendid views. Outdoor dining area. Village location.

Meadow View Cottage – A beautifully finished character cottage in the pretty village of Lympstone. Lovely terraced patio garden with summer house. Pets welcome.

Harefield Cottages – A delightful mid-terrace, three-storey cottage overlooking the River Exe estuary in Lympstone, Devon.

James, Devon

Portmeirion, North Wales

An eccentric Italian-style fantasy village on the North Wales coast. Bright colours, quirky towers, sub-tropical gardens and estuary views. Like stepping onto a film set (which it is, often).

Artist’s Cottage is a lovely, petifrndly holiday cottage located near the charming village of Penrhyndeudraeth in Gwynedd with an enclosed garden. Portmeirion 0.4 miles.

Aber Wharf – A lovely apartment on the Marina at Porthmadog overlooking the waterfront.

South Snowdon Wharf – A Harbour side property in the town of Porthmadog. Homely and comfortable. Close to all amenities, views of harbour and steam railway.

Bryn Hyfryd – A wonderful, detached bungalow set in Ynys near Harlech, Gwynedd. Pet-friendly. Woodburning stove. Ground-floor living. Porthmadog 7.4 miles

Artist’s Cottage, North Wales

Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire

A steep old smugglers’ village that tumbles down to the sea. Cobbled lanes, red roofs, no cars—and a tide that creeps in fast. Atmospheric and full of character, with the Cleveland Way on your doorstep. This English gem offers guests a chance to live in a historic setting with stunning sea views.

The Close – A large, extended bungalow located in Robin Hood’s Bay. Ideal for families and friends. Dog-friendly.

Oakridge Cottage – A romantic stone-fronted fisherman’s cottage located in the picturesque fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay. Exposed beams. Woodburning stove. Whitby 5.7 miles.

Olsen is a characterful, three-storey cottage situated in Robin Hood’s Bay within the North York Moors National Park, only a short walk to a beach

The Farmhouse – A superb, detached former farmhouse in the small hamlet at Boggle Hole near Robin Hood’s Bay.

The Close, Robin Hood’s Bay

Dunwich, Suffolk

A ghost village by the sea—once a medieval city, now mostly underwater. Quiet, haunting and peaceful, with wide shingle beaches, heathland walks and a church tower lost to time.

Church Farm Barn – An outstanding detached holiday home in Dunwich near Westleton in Suffolk. Pet-friendly. Family-friendly.

Church Farm – An outstanding holiday home in Dunwich near Westleton in Suffolk. Pet-friendly. Family-friendly.

Little Owl Cottage, a pleasant holiday cottage located in the quaint village of Dunwich in Suffolk.

Seadrift– An impressive holiday home close to Dunwich near Saxmundham in Suffolk Stunning views. Woodburning stove. Gardens. Family-friendly. Pet-friendly.

Seadrift, Northern Ireland

Saltwick Bay, North Yorkshire

A hidden bay near Whitby, full of fossils and framed by dramatic cliffs. Shipwrecks, rock pools and seascapes without the crowds of nearby beaches.

Cedar View – A charming one-bedroom stone-built cottage resting on the outskirts of Whitby, North Yorkshire. Dog-friendly. Woodburning stove. Rural location. Near a beach.

Raw Pastures – A well-presented converted barn just outside the seaside town of Whitby, Yorkshire. Quality accommodation. En-suite bedrooms.

Helredale Retreat – A welcoming mid-terrace cottage located in Whitby, North Yorkshire. Pet-friendly. Enclosed garden. Electric fire. En-suite. Saltwick Bay 1.5 miles;

Marina Apartment – This third-floor apartment is situated in the seaside town of Whitby, Yorkshire. Harbour views. Open-plan.

Marina Apartment, Whitby

Strangford Lough Coast, County Down

A sea inlet with a twist—calm, island-dotted and full of wildlife. Kayaking, birdwatching and quaint villages, all backed by Celtic legends and stunning light.

The Hide – Set on the edge of Strangford Lough is this detached cottage. Sitting room and snug with open fire.

Rocklyn Lodge is a delightful, detached, townhouse nestled by the sea in Donaghadee, County Down.

Sea & Sky Cottage is a delightful contemporary new-build home with panoramic sea views, resting in the coastal town of Donaghadee in County Down.

Captains Cottage is a delightful holiday home located in the lovely coastal town of Donaghadee in County Down just a stone’s throw from the beach.

Sea & Sky Cottage, N.I.

Achiltibuie, Northwest Highlands

A remote crofting village with views to the Summer Isles. Unspoilt, uncrowded and utterly scenic. Perfect for stargazing, hiking and real Highland feel. Guests can live immersed in the wild landscape and enjoy a breathtaking view of the sea.

Corrie Burn – This luxury, reverse level holiday home is perched in a beautiful area of Ullapool in the Scottish Highlands. Amazing views. En-suite bedrooms. Private parking. Woodburning stove. Balcony

The Wee Barn – A ground floor barn conversion in the Scottish Highlands. Secluded retreat. Stunning views of Little Loch Broom. Open-plan.

Coast House – Superb detached cottage with stunning sea and mountain views in hamlet location. Woodburning stove, en-suite, dog-friendly, WiFi. Sandy beach close by.

Hilltop– Well-presented and spacious single-storey cottage, in the remote community of Clachtoll. Woodburning stove, freestanding bath, enclosed lawned garden. Stunning scenery and wildlife.

Corrie Burn, Scotland

Porthgain, Pembrokeshire

A tiny harbour village with an industrial past. Once a slate port, now home to artists, a great pub and stunning cliff walks on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Quietly lovely, with the good of sea air and peaceful surroundings.

Sunny Hill – a well-presented cottage nestled in Porthgain near St Davids, Pembrokeshire.

Glan y Mor – This lovely, end-terrace house is nestled in the village of Porthgain near St Davids, Pembrokeshire. Pet-friendly. Enclosed garden. Elevated position. Beautiful views. Off-road parking. Woodburning stove.

Ty Pren – A high quality holiday home near St Davids, a detached log cabin on small quiet coastal park. 500 yards from coastal path.

Carreg Yr Onnen – A welcoming house in the village of Penparc in Pembrokeshire, this pet-friendly abode boasts a Smart TV and a woodburning stove.

Ty Pren, Wales

Staithes, North Yorkshire

The Blacksmith’s Shop is a stunning holiday cottage situated in the seaside village of Staithes in North Yorkshire with great views and en-suite bedrooms.

Bulmers Cottage – A cosy, characterful old fisherman’s cottage in quiet corner of Staithes village.

Grimes Nook – A cosy, lower ground floor apartment in the coastal village of Staithes. Open plan living area, warming woodburning stove, exposed stone walls.

Bramla – A delightful three storey cottage in the artistic, seaside village of Staithes in North Yorkshire. Dog-friendly. North York Moors National Park.

The Blacksmith’s Shop

What We Do at HolidayCottage.com

When we plan a holiday, we want more than just a standard hotel room—we want to find something special. If you’re looking for unusual places to stay by the sea, you’re in the right place. Our carefully curated collection of coastal cottages and holiday homes offers the perfect combination of sea views, comfy interiors and easy access to some of the UK’s most beautiful beaches. Whether you’re after a romantic break or a fun family adventure, our properties in Devon and Cornwall have got you covered. For example, Doyden Castle in Cornwall is a remote clifftop fortress offering sea views and outdoor activities. Each place is handpicked to make your stay unforgettable, the perfect setting for your next holiday by the sea.

Holiday Planning

Planning your next holiday should be as much fun as the holiday itself. To help you find the perfect unusual place to stay by the sea, start by thinking about what you want—do you picture relaxing in a cosy cabin with sea views or gathering the family for action packed days on the coast? Consider the size of your group, whether you need pet friendly options and what amenities are important to you. Many coastal cottages and holiday homes are dog-friendly and offer access to dog walks and pet-friendly beaches. Our site makes it easy to search for properties that fit your needs, with special offers and all the details on each place. Check out access to local beaches, restaurants and shops to make sure your stay is as convenient as it is amazing. With our holiday planning tools you can find, check and book the perfect place for your next seaside adventure.

Booking and Availability

Once you’ve found your dream spot among our unusual places to stay by the sea, booking is easy and secure. Our user friendly site lets you search for availability by date and location, so you can find the perfect place for your holiday. Popular coastal destinations for holidays include Cornwall, Devon, Norfolk, and Suffolk, each offering unique experiences and stunning scenery. We offer a range of payment options and our team is always here to help with any questions you may have. Don’t forget to check our latest posts for special offers and last minute deals—there’s always something new to discover. Whether you’re planning ahead or looking for a spontaneous getaway, our site is the place to book your next coastal escape.

Conclusion

Hope you found this helpful for your next holiday. Whether you’re looking for a romantic break or a family adventure our curated collection of coastal cottages and holiday homes has something for everyone. From cozy cabins to big houses for large groups each property is a one off and has sea views. Big group cottages by the sea can accommodate families or large groups, sleeping 8 or more, making them ideal for reunions or celebrations. Sign up to our newsletter for the latest posts, special offers and new properties and start planning your dream holiday today. Visit our site, pick your perfect place and book with us—we’ll help you find your UK seaside haven.