Quiet Seaside Breaks to Book Now
With the schools going back at last, here are the best spots for a quiet seaside getaway in the UK
Salcombe
On the south coast, in the picturesque county of Devon, Salcombe sits snugly on the banks of the Kingsbridge Estuary, right where the twisting river meets with the English Channel. A picturesque, pastel-painted town known for its combination of outstanding coastal scenery, great pubs and hotels, this upmarket seaside spot draws visitors from far and wide.
Salcombe is a haven for any water sports fanatic whether you stay in the calmer waters of the estuary or take the plunge and head further out. It’s popular with the sailing community but if you don’t have a boat then kayaking is always a great way to enjoy the water and Salcombe Watersports offer lessons (ranging from beginner to expert) from their base in Port Waterhouse. Want to try something else? They also offer paddle-boarding, power boat and windsurfing courses. For a more leisurely time on the water, book an excursion with Salcombe Cruises and relax as the experienced guides show you the historical sites and hidden gems of the area (for something really special, you can book your own private cruise and tailor it to suit what you want to see most).
Away from the water, take time to explore this corner of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Top of your list of things to see has to be Overbeck’s Garden at Sharpitor, a hidden tropical paradise on the cliffs above Salcombe. If you want to stretch your legs we recommend the Salcombe to Gara Rock walk, a leisurely four-mile stretch which has breathtaking views of the coastline and mouth of the estuary.
Looking for a day on the beach? Salcombe has plenty of options. South Sands is one of the more popular beaches in the area (and is dog-friendly from November to March), boasting crystal blue waters and a Blue Flag award. It’s also an easy walk from the town centre, or take a ride in the little ferry which runs between the two – what’s not to love? North Sands is a good option for families as its tranquil, shallow waters are perfect for little ones to paddle in, only a 15-minute-walk from the centre of Salcombe. This beach is dog friendly year-round too. Across the estuary, family-and dog-friendly Sunny Cove at East Portlemouth can be accessed via the South West Coast Path or alternatively is a short ferry ride from Salcombe’s centre and tends to be a bit quieter too.
Most famous for its crab, there are plenty of places for foodies in and around Salcombe. The Crab Shed, a seafood restaurant perched on the waterfront, is a must visit. Their specialty is (of course) hand-picked, local crab cooked to perfection, but there are other delicacies to enjoy here too including pan-seared scallops, bouillabaisse, garlic prawns, and there is also the option to take away. The Winking Prawn is a popular and well-known pub on the harbourside, and Dickandwills is another excellent choice with a good amount of space dedicated to al fresco dining. For a quick pick-me-up during a day of exploring, head to Salcombe Dairy where their award-winning ice cream is to die for and they also offer a great range of teas and coffee to take away, or pop into iconic Cranch’s Sweet Shop crammed with jars of traditional sweets and treats.
Where to Stay
Harbour Beach Club Hotel and Spa
This hotel has enviable views across South Sands as well as a luxurious spa and beach-front dining. The rooms here are bright and airy with framed views of the water and the penthouse suite has the added bonus of a covered balcony. Their ocean-inspired wellness spa features a 12-metre indoor pool, sauna, steam room and plenty of treatments to choose from. The restaurant has a relaxed vibe, with an impressive wrap-around terrace and well-stocked bar.
South Sands Boutique Hotel
Another great option based on South Sands, this independent hotel has a welcoming and laid-back atmosphere that keeps visitors coming back year after year. For a touch of luxury opt for the J-Class room, complete with two stand-alone roll top baths overlooking the water and a large, private balcony. This hotel is a great option if your four-legged friends are coming with you, with special rooms set aside that are dog friendly.
Gara Rock Hotel
Gara Rock is a sleek and elegant hotel perched on a clifftop overlooking the estuary. The suites here are exceptional, offering a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of traditional seaside holidays. Tucked away from the main hotel, The Secret Suite is glass-fronted with a large open-plan living room – great for a romantic escape for two. For relaxed all-day dining visit Kitchen at Gara, or for a special fine-dining experience try Restaurant at Gara.
Mull
Off the west coast of Scotland, the Isle of Mull is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, fascinating history and breathtaking coastline which makes it a long-standing favourite for visitors. Tobermory is the go-to place to visit on Mull – and with good reason. It’s iconic colourful houses, independent shops and good food make it a no-brainer for first time visitors, but Mull has so many other hidden gems to visit that we’d recommend going off the beaten track during your time there.
To the north of Mull, visit the picturesque Calgary Bay, where shockingly blue water laps at the white sand and a meandering burn meets the tide. This is a great spot for wild swimming (if you can brave the temperatures) and is also a good starting point for the excellent coastal walk to Caliach Point to the north. Further north still, Langamull may not be as well known as Calgary Bay, but it’s all the better for it, offering a quiet and tranquil stretch of sand. The beach is also not far from the nearby ruins of Kildavie, and has spectacular views out to Rum. For something spectacular, make sure to stop by Eas Fors Waterfall (which is actually made up of three waterfalls), only a few miles north of Ulva Ferry – if you make the effort to walk up to the upper falls you will be rewarded with some breathtaking views. For those looking for fun on the water, head to Salen Bay where you can hire paddle-boards and kayaks.
If you want to give your feet a rest, book a pony trekking excursion from Killiechronan at the head of Loch na Keal. This is a great option for families who want a gentle tour and there are also more challenging routes available for those who are more confident. Mull has an impressive array of wildlife and one of the best places to get up close with the birds is at Mull Eagle Hide at Craignure on the east coast. Come with questions as the experienced rangers know everything there is to know about the local birds and their habitat, but be sure to book ahead as it is very popular throughout the summer.
There are plenty of spots dotted around Mull where you can stop in for something to eat. Café Fish on the waterfront in Tobermory is a great local eatery which serves fresh seafood cooked well. Expect dishes like Croig oysters, smoked mackerel pâté and classic fish pie. The contemporary Am Birlinn is another good option, with elevated Scottish classics like Cullen skink, confit duck with potato dauphinoise and haggis spring rolls with beetroot and apple slaw. For a picturesque coffee stop during your day, head to The Glass Barn at Isle of Mull Cheese Farm. A farm shop-cum-café, The Glass Barn has sweeping views across the surrounding countryside and a menu filled with local ingredients.
Where to Stay
Isle of Mull Hotel and Spa
Found to the south east of Mull, this four star spa hotel is a luxurious place to rest your head. We recommend booking the Sea View Suite, a spacious room with a Juliette balcony, decking area and incredible views of the sea. The Driftwood Spa is the perfect place to relax, offering an outdoor hot tub, 17-metre pool and a mud room to help you recover after a long day.
Torloisk Estate
Built in 1770, this historic ancestral home has been transformed into a unique self-catered holiday getaway, perfect for large groups and families. There are eight bedrooms to choose from here, all decorated with classic country charm, and there are also secluded, private gardens and woodland surrounding the house as well as great sea views over the west coast of Mull. The estate offers smaller accomodation as well as the large house, including Grouse Cottage, Normann’s Ruh, and Shepherd’s Light.
Killoran House
This luxury guest house overlooks the quaint village of Dervaig to the north of the island. There are five rooms to choose from here, each light and airy with large windows. The Soa room is particularly nice, with twin-aspect views which let in heaps of natural light. The guest house restaurant is a sweet hidden gem with panoramic views of the nearby loch.
Tenby
An iconic coastal town on the south coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales, Tenby is pretty as a picture with its rows of pastel houses surrounded by blue waters. From beautiful beaches and independent shops to its fascinating history, there’s so much to do and see here.
Tenby boasts a number of award-winning stretches of coastline. Probably the most Instagrammable area is North Beach, a golden stretch of sand dotted with rockpools and the impressive Goscar Rock. Fair warning, this beach is understandably busy during the warmest months so head down early to secure the best waterside spot. Tenby Castle Beach has the unique draw of St Catherine’s Island just off the shoreline, featuring a Napoleonic fortress – a short walk at low tide, but be careful not to get stranded. One of the longest stretches of sand is Tenby South Beach, an impressive two kilometres of beach backed by dunes which has been awarded the Blue Flag Award and is typically not as busy as other beaches around Tenby.
You can book an activity with Tenby Adventure who run classic kayaking tours, or for something a bit different try their coasteering routes where you will explore the area with an expert guide by walking, climbing and swimming along the coastline together. Away from the water, take time to enjoy this beautiful corner of Pembrokeshire. The looping walk from Tenby to Saundersfoot is a great way to see the best of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The moderately challenging 10-mile route begins and ends at South Beach car park. For a taste of the history of the area, take a trip across to Caldey Island, a monastic island that has been run by monks for more than 1,000 years (and still is to this day).
Tenby has a great range of restaurants and cafés to choose from. Salty’s Beach Bar and Restaurant is always a popular choice with great views of the sea. Expect delicious dishes like Salty’s Lazy Hake Burger served with homemade tartar and skinny fries, lobster and king prawn linguine, and lamb cutlets with new potatoes and mixed greens. Baytree Brasserie is another great option in the centre of Tenby. The dishes here are made using local Welsh produce and there’s a good range of wines and specialist cocktails. For a relaxed morning coffee, head to Fuchsia near North Beach. This dog-friendly café serves a good range of hot drinks as well as classic breakfast options, and has outdoor seating too.
Where to Stay
The Broadmead Boutique B&B
This 18th century country house is situated in its own half acre of gardens a short distance from the centre of Tenby. The bedrooms are all individually designed and are spread across the main house and the coach house, which is a stone’s throw away. Take time to relax in their south-facing gardens or in one of their three comfortable lounges.
Heywood Spa Hotel
This luxurious spa hotel is the perfect place to rest your head. For a truly indulgent stay, opt for an executive room which comes with its own private balcony (or patio) overlooking the lawns. Take some time for yourself at the spa where you can choose from a range of treatments to soothe the aches and pains of the day.
The Park Hotel Tenby
This hotel has great panoramic views of North Beach and the harbour, with direct access to the sand and cliff-top terraces for relaxing in the sun. Their superior rooms (with sea views) are the best way to get the most out of the surrounding scenery. The hotel’s Garden Bar is well worth a visit with chic interiors and a well-stocked bar.
