Summer by the sea

Beachside boltholes have a unique appeal. Barefoot walks, sea breezes and sunset barbecues. Opening the shutters to ocean views; watching kittiwakes and curlews dive and wheel. While inland areas begin to bake in the heat, things are always that little bit cooler on the coast.

Here, you can rise with the tide and set out for a stroll before breakfast. This may be an amble to the water’s edge, coffee in hand, or an energising walk before your family wakes – whatever your pleasure, life feels somehow boundless.

When the water is your backdrop, dipping in and out of beach days is blissfully easy. Getting there needn’t be a mission, which means that popping back to base for a quick cool-off – or a leisurely lunch – is just another perk of your location.

This leaves you free to enjoy the glory of beach days, at your leisure. Rock pooling, sand art, sun basking… At this time of year, nature finds its own rhythm and the simplest pleasures are often the best. And, when you’re at home, bright open spaces and indoor-outdoor living makes the coast feel even closer.

If you’re a fan of water sports – or keen to try – a cottage by the sea creates real scope to grow your skill. There’s nothing quite like watching the sun rise over the surf after an early paddleboard session.

If you have your own kit, you can bring it along, but if not, it’s easy to tap into nearby providers. The south coast is an ideal destination to explore sports like kite surfing, wing foiling and paddle boarding, with friendly local guides to help.

In West Wittering, for example, you’ll find 2XS right on the beach. If you’re based in East Sussex, Brighton Watersports can help with everything from wetsuits and sailing kit to surf lessons and sailing, while on the Isle of Wight, Wight Water offers both tuition and hire. Or, through our portfolio of partners, you can order a Red inflatable paddleboard to step up your holiday.

For younger children, holidaying so close to the sea is a fantastic way to build water confidence. With the chance to flit in and out, you’ll find that by the end of a week, even little ones have become intrepid explorers.

And, when you’re staying in a beachfront cottage, you’ll find that things are designed to underpin the coastal lifestyle. At Driftline, for instance, an outdoor shower is ready to refresh you post-swim, while the owners of Caspian have stocked paddleboards for guests to borrow. On the Isle of Wight, The Manor House even features mooring – meaning you also have the option to bring your boat and roam by water.

If you’re keen to expand your horizons, coastal cottages offer far more than sea views. From your beach retreat, a world of choice awaits.

Prefer to let someone else steer? We can help to arrange a speedboat ride or yacht charter, allowing you to simply sit back and see the best of the south coast. Alternatively, you might like to catch your own supper with a local fisherman – bringing home something to cook over a barbecue when the sun sets.

On land, a network of trails is yours to explore. Forget the car and hire bikes to set your own pace. The Downs Link winds all the way from Shoreham-by-Sea to the North Downs Way in Surrey, crossing the South Coast Plain and South Downs. You’ll also find routes in and around Chichester Harbour, making this a lovely way to explore the area.

As the sun dips and the day’s beachgoers disperse, the shore becomes yours once again. In these quieter hours, things step down a gear and “relaxation mode” kicks in. This time is for tranquil swims, blanket-covered knees, and beachside reading with a spritzer by your side.

Whichever property you choose, our coastal properties have features that help crown the day. At Curlews, balmy summer evenings are best with a barbecue in the outdoor dining area. Driftline has its own al fresco bar – crafted from a boat – while Oak Lodge boasts a hot tub and outdoor sound system.

These surroundings are equally impressive as night falls, with clear skies and stellar locations creating the perfect setting for mindful stargazing. Gather your group, unwind together, and look forward to doing it all again tomorrow.

Ready to make this your summer? Explore our collection of handpicked coastal cottages and find your perfect beachfront escape.