Kathryn Glover • February 26, 2024

Find unique coastal stays by the sea with a nautical twist!

Coastal stays by the sea

Ahoy families! Unroll this treasure scroll of a blog feature, and you’ll find unique coastal stays by the sea with a nautical twist! Because, oh, I do like to be beside the seaside! Oh, I do, it’s true… (Just as much as the kids do, in fact!)

If you’re also seeking coastal stays by the sea with your family, we’ve found you the perfect places to paddle, swim, surf, sail and more. Get ready for all the fun to be had on land, too… Climb ‘n’ slide down powdery dunes, build golden sandcastles, explore mesmerising marine-filled rockpools, and chill as beach-life and coastal village vibes await… With some of the most classic British seaside dishes to indulge in, and amazing family-friendly attractions nearby, too!

Coastal stays by the sea

The world is your oyster, as the wise saying goes. And, with the warmest months fast approaching, you can find treasured stays by the sea right here in the UK!

Read on to discover our top 3 nautical novelties:
  • An extraordinary lighthouse with magical 18th-century quirks
  • A seafront manor once home to smugglers, and full of Georgian charm
  • A fisherman’s quintessential British beach holiday cottage
Find out which is:
  • Featured on Channel 4’s Homes by the Sea
  • Noted in the epic English adventure novel Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
  • Nestled on the jaw-dropping Jurassic Coast, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s natural
  • Inspired by poetry, and once home to the literary legend William Blake himself
Next, you’ll discover top 3 pearls of wisdom on where the sparkling sapphire sea can bring your family beside themselves with glee:

Pearl 1: Elevate your seaside experience at The Norfolk Beacon Lighthouse in Winterton-on-Sea, Norfolk Coast

Photo Credit: The Norfolk Beacon Lighthouse

The-Norfolk-Beacon-Lighthouse
Smell the sea and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly – Van Morrison

Perched majestically along the picturesque coastline, this charming lighthouse-turned-retreat offers families a truly unique waterside stay. With close proximity to sandy beaches and coastal trails, this high in the sky and stylish novelty delivers in spades! Round rooms, purpose-made curved timber bunks, wrap-around seating, space-saving stairs and other quirky light-house features will keep curious kids entertained day and night. Not to mention the stunning views of the North Sea to soak up, from every window!

Unique ‘n’ Nautical Twist:
  • Lighthouse once a lookout tower during World War II
  • Featured on Channel 4’s Homes by the Sea
  • Noted in Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe
  • Dramatic Lantern Room at the summit
  • Tranquil location in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
  • Out-of-this-world, one-of-a-kind find
  • Next to Winterton-on-Sea sand dunes
  • Folding doors to private garden and straight onto sandy beach
Coast the Details:
  • Sleeps up to 8 in 3 bedrooms, 6 beds, 2 ground floor bathrooms, 2,175 sq./ft
  • Some steep stairs aren’t suitable for those with mobility restraints or very young kids
  • Parking is available for 2 cars
  • Norfolk Broads close by, the UK’s largest wetland area offering endless seaside escapades

Pearl 2: Find a family seaside escape full of whimsy at Moonfleet Manor in Dorset

Photo Credit: Moonfleet Manor

Moonfleet-Manor
The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever – Jacques Yves Cousteau

From their Four Bears Den Ofsted-registered creche, swimming, scavenger hunts, firepit marshmallow toasting and more, happy seaside adventures await in abundance! It really is a perfect pick, proud to be not only family-friendly, but family-focused.

Unique ‘n’ Nautical Twist:

  • Fascinating fossil-hunts with expert palaeontologist
  • Make a splash in the indoor pool with unrestricted swim times
  • Georgian Manor built over 400 years ago with fascinating stories of ‘countless families, soldiers and even smugglers.’
  • Try your hand at crabbing

Coast the Details:

  • Suits various family sizes with ‘cosy rooms’ to ‘spacious deluxe suites’ available
  • Kids stay free when sharing a room with parents
  • Complimentary 90 min session per night’s stay with dedicated childcare services; pre-booking required and subject to availability
  • Arts ‘n’ Crafts sessions and family time at Verandah Activity Hub, including soft play
  • The Dinosaur Museum in Dorchester is less than half an hour away
  • Corfu Castle, Weymouth Sea Life Adventure Park, Bovington Tank Museum all in a close proximity for more great family days out together

Pearl 3: Overlook the scenic Felpham seafront in Sussex at Fisherman’s Cottage

Photo Credit: Henry Adams Holiday Cottages

Fishermans-Cottage-Felpham
Away to Sweet Felpham for Heaven is there – William Blake

This is a delightful seaside retreat, great for families seeking a quintessential British beach holiday. Perfectly situated on the picturesque shoreline, there’s a range of fun coastal activities to enjoy, from paddling in the gentle waves to picnicking on the golden sands.

Unique ‘n’ Nautical Twist:

  • A large family home-away-from-home that sleeps 10, with a fun nautical theme and matching cosy comforts, such fun fish patterned cushions alongside relaxing blue shades
  • A stone’s throw from the beach
  • Embark on scenic coastal walks along the promenade
  • Eat at the Lobster Pot on the beach before you take Felpham’s promenade train ride
  • Visit the traditional amusement arcades and ice cream parlours lining the waterfront
  • Close proximity to family-friendly attractions and seaside amenities

Coast the Details:

  • Large garden for dining el fresco, with plenty of room for kids to ‘run around and play a game of football’
  • Ample parking on the drive
  • Discover the legacy of William Blake, who once resided in the village, and explore the scenic coastal paths that inspired his poetry
  • Butlins Day Pass for Visitors, Waterloo Square Crazy Golf, Hotham Park in Bognor Regis, Tangmere Military Aviation Museum and more family-friendly attractions within a close proximity to enjoy

You asked where to find unique coastal stays by the sea with a nautical twist? Well, now you have three precious pearls of wisdom to wow your family for some high sea adventures! So, pack your captain caps, buckets and spades and collect treasured memories full of laughter, lots of coastal exploring and leisure-time looking at those amazing sea-views!

Coastal stays by the sea

For more seaside inspiration, Explore the Top 10 UK Beaches