18 best beach house rentals for a seaside staycation

beach house rentals
The best beach house rentals for 2024Booking.com

Looking for a beach house rental for a sun-kissed staycation as the summer draws ever closer? You've come to the right place. We've done the hard work for you, and selected the best self-catering pads you can rent for your next seaside escape.

These stunning beach houses in the UK offer epic sea views, nautical-inspired interiors, cosy rooms, and incredible settings right on the beachfront or just moments from the water – in short: all the ingredients you need for the UK beach holiday of dreams.

From Cornwall to Aberdeenshire, our pick of the best beach house rentals includes everything from cute cottages and impressive townhouses to design-led lodges. We've found the places to rent for two or as many as 12 people, and our round-up of beautiful beach house rentals feature a few seriously luxurious pads, too. Whether you're looking for a beach house to spend the summer with the whole family, your significant other, or a group of friends (girls trip, anyone?), we've got you covered.

There's a beach house with a hot tub in the Highlands, an uber-chic townhouse with a sun terrace in Devon and an adorable cottage with cosy home comforts in County Antrim. You'll find beachfront homes for rent in Kent, Northumberland and East Sussex, too.

So, without further ado, check out Red's curated list of best beach house rentals in the UK for 2024.

Aldeburgh, Suffolk - Best beach house rentals

This adorable beach house rental in the seaside town of Aldeburgh is just moments from the sea and affords beautiful Scandinavian design. The rental featured in CBeebies series Grandpa in My Pocket and is incredibly chic and modern inside. There are bar stools for enjoying breakfast in the kitchen, a balcony from the bedroom for soaking up the setting and a terrace for watching the world go by.

Sleeps: 4

CHECK AVAILABILITY

beach house rentals
Booking.com

Croyde, North Devon - Best beach house rentals

The sprawling Heatherdown beach house can sleep up to 12 guests, making it the perfect seaside getaway for groups. Situated on the Downend headland, it overlooks Croyde Bay, is just a few minutes' walk from the beach, and boasts gorgeous views out to Lundy Island from the garden too, which is particularly beautiful at sunset. There's a fabulous deck complete with BBQ and wood-fired oven for al fresco feasting, while inside you'll find stylish décor, a games room, cosy snugs and standalone tubs.

Sleeps: 12

CHECK AVAILABILITY

beach house rentals
Courtesy Airbnb

Margate, Kent - Best beach house rentals

This relaxing haven in the heart of Margate makes a compelling claim to the best sunsets in town, with panoramic sea views through bright, airy windows. It's close to everything Margate has to offer: the Old Town, the Turner Gallery and many cafes and shops. It's also great for active types, with Walpole Bay two minutes away. The classic meets contemporary decor is great, as are the sea views from bed.

Sleeps: 4

CHECK AVAILABILITY

best beach house rentals
Airbnb

Lower Largo, Fife - Best beach house rentals

Weaver's Cottage is as idyllic a beach rental as they come. Originally built from stone in the 18th century, it has oodles of old-world charm but with all the modern amenities you need for a smooth sojourn. The atmosphere is super cosy thanks to the log-burning stove, exposed beams, coastal-chic furnishings and lovely mezzanine bedroom. Outside, meanwhile, you'll find direct access to a designated bathing beach, the Fife coastal path and a chain walk route to Elie for the more adventurous.

Sleeps: 2

CHECK AVAILABILITY

beach rentals
Courtesy of Airbnb

Alnmouth, Northumberland - Best beach house rentals

South View House offers modern-chic apartments just 100 yards from the beach. There's plenty of space for groups of six to lounge around, whether you want to put your feet up in the light-filled sitting room, sip a glass of wine on the terrace or sink deep into the marble spa bath. Pets are also welcome and you'll find amazing walks on your doorstep.

Sleeps: 6

CHECK AVAILABILITY

beach house rentals
Booking.com

Cushendun, County Antrim - Best beach house rentals

Set in Cushendun, near the Cushendun Caves, Rockport Lodge is nestled right beside the sea at the north end of the wide sandy beach, looking out to the Mull of Kintyre across the Irish Sea. There are two cottages that date back to 1813 and allow you to relax in your own garden terrace, kick back by an open fire or wonder at the ever changing seascape from the panoramic windows. Custom-made beds, hand-woven throws and organic bed linen make up some of the luxuries inside.

Sleeps: 2 or 4

CHECK AVAILABILITY

beach house rentals
Booking.com

Isle of Portland, Dorset - Best beach house rentals

This idyllic little pad offers island life in Dorset, with its glorious views over Chesil Beach and a patio to soak up the rays. The beach house rental for two offers a calm and cosy escape, with a sofa bed, pretty garden and kitchen essentials for a comfortable mini-break by the sea.

Sleeps: 2

CHECK AVAILABILITY

beach house rentals
Airbnb

Budleigh Salterton, East Devon - Best beach house rentals

Live out your coastal manor house fantasies at Watch Hill, a property so impressive it was featured in the 1986 Miss Marple film Sleeping Murder. It's located within a large manicured garden on the Jurassic Coast and with a lovely 2.5 mile pebble beach nearby. The set-up is as luxurious as you'd expect, with chandeliers, marble bathrooms, stylish details, standalone tubs, a huge kitchen and dining space, and even a tree-house on the grounds for little ones to enjoy.

Sleeps: 21

CHECK AVAILABILITY

beach rentals
Courtesy of Airbnb

Ramsgate, Kent - Best beach house rentals

This beach house rental is packed with character, with bedrooms featuring balconies and roll top baths, French doors and breathtaking views of the sea and sunsets. There are chic spaces to dine and socialise, while the holiday home is just a few steps away from the sandy beach for a wonderful locations for your seaside escape.

Sleeps: 6

CHECK AVAILABILITY

beach house rentals
Airbnb

Pennan, Aberdeenshire - Best beach house rentals

For something charming and traditional, these beach house rentals close to Pennan and opening onto the secluded Cullykhan Bay are a delightful place to stay in Scotland. There are one, two and three-bedroom cottages featuring recycled materials and local craftsmanship throughout. The beautiful Banffshire coastline is ideal for walks and the bay next to the cottages is a protected area, so you can spot dolphins and seals here.

Sleeps: 2 to 6

CHECK AVAILABILITY

beach house rentals
Booking.com

Pentire, Cornwall - Best beach house rentals

This Boho-chic holiday home near Fistral Beach offers sea views, a bright and spacious living space and a king sized bed. It's tastefully decorated in a minimalistic style: expect rattan, Berber furnishings, vibrant houseplants and a beachy feel. The flat is ideal for couples looking for a stylish place to stay on the coast, close to all of Newquay's key attractions.

Sleeps: 2

CHECK AVAILABILITY

best beach house rentals
Airbnb

Kingswear, Devon - Best beach house rentals

This super-stylish townhouse boasts incredible views and will take your breath away. With its floor-to-ceiling windows and California-style sun deck, the beach house rental in Devon is a dream. Set on the beachfront in Kingswear, you can take in the views of the River Dart from the luxury four-bedroom pad. We like the open plan living and high-spec furniture.

Sleeps: 10 (8 adults + 2 children maximum)

CHECK AVAILABILITY

beach house rentals
Booking.com

Folkestone, Kent - Best beach house rentals

For an idyllic coastal retreat, just 550 yards from Folkstone's beach in Sandgate, look no further than Seagulls, a beach house rental that sits within a gorgeous period building. It has four bedrooms, seaside-inspired interiors and an Insta-worthy exterior. You'll went to relax with a drink in the living room, where you can sink into the sofa and soak up the sea views.

Sleeps: 8

CHECK AVAILABILITY

beach house rentals
Booking.com

Looe, Cornwall - Best beach house rentals

Soak up the sunshine in Cornwall at this delightful cottage overlooking Looe Beach. It takes in three views in one: up the estuary, over the town and beach, and along the coast. The massive decking area is great for alfresco dining and simply relaxing with a book. It's also on the Coastal Path, making it ideal for days out walking. Plus, it comes with parking which is rare in Looe.

Sleeps: 4

CHECK AVAILABILITY

beach house rentals
Airbnb

Charlestown, Cornwall - Best beach house rentals

Set in picturesque Charlestown, Antonia's Pearls is a collection of six beach house rentals, where you can choose from a cabin, cottages and a villa. You'll find a private garden, a wood burner, stylish furniture and all the essentials you need for a romantic or family getaway in Cornwall.

Sleeps: 2 to 4

CHECK AVAILABILITY

beach house rentals
Booking.com

St Leonards-On-Sea, East Sussex - Best beach house rentals

Step inside this impressive East Sussex beach house rental and you'll feel like you're somewhere more exotic. It's part of a former boutique hotel and furnished to reflect places around the globe, transporting you to the likes of Japan and Antarctica. The apartment, set across the ground and first floor of a building, sits right on the beachfront in St Leonards-on-Sea. With its hot tub, BBQ and sea view, it ticks all the right boxes.

Sleeps: 16

CHECK AVAILABILITY

beach house rentals
Booking.com

Glencoe, Highlands - Best beach house rentals

Looking for a beach house rental with a hot tub? Try this one with lake views in Glencoe. A villa with wonderful spaces to dine and relax together, the self-catering pad comes with access to a restaurant, 24-hour front desk and bar. There's a garden and terrace and it's the perfect location for long days of hiking and cycling before you return to the bubbling hot tub.

Sleeps: 7, 8 or 9

CHECK AVAILABILITY

beach house rentals
Booking.com

Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire - Best beach house rentals

Ideal for exploring the North Yorkshire coastline, this contemporary beach house rental has outstanding views and an inviting terrace for drinks and BBQs. It's great for families, groups of friends and dog-lovers, and we love the comfy lounge and dining area for relaxing indoors after long walks. The bedrooms are stylish and minimalist in design, with two doubles and a twin.

Sleeps: 6

CHECK AVAILABILITY

More Airbnbs to browse:

- The best Airbnbs in Lake Como

- Stylish Airbnbs in Paris

- Quiet luxury Airbnbs for a chic escape

beach house rentals
Booking.com

You Might Also Like