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.

A room with a view…

There are many writers, artists and musicians who have been inspired by sea views - spy thriller writer John le Carre, for instance, lives in a rambling house at the top of a cliff near Penzance. Virginia Woolf wrote To the Lighthouse inspired by views of a beach near St Ives. 

The best coastal holiday cottages have uninterrupted views across blue waters and golden sand that will have you champing at the bit to get out for a barefoot walk in the morning. These two apartments were made for their coastal panorama and are both fantastic chill-out places to stay.

Fort Picklecombe was built in 1848 to protect Plymouth, so a clear line of sight over the waves was vital. The fort is now converted into excellent apartments but you still may see warships passing by the window as Plymouth is home to the largest Naval base in Western Europe. Not that you'd know it from the calm rock pool beach below Lighthouse View - a neat and stylish apartment, perfect for a breakfast on the balcony to soak up the stunning seascape. Beautifully kept shared gardens are an added bonus. Sleeps two.

Pentire, Newquay, enjoys the quieter side of the Cornish town famed for its beaches. Smart and sunny Pentire Heights Apartment is ideally located - it has no less than five sandy shores nearby. Its lovely long views are of Fistral beach, which is very popular with surfers and other watersports enthusiasts. Proximity to the coastal path makes this a great base for walkers, too. Sleeps five.

Take inspiration from our selection of West Country holiday cottages with sea views.

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