Best beach stays in the UK and Ireland for a peaceful break in 2023

Flee from crowds at these under-the-radar seaside escapes

There are many hidden spots to discover along our coastlines – if you know where to look (Alamy/PA)

A few summers ago when lockdown lifted, there were countless reports of people bunching together on beaches and crowding coves as we all sought to flex our newfound freedom and make the most of the glorious weather.

Even now, with all restrictions a distant memory, it seems many people got a real taste for staycations, and are now far more likely to book a break in the UK and Ireland than they were pre-Covid. And while that’s great for homegrown hospitality and tourist trades, it can make finding a peaceful spot a lot trickier – especially if you’re after a beachside break.

But search a little harder and there are still many hidden spots to discover along our coastlines – places where it’s possible to sunbathe solo or take a dip soundtracked only by crashing waves.

Below are a few secret shorelines that are still under the radar – from England and Wales to Scotland and Ireland – where solitude is (almost) guaranteed. The best bit is they come with some lovely beachside stays to come home to after a day by the sea.

Best beach stays in the UK and Ireland are:

• Best for families: Levante Cottage
• Best for coastal walks: Beach Hut Suites
• Best peaceful retreat: Brackenbank Cottage
• Best for luxury: Links House
• Best for active pursuits: Ty Cwch Boat House
• Best for foodies: Cliff Beach House

Best beach stays in England

Best for families: Levante Cottage

Location: Beadnell Bay, Northumberland

An area of staggering beauty that’s vastly underrated, Northumberland benefits from fantastic scenery, both inland and at sea. Even though the coastline is well known, it’s still less popular than some of the UK’s honeypot destinations, and beaches are often refreshingly crowd-free.

Close to Beadnell Bay and its sandy beach, dog-friendly Levante Cottage is a cosy coastal getaway with waterside views. Sleeping up to six, the property features an open fire for cold nights, but the idea is to spend as much time as possible outdoors. After paddling in the surf, visit one of the area’s A-list castles: Bamburgh starred in the Hollywood version of Roald Dahl’s BFG, while Alnwick has doubled for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films.

Price: A week’s stay costs from £659 (six sharing), plus £20 supplement per dog

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Best for coastal walks: Beach Hut Suites

Location: South Downs, West Sussex

Nothing sums up a nostalgic summer by the sea better than a beach hut. Decorated in candy-box colours, the rows of shore-side properties have entertained British holidaymakers for decades.

While you’ll struggle to snap up a coastal cabin of your own (they sell for eye-watering prices), it’s possible to book a temporary stay at these modern huts in West Sussex.

Find them located on a seven-mile coastal footpath, in a lesser-visited part of the Sussex coast, near the South Downs. Built in 2019, the four self-contained huts belong to The Beachcroft Hotel, where guests can make use of facilities, including an indoor heated pool – useful if the English Channel is too chilly.

Best peaceful retreat: Brackenbank Cottage

Location: Rame Peninsula, Cornwall

This stretch of Cornish coastline is so under the radar, even locals aren’t sure where it is (Alamy/PA)

It’s hard to imagine there’s a stretch of Cornish coastline yet to be discovered, but the Rame Peninsula – often referred to as the county’s “forgotten corner” – is supposedly so under the radar, even locals are baffled by its whereabouts. To clarify, it’s in the south east, just across the border from Devon, and is surrounded by three bodies of water: River Lynher, River Tamar and the Plymouth Sound.

Tidal creeks, sandy beaches and clifftop footpaths characterise the peaceful place, where nearby attractions include Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park: a Tudor property surrounded by landscaped gardens, temples and follies.

Perched on a cliff at Whitsands Bay, Brackenbank Cottage is a Scandi-styled hideaway, where gulls swoop overhead and dolphins cruise out front.

Price: A week’s stay costs from £830 per week (five sharing), plus a small charge for dogs

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Best beach stays in Scotland

Best for luxury: Links House

Location: Dornoch, Highlands

Links House enjoys amazing views of Dornock Firth (Links/PA)

Undeniably beautiful, Scotland nevertheless divides opinion when it comes to the weather. But Dornoch is an exception – benefitting from its own microclimate, the seaside town is much warmer and evenings are lighter than elsewhere in the country.

Madonna and Guy Ritchie got married here years ago, but despite several claims to fame, the sleepy site is still relatively unknown.

Close to the beach and just a 45-minute drive from Inverness, Links House is a five-star, 15-room hotel, divided into three cottages. Built in 1843, it enjoys superb views of the Dornoch Firth, and sits on the famous 516-mile NC500 driving route (a favourite of Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond, who stayed whilst filming Top Gear). Four of the leading single malt whisky distilleries are also within a 30-minute drive.

Best beach stays in Wales

Best for active pursuits: Ty Cwch Boat House

Location: Cwmtydu

Cwmtydu Beach and coastline is perfect for action-lovers (Alamy/PA)

Further north of Pembrokeshire, and far less busy, the stretch of Cardigan coast between Llangrannog and New Quay is a playground for active pursuits: go hiking, cycling, coasteering, kayaking or surfing. Alternatively, stroll along the shoreline and explore hidden coves. The coastline is dotted with pretty beaches, National Trust sites and sleepy towns.

Cwmtydu, in Ceredigion, is a small hamlet, where a winding lane connects to a narrow valley dropping into the sea. Very close to the pebble beach, Ty Cwch Boat House is a collection of three cabins constructed from stacked shipping containers – available to rent either individually or exclusively for a group of 12. Tables and chairs have been upscaled from wooden crates, and large doors can be rolled right back for a glimpse of sea views.

There’s ample space to store kit, such as kayaks and bikes, which can be rented locally. The owners can also put guests in touch with qualified instructors, who can design bespoke itineraries.

How: From £136 per night (four sharing one cabin)

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Best beach stays in Ireland

Best for foodies: Cliff Beach House

Location: Ardmore Bay, Co Waterford

Cliff Beach House’s six bedrooms have vast glass windows framing Atlantic waves (Cliff House/PA)

Set below a medieval cathedral tower dating back to the 12th century, Ardmore in County Waterford has a superb sandy beach. When the sun shines brightly, swirls of turquoise appear, making it look like an exotic escape.

Constructed by the team behind the award-winning Cliff House Hotel, the ultra-modern Cliff Beach House is an exclusive-use luxury rental property a two-minute walk away, which benefits from access to the hotel’s Michelin-starred chefs.

Making the most of its waterside location, all six en-suite bedrooms have vast glass windows framing Atlantic waves. A patio area is available for al fresco dining or a dip in the hot tub. On stormy days, stay indoors and tinkle on the baby grand piano, if you please.

Read more of our hotel reviews:

• The best dog-friendly Cornwall hotels
• Where to stay in the Scottish Highlands
• The best family-friendly UK hotels

Read more about UK and Ireland travel:

• The best wild swimming stays in the UK
• Where to stay in Dublin
• Best UK holiday destinations for families