With almost 20,000 miles of coastline around Britain, it’s here that you’ll find some of our most beautiful and dramatic scenery, so why not book a seaside retreat?
Seaside apartment
Perched above the Victorian seaside town of Ventnor on the Isle of Wight is this pretty deck studio with accommodation across one generous floor and a delightful south-facing area that offers panoramic views across the English Channel – the views can even be enjoyed from the comfort of the king-size bed.
Come evening though, we’d suggest taking a bottle outside to have a drink as the sun goes down, breathing in the fresh sea air – and in this microclimate, perhaps even some late evening sun.
Everything about this cute apartment, just a five-minute walk from the harbour where you can buy fresh seafood, and within an easy downhill stroll to the sandy Ventnor beach, gives a sense of
laid-back luxury.
The characterful Victorian seaside resort of Ventnor is located on the south coast of the Isle of Wight, set amid beautiful scenery and cast in the cliff face of St Boniface Down, (the highest point on the island). Reaching the apartment via steep, windy roads you get the impression you’ve stumbled across a great secret.
Contact: 102 Gill’s Cliff, Sykes Cottages
Georgian cottage
Coastal retreats don’t have to mean quaint buildings with low ceilings, you can have a taste of grandeur as this Georgian building on the North York Moors proves. Just one mile from the enchanting ancient fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay is this exquisite, semi-detached, traditional Georgian cottage, backing onto the village green in Fylingthorpe.
The cottage has been painstakingly restored, retaining many of its original period features, such as exposed brickwork, original fireplaces and flagged floors. If you’re in a romantic mood you can retreat to the
four-poster bed that inhabits one room, or if it’s more of a party you are after then there’s plenty of room for guests in the three bedrooms.
For quieter moments, the inglenook fireplace in the living room is an ideal place to curl up in an armchair with a good book, or a good spot for pre-dinner drinks.
The North York Moors is home to beautiful landscape, made up of stunning moorland, spectacular coast, ancient woodland and historic towns.
Contact: Croft View, Sykes Cottages
Twin houses
For a real sense of escapism from the humdrum of every day life, you can’t go far wrong with Anglesey, and these two luxury properties perched on the edge of the small seaside hamlet of Church Bay, just a few hundred yards from the sea and the famous sandy beach are designed to give you every comfort you should need, all complemented by a 180-degree view over the bay towards Holyhead.
A short walk will bring you to The Lobster Pot seafood restaurant, which has been running since 1946, or in the other direction you’ll find the local pub in less than two minutes, which is surely staggering distance for even the laziest among us.
The scenic Anglesey Coastal Path is accessed at the end of the road, or for a sense of adventure, why not descend the 400 cliff steps down to South Stack Lighthouse? Just be sure to save some energy for the way back up.
Contact: Bwthyn Awel, Anglesey, Sykes Cottages
More cottage inspiration
Looking for further inspiration? Watch the video below for a taster of some of the hidden delights of Cornwall, including Tavern Beach, Loe Bar Beach, St Nectan’s Glen, Wheal Coates and the King Harry Ferry, alongside more well-known attractions such as Boscastle, Mawgan Porth and St Michael’s Mount, perfect places for coastal getaways.
Video credit: Hidden Cornwall by Sykes Cottages Cornwall