7 secluded self-catering beach cottages across the UK

Admirers of history will adore Tollgate House, a stone cottage that could easily be mistaken for a castle, just steps from the windswept west coast of Wales. The cottage, complete with a turret, stands alone on the historic walls overlooking a sandy beach, bounded by towering grey cliffs to the rear.

The interior has been decorated sympathetically, retaining the original arched windows and carved stonework in the walls. A wood burning fireplace stands in the lounge, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a 360-degree view across the Welsh coast. The bathroom includes a large bathtub, the three bedrooms each boast views of the beach, and the kitchen comes fully equipped with a coffee machine and cooking facilities.

There are many regal accommodation options available in the UK but spending a few nights in your own secluded beach castle is a special experience. Just cross the quiet coastal road from the cottage and you will find yourself on an undisturbed stretch of windswept beach away from crowds.

For those looking to escape to the rural north Cornwall coast, this renovated farmhouse cottage, located on an apple orchard, is an ideal choice. The Old Cider House is located a short drive (or leisurely walk) from a quiet shingle cove called Crackington Haven. The yellow sandy beach is enclosed by towering grassy cliffs, with rock pools filled with crabs and mussels, perfect for a family escape to the coast. Other quiet beaches nearby include Widemouth Bay and Strangles Beach, reached by walking down a steep cliff path.

The secluded cottage includes a log-burning fireplace in the spacious living room and a large double bedroom with a Juliet balcony boasting views across the surrounding apple orchard and fields. There is also a private patio area with an outside table and barbecue and a garden that surrounds the cottage. Added extras include free wood for the wood burner, a fully equipped kitchen, and streaming on the TV.

The welcoming golden sands of Mawgan Porth Beach are within touching distance from this quiet cottage. The Beach Pad is located in a village between the foodie paradise of Padstow and surfing hub at Newquay. Unlike its larger neighbours, however, Mawgan Porth doesn’t attract the flocks of tourists, so remains quiet throughout the year.

The views from this cottage are the stand-out feature. From the comfortable lounge, uninterrupted views of the beach, grass-covered cliffs, and calm waters lapping the shore are guaranteed. The master bedroom overlooks the trickling Menalhyl River. There is an alfresco picnic area accessed from the property, and the private roof terrace boasts sweeping sea and country views.

You can spend a few nights with friends and family in an authentic Scottish castle, complete with a private loch, views of 20 acres of private land, and traditional décor throughout. Fenton Tower is located close to the shores of its own loch, and the sea views from the upstairs windows are unrivalled.

The 16th century Fenton Tower is as secluded as it possibly could be, a short drive from the coastal town of North Berwick. Each of the seven bedrooms has been sympathetically decorated, with candelabras on the walls and wooden beam ceilings. The dining room includes an impressively grand dining table with hanging chandeliers and fine china and glassware, and the lounge boasts an open fire, coats of arms on the walls, and a suit of armour standing in the corner. There is nowhere quite like this secluded retreat.

For those looking to truly escape to nature, these secluded static caravans, standing alone on the shores of a Scottish beach are the ideal choice. The Sunnybrae caravans can be found on the Isle of Luing, south of Oban in the west of Scotland. The caravans are steps from Cuan Sound, promising uninterrupted views of seals, otters, dolphins, deer, eagles, and buzzards from the large windows.

The caravans include two bedrooms, a comfortable lounge, bathroom, and kitchen. The standout aspect is the location. The secluded location is perfect for exploring the windswept grassy island scenery, cliffs, and crags, and manicured lawns leading down to the water’s edge.

Pet lovers looking to escape to the coast will absolutely adore Coconut Cottage, a traditional English-style bungalow set just a few minutes from miles of uninterrupted, dog-friendly sandy beaches. Set across one floor, the two bedrooms in this cottage on the English east coast have views out across a quiet garden, with a warm lounge and conservatory leading to a grassy lawn and a fishpond.

The Coconut Cottage is cosy and quiet, with the only sound coming from the flocks of seagulls flying overhead. The rooms are decorated in a minimalistic way, with white walls and pinewood furnishings, and the kitchen comes fully equipped with an oven, microwave, and all you could need to cook a tasty meal.

The cottage is located in the seaside village of Sutton-on-Sea, in a quiet location on the Lincolnshire coast. The nearby beaches have been awarded the highest Blue Flag awards for their clean waters and idyllic views. There are popular attractions for dogs nearby, including a beach bar especially for your four-legged friend – serving honey ice cream made from dog-friendly ingredients – and pubs that allow pets.

Located on a small island connected to Weymouth on the Jurassic coast of southern England, this Luxurious Cottage was used by U.S.A. athletes during the London 2012 Olympic sailing events. The cottage is surrounded by quiet beaches, with Chesil Beach within walking distance from the front door.

You’ll be able to enjoy relaxing in the enclosed rear garden or cook a meal in the fully equipped kitchen when you aren’t sunbathing on a nearby beach. The cottage includes a double bedroom and a twin room, a 4K TV with Netflix, and a relaxing lounge.

Whether watching luxury yachts and sailing boats in the waters surrounding Portland Island, relaxing on a stony beach as the sun sets, or watching the waves lapping the shore, there are lots of secluded beaches to choose from.