
There’s something uniquely restorative about the seaside. Add the bliss of leaving your car keys untouched for the duration of your stay, and you’ve got yourself the kind of break where relaxation isn’t just encouraged, it’s inevitable. These coastal cabins are so close to the beach that you can wander to them barefoot with a beer in hand to soak up the sunset, before heading back to your cabin to fall asleep to the sound of surf still within earshot.
15-minutes is all it takes to swap The Sea Shed’s cosy interiors for Manorbier Beach’s wild waves and craggy cliffs. But there are distractions along the way. The historic gates of Manorbier Castle, the village’s charming cafes, and the lure of a slow morning soaking in the freestanding tub. French doors open onto a deck where the fresh sea air wafts in through the treeline, briny and fresh, and if you’re brave enough to embrace the elements, there’s an invigorating outdoor shower for a revitalising start to the day.
In the rolling wilds of the Flete Estate, Pointy sits in a nine-acre meadow, framed by 5,000 acres of untouched countryside and the protected shores of South Devon’s Marine Conservation Zone. And the best bit? You’re just a 5-minute walk from Pamflete Beach. Pamflete is a secret stretch of sand so exclusive it’s not even marked on maps. Spend your days wild swimming, paddleboarding, and basking in the knowledge that you’ve found a beach barely anyone else knows about.
There’s “walkable to the beach”, and then there’s “so close to the beach that you could step onto it by accident.” Sandy Toes is literally right on the shore, with only a low fence separating you from the beach. Inside, it’s got easy going beach house charm in buckets and spades, with the crackling wood burner for chilly nights, or the sprawling deck perfect for stretching out for some sun-soaked napping.
Designed by award-winning architects at KOTO, Willow Cabin is a sleek, minimalist escape just a 10-minute walk from the beach. Whether you’re craving a lazy morning by the wood burner or an exhilarating cold-water swim, this modular retreat lets you set your own pace. Surf, do sun salutes on the veranda, or simply soak in the peace of the Northumbrian countryside. Local culinary gems like The Potted Lobster are nearby, serving up fresh seafood, some of which has come from the same waters you spent the day floating in.
Thirty feet from the shore and a thousand miles from stress, Hive Beach House is beachfront perfection. With a sunken firepit, sauna and steam room, this place offers the ideal package for some self-care. The South West Coast Path runs right past your front door, making long beach walks a daily ritual. The famous Hive Beach Café is also just a stone’s throw away, serving up fresh seafood and strong coffee. No long drives, no frantic searching for parking spots, just you, the beach and the easiest seaside getaway you’ve ever had.
Three beaches. One cabin. Zero stress. A 5-minute stroll gets you to Gunwalloe Fishing Cove, a stunning sandy stretch that links up with Porthleven when the tide’s out. A 10-minute walk lands you at Dollar Cove, where, if you’re lucky, you might find the odd silver coin washed ashore by a storm. Church Cove, a lifeguarded spot in high season, is just a couple of minutes further and perfect for sea swimming. Your walk back winds through a beautiful garden and ends, most likely, in the deep, steaming bath of your cosy cabin.