Holiday cottages near sandy beaches…

What do the shimmering sands of West Country beaches say to you? Sandcastling? A horse ride along the shore? Surf’s up? Whatever your reason for loving the beach, take a look at this selection of holiday cottages near sandy beaches – all with availability this July and August.

Newquay has five magnificent beaches and at least one is always sheltered. Famous for surfing, new and seasoned surfers gather here all year round, with classes and wet suits at the ready for anyone who needs them. Spindrift overlooks Whipsiderry beach, voted one of the ten finest beaches in Europe by Sunday Times Travel, and is positioned perfectly for a coastal path walk out to Porth Island.

The coastal village of Charmouth in Dorset offers dramatic Jurassic Coast views. The sandy and pebbly beach is popular with fossil hunters and is about 7 minutes' walk from the The Old Manor House, a beautifully and carefully refurbished 16th century Grade II listed building.

There’s a great sense of history down at St Mawes in Cornwall, where two beaches would have once been watched over by royalty at Henry VIII’s castle. Coppers is within easy walking distance of St Mawes beaches and village centre, with a beautiful south-westerly view over St Mawes River and Falmouth Bay. See the coastline from a different angle by catching the pedestrian ferry across to Falmouth.

Kellaton in the South Hams is ideal for those looking for a sandy stretch of beach to stroll along. The sleepy, tranquil hamlet with occasional vehicle and horse-rider passing through is a mile from the lovely, unspoilt sandy beach at Lannacombe and coast path to Start Point. Enjoy the peace and quiet at Orchard View.

For more West Country holiday cottages close to sandy beaches with availability this summer, click here.

Celebrating the stunning Fal River region…

One of Cornwall’s most popular destinations, with over 2 million visitors per year, the Fal River region stretches from Falmouth up to Truro and down to St Mawes. 26 beaches line the coast, and the Fal River boasts some of the UK’s most wonderful waterways.

There’s more than coastline though – it’s an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Special Area of Conservation. You’ll be charmed by the stunning scenery of the Roseland Peninsula, with miles of unspoilt walks and traffic-free cycle routes to get you deep amongst its boundless natural beauty.

Our own Adrian Innocent gets hands on at the Festival

One of the best times to visit has to be at the start of June, when the Fal River Festival offers an excellent opportunity to embrace the places, people, history, culture, sport and industry that are connected by this very Cornish river. This not-for-profit community festival comprises over 150 events varying from music and drama, the arts and heritage to gig racing, swimming, walking and lots more. Last year more than 100,000 people attended a range of different events, raising £75,000 for charity. We regularly sponsor this event and can heartily recommend it. If you feel like joining in, the Festival runs from Friday, 1st June  to Sunday, 10th June.

We now only have a handful of cottages available in the region during the festival.

In nearby St Mawes, Peel Cottage is a very comfortable and welcoming detached cottage just two minutes’ walk from the enclosed patio garden via lane or footpath to the waterfront, beaches and shops. Once there, this beautiful village situated at the end of the lovely Roseland Peninsula looks across to St Anthony Head and to Falmouth and the Helford River. Fancy popping over to Falmouth? Take one of Cornwall’s iconic boat trips and catch the St Mawes Ferry to Falmouth harbour.

Coppers is another well-located property within easy walking distance (300 yards) of St Mawes beaches and village centre. From the elegant and spacious interior of this comfortable, three-storey house you can enjoy far-reaching south-westerly coastal views over St Mawes River and Falmouth Bay. Both Peel Cottage and Coppers have a Wednesday changeover day which means you can miss the weekend traffic when travelling.

In the heart of Perranwell, in country lanes between Falmouth and Truro, Ancarva Cottage is a lovely semi-detached cottage with its own ‘secret’ garden by a stream. The private lawned garden with patio, perfect for al-fresco breakfast or a contemplative evening drink, is accessed by a short (50 yards) footpath beside the cottage. Another stunning ferry ride connects you to the Roseland Peninsula – established in 1888, the historic King Harry Ferry is one of only five chain ferries in England.

In addition to the Fal River Festival, we also sponsor the Fal Walking Festival in October. What better way to enjoy this very special area? A number of organised and self-guided walks take in some truly world-class scenery.

Browse all our cottages with availability for the Fal Walking Festival.

Top photo by Tim Green.