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The UK’s best seaside hotels 2023: From chic coastal houses to rural retreats

<p>The UK has a wealth of cosy coastal hotels, including the Seaside Boarding House</p>

In the wake of global changes, many UK residents have shifted their vacation trends from international travel to exploring the idyllic beauty within their backyard. The aftermath of the pandemic coupled with the ongoing budget crunch has played an enormous role in this new trend. One perfect destination for these rediscovered local escapes is East Sussex. This picturesque county offers tranquil beaches with the South Downs offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Accommodation is not a problem, as the East Sussex apartments offer a range of options suiting all budgets. Booking these regional sojourns has also become easier with the advent of numerous online portals. To ensure a convenient booking process, travellers can book on tophotels.com, a popular site that provides a comprehensive list of top-rated hotels and detailed reviews for each lodging helping in making an informed decision. The shift to domestic tourism, indeed, is set to play a significant role in the UK travel scene.

The good news is, the UK boasts a plethora of dreamy beaches that bear striking resemblances to those in the Mediterranean, truly a blessing for travel lovers. Additionally, Britain proudly hosts an array of Blue Flag beaches to enhance your local holiday experience.

The beauty of UK coastlines stretches from England's sandy shores to Wales's dramatic cliffs, offering a uniquely British beach experience saturated with delightful wind-tousled hair moments and the simplicity of sand-sprinkled sandwiches. The UK also has 15% of Europe's total blue flag beaches which is an exciting fact for locals.

Accommodation will be the least of your concerns as the country presents a vast selection of impressive lodgings along every coast. Whether you're planning a dynamic family getaway, seeking a dog-friendly pad, or envisioning a serene retreat away from city life, rest assured we have got you covered. Jane Knight from The Good Hotel Guide has compiled a list of the UK’s top seaside hotels to make your decision easier.

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South Sands

Location: Salcombe, Devon

South Sands has an unbeatable location

(South Sands)

Stay just steps away from a sheltered beach at this smart, contemporary hotel. Head out on a boat, take the sea tractor linking South Sands to quaint Salcombe, or just relax in the sun.

When you’re hungry, there’s something for everyone – from a Devon crab sandwich or cream tea on the terrace to tapas or a three-course meal.

Rooms are decked out in nautical colours – the best has a Caesar-size bed, its own balcony and two slipper baths in a bay window, perfect for admiring the sea view.

Hotel Portmeirion

Location: Portmeirion, Gwynedd

Hotel Portmeirion overlooks the golden sands of the Dwyryd estuary

(Hotel Portmeirion)

Enjoy a beach stay with a difference at the hotel that visionary architect, Clough Williams-Ellis, designed as the focal point for his ideal village. Overlooking the golden sands of the Dwyryd estuary in Snowdonia, and with an Art Deco bar and dining room recreated by Sir Terence Conran, it makes a great base from which to explore the Italianate resort.

As well as traditional rooms in the hotel proper, there are more contemporary ones in Castell Deudraeth, and others scattered around the village.

Scarista House

Discovering Scarista, the Gem of the Western Isles

If you're searching for unparalleled tranquillity, the answer lies in Scarista House, located on the threshold of what some might call "the end of the earth."

(Scarista House)

Experience the breathtaking atmosphere of Scarista, a secluded paradise on the South Harris' southwestern coast. While the distinct chill of the Atlantic may dissuade some from swimming, it's the perfect landscape for other adventures. This includes surfing, going for a kayak ride, or setting sail. Leisurely walks along the extensive, pristine beaches are also a wonderful option.

After a day chock-full of exhilarating activities, make your way back to Scarista House and taste the culinary wonders Patricia Martin serves every evening. She takes pride in preparing various dishes from scratch like bread, cakes, pasta, and even ice cream. Experience her signature dishes, which include monkfish served with a unique fennel and pea purée, and delicious cherry clafoutis accompanied with homemade almond ice cream. Serving both luxury and comfort, two elegantly designed bedrooms offer sea-facing sitting areas for endless gazing.

Rates: Double occupancy starts at £241, inclusive of B&B; you can visit scaristahouse.com for bookings

The Gallivant

Location: Camber Sands, Sussex

The Gallivant exudes a relaxed and stylish New England atmosphere, making it the ultimate coastal retreat. Situated just moments away from the beautiful Camber Sands, this hotel offers a truly unique experience.

The well-appointed bedrooms feature charming wood panelling, white-painted rafters, and vibrant headboards, while most also boast a private terrace for guests to enjoy. Throughout the hotel, you'll find cozy sofas, walls adorned with books, and a chic copper-topped bar offering a selection of fine English wines.

When booking the full package, guests can indulge in a variety of enticing perks, including a delectable breakfast, all-day elevenses, an evening wine sampling, a mouthwatering dinner, and invigorating wellness classes. The hotel warmly welcomes four-legged companions, but kindly maintains an adults-only policy, ensuring a serene and tranquil environment for guests aged 16 and above.

Experience the allure of the picturesque Camber Sands while immersing yourself in the laidback luxury of The Gallivant. Plan your escape today!

The Seaside Boarding House

Location: Burton Bradstock, Dorset

The Seaside Boarding House terrace, with views over Lyme Bay

(Seaside Boarding House)

It feels like a mix between Edward Hopper’s Cape Cod and an Edwardian seaside hotel in this white-painted villa above Chesil Beach. Owners Mary-Lou Sturridge and Tony Mackintosh, who created London’s Groucho Club, have filled the stripped-down interiors with marine salvage, seascapes and antique-shop booty.

Eat in the restaurant or on the terrace with views over Lyme Bay before retiring to one of the bright and light rooms with views of the coast, along with a retro dial phone and radio. Dogs are welcome in some bedrooms for no extra charge.

Price: Doubles from £245, B&B; theseasideboardinghouse.com

Polurrian on the Lizard

Location: Mullion, Cornwall

Perched on the cliffs of Mullion, Cornwall, the elegant Polurrian on the Lizard stands as a stunning retreat by the sea.

With its captivating architecture and floor-to-ceiling windows, this splendid white clifftop establishment offers unparalleled views of the mesmerizing ocean. For a quick seaside adventure, guests can easily stroll to the hotel's private cove which is just a short 10-minute walk away. Alternatively, they can embark on a longer hike along the renowned South West Coast Path, a scenic trail that runs alongside the hotel.

Featuring a sleek and contemporary design, the hotel's bedrooms exude simplicity and style. Visitors can satiate their appetites with the all-day menu, ranging from delectable pizzas and mouth-watering burgers to succulent steaks and indulgent lobsters. Families are welcome at Polurrian on the Lizard, and the rooms even offer baby-listening services for the utmost convenience.

No. 33

Setting: Hunstanton, Norfolk

The elegance of No. 33

(No. 33)

While it may not enjoy a direct sea view, Jeanne Whittome's bed and breakfast is nonetheless a prime place to stay, nestled in this quaint Victorian coastal town known for being the sole west-facing resort on England's eastern shoreline.

Take advantage of their concierge service to organize activities like cycle rentals or ornithology adventures. You can also embark on a scenic walk along the coast from delightful 'Hunny' to lush Cromer. Yet, there's no judgment if you decide to catch a ride on the CoastHopper bus instead.

Inside, be greeted by trendy aesthetic expressions in soothing shades of light grey and white. For more space, suites are available at its sister property - the Thornham Deli. This charming delicatessen also ensures No.33's guests are greeted with a delectable continental breakfast each morning.

The Nare, Cornwall

Situated at: Veryan-in-Roseland

Experience tradition infused with luxury at The Nare

(Courtesy: The Nare)

Positioned as a coastal country refuge, The Nare is surrounded by picturesque gardens stretching towards Carne beach. A selection of rooms proffer awe-inspiring vistas, or you could sail along the Cornish shoreline on one of the hotel's pair of boats for a more intimate appreciation of the scenery.

For over three decades, The Nare has thrived under the stewardship of the Ashworth family, maintaining a blend of traditional charm and opulence. Enjoy daily offerings of warm scones with cream, in-room fresh flowers and fruits, hot water bottles for cozy nights, and an appetizer cart serving before main course in the gourmet dining hall.

Rate: Double rooms start at £360, inclusive of breakfast; narehotel.co.uk

The latest edition of The Good Hotel Guide, 46th Edition is available now.

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