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2692 Log Cabins with a nearby beach in the UK

The UK has a huge number of beaches, but for most of us a day on the beach involves a long drive with lots of traffic if the sun is shining. So how nice would it be to stay in a log cabin where the beach is on your doorstep, or at least just over that hill? Log cabins usually have a nice verandah where you can leave out the windbreak, body boards or wetsuits, or just the buckets and spades. After all the kids will want to use them all again tomorrow! The log cabins below have beaches close by.

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The Loft 6

Woodbridge, Suffolk, East of England

The Loft From £1359 Availability

From the outside of The Loft, you would never guess the mastery in design that lies within! Though still gorgeous outside, this two centuries old former corset factory and furniture warehouse offer stunning, atmospheric New York loft living with contemporary industrial vibes throughout. The three bedrooms are all downstairs with dreamy ensuite bathrooms and a delightful snug. Upstairs, you will be truly wowed at this spacious gem with incredible open plan living and illuminating light.

The clever and imaginative design has taken The Loft to heavenly heights. Careful restoration has left warm exposed brickwork, iron beams, and glints of copper from days of old meeting trendy, contemporary style. With industrial inspiration, the double-height living spaces make you think of New York loft living. There are hints throughout the buildings ancient past. A large section of the vaulted roof is made of glass with stunning effect. The sleek black kitchen complements the anthracite steel ceiling and blends brilliantly with the beaming exposed brickwork. Your party chef will be very impressed! Colourful chairs surround the gorgeous dining table, perfect for a celebration feast. This is a very social space. Underfloor heating throughout warms your feet through the outstanding wooden floor. The lounge area is another statement, with trendy, comfy sofas surrounding the contemporary wood-burning stove: even the utility room excudes style and elegance, all in black.

Downstairs, three sensational bedrooms offer superb sleeping accommodation for 6, all with kingsize beds and ensuite bathrooms. The industrial theme continues together with modern artwork and luxury linens. The snug is a comfy hideaway with gorgeous turquoise seating where you can escape to enjoy your holiday read, catch up on emails or children can watch some television or play games.

Located in Woodbridge's pretty market town, this wonderful, unique conversion is sure to impress, enthral and delight. You are in the centre of the town to walk from your doorstep to enjoy all that Woodbridge has to offer.

The Loft is a pet-friendly house too, so you are very welcome to bring along two of your furry friends.

The delightful, historic town of Woodbridge lies 8 miles up the River Deben from the sea. It is close to some major archaeological Anglo-Saxon sites including the Sutton Hoo burial ships. Woodbridge is famous for its attractive boating harbour, The Tide Mill and has previously been named as the best place to live in the East of England!

It is on the edge of the glorious Suffolk coast and an the Heath Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Woodbridge boasts some excellent shops and superb pubs and restaurants. The town’s river walk and the Tide Mill was voted the most loved element of Woodbridge by the residents. Visitors can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee on the quayside and stroll along the riverside paths admiring the iconic working Tide Mill. The riverside vistas are incredibly pretty and Instagram worthy! You might even spot a seal along the way. There are many unique, independent shops in Woodbridge, even a violin shop. There are frequent local produce, vintage and craft markets held on the Market Hill, in the shadow of the stunning Shire Hall.

Woodbridge’s Valley Farm Equestrian Leisure is sure to be hit with horse loving visitors. All abilities and ages over 4 can enjoy meeting, petting and learning about the horses and animals. There are some lovely tracks through the woodland and along the river banks. They offer one-off sessions or courses.

The National Trust’s Sutton Hoo is a popular visitor attraction. It is home to great archaeological discoveries. Visitors can walk around the ancient burial mounds, discovering the incredible story of the ship burial of an Anglo-Saxon King and his treasured possessions. There is a full-size reconstruction of the burial chamber and stunning replica treasures. There are also original finds, including a prince’’s sword. Sutton Hoo is a hauntingly beautiful 255 acre estate with stunning views over the River Deben. It is a fantastic day out, even if you are not particularly interested in archaeological finds. Inside the Edwardian house, children can dress up like Anglo-Saxons and outside they can enjoy the adventure playground.

You may want to drive through the countryside area of outstanding beauty for a day at the seaside at Aldeburgh. This pretty, quaint village boasts pretty, pastel painted architecture, art galleries for a browse, charming coffee shops, lovely restaurants and a delightful beach. The stunning ‘Scallop’ sculpture on the beach is 4 metres high and is inscribed with the words ‘I hear those voices that will not be drowned’ from Benjamin Britten’s famous opera Grimes. It is a celebration of the village’s famous resident of more than 30 years. There is an annual Aldeburgh Festival which takes place in June. Visitors can buy the freshest of catches at the colourful fisherman’s huts on the beach and head along to the estuary to admire the lovely sailboats and yachts.

Northrepps House 8

Northrepps, Norfolk, East of England

Northrepps House From £1864 Availability

Northrepps House is a stunning, four bedroom, traditionally styled flint and brick farmhouse. With a fantastic blend of old-world charm meeting contemporary stylish living, guests will be delighted with this immaculate, spacious holiday home. Located in the pretty village of Northrepps, the house is just 2 miles from the stunning Norfolk coastline and very close to the iconic seaside town of Cromer.

Cromer is famous for its pier and Pavilion Theatre where the UK’s only remaining traditional end of pier variety show takes place each summer and winter. The pier is an enduring example of Victorian architecture, having withstood many storms and tidal surges.

The exterior of Northrepps House is brilliant and gives you an inkling of what to expect when you open the door. Guests are delighted with the fantastic, modern living spaces and the calm, elegant decor. Splashes of exposed flint, restored wooden beams, vaulted ceilings and stunning brick fireplaces offer a warm and inviting ambience. The brilliant white walls work as a wonderful blank canvas for modern artwork. Plush, luxury furnishings are in every room, ensuring modern comfort. Grown-ups will be drawn to the main living room with soft grey sofas and a contemporary log burner in the huge brick inglenook fireplace. Children will be delighted to have their own living room with its treasure chest of games and toys and its fabulous furnishings. The spacious kitchen diner is fantastic for entertaining in cream, white and brown tones. The well-equipped kitchen is a chef’s dream with plenty of preparation space, shiny granite worksurfaces and impressive appliances. There is no excuse not to cook up a storm here!

Outside, guests can enjoy alfresco dining using the house barbecue, table tennis for family fun and relaxation, and you can pop into the deluxe hot tub. What bliss! The garden is spacious with lush green lawns and smart fencing all around, offering complete privacy.

Northrepps House boasts four very special bedrooms. Flint, beams and vaulted ceilings feature. The master bedroom enjoys a king-size bed and an immaculate en-suite bathroom. There are a double room, a twin and another room with a zip and link bed which can either be set up as a super king or twins. All of the bedrooms ooze an elegant luxury feel. There are three contemporary bathrooms in total.

With quiet, sandy beaches close by and all the fun of the fair at Cromer, Northrepps House is a brilliant choice for a family or group of friends. Two of your pets can even come too!

Northrepps is a quiet, pretty village, very close to the famous sandy Norfolk coastline and the charming seaside town of Cromer. Cromer is perched on the very edge of the north Norfolk coast. It is famous for its delicious crabs, wide open beaches, its lighthouse, its proud tradition of RNLI service and, of course, the iconic pier. There are many small local independent shops and you can have a good feast at one of the town’s many restaurants. The Henry Blogg Museum offers a wonderful insite into the lifeboat service’s history.

Mundesley is a pretty Victorian seaside village further east. It is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty with fabulous coastal walks. Mundesley became popular with the Victorians after the opening of a railway in 1889. There are plenty of walking footpaths, circular routes and walking trails including the Paston Way and the Norfolk Coast Path. Close by, Southrepps Common is an important area for wildlife with woodland and wild flowers. A fine nine hole golf course built in 1901 sits on the River Mun valley hillside with fantastic views over the coast and countryside.

In the opposite direction, Sheringham is another traditional seaside town on the Deep History Coast. It was once an old fishing village and now offers a Blue Flag beach, scenic walks along the pretty promenade, colourful beach huts, a theatre, museums, cafes, tea rooms, restaurants and many special events. There is a Viking Festival each winter, celebrating the town history and the Crab and Lobster Festival and Sheringham Carnival in the summer months. There is also a Steam Gala in the autumn, celebrating the heritage North Norfolk Railway which runs from Sheringham to Holt, through Kelling with awesome sea views along the way. The National Trust’s Sheringham Park is a popular excursion with miles of hilly countryside covered with gorse and purple heather. Fantastic views can be found at the top of Beeston Bump, a large grassy hill 103 metres tall.

If you carry on from Sheringham, you can enjoy the delights of Blakeney with its stunning Instagram worthy harbour and entertaining seal trips. Further still, Wells and Holkham are wonderful. Inland, Holt is extremely pretty and worth a visit. You will find unique, independent shops, art galleries and, of course, you can take the railway back to Sheringham.

Aberporth House 12

Aberporth, Dyfed, Wales

Aberporth House From £3947 Availability

Occupying a glorious privileged position on the hillside of Aberporth, Aberporth House is a Welsh wonder, standing majestically taking in the breathtaking panoramic views. This incredibly smart 5 bedroom holiday home offers sumptuous interiors and supreme comfort from within its towering three storeys.

The delightful holiday resort of Aberporth boasts two fabulous Blue Flag beaches between the rocky headlands of Trecregyn and Fathgarreg and a few seaside shops, cafes and pubs. It is a fantastic base for exploring the sensational Wales Coastal Path.

Aberporth House is a contemporary build, featuring huge glass windows to make the most of its elevated position and the gorgeous panoramic sea and beach views. The open plan living space is situated on the first floor, further elevating the swanky lounge areas. This magnificent coastal gem sleeps up to 12 guests plus two furry friends. A rather grand sweeping staircase leads guests upstairs, flanked with decorative wrought iron bannisters. The pristine kitchen, with elegant grey tones, boasts double ovens and a smart granite island where guests can sit on a bar stool keeping the chef company. This kitchen is a chef’s delight. The fabulous dining space looks straight out to the glistening ocean and the colourful boats on the golden sands. You can relax in the deep sofas and chairs enjoying the same idyllic views. There is a second living space in the Orangery whose cathedral skylight illuminates this spacious area. It is the ideal space for children to play or to enjoy the Sunday newspapers. The impressive cinema room with its 75 inch screen and reclining leather seats will be a hit, as will the games room with a pool table, table tennis, bar skittles and an electric piano. You will know where to find the young ones!

You will be truly wowed by the second floor master bedroom suite. Enjoying full height windows, the views are incredible. The bedroom is vast with an exceptional lounge area and stairs to an upper mezzanine bedroom with twin beds. There is also an outstanding furnished terrace with wonderful vistas. Surely the place for a glass of champagne while you dream that you never have to leave? This master bedroom suite is a perfect family suite. There are four other bedrooms, all immaculate and offering superb comfort. In total there are 4 king-size beds and 4 single beds in this seaside house. It boasts 6 sensational bedrooms offering a mix of baths and walk-in showers or both. There is even a Jacuzzi bath in the master en-suite.

Outside, guests can enjoy the two terraces and a patio for alfresco dining. Your chefs can prepare a meal on the house barbecue or in the pizza oven, while you relax on the loungers or enjoy a game of outdoor chess.

Aberporth is a small Welsh village on the southern edge of Cardigan Bay. Visitors are attracted by the fabulous beaches and access to the stunning Wales Coastal Path. You will find visitors sunbathing and playing on the golden sands or launching boats to enjoy the fresh water. There are pleasure boats, sailing boats, kayaks and canoes. You will also probably see fishermen unloading crate after crate of giant spider crabs and other seafish. In the 17th and 18th centuries herring were plentiful in Cardigan Bay so Aberporth had at least 20 full time herring smacks. Now it is mainly crab and lobster fishing. You will find rock pools exposed at low tide and the cliff top walks along the Cerdeigion coast boast extensive views as far as the Lleyn Peninsula. You will find a few shops, cafes and a friendly pub. There is a wonderful carving of a leaping dolphin overlooking the beach. Bottlenose dolphins are frequently seen close to shore in Aberporth, hence the carving.

The Wales Coast Path is well established with clear signing and spectacular walking, especially from Cardigan to Borth. From Aberporth you may just want to walk along the cliffs to Tresaith or you may want to take the circular walk. There are seaside saunters along the fronts of coastal towns and villages, literary trails such as the Dylan Thomas Trail around New Quay, delightful strolls along country lanes bordered with ancient hedgerows full of wild flowers, invigorating walks across wild headlands enjoying stunning views of the rugged Cardigan Bay coastline, challenging mountain hikes in the remote uplands of the Cambrian Mountains or slow riverside rambles along the Teifi, Aeron Rheidol and Ystwyth valleys. Cardigan Bay has a number of useful little buses if you do not want to drive.

There are some amazing cycle routes around Cardigan Bay. You can hire cycles from New Image Bikes, Cardigan if you do not want to take your own.

One of the favourite places to canoe is along the River Teifi. At 79km it is one of the longest rivers in Wales, starting at Teifi Pools high up near Tregaron. The section from Llechryd Bridge to the mouth of the river at Poppit Sands is tidal so it makes a wonderful half day canoe trip if there is enough water. You must check the tides. Surfing is popular in Aberporth, Poppit Sands and Llangrannog.

Whitby Theatre House 8

Whitby, North Yorkshire, North of England

Whitby Theatre House From £1495 Availability

The atmospheric Grade II listed Whitby Theatre House offers 8 guests a superb comfortable base in the very heart of the wonderful, historic town of Whitby. This fabulous, characterful townhouse retains gorgeous original features and has been renovated to an extremely high standard. Whitby Theatre House was formally a famous theatre dating back to 1775 and oozes charm and appeal.

Famous for the striking Gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey and the delicious fish and chips of The Magpie Cafe, Whitby is a very attractive town with quirky narrow streets, a bustling harbour and lovely beaches. It is no surprise why Whitby is so popular and this historic house, particularly, a huge hit with guests.

The four-storey Whitby Theatre House is deceptively spacious and perfect for a large family or group of friends. With wonderful sash windows and high ceilings throughout, the rooms spill light everywhere, and there are fabulous Whitby rooftop views from the top floor. The lower ground floor is home to an outstanding open plan kitchen and dining room and a separate utility room. The modern kitchen is huge. It is extremely well equipped and perfect for gourmet dining. You even have a wine fridge!

Upstairs on the ground floor, the comfortable lounge is rather grand with a fabulous, atmospheric open fire as well as a smart TV. This townhouse is packed with features including chandeliers and gorgeous ceiling cornicing.

Handpicked furnishings and accessories complete this luxurious accommodation. There is a separate snug and TV room, perfect if you have guests wanting a little of their own space for a quiet read or teenagers wanting to game on the PS2.

Two of the tastefully decorated, lavish bedrooms are on the first floor. One offers a kingsize bed and a contemporary ensuite bathroom with a bath. The other boasts a kingsize bed and has use of a separate private shower room. Throughout the house, eye-catching decorative items will make you smile. There are Singer sewing machine bookends, maritime clocks and an ancient safe. There is a seaside theme too amongst the artwork and soft furnishings. The level of attention to detail is impressive. It is clear that this is a much-loved home.

On the second floor, you will find two gorgeous bedrooms with charming sloping ceilings, one with a double bed and the other with twin beds. There is also an outstanding bathroom to share where you can soak in luxury in the freestanding bath. It really calls for a glass of bubbles!

Whitby Theatre House also boasts a private enclosed courtyard and south-facing patio area with views over the town where you can relax, enjoy a cup of coffee and watch the world go by. Teenagers will be delighted to find the small games room with table football.

Whitby is definitely a town that offers something more than your typical coastal seaside resort. There is more to Whitby than meets the eye! It is famous for its connections to Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Captain Cook. It boasts a Gothic culture with quirky narrow cobbled streets, independent shops and the ruins of Whitby Abbey overlooking the town. There is a monument to Captain James Cook up on West Cliff where he is looking out to sea. You can also visit the Captain Cook Memorial Museum and learn more about his life and time in Whitby.

Expect to encounter a hill or two, not to mention the 199 steps to the abbey and St Mary’s Church. There are plenty of excellent restaurants. Of particular note is the famous Magpie.

Cafe. It is quirky with numerous levels and offers many seafood dishes and the traditional fish and chips.

You can enjoy classic seaside fun with crabbing, sandcastle building and walks along the pier, not to mention the amusement arcades. Just along from the main town and harbour, you will find the lovely sandy beaches of Sandsend and Runswick Bay. Sandsend was originally two villages, Sandsend and East Row.

Six miles south of Whitby is the picturesque old fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay. It is beautiful with a sandy beach, rock pools, ancient fossils, narrow twisting cobbled streets and alleyways. You can easily imagine the fishermen and smugglers walking the streets hundreds of years ago. It is quite easy to get lost in the little warren of lanes lined with old fisherman’s cottages. Most have now been renovated. The village is buzzy with a good range of cafes, pubs and restaurants, and charming, unique shops.

Staithes is also an unmissable village to explore. It clings to the hillside and boasts winding cobbled streets, 18th-century cottages and characterful pubs. This fabulous coastal village was once one the largest fishing ports in the North East, but now it is a wonderful hillside gem perfect for exploring Yorkshire’s clifftop paths and the rock pools on the small sandy beach.

There are many stunning coastal and country walks, cycle paths and 800km of bridleways close to Whitby. You will be amazed at the peaceful and tranquil countryside of the North York Moors National Park.

Wells Cattle Shed 10

Wells-next-the-sea, Norfolk, East of England

Wells Cattle Shed From £2488 Availability

Prepare to be wowed by Wells Cattle Shed! With graphic designer owners, it is no surprise that this is a stunning, almost magical barn restoration. All on the one level, gorgeous exposed brick and flint walls and restored ancient beams blend perfectly with sumptuous furnishings and fantastic contemporary design. Urban chic meets traditional Norfolk materials making you smile and your soul expand in appreciation.

Wells Cattle Shed was originally exactly what you would think. Now it is a four bedroom luxury holiday home sleeping ten guests. Situated between Wighton and Binham, just outside of the the glorious seaside town of Wells-next-the-Sea, this wonderful house enjoys the renowned huge Norfolk skies and is very close to the North Norfolk Coast’s fantastic array of beaches. Two of your furry friends are welcome to join you. They will just love the mammoth expanses of sand and the deep pine forests at Holkham.

Every inch of this special, sprawling barn conversion is spectacular. It makes you think of New York loft living or warehouse conversion with its vast open plan spaces and vaulted ceilings. The attention to detail is seriously impressive and the colour palettes are totally on trend. You will find perfectly placed fairy lights, original beach themed artworks, industrial style table legs and artistic pottery vases all mingling with rich, deep traditional chairs and warm wood. The combinations show brilliance.

The vast contemporary kitchen is a chef’s dream. You can gather around the enormous island chatting to the chef and admiring the smart blue handmade DeVol units. The huge range cooker is perfect for cooking with wonderful local Norfolk produce. You may even have picked some samphire from the beach to go with fish delights from Gurneys of the quaint, ‘Chelsea-on Sea’ Burnham Market. You can enjoy dinner around the massive farmhouse table under the gorgeous rafters. Even the handy utility room offers interior design brilliance.

The lounge area is equally spectacular with squishy sofas and leather chairs, all enjoying this fabulous vaulted space. It really is incredibly social and absolutely perfect if you have a special occasion to celebrate.

Three calm, elegant havens contain emperor sized beds, dreamy luxury linens and quirky decorative items. The fourth bedroom is a child’s dream with two sets of bespoke wooden bunkbeds, perfect for late night chatter and giggles. The four sumptuous bathrooms enjoy glistening copper tones where you can soak your stresses away under the super powerful rainfall showers.

Outside, guests can enjoy the courtyard garden with barbecue and the lovely countryside views.

The Wells Cattle Shed is located between two small villages, Wighton and Binham, just outside of the the fabulous seaside town of Wells-next-the-Sea. Wells-next-the-Sea is one of the loveliest towns on the North Norfolk coast. With a huge sweeping sandy beach scattered with dunes and grasses and bordered by pinewoods and pretty pastel beach huts, it is seaside paradise. A minature train takes you between the beach and the harbour and town centre. You will find excited children crabbing on the quayside opposite delicious fish and chip shops and a few amusement arcades. The shopping lane takes you up to the pretty, leafy green known as ‘The Buttlands’ which is home to welcoming gastropubs. From the extraordinary, Instagram worthy beach you can walk to the vast expanses of Holkham Beach where the Household Cavalry can be seen galloping the shores. The beach and pine forest walks are wonderful. Young ones will enjoy the Wells to Walsingham Light Railway.

The beach at Holkham is one of the most unspoilt and beautiful stretches of sand in the country. With a glorious semi-circle basin filling to form a spectacular shallow lagoon at high tides, this beach is famous for the closing scene in Gwyneth Paltrow’s ‘Shakespeare in Love’ and is also very popular with bird-watchers.

The Holkham Estate is huge at 25000 acres. Holkham Hall is rich in history, architecture and wildlife. The seat of the Earl of Leicester, this elegant 18th century mansion is still a much loved, lived-in family home which visitors can also enjoy. There are 6 acres of walled garden, originally laid out by Samuel Wyatt in the late 1700’s. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the walking and cycling paths, the lakes, watching the deer, the tree top high ropes course with its swings, bridges and ziplines, rowing boats, canoes and kayaks on the lake and the woodland play area. It is an outstanding family excursion.

If you enjoy a potter around the shops, Burnham Market and Holt are perfect. Brimming with unique independent shops, welcoming gastropubs such as the Hoste, cute delis, cafes and galleries, all around a delightful village green, Burnham Market is incredibly popular. Look out for the August arts and crafts fair with puppet shows and alfresco dining! Holt is another Norfolk gem, again with wonderful art galleries, eateries and charm.

Other North Norfolk delights are Blakeney, Scolt Head, Brancaster and Holme next-the-Sea. You will find an impressive array of gastropubs and spectacular beaches.

Langton Barn 10

Weymouth, Dorset, South West of England

Langton Barn From £2397 Availability

Nestled in the idyllic Dorset countryside, close to the seaside town of Weymouth, Langton Barn offers all the space and airy openness you’d expect from a lovely barn conversion!

You’re surrounded by huge, open fields and the sea in the distance, and the interiors are delightfully evocative of this natural setting. Stone and wood flooring throughout ensures a sense of nature, while the high vaulted ceiling frames the modern fittings within beautifully. Your kitchen is a contemporary wonder, with sleek monochrome units set side-by-side with a Sandyford Range cooker and granite worktops. To the other side of a fabulous breakfast bar is a solid wood dining table, with space for the whole group to enjoy memorable meal times together. The vast living area, meanwhile, sits at the far end of the space, with French doors allowing the sea breeze to roll in as you lounge on these luxurious sofas.

Upstairs you’ll find the first two of four fabulous, spacious bedrooms, including a superb master suite with a king-size bed and a fantastic en-suite bathroom. The second is another fantastic double room, complete with a family bathroom across the hallway. On the ground floor there is a third double room, with a lovely large double bed at its heart, and finally a family room! In here you’ll find two plush single beds as well as a set of classic wooden bunk beds, ideal for those travelling with youngsters. There is a final, accessible bathroom on this ground floor, with a huge walk-in shower.

Out in this magnificent garden, directly outside the living area, you’ll find a superb alfresco dining area, complete with a load of sun lounger all around it on the terrace, perfect for relaxed days in the sunshine. A huge lawn envelops the house, providing space for all the family to enjoy a little play, and at the far end, tucked among the vibrant shrubs, is another picnic area, so you can enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this rural location and the sound of the sea in the distance as you sip your morning cuppa!

Nestled just outside the quaint village of Langton Herring, boasting a village pub and a stunningly beautiful collection of thatched cottages and picturesque gardens, Langton Barn is ideally placed for an idyllic holiday in the countryside! And what’s more, the seaside town of Weymouth is just a 10 minute drive away, with a vibrant array of shops, cafes and even galleries - not to mention a stunning sandy beach, a harbour and delicious fresh fish and chips!

For a perfect day in the fresh air and sunshine, head down to the beautiful Chesil Beach which you can see from the house! The magnificent Jurassic Coast, comprising 95 miles of coastline with 185 million years of geological history is well worth a visit, with the South West Coast Path running along a large section of it. Or if you’re after a traditional English beach trip with the added delight of white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and world-class sailing and surfing, you will not be disappointed! The county is brimming with events and attractions, and for the gastronomists among you, there is a fine array of fresh, local produce on offer across the region.

Enjoy the warm, welcoming and easy-going folk of the West Country, and the endless sandy beaches, fossil cliffs, medieval towns and national parks of Dorset, a truly unmissable county! Those looking for a rural retreat in the fresh air, amid spectacular beaches and magnificent countryside need look no further.

The charming rural delight that it is, there are in fact no cities in Dorset! But to the west you’ll find Exeter, with its Roman era City Walls, vaulted, medieval underground passages and stunning Gothic cathedral, built in the 12th-century! To the east you’ll find Southampton and to the north are the magnificent cities of Bath and Bristol! All four enjoy a lively nightlife thanks to the sizeable student populations, and a packed calendar of events!

Access to Dorset by car is easy, with excellent connections to Devon, Cornwall, Bath and Bristol, and of course London, around 100 miles away. If flying to the area, Bournemouth International Airport is just 25 minutes away, while Exeter International and Bristol International Airport are also nearby.

Hailsham Country House 12

Heathfield, East Sussex, South of England

Hailsham Country House From £2660 Availability

Hailsham Country House is a magnificent home for a family getaway that elegantly blends traditional charm with modern delights!

Throughout this spectacular home you’ll find enchanting details and original 17th century features, from beamed ceilings, to impressive tables and rugs, to the inglenook fireplace and this wondrous feature staircase! As you step inside you’re greeted by a stunning long hallway, complete with original beams and beautifully furnished with period furniture set around an open fire! There are countless living areas, from the wonderful warm and bright conservatory with table football for the kids (and big kids!), to several more casual spaces with sofas. The kitchen, with navy, white and light wood creating an inviting space. For more formal occasions  is the heart of the home, with a stunning set up for 10 - 12 guests, and even a bar alongside it with tons of fine glassware for a tipple or two!

Across the home there are four excellent bedrooms, each wonderfully spacious and welcoming. Three of the rooms feature both a king-size bed and extra twin beds, to create space for plenty of guests and families, while there’s an additional twin room, too. As well as a shower room provide a delightfully sparkling space with huge walk-in showers, or large bathtub for you to enjoy some pampering in glorious surroundings.

Heading out onto your superb terrace you’ll find the incredible covered pool, with chairs to sit alongside in between dips! There’s even a sauna for you to feel totally cleansed and relaxed! The home is set among a private garden with mature trees, a lovely large lawn and fabulous casual seating throughout.

With this fabulous location just a few minutes from the coast in the beautiful county of East Sussex, Hailsham Country House offers guests an ideal spot for enjoying the countryside, the seaside, and a few fabulous towns in between!

You’re right on the cusp of the stunning High Weald Area of Natural Beauty, a vast, pristine landscape dotted with medieval manors, ancient woodland and picture-perfect scenery. Indeed, a maze of rolling countryside, abbeys and battlefields, medieval villages, bustling market towns and gorgeous coastline, East Sussex is also the most forested county in England! Diverse, inspirational landscapes and breath-taking views from the endless tranquil and unspoilt settings make this an incredibly enticing county right on the south coast of England. And that’s not to mention its 90 miles of stunning beaches and vibrant towns!

With 1,750 hours of sunshine per year, ‘Sussex by the Sea’ offers some of the sunniest and cleanest beaches in the UK, including the traditional English seaside town of Brighton, whose beach is renowned for its packed seafront. And then there’s Eastbourne, Bexhill-on-Sea, Hastings and St Leonard’s, to name but a few. Take a trip to Hastings old town, the shipwreck heritage centre and flamingo adventure park for the perfect day out!

There are endless fabulous homes and gardens to visit, including Great Dixter House and Garden, Michelham Priory and Sheffield Park Garden with an array of stunning colours, exotic flora, magnificent gardens, elegant lakes and even a sculpture trail! Meanwhile, for something a little more lively, one of the major seaside resorts of Britain, Brighton, less than 40 minutes away, offers some funky nightlife, offbeat shopping in alternative boutiques and traditional British seaside fun! Brighton has a rich, varied and exciting nightlife, and in May holds the Brighton Fringe Festival abounding with street performers, theatre groups, musicians, guided walks and other lively and fascinating events.

For an active day in the sunshine, stretch your legs on the South Downs Way, which traverses from Eastbourne to Winchester along England’s newest national park, the South Downs National Park, with 1,600km2 of breath-taking views and hidden gems. Indeed, if you’re a keen walker or cyclist, there’s 3500km of walking paths, bridleways and scenic roads, including the well-establish routes of the Cuckoo Trail, and the incredible Forest Way.

Walberswick House 10

Walberswick, Suffolk, East of England

Walberswick House From £3334 Availability

An incredibly striking home bursting with comfort and style, Walberswick House is a luxurious spot for a large group and all just a short walk from the beach!

As you approach the house you will be amazed by its sublime facade - a modern take on a traditional country home. And stepping inside it’s every bit as beautiful. Your vast farmhouse kitchen oozes traditional charm with a dazzling monochrome design throughout and impressive features, including a huge range cooker, a Belfast sink, blender and coffee machine. Delightfully connected alongside this through large open archways is an elegant dining area for the whole group, which itself links in wonderfully to the garden through a fully retractable wall of patio doors - inviting the warmth and sea air inside the home. There are two stunning living areas to choose from when it’s time to put your feet up. The first modelled like the dining area, with two separate entrances to the terrace through big French doors and a wood burner at its heart, the second embodying the same breath-taking bold design as the kitchen - and each brimming with cosy sofas and chairs for the ultimate relaxation.

For rest, meanwhile, there are five superb bedrooms, including four double rooms to choose from! All located on the first floor, each offers a fabulous view of the garden and, just beyond it, the sparkling sea! All five rooms, including two magnificent master bedrooms, feature the same deeply satisfying fusion of classical style and modern comfort, with huge comfortable beds set before vast French doors onto a brilliant balcony beyond or overlooking the garden. Across the balcony, sun loungers offer a place to soak up the sunshine, feel the sea air tingle at your skin and enjoy the peace of this incredible location. There are four double rooms and a fifth room with a set of bunk beds with a reading lamp over each bed. Two of the rooms enjoy fabulous ensuite facilities while there’s an additional bathroom on each floor, offering a range of walk-in showers, large bathtubs and elegant styling!

Out in your garden, meanwhile, a delightful mixture of manicured lawns and wild bushes echo the beach landscape just beyond the end of the boundary wall. Incredible garden furniture offers a comfortable spot for socialising or solitude, sunbathing or shade-seeking on a sunny day! With a fabulous table and chairs set up, you can dine alfresco together in the sun each day - perhaps enjoying a peaceful breakfast in the dawn glow!

Walberswick is a former fishing village known for its annual crabbing competitions. Its surrounding heath and marshland are protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and it is home to two pubs, a tearoom, art gallery and gift shop

Just across the street you’ll find a small Co-op, while about 300 meters away is the first pub, The Anchor, and less than 500 meters away is the superb sandy beach, with its vast dunes. The town itself is quaint and compact, perfect for a stroll.

And for something slightly bigger, just a few minutes’ walk, or short ferry journey, away, just across the harbour to the north, is Southwold, perhaps the most quintessentially English seaside town. The town itself is vibrant, with quaint shops, plenty of cafes and restaurants and countless scenic spots to sit back and watch the world go by! Whilst at the beach, you must pay a visit to the charmingly old-fashioned Pier, teeming with bizarre amusements, including Tim Hunkin’s eccentric inventions!

Meanwhile, if you fancy a tipple, or even just a fascinating few hours, visit the Adnams Brewery, winner of The Good Pub Guide 2011’s ‘Brewery of the Year’, where brewery tours are on offer throughout the year and you can try some of the huge variety of Adnams beers on offer. There’s also a thriving arts scene at Southwold Arts Centre during the summer months, so be sure to catch a show from Suffolk Summer Theatre!

Starting at its southern border with Essex and stretching all the way to Lowestoft and the Norfolk coast, the 50 miles stretch of enchanting and often wild coastline of Suffolk has a little something for everyone! With charming villages, medieval towns and exquisite natural beauty all set against breath-taking skies it is a true feast for the eyes!

Blakeney House 8

Blakeney, Norfolk, East of England

Blakeney House From £2418 Availability

A seaside haven set just a stone’s throw back from the stunning Norfolk coastline, Blakeney House is an unmissable treat for a large family or group of friends to enjoy some of the finest English scenery.

The home itself is every bit as beautiful as its surroundings, designed to blend in with and enhance its connection with the natural world around it, with double size windows and full walls of glass! First explore your sublime kitchen: the gentle colours of the sky, ranging through pastel blues to soft greys complement the Aga along the back wall, which creates an incredible traditional feel to this otherwise wonderfully modern space. Right alongside this is your superb living room, with a sofa stretching across the wall of windows, looking out over the fireplace and TV. On the other side of the hallway you’ll find a second lovely dining area, with natural tones working their way into every part of the room. There’s an extra TV room for cosier moments in front of a film or curled up with a book, and even a games room with a pool table and table tennis for more active entertainment! As you head up the first floor you’re met with a casual living area where you can settle into a seat by the floor to ceiling windows and admire your private garden and the dunes just beyond it.

Each of these four bedrooms plays on this stunning connection to the coast and the sea, using brilliant blues and delightful floral and wildlife patterns to bring the outside in. The first bedroom is accessed via stairs leading from the kitchen, meanwhile the remaining three are on the main first-floor. The master bedroom enjoys a super-king size bed, while there’s an additional double room and two more rooms with fabulous zip-n-link beds, so we can be flexible to your needs! And all four accompanying bathrooms are just as welcoming! Bright and luxurious, a range of walk-in showers and huge bathtubs invite you for a rejuvenating cleanse.

Finally your lovely big garden provides all the space and seating you could wish for, to spend endless hours out in the sunshine. Soak up the sights and sounds of the seaside as the sea breeze rustles the leaves of the mature trees all around you. There’s tons of space for the kids to run around, and plenty of sunny spots for a little sunbathing. And of course the sea is just meters away when you fancy a paddle or a swim, or simply a stroll along the sandy coast!

Whether you’re after sun, sea and sand or quaint towns and beautiful natural landscape, Norfolk offers a little something for everyone - and Blakeney House is in one of its most spectacular corners!

Seaside treats, cosy cafes and endless miles of nature in which you can picnic, stroll and play are perfect for groups of families or friends. The vast skies stretch in every direction, over the big Broads teeming with life and the wetlands, nature reserves and so many exceptional beaches along 90 miles of coastline! And as the driest county in the UK, Norfolk is ideal for an outdoor adventure, whether on sea or land!

The Broads National Park, the Fens and Thetford Forest are just a handful of the breath-taking nature parks to visit, while Norfolk’s famous coastline is bursting with wide open, empty beaches perfect for a proper bucket-and-spade holiday with the family! This is where the expanse of the skies truly bursts with life and fills you with joy. Dotted along the horizon are yachts and power-boats while nearer to shore you’ll find surfers, kayakers, kite-surfers and so much more! While lining the beaches are hundreds of candy-coloured beach huts, dazzling promenades with candyfloss and fish and chips and of course, the romantic dunes with endless hidden spots for barbeques and family-fun.

And for more outdoor activities, stretching from Holme-next-the-Sea all the way to Cromer, the 45-mile long Norfolk Coastal Path through this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers some of the best birdwatching in the UK, a glimpse of the seals on Blakeney Point, and the earliest evidence of humans found outside The Great Rift Valley in Africa on the Deep History Coast! The path weaves itself through tidal creeks and salt marshes, shingle, luscious fields and enormous sandy beaches – and as Norfolk is a haven for wildlife and birds, you’ll have plenty to admire throughout!

Newquay Lodge 8

Newquay, Cornwall, South West of England

Newquay Lodge From £1755 Availability

Boasting beautiful gardens and a fabulously airy interior, Newquay Lodge is an unmissable holiday home just seconds from the world-famous beaches of Lusty Glaze and Porth along the north Cornwall coast.

Arriving at this strikingly beautiful home you’ll immediately notice the sense of space and openness, connecting you to the vast skies which stretch above you and the sea which expands infinitely, so close by! Inside you can enjoy this charming modern twist on a classically beautiful design, with an elegant kitchen with a stylish breakfast bar and open plan dining area. For a little more relaxation, you can head into this wonderfully cosy living room complete with a log burner at its heart, so you can get warm and comfortable each evening after a day outdoors! Adding a sense of glamour to the property, there’s even a sun room with delightful teal furnishing where you can enjoy the warm and bright days with a good book or the morning paper. A second living room, meanwhile, with two sofas and a second dining area, ensures everybody can find a private spot to while away the restful hours of holidaying!

And when it’s time to get some sleep, you’ll be warmly welcomed into the enchanting bedrooms distributed across the two floors. First there’s the exquisite master bedroom with its very own balcony offering breath-taking views out to sea! With an impressive king-size bed for rest, and two cosy armchairs for relaxation, this is the perfect invitation to unwind and enjoy some peace in this perfect seaside home. The second bedroom features a super-king size bed and seaside views, while the two remaining rooms each offer two wonderful single beds in welcoming and charming rooms. Impeccably stylish bathrooms guarantee pampering and privacy with huge walk-in showers and large bathtubs.

All of this is, of course, delightful - but it is surely the garden which offers the most idyllic spot for socialising, enjoying moments of solitude in the sunshine, and even alfresco dining! With countless options for a quiet moment or a jolly breakfast all together, you’ll be spoilt for choice in this magical garden which wraps its way around the house! At what’s more - the pub and the stunning coastline are both just a stone’s throw away!

Perfectly sandwiched between Lusty Glaze beach and Porth beaches, you’re truly spoilt for choice in this exceptional location looking right over the beach! Head down the 133 steps to Lusty Glaze Beach Bar and Restaurant for an unforgettable meal with a view, or head to any of the many seaside cafes up and down this coast for a more casual bite to eat!

Huge skies, sandy beaches and wild flower-strewn clifftops define Cornwall, and its warm climate, amazing scenery, and diverse Celtic heritage, including visual and written arts and its enormous wealth of archaeology, certainly justifies the fierce pride of its people. Be sure to try a Cornish pasty and delicious sweet Saffron buns (fruit buns flavoured with saffron), and of course a little Cornish Clotted cream and Ice Cream! And for a local tipple, the three major breweries of St Austell, Sharps and Skinners serve excellent beer in pubs throughout the county, and because of its mild climate Cornwall has a number of vineyards producing delicious wine, and is even known for its production of honey (mead) wine!

There are many enchanting towns in Cornwall, some famous ones include: Bude, with excellent beaches, first class surfing and a laid back, relaxed vibe in Cornwall's northern coast; Newquay, just on the doorstep, is the surfing capital of the UK; while St Ives is home to a branch of the Tate Gallery, white sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters! Though in many ways, the magic of the county really happens in the Cornish landscape. But if you do fancy a city-trip, for a little retail therapy, or perhaps to see a show, the only one in the county is Truro! High Tea at Charlotte's offers an unmissable experience, in the charming Victorian building on Boscowen Street with Cornish-grown tea! Plus there are two covered markets, one selling eco/organic products, and on Saturday mornings there’s a great farmers' market on the piazza where you can find all kinds of local produce.

Getting to Cornwall is being made easier every year, with ever-improving roads and trains running right through to Penzance in the far south-west of the county, and there are three very useful airports nearby in Newquay, Exeter and Bristol, all of which have car hire available on arrival.

Top 30 Counties with Log Cabins