LONDON & HOME COUNTIES

OXFORDSHIRE

The Relais Henley, Henley-on-Thames

Always dreamed of a night aboard a vintage yacht with mahogany panelling a-plenty? Well, you wouldn’t be far off with a stay at The Relais Henley, a gorgeous riverside retreat on the bank of the Thames. This 16th-century coaching inn combines rustic exposed beams with plenty of nautical nods to Henley’s rowing tradition, and the combo is welcoming, cosy and pure ‘quiet luxury’. As are each of the 40 rooms, one of which was occupied by King Charles I en route from London to Oxford. We can’t tell you exactly which one, but the interiors are suitably regal. On summer evenings, dining spills out onto the courtyard for pure Mediterranean vibes (riverside DJ included). Double rooms from £160 per night.

LONDON

Sea Containers London, South Bank

Sea Containers London spreads along the South Bank of the River Thames like an elegant ocean liner. A short stroll from Tate Modern, St Paul’s Cathedral, London Eye and Royal Festival Hall, its location (and views) are exemplary and its nod to nautical interiors have been wowing guests since 2014. There’s a buzzy ground floor restaurant, which spills out onto an open air terrace complete with striped seating, lush plants and epic views. Inside it’s vast and quirky from the get-go thanks to a cavernous reception housing a red phone box, Curzon cinema in the basement and slick bar 12th Knot on the rooftop. Prices start from £223 per night.

Richmond Hill Hotel, Richmond

Richmond Hill Hotel overlooks such a jaw-droppingly pretty stretch of the River Thames in London’s greenest borough, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were miles from the city, and yet it’s just 15-mins by train from Waterloo. The ultimate holiday in London, it’s got a dreamy restaurant, luxe rooms and 2500- acre Richmond Park on its doorstep. You’re welcome. Prices start from £129 per night.

BERKSHIRE

Monkey Island Estate, Bray

monkey island bray romantic hotels hotels unique stays uk waterside hotel luxury

What’s sexier than being marooned on your own island? Err, nothing. Monkey Island Estate, located in the foodie mecca of Bray (yep, the tiny village with a whopping seven Michelin stars) gives even the Maldives a run for its money. Home to 41 exquisite guest rooms, a floating spa (yes, really), a riverside brasserie, bar, boat for private Thames cruises, and the iconic Wedgewood Suite, nothing is done by half measures here. But as sister hotel to The Gainsborough Bath Spa, you’d expect nothing less. Top tip: go in the summer when the hydrangeas are in full bloom. It’s ridiculously magical.

The Great House, Sonning

Sequester yourself in the tranquillity of chocolate box Sonning, and you may even bump into an A-lister or two (hm, hm, George Clooney). Quaintly nestled on the banks of the River Thames, The Great House is a slice of calm offering 49 groovy and easy on the eye bedrooms, and a Coppa Club restaurant where you’ll want to kick back and watch the world go by. Take in the river from the glass-covered terrace, or take some deckchairs down to the lawn. Homey, cosy, and totally dog-friendly too. Prices start from £126 per night.

KENT

Spindrift, Coaste, Deal

So close to the sea you can hear the waves from the garden, this stylish seaside hideaway in Deal is all about salty air, slow mornings and laid-back coastal charm. Perfect for families ready to unwind by the coast, it comes with thoughtful touches like an outdoor shower for sandy toes and a playful bunk room with custom-made beds the kids will love. Spindrift sleeps up to seven guests plus a baby across two doubles, a full-size single, two dinky bunks and a cot – and is available to book exclusively through Coaste. Prices start at around £500 for a minimum two-night stay, with rates varying depending on the time of year booked.

Shoreline Beach House, Folkestone

The Beach House Shoreline Folkestone luxury beach side accommodation roof terrace sea view

Shoreline is a multi-million-pound development of 84 homes which consists of a mixture 20 beach houses, apartments, and penthouses. Most are privately owned, but The Beach House is available to rent through Kent luxury letting agency, Bloom Stays. Boasting hotel-style, sleek interiors and a rooftop terrace for that stunning sea view, plus a beautifully curved balcony that looks towards the French coastline and captures the sunrise, this accommodation has serious holiday vibes. It sleeps 8 in 4 bedrooms and 3 bath/shower rooms, with two receptions. All perfectly located just a short way from Folkestone’s Boardwalk promenade. Prices start from a minimum of £1000 for a two-night stay.

SUSSEX

The Gallivant, Camber Sands

What with its clapboard accents, sand dunes and luminous vistas, The Gallivant could easily have you thinking you’re in the Hamptons. Then again, with a library, daily yoga classes, and fragrant garden rooms with private terraces to be had, who’d wish themselves anywhere other than right here? This former motel is a short stroll from the beach (you could even do it barefoot) and only 10 minutes’ drive from Rye, one of Sussex’s loveliest medieval towns, complete with cobbled streets, curiosity-piquing boutiques and a hint of smuggler’s swagger. Prices start from £247.50 per night, varying on the room selected.

No. 124 by Guesthouse, Brighton

This newest addition to the Guesthouse portfolio combines stylish luxury with an all-in celebration of Brighton’s rakish seaside spirit. Located on the seafront opposite the iconic West Pier, its historic townhouse setting means rooms are packed with Georgian and Victorian features. You’ll also find record players (check out the vinyl library), and suites come with sea-view balconies. Field Trip Spa is on site, as is Pearly Cow, with its top-notch surf-and-turf options and serious cocktails, but if you’re ready to roam, the city’s best shopping and cultural diversions are right there on your doorstep. Prices start from £185 per night.

ISLE OF WIGHT

The Albion, Freshwater Bay

Perched above the postcard-perfect sands of Freshwater Bay, The Albion Hotel is the kind of elegant seaside stay that makes you want to extend the weekend. Just 10 mins from Yarmouth ferry terminal, this beautifully restored Victorian hotel pairs calming coastal interiors – think aqua-panelled walls, deep bathtubs and sea-view bedrooms – with old-school glamour and knockout views across the bay. Once a smugglers’ haunt and later a favourite of Queen Victoria’s island set, it now boasts stylish rooms, dog-friendly stays and The Rock restaurant, where island-sourced seafood, lobster and local produce take centre stage. Prices start from £195 per night.

The George, Yarmouth

Bar with sea views Solent The George Hotel Yarmouth Isle of Wight

A glamorous coastal hideaway with serious history credentials, The George Hotel sits between Yarmouth Castle and the pier, just steps from the Lymington ferry. Once home to Sir Robert Holmes, the historic 17th-century townhouse now mixes heritage charm with contemporary luxe interiors, stylish bedrooms and freestanding tubs made for long soaks. There’s also a private beach, buzzy Beach Club bar and the airy Conservatory Restaurant serving Mermaid gin cocktails, fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas with dreamy sea views. Prices start from £245 per night.

SOUTH

HAMPSHIRE

Southampton Harbour Hotel, Southampton

A five-star stunner perched right on the waterfront at Ocean Village Marina, Southampton Harbour Hotel was designed to resemble a sleek superyacht – and naturally, it’s surrounded by plenty of the real deal too. Sink into the spa, linger over seafood at The Jetty, or head to HarBar on Sixth for a sundowner, where the panoramic views across Southampton Water are every bit as fabulous as the drinks menu. Prices start from £200 per night.

SOUTH WEST

CORNWALL

Lewinnick Lodge, Newquay, Cornwall

A bit of a hidden gem, just south of the main town of Newquay, marking the SW end of Fistral, stands the East Pentire headland, home to a restaurant with rooms, Lewinnick Lodge, emerging from the craggy cliffs. Quiet and rugged, and yet just a few minutes by car (or 20-minute walk) from the town centre. Book room 1 for dramatic views in two directions, right from the surfers at Fistral round to the wildflower-covered headland below, where the sound of the waves against the rocks will lull you to sleep. Prices start from £212 per night.

Pondhu, Creekside Cottages, Cornwall

Just yards from the harbour and water’s edge at Mylor Yacht Harbour, just along from Falmouth, is Pondhu. Newly refurbished, this spacious waterside house, complete with a sauna in the garden, sleeps up to 12 and enjoys lovely views over the marina and Carrick Roads. Rent via Creekside Cottages – stays are 10-20% off between now and the end of May, including the bank holiday. Prices vary depending on the time of year when booking.

The Old Coastguard, Mousehole, Cornwall

The Old Coastguard garden with sea view Mousehole Penzance Cornwall

The Old Coastguard overlooks Mounts Bay in the fishing village of Mousehole, near Penzance in the far west of Cornwall. Dog and child-friendly, choose from one of fourteen bedrooms, almost all of which look out over the water towards St Michael’s Mount and the Lizard. Dinner is served in the dining room and bar, a traditional brasserie-style menu with a strong emphasis on fish due to the proximity to Newlyn. The menu changes according to season and catch of the day, and around 25 wines and sherries are available by the glass, priced for locals, not tourists, so you can try something new. Our review is here. Doubles start at £197.50 year-round.

DEVON

Byron Woolacombe Holiday, Woolacombe

Four minutes (yes, we counted) from the golden sweep of Woolacombe Beach, Byron at Woolacombe Bay is the kind of coastal stay that makes you want to throw your laptop into the sea and permanently adopt a sundowners schedule. Stylish self-catering apartments and penthouses sleep two to eight guests, making them equally perfect for romantic weekends, family escapes or dog-friendly getaways. Expect contemporary interiors, sea views and terraces or balconies primed for post-surf G&Ts. The vibe is pure North Devon cool: a heated pool, sauna, gym and games room, plus surf shed storage and surf showers for salty dogs and sandy kids. Prices start from £700 per week.

Galions Quay, Dartmouth

Tucked away on the edge of the River Dart, this stylish three-bedroom hideaway sleeps six and serves up sparkling water views from almost every angle. Think boats bobbing past, balconies made for morning coffee and interiors that strike the perfect balance between laidback and luxe. Ideal for family gatherings, couples holidaying together, or a smart South Hams escape with the dog in tow, Galions Quay comes with three bathrooms, parking and plenty of space to spread out. And you can even arrange private chefs for nights when cooking feels far too much effort. Prices start from £340 for two nights.

SOMERSET AND BRISTOL

The Boathouse, Bath

The pretty riverside pub with gardens, rooms and countryside views on the banks of the River Avon – a lovely rustic setting if ever there was one – is literally only a few minutes away from the myriad delights of the World Heritage City of Bath. So sightseeing/shopping by day and watching the sun go down over the hills and river by night, before sloping off to bye-byes in one of nine light and airy ensuite rooms.

Locanda on the Weir, Porlock Weir

This intimate boutique B&B overlooking Porlock’s 15th-century harbour is an oasis of quietly luxurious calm, with four lovely en-suite bedrooms. On the menu: fabulous breakfasts, cheeseboards to share over wine, hiker’s picnics and a series of pop-ups throughout the year with chef/owner Pio’s Italian-inspired five-course set menus (he’s from Naples). On your doorstep: the South West Coast Path, beaches, kayaking, paddle boarding and the glorious Exmoor National Park. Prices vary from £350 for two nights, depending on the room selected.

DORSET

Moonfleet Manor, near Weymouth

Perched right on the edge of Chesil Beach with sweeping views of the Jurassic Coast, this is your stylish seaside HQ – a grand Georgian house turned Luxury Family Hotel where smuggler legends meet child-friendly decadence. Think cosy lounges for fireside lounging, indulgent afternoon teas, and two blissful hours of daily free childcare. Dogs are welcome, too, of course – this is Dorset, not Downton. Prices start from £235 per night, varying depending on which room is selected.

THE PIG – on the beach, Studland, near Swanage

THE PIG-on the Beach is the seaside escape with all the luxe. The 23-bedroom country house comes complete with its own Kitchen Garden, glorious views across the sea, a beach hut and even its very own herd of sheep. Known for its comfy, homely vibes enhanced with luxury, each room, hut – converted dovecote and bothy – comes with its own quirks and perks. The 25-mile radius menu is renowned. Prices start from £165 per night.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Barn Owl, Lower Mill Estate, Cirencester

Tucked away in the stunning Cotswold Water Park nature reserve, this glorious waterside stay will have you in full holiday mode in seconds. Fully equipped so you never have to leave, step out onto your own private balcony for views over Howells Mere Lake, then crack open the bubbly and sink into the giant hot tub. This detached property sleeps up to eight and has a BBQ on the decking; it’s also super dog-friendly. Minutes away is the Cotswolds’ answer to the seaside – the Cotswold Country Park and Beach! Prices start from £629 for two nights, depending on the season.

WEST MIDLANDS

WORCESTERSHIRE

Vivianna, Tenbury Wells

The idyllic waterside Vivianna treehouse is built around a huge ash tree and overlooks a pretty lake. It lies within beautifully landscaped grounds, hidden at the end of a lane on the edge of a stunning wildlife reserve. Wake up to the gentle sound of a waterfall outside and birdsong. It’s perfect for a couple’s getaway or for families. Take your morning coffee and croissants on your wraparound balcony overlooking the view, then go for a dip in your own private hot tub, on the edge of the lake. Prices start from £365 per night from Mon-Thurs, and £465 a night from Fri-Sun.

STAFFORDSHIRE

Bath House at The Tawny, Churnet Valley

Why share your waterside views when you can have your own private lake, cascades, and private heated pool? This luxury serviced holiday home nestled in the leafy Basford Estate is pretty darn special. Part of The Tawny, the UK’s first ‘deconstructed hotel’ in which rooms are dotted around the woodland estate, this Grade II listed beauty sleeps 10 in five lavish bedrooms, a stunner of a kitchen, and a private sauna and chill tub that make the most of those sublime waterside views. Book a break here, and you’ll bag your own host who can create a bespoke experience that includes chef-led BBQs overlooking the lake, rustic feasts in the woodland, cocktail masterclasses, and private yoga. Prices vary (it’s bespoke daaahling). Prices start from £610 per night for two guests.

WEST MIDLANDS

Coombe Abbey, Coventry

Fancy taking a gondola around a moat? Coombe Abbey in Coventry is the place of Bridgerton dreams – a former monastery set in 500 acres of woodland and surrounded by its own moat. Stay in the sumptuous hotel and make sure you book one of its boatmen to take you a trip around the building and its beautiful gardens in your own gondola. Who said romance is dead? Prices start from £242.25 per night.

NORTH

CHESHIRE

New Farm Glamping, Wettenhall

How about quaffing a couple of sundowners on your very own terrace with dreamy views of Beeston Castle in the distance? That’s exactly what’s on the cards if you bed down in one of the swish glamping pods on New Farm – a sprawling and verdant estate in Wettenhall. Sitting on the shoreline of a lake, each pod is adults-only, so it’s definitely one to bookmark when you’re vying for that romantic weekend escape. Adding to the enchantment is the bubbly outdoor hot tub, sun loungers and fluffy robes, plus there’s a kitchenette, gorgeous bed and en suite. Oh, and on your doorstep is the Sandstone Trail, the city of Chester, Oulton Park and miles of countryside to explore. Prices start from £376 for a minimum of two nights.

YORKSHIRE

Saltmoore, Whitby

This is the coastal go-to in the North. Owned by Montana Brown (former Love Island contestant) and her property mogul fiancé Mark O’Connor, this Sandsend stunner has Yorkshire charm and stylish seaside chops by the bucketload. Food is hearty and elegant – please DO try the tempura and cod cheeks – and the bathrooms are so luxurious you’ll be able to spend the whole weekend in water, even if the North Sea isn’t feeling hospitable. A walk along Sandsend beach will soon dry you out.

EAST

ESSEX

The Raft, Chigborough Farm & Fisheries, Maldon

Waterside, you say? Why settle for the side when you can be right in the middle of the lake action? We’re talking, literally floating on water – it doesn’t get much more tranquil than that! A stay on The Raft (a log cabin, floating on its own private lake), will have you unplugging, unwinding and reconnecting in an instant. It might be off-grid, but there’s no roughing it required – you can still kick back with a BBQ on the terrace and enjoy a soak in the hot tub. And it would be a shame not to try to catch a fish or two in the lake (or there’s on-site yoga and massage if that’s more your vibe). Low Season prices start at £225 per night for 2 guests and £262.50 per night in high season.

The Roslin Beach Hotel, Thorpe Bay

With views of an award-winning beach and some seriously Instagrammable interiors, The Roslin Beach Hotel is a popular choice with local celebs (and some not so local). From lavish to sophisticated, each room is timelessly decorated, with a stylish coastal nod to its surroundings. Dining is exquisite, and cocktails on the veranda, with its palm tree-framed sea views, could have you thinking you were somewhere further away than Southend. Oh, and we can’t forget to mention the discounted spa treatments for guests. Staycation anyone? Prices vary depending on which room is selected.

SUFFOLK

Blyth Rise Stays, Laxfield

Blyth Rise Stays on the outskirts of Laxfield is a genuine Suffolk gem that stops you in your tracks from the moment you arrive. Ten acres of landscaped countryside, over 2,000 trees planted and an adult-only waterside haven. Choose between six waterside Lake Lodges with swoon-worthy interiors or six gloriously quirky Woodland Igluhuts – either way, saunas, BBQs, firepits, and an honesty shop stocked with brilliant local produce are all part of the deal. Chuck in al fresco yoga and beauty treatments, and you’ve got a back-to-nature escape that doesn’t skimp on the good stuff. Prices start from £395 for a 2-night weekend.

Pigs In Blankets, Southwold

Perched above the quaint coastal town of Southwold on a working livestock farm, Pigs In Blankets is the glamping experience that we didn’t know could be this good. Four bespoke luxury pods are scattered across six acres of secluded meadow, close enough to hear the sea and far enough from the world to feel like a proper escape. Inside each pod: a double bed, en-suite shower, handmade country kitchenette, wood burner, TV and a mezzanine bunk in two of them for little ones. Outside? A wood-fired bath, fire pit with grill and outdoor seating for enjoying something cold long after the sun goes down. Prices start from £150 per night for two people.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE

Waresley Park Estate, Cambridgeshire

Cambridgeshire might not be the first place that springs to mind for a waterside escape, but Waresley Park Estate is about to change that completely. Just 25 mins from Cambridge, this 120-acre country estate is doing something rather special. A spring-fed wild swimming lake, a luxury lakeside sauna, eight beautifully designed lodges, a country house and an exclusive-use spa that’s home to the rather intriguing floating sound bath experience. Land-locked Cambs has been sitting on a gem here, and we’re sharing it with you! Prices start from £187 per night.

NORFOLK

The Boathouse, Guist

Looking like something from the Ozarks rather than in Norfolk, this stunning boathouse overlooking the lake in sweeping Sennowe Park is a real treat. Though it looks like something from another century with its wattle and daub and exposed eaves, you can still relax and enjoy a stay here with all your creature comforts. The open-plan interior sleeps four with two bedrooms, a generous living space to relax in after a paddle round the lake in the house row boat and the stunning decking area which begs to be sat on with a good book and a cocktail pitcher. Prices vary depending on the season.

The Grove, Cromer

Just five minutes from Cromer’s salty shoreline, The Grove nails that rare combo of seaside escape and laid-back country-house charm. This family-run gem has been welcoming guests since 1936, and it shows. Imagine relaxed Georgian elegance, gorgeous gardens and a proper North Norfolk exhale the moment you arrive. Whether you’re bedding down in a chic guesthouse room, hunkering up in one of the woodland glamping lodges or claiming a self-catering cottage for the weekend, the sea is always tantalisingly close. Morning dip? Pier stroll before supper? Sunset fish and chips on the beach? All entirely doable without moving the car. And when the coastal breeze has done its work, there’s a hot tub, massage hut and AA rosette restaurant waiting to reel you back in. Bliss! Prices start from £167 per night, varying on the accommodation selected.

WALES

Wilder Retreats, Haverfordwest

Book one of Wilder Retreats six A-frame cabins, set in 24 acres of re-wilding Haverfordwest countryside, and feel close to nature. The cabins’ floor-to-ceiling windows look out over land where more than 3,000 trees have been planted, wildflower meadows are being cultivated, and large areas of wetlands are being created. Each cabin’s seven-metre glass frame looks out onto the beautiful coastline, so you can watch the Welsh sunset before taking a dip in your private wood-fired hot tub. The closest beach is less than 10 minutes away, and you’ll be near plenty of charming seaside towns, including the lively Milford Marina. Prices £170 – £250 per night.

Slebech Park Estate, Haverfordwest

Set within 700 acres of woodland and rolling countryside inside Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Slebech Park Estate feels less like a conventional B&B and more like a quiet, self-contained world. The old Coach House, now home to its rooms, balances polished, modern comfort with a kind of understated historic texture – soft linens, considered interiors, and views that drift out over the Eastern Cleddau River or into gardens and trees. There’s a sense of the estate’s past lingering in the background (it was once a base for the Knights Hospitaller), which is anchored in small, well-executed details. As for dining, there’s a thoughtful breakfast built around local produce, the option to eat al fresco, and a great on-site restaurant. Prices start from £145 per night.

SCOTLAND

The Pink Castle, Largs

A 14th-century pink castle on the Ayrshire coast, it looks like something straight from a fairytale, but has been cleverly reimagined for a modern luxury stay. Sleeping eight across four bedrooms, it blends exposed stone, beams and stained glass with playful, design-led touches and hidden details throughout. Underfloor heating and a wood burner make it snug, and an open-plan kitchen makes mealtimes easy and convivial. Upstairs, there’s a second sitting room which opens onto a small balcony, while each bedroom is tucked into its own turret for extra atmosphere. Plus, there’s a sauna in another of the turrets, a wildflower roof garden and an outdoor hot tub overlooking rolling countryside. Seven nights start from £3,119.

House of the Northern Gate, Caithness

If you want to stand at the very edge of the world, few places can compete with The House of the Northern Gate. Perched on Dunnet Head, this stunning nine-bedroom house practically kisses the sky. Recently restored to its full glory, the house sleeps up to eighteen guests in nine individually-styled bedrooms. A blissful retreat in one of the northernmost reaches of Britain, always exclusively yours for the duration of your stay. Bedrooms boast Egyptian cotton linens, fluffy bathrobes and an ambience that invites you to linger. For rainy days – or simply indulgence – there’s a fully equipped gym, a movie room, a games room, a study and a living room with a roaring wood-burning stove. From £1,600 per night.

LONDON & HOME COUNTIES

OXFORDSHIRE

The Relais Henley, Henley-on-Thames

LONDON

Sea Containers London, South Bank

Richmond Hill Hotel, Richmond

BERKSHIRE

Monkey Island Estate, Bray

The Great House, Sonning

KENT

Spindrift, Coaste, Deal

Shoreline Beach House, Folkestone

SUSSEX

The Gallivant, Camber Sands

No. 124 by Guesthouse, Brighton

ISLE OF WIGHT

The Albion, Freshwater Bay

The George, Yarmouth

SOUTH

HAMPSHIRE

Southampton Harbour Hotel, Southampton

SOUTH WEST

CORNWALL

Lewinnick Lodge, Newquay, Cornwall

Pondhu, Creekside Cottages, Cornwall

The Old Coastguard, Mousehole, Cornwall

DEVON

Byron Woolacombe Holiday, Woolacombe

Galions Quay, Dartmouth

SOMERSET AND BRISTOL

The Boathouse, Bath

Locanda on the Weir, Porlock Weir

DORSET

Moonfleet Manor, near Weymouth

THE PIG – on the beach, Studland, near Swanage

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Barn Owl, Lower Mill Estate, Cirencester

WEST MIDLANDS

WORCESTERSHIRE

Vivianna, Tenbury Wells

STAFFORDSHIRE

Bath House at The Tawny, Churnet Valley

WEST MIDLANDS

Coombe Abbey, Coventry

NORTH

CHESHIRE

New Farm Glamping, Wettenhall

YORKSHIRE

Saltmoore, Whitby

EAST

ESSEX

The Raft, Chigborough Farm & Fisheries, Maldon

The Roslin Beach Hotel, Thorpe Bay

SUFFOLK

Blyth Rise Stays, Laxfield

Pigs In Blankets, Southwold

CAMBRIDGESHIRE

Waresley Park Estate, Cambridgeshire

NORFOLK

The Boathouse, Guist

The Grove, Cromer

WALES

Wilder Retreats, Haverfordwest

Slebech Park Estate, Haverfordwest

SCOTLAND

The Pink Castle, Largs

House of the Northern Gate, Caithness

IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?

Coastal cool: 25+ dreamy UK coastal & waterside stays to book now

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