Good Housekeeping - The best beach hotels in the UK to inspire your summer 2021 staycation

Posted on 17 February, 2021

Photo by Chandler Media on Unsplash

What's one of the best ways to get through winter (apart from drinking hot chocolate and snuggling by the fire)? Browsing ideas for your next holiday, of course.

Luckily, you don't need to jet off to exotic climes to have an amazing seaside getaway next year. Our pick of the UK's best beach hotels for a summer staycation in 2021 have got you more than covered.

Down in Cornwall, some of the wide expanses of golden sand are so beautiful they could rival any Mediterranean holiday. Take family-friendly Carbis Bay near St Ives, which sits on a privately-owned stretch of stunning Blue Flag beach. Over near Padstow, upscale adults' eco retreat The Scarlet Hotel sits on a cliff overlooking the pristine sands of Mawgan Porth, while another cliffside hotel, The Headland, has a prime position over Fistral Beach - ideal for dogs, families, solo travellers and couples alike.

Over in Devon, you can enjoy a bucket-and-spade staycation in your own beach hut at the beautiful Cary Arms & Spa, and even go bay-hopping on the hotel's classic sailing boat.

Meanwhile, Pembrokeshire, Suffolk and the Isle of Wight are other excellent spots to check into Britain's best beach hotels for a summer escape you'll never forget.

Whether you're looking for an affordable pub with rooms or an all-out luxury stay, our roundup of the best UK beach hotels for a summer 2021 staycation has something to suit all tastes. Don't forget your sun hat...

As with all travel in the UK, you should check the local restrictions, lockdown measures and government advice for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland before booking a stay at a hotel.

The Headland Hotel & Spa, Newquay, Cornwall

Garnering a prime position on a cliff overlooking Fistral Beach, this historic Victorian hotel has wow-factor written all over it. In fact, as beach hotels in the UK go, it has to be up there with one of the best.

It boasts a state-of-the-art spa (hello indoor and outdoor pools), ocean-view dining in AA rosette-awarded restaurants, a contemporary coastal-cool rooms and self-catering cottages.

There's a room to suit everyone, from single holidaymakers to families, and even the dog who, we're sure, will love the wide expanse of golden sand below as much as you will.

Read our review of The Headland Hotel & Spa.

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The Beach House, Milford on Sea, Hampshire

Combine the best of a coastal and country stay at this elegant Victorian seaside villa. Along with direct access to the beach at Westover, it's also just a 10-minute drive from the New Forest, where scenic walks and horse riding stables await.

Pine-clad gardens make the perfect spot for a sundowner, and dinner at elegant wood-panelled restaurant is hearty pub grub fare.

Read our review of The Beach House.

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The Beach, Bude, Cornwall

Check into the beachside boutique hotel for grownup glamour, cocktails on the oceanside terrace, and the chance to discover the bustling town of Bude.

The 16 bedrooms are decked out in a contemporary New England style, and are just a stone's throw from the golden sands of Summerleaze Beach. Although it does have a funky vibe, it is family-friendly as well as being a welcoming spot for four-legged friends.

Read our review of The Beach at Bude.

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The Anchor at Walberswick, Southwold, Suffolk

Set just 450 yards away from the beach at Sole Bay, The Anchor is a pretty 1920s gastropub with rooms, with fine seasonal food and dune-backed sea views.

Charming Walberswick is a hit with a number of celebrities who've bought holiday homes here, but nearby Southwold is also worth discovering. Gather the whole family (dogs included) and tuck into wood-fired pizzas and local oysters.

Read our review of The Anchor at Walberswick.

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The Sail Loft, Southwold, Suffolk

Another lovely spot right on the Suffolk coast, you can enjoy a beach stroll before breakfast at rustic shack-style Sail Loft. Just 100 yards from Southwold Pier Beach, it's perfect for anyone who appreciates a location on the beach.

Enjoy specialist coffees or craft ales in the relaxed bar, or a well-deserved cocktail after a day of crabbing and rock pooling.

Read our review of The Southwold.

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The George Hotel, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight

Couples will fall head over heels for this boutique UK beach hotel, with picturesque views and even better food (three AA red stars and two rosettes, thank you very much).

The grand 17th century townhouse has an upmarket but relaxed feel, and is nestled right on the water's edge at Yarmouth. Do stroll into town to discover the independent shops for unusual gifts.

Read our review of The George Hotel.

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The Idle Rocks, St Mawes, Cornwall

Ultra-stylish with the relaxed ambience only a beachside bolthole can bring, this beach hotel is a pure delight. The joyous interiors are bold and beautiful with the odd nod to the nautical; expect pairings like a wall-mounted buoy with a modern yet sophisticated printed headboard.

The hotel sits directly on the beach, and you can simply soak up the rays, or get active with a surfing or paddleboarding lesson. Or try a boat trip to the nearby National Trust Trelissick Gardens for a really memorable experience. A cool, coastal escape that should be on everyone's list of UK beach hotels to visit, this is a great spot for a solo break, too.

Read our review of The Idle Rocks.

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Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate, St Ives, Cornwall

Caribbean or Cornwall? This incredible beach hotel in the UK offers a true slice of paradise right on our doorstep - no planes required. The flour-fine sand could rival any in the Mediterranean and is a privately-owned 25 acre Blue Flag beach.

Accommodation comes in the form of seriously stylish suites, beach houses and coastal cottages, making this sandy spot perfect for discerning families or couples in love.

After you've had your fill of Cornish crab and afternoon tea, head for some relaxation at the C Bay Spa, with its outdoor pool and breathtaking views. Sigh.

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Artist Residence, Brighton, East Sussex

Hip, buzzy and arty, this beach hotel is just yards from Brighton beach - and oozes the same cool, laidback vibes.

Soak up the views from your super-stylish room (mini Smeg fridges and freestanding tubs included), sip a Cosmopolitan at the funky cocktail bar and enjoy creative cuisine in the chic restaurant.

Whether you're travelling alone or with a companion, there's plenty to keep you entertained in Brighton.

The British Airways i360 observation tower and the fashionable Lanes shopping area are just a walk away from the Artist Residence.

Read our review of Artist Residence.

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The Scarlet Hotel, Mawgan Porth, Cornwall

Set on a cliff overlooking the stunning expanse of honey-toned sand at Mawgan Porth, this UK beach hotel will excite design-led fans. Everything is upscale and luxurious, from the interiors and statement pieces of art by local artists to the swish spa with views and the hot tub peering over the beach below.

Enjoy a lesson with the on-site surf school, head to nearby Padstow for fine dining (Rick Stein and Paul Ainsworth both have must-visit eateries), or simply soak up the views from the hotel terraces.

Read our review of The Scarlet.

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Cary Arms & Spa, Torquay, Devon

This 'inn on the beach' is a coastal dream come true. As well as the contemporary suites, there's a choice of six beach huts to stay in, making this hotel by the sea a top choice for families and their pooches.

When you're not building sandcastles and eating ice cream, there's countless coastal walks, sea kayaking, paddleboarding and even bay-hopping on the hotel's classic wooden sailing yacht. Can we come too?

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Penally Abbey, Tenby, Pembrokeshire

Ok, not directly on the beach, but this stunning hotel in Wales has views of the sea and is just stumbling distance to the powdery golden sands at Carmarthen Bay.

Sitting on the edge of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, this grand period property manages to combine tradition with light, bright, contemporary interiors - the ideal spot for a chic couple's escape.

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Star Castle, Hugh Town, Isles of Scilly

Stay at a 16th century castle for a coastal escape like no other. St Mary's Island boasts beautiful beaches, but you can also go island-hopping on the hotel's own boat (which also catches fresh fish and lobster for its two terrific restaurants).

There's everything you need at the castle - an indoor heated pool, its own vineyard, tennis, golf - but the beach and harbour are just a stroll away. Family and dog-friendly, it's a welcoming UK beach hotel for anyone.

Read our review of Star Castle.

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To read the original post written by Ruth Doherty for Good Housekeeping, please visit - https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/lifestyle/travel/g34584524/beach-hotels-uk/

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