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The 21 Best Seaside Hotels for 2021

We've found the UK's best places for coastal breaks for couples, whether you're in the mood for a laidback beach getaway, a back-to-nature escape or a foodie break.

18 September, 2020

There's something utterly romantic about a couples coastal break in the UK. Britain's seaside can be truly idyllic, from soaring cliffs to unspoilt beaches that stretch for miles.

Some spots are enduringly popular - Cornwall, Devon and Dorset spring to mind - but now you'll also find some excellent seaside hotels in less-visited areas. Kent, for example, is having a real renaissance, with seaside towns such as Deal, Margate and Folkestone sneaking onto in-the-know travellers' must-visit lists thanks to some cool new openings. Whether you're dreaming of honeymoons by the sea or a UK staycation to get away from it all, without having to leave the country, you'll be spoilt for choice.

Whether your ideal break involves coastal walks or relaxing on a pristine sands, we've found the best hotels for your seaside romance.

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1. The Gallivant, East Sussex

The Gallivant brings the spirit of Nantucket to the British seaside, with its laidback-cool, beach-inspired interiors. The glorious dunes of Camber Beach are just across the road, and guests are encouraged to take full advantage, with complimentary flip flops, beach towels and picnic hampers available.

Away from the sands, there are free classes in the hotel's Summer House, including yoga, Pilates and baking. The picturesque town of Rye is just a five-minute drive away.

2. St Brides Spa Hotel, Pembrokeshire

Set on a cliff, this Welsh hotel has breathtaking coastal views - make sure you get a room with a balcony to fully enjoy the setting. There's a range of dining options, from the elegant Cliff restaurant to the Beachside Barbecue.

St Brides is known for its excellent spa, which includes an infinity-edge pool.

3. The Cary Arms, Devon

Accommodation at The Cary Arms is a coastal-chic experience throughout. However, we have a particular soft spot for the cool Beach Huts, a contemporary take on the traditional hut, with folding glass doors to showcase stunning views.

The beauty of Devon's Jurassic Coast means some seaside walks are a must here, and you can unwind afterwards in the hotel's spa and reward yourselves with delicious food made from the finest local ingredients.

READ MORE: 6 Hot Honeymoon Trends for 2021 and Where to Experience Them

4. The Torridon, Highlands

Are we cheating by including The Torridon? This Scottish hotel is located on the edge of a sea loch, so we think we'll get away with it. The Highlands setting is magnificent, with so much to explore, including exhilarating whale cruises and peaks to scale.

Back at the hotel, the 18 rooms are spacious and inviting, and there are some first-rate dining options, as well as a delightful whisky and gin bar.

5. Hotel Tresanton, Cornwall

Located in the idyllic Cornish village of St Mawes, Hotel Tresanton has a much-loved beach club that's the perfect spot for some sun-soaked lounging.

Each room has sea views and has been individually designed with serene colour palettes. The hotel is very child-friendly, making it ideal for a family-moon.

6. The Rose Hotel, Bar & Restaurant, Kent

Deal is one of those in-the-know British coastal destinations, with bags of charm, independent boutiques and fantastic restaurants. Go there now before this pretty seaside town gets too popular with the tourists, and make sure you stay at The Rose. The former pub is beautifully designed, and located just two streets away from the sea.

The restaurant has won plaudits for its menu of inventive British dishes, with an emphasis on seasonal, local produce.

7. Isle of Eriska Hotel, Oban

For a different take on a coastal getaway, Isle of Eriska is set on its own private island, with spectacular views in every direction. It's home to an array of wildlife, including golden eagles, red deer and grey seals, and there are some lovely walks.

The hotel itself has been designed to delight, from open fires in winter to the terrace for summertime drinks. For extra privacy, choose one of the Hilltop Retreats, set slightly apart from the main hotel, which have their own gardens and hot tubs.

8. The Scarlet, Cornwall

Adults-only coastal hotel The Scarlet has a justly acclaimed spa, with outdoor pools, lantern-lit treatment rooms, a hammam and clifftop hot tub. It's the perfect place to totally unwind, while taking in that wonderful sea air.

Every room has outdoor space, whether a balcony or terrace.

READ MORE: The Best Wedding Venues in Cornwall

9. Burgh Island, Devon

This Devon gem is the perfect place for a glamorous seaside couples getaway. Set on a private island, it's reached either by Land Rover with personal drive or by sea tractor, depending on whether the tide is out. Once you've arrived in memorable style, the hotel exemplifies the Art Deco aesthetic inside and out. Rooms and suites are named after Burgh Island's illustrious guests, such as Agatha Christie, Josephine Baker, Winston Churchill and Noel Coward.

For a decadent dining experience, the Grand Ballroom is a sumptuous setting - black tie and evening dress obligatory.

10. Hell Bay, Isles of Scilly

The name doesn't sound very honeymoon-friendly, but in fact we reckon Hell Bay is pretty heavenly for a romantic getaway by the sea. The remote location is ideal if you want to get away from it all, and the hotel itself has 25 utterly inviting suites.

The hotel is also paradise for foodies, with a renowned restaurant as well as the on-site Crab Shack where you can tuck into seafood fresh from the boat.

11. Glamping at The Grove Hotel, Norfolk

For a fresh take on the seaside break, check out The Grove's glamping experience. There are a range of Mongolian yurts that have all the home comforts you need, including proper beds, but taking you closer to nature.

There's an on-site pool, fire pits and hammocks, and Cromer Beach is a short stroll away.

12. Bodysgallen Hall, Llandudno

If you fancy combining a seaside getaway with a classic country retreat, Bodysgallen Hall is ideal. Set amid bewitching countryside, the hotel is just a short drive from the popular seaside town of Llandudno. Once you've had your fill of sea and sand, you can retreat to historic splendour, surrounded by immaculate gardens.

There's an excellent spa and an acclaimed restaurant - what more could you need for a romantic stay?

READ MORE: 21 Game-Changing Honeymoon Packing Hacks

13. Artist Residence, Brighton

Artist Residence is a cool, quirky base for a weekend in Brighton. The interiors style is eclectic but perfectly judged - everything is mismatched and yet somehow goes together beautifully.

The Clubhouse is a lovely spot for drinking and dining, and the seafront is a two-minute walk away.

14. The Pig on the Beach, Dorset

The Dorset Pig outpost has everything we've come to expect from this boutique chain: inviting accommodation; excellent food with an emphasis on freshness and seasonality; and soothing spa treatments. What makes it even more special is the divine seaside location, right by some unspoilt sandy beaches.

There's even a hotel beach hut for two that you can hire by the day, complete with deck chair and towels.

15. Bella Luce Hotel, Guernsey

Bella Luce is a family-run boutique with plenty of character. Located in a Norman manor house, this is apparently the only British hotel with its own gin brand and distillery, offering gin tastings, workshops and dining experiences.

Spirits aside, there's much to admire here, from the individually designed rooms to the fantastic St Martins location, just a short walk from idyllic Moulin Huet Bay. The hotel also does exclusive-use weddings.

16. The Swan Southwold, Suffolk

The picturesque seaside town of Southwold is well worth a visit for a coastal escape, with sandy beaches and some good places to eat. Make The Swan your base. The recent-ish makeover may have divided some, but if you're a fan of a bold colour palette and quirky aesthetic, you'll feel right at home.

Rooms have contemporary comforts such as Nespresso machines and wireless speakers, and as the hotel is part of the Adnams Brewery, you'll get a little bottle of Adnams gin as a welcome gift.

READ MORE: 21 Pub Wedding Venues for the Coolest Couples

17. North House, Isle of Wight

This beautifully refurbished townhouse is located in Cowes, a seaport town on the Isle of Wight best known for yachting but also a lovely destination for a couples' getaway. Room categories are cosy, comfortable and spacious, and depending on which you choose, have features including wood burning stoves, freestanding bathtubs and sea views.

There's a pretty terrace for relaxing with a glass of something cold and delicious after a day by the sea.

18. Carbis Bay Estate, Cornwall

The Carbis Bay Estate has its very own private Blue Flag beach. You can choose to simply bliss out on the idyllic sands, but you'll also find the Carbis Bay Beach Club and Spa, with everything from watersports to spa treatments, and a restaurant and bar.

Accommodation is in individually designed rooms in the main hotel, as well as some rather luxurious Beach Suites and Lodges set right on the golden sands. There are also some delightful self-catering properties.

19. Rocksalt, Folkestone

Folkestone is part of Kent's seaside town revival, and is worth adding to your itinerary if you're planning a coastal road trip around this part of the country. Rocksalt's restaurant has been winning plaudits for its seasonal, local dishes, enjoyed with stunning views over the English Channel. But its boutique boltholes are also well worth trying.

Located near the restaurant, the rooms are designed in contemporary-chic, and two have fabulous sea views.

20. Seaham Hall, Durham

This chic spa hotel is the perfect place for a couple that loves pampering - plus some sea air, of course. As well as a comprehensive menu of spa treatments, wellbeing facilities include a pool, hammam, salt sauna and outdoor hot tubs.

Seaham hall is located on a cliff overlooking the Durham Coast, with Seaham Beach just ten minutes away. There's complimentary bike hire to help you explore the area.

21. Lord Crewe Arms, Northumberland

A medieval inn may seem an unlikely place for a coastal getaway. But the truly lovely Lord Crewe Arms is less than ten minutes' walk to scenic Bamburgh Beach, with its magnificent castle, so if you want some historic character with your sea air, this is the hotel to know about.

As well as the acclaimed restaurant, the Lord Crewe Arms also has the atmospheric Crypt Bar, a candlelit medieval vaulted chamber that's a perfect spot for a romantic drink.

Make sure you don't end up eating into your honeymoon fund by overspending on the big day - stay on track with our tips for staying on track with your wedding budget.