Sleep by the Sea: Quirky Coastal Stays, Beach Huts & Lighthouse Hideaways in the UK

You’re on the coast, where more iconic to stay than a lighthouse? Punctuating our entire coastline, it takes waking up to sea views to an entirely new level! 

Towering beside the River Nene in Sutton Bridge Lincolnshire, the Sir Peter Scott lighthouse is a converted Grade II listed beacon once home to the conservation pioneer Sir Peter Scott. Sleeping eight in four bedrooms, enjoy the quirky circular dining room, games room, private garden and spectacular riverside views. The garden’s ponds house some of the world’s rarest geese! 

On the north east coast, experience what life was like for a lighthouse keeper with a stay at one of two Victorian Keeper’s cottages beside Souter Lighthouse near South Shields. With its dramatic red and white hoops this is South Tyneside’s beacon of history. For kids there’s an activity trail, craft activities and rockpool rambles and you can still see the machinery in working order and climb to the top of the tower to gaze out at the beautiful South Tyneside coastline.  Surrounding the lighthouse are miles of grassy fields, dramatic cliffs and rocky bays. 

With stunning views of the Jurassic Coast from Portland Bill, Dorset, Old Higher Lighthouse’s former owner was Dr Marie Stopes, stay in Stopes Cottage, named after her, which is linked to the lighthouse via a long corridor. You’ll have shared access to the circular observatory at the top of the lighthouse with a second cottage, Branscombe Lodge, along with lovely, heated pool and Jacuzzi. 

If you’d rather spend a day at a lighthouse, head to South Foreland, a landmark of the White Cliffs in Kent. It was built in 1846 to warn mariners of the dangerous shifting Goodwin Sands (worryingly known as the Great Ship Swallower) and guide them through the Strait of Dover. 

This location has featured a lighthouse since the 1300s and was the first to display an electric light anywhere in the world.  What’s more, South Foreland was the spot for the first ever ship-to-shore radio transmission, recorded here by Marconi. 

The only way to see inside is with a guided tour, no need to pre-book, just turn up at 11am and buy tickets at the shop, adults £8, children £4, 2 adults and up to 3 children, £20. Climb to the top for far-reaching views of the Channel and, on a clear day, the French coast. 

A little further up the Kent coast, North Foreland Lighthouse stands tall on the chalk headland above Broadstairs. It offers two self-catering former lighthouse keeper’s cottages, Lodesman and Khina, they’re child-friendly and surrounded by spacious lawned grounds safely away from the cliffs. 

Overnight in a beach hut, historic chalet or Romany caravan, there’s never been better choice for switching off in an inspirational setting .

If you’re seeking a get-away-from-it-all escape, check out Humberston Fitties, a unique, historic chalet park in North East Lincs near Cleethorpes. It’s one of the last remaining 1920s ‘plotlands’ and offers privately-owned holiday chalets on the Humber Estuary, ideally placed for beach holidays, walking and birdwatching. The beach features a stretch of golden sand and is located between the Saltmarsh and Marine Embankment, the Humber Mouth Yacht Club offers a host of water sports including sailing, power boating, kayaking and more.   

On the south coast, South Lytchett Manor Camping and Caravan Park, just outside Poole, Dorset, features hand-crafted glamping retreats for couples and families and their dogs. Choose from a range of inspirational accommodation options - Romany caravans, Shepherd Huts, Glamping Pods and Stargazing Yurts. 

Set in 20 acres of parkland and well served with food outlets and shop, it’s ideally placed for exploring Bournemouth, Swanage and a host of Dorset attractions, including Abbotsbury Swannery, the newly reopened Poole Museum and Corfe Castle. 

However, if waking up to the sound of waves lapping the sand floats your boat, book a Bournemouth Beach Lodge. Situated on the sands at Boscombe, the lodges are well-equipped and stylishly designed with smart kitchen and bathroom, perfect for early morning swims and sunset barbecues and since they’re cosily heated, make an ideal break year-round.  

Just a short hop along the coast, Mudeford Spit at Christchurch features some of the rare beach huts that allow overnight stays. With enticing names like Toad Hall and Water’s Edge, stay at the Hengistbury Head end of the Spit, a Site of Scientific Interest and nature reserve for Roe and Muntjac deer, foxes, badgers, birdlife and wildflowers. 

Unspoilt sandy beaches lie on one side and a lagoon with glorious sunsets on the other, this is a magnet for bird lovers, migrating birds arrive here in spring and autumn. This is the spot for paddleboards, canoes and water sports, a short walk around the head of the peninsula leads to Long Beach where pro windsurfers hone their skills. 

Explore Essex from the water! 

Try paddleboarding and kayaking on the River Chelmer, great for both complete beginners and experienced paddlers. Winding through peaceful countryside and historic waterways, this is ideal for slow travel lovers seeking a connection with wildlife. 

Or why not book a stay beside the water at Riverside Village Holiday Park on the River Crouch? Nine miles from Southend-on Sea and with its mix of comfy accommodation and on-site facilities, this is a great base for families or couples looking for water sports in a relaxed setting, come for SUP, fishing and riverside strolls. 

Lee Wick Farm Cottages and Glamping provides the perfect space to entirely switch off. Close to the north east Essex coast, stay in luxury cottages or glamp accommodation and take a digital detox blending comfort with adventure. 

There’s a chic, European vibe at Roydon Marina Village, think al fresco waterside dining alongside sleek boats. Nestled in Lee Valley Regional Park the Village’s centre piece is a scenic 32-acre lake, enjoy a luxury lodge with hot tub and spend your days sailing, kayaking and exploring the local countryside. 

Paper Mill Island, Little Badow, offers one of Essex’s most original boltholes, a truly off-grid island hideaway with exclusive stays in its historic island house or secluded lodge. Accessible only by boat, mess about on the water, paddleboard, fish or simply relax and watch the comings and goings of river life, what’s more it’s open at Christmas and dog-friendly. 

But for a slice of timeless British seaside culture, book a Maldon Beach Hut. Set along the estuary, these colourful holiday hideaways create perfect lazy coastal days, picnics by the water watching boats drift past, the ideal venue for budding photographers and day trippers.