Dreaming of a coastal escape without leaving the UK? The latest Editor's Choice picks from the prestigious Good Hotel Guide reveal five exceptional seaside hotels for 2026, offering everything from subtropical gardens to remote Atlantic vistas. These selections promise unforgettable stays, whether you're seeking family fun, romantic seclusion, or active adventure along Britain's stunning shoreline.
From Cornwall to the Isle of Harris: A Coast for Every Traveller
The curated list spans the nation's most beautiful coastlines. It includes balmy Cornwall, sunny Devon, the dramatic peaks of Snowdonia National Park, and the remote, windswept beauty of the Isle of Harris. Each hotel has been chosen for its exceptional location, unique character, and ability to provide a memorable seaside experience.
The Nare: Subtropical Gardens on the Roseland Peninsula
Set within a pristine National Trust landscape on the Roseland Peninsula, The Nare is a beloved family-run hotel. It boasts two-acre subtropical gardens perched above the sandy Carne Beach. Praised by guide readers for its friendly, well-trained staff, the hotel offers country-house comforts suitable for all ages, making it ideal for multi-generational trips.
Facilities are extensive, including indoor and outdoor pools, tennis, croquet, a gym, and multiple lounges. Guests can enjoy building sandcastles, snorkelling in clear waters, or exploring the coast aboard the hotel's motor launch, Alice Rose. Dining options range from a silver-service restaurant with a fixed-price menu to a seafood brasserie. The hotel is notably dog-friendly, with Carne Beach allowing dogs year-round. Country-view double rooms start from £406 per night.
Bedruthan Hotel and Spa: Cliff-top Family Fun in Cornwall
With walls of windows framing glorious Atlantic views, Bedruthan Hotel and Spa sits on a clifftop above a sheltered sandy beach. This child-friendly hotel, built in a Californian Modern style with Scandinavian-inspired interiors, has a strong ethos of sustainability. It offers spacious family rooms and separate apartment suites, some accommodating up to six guests.
Parents can find respite thanks to a crèche and kids' club, leaving time for spa treatments or the sensory spa garden. Dining is flexible, with an all-day café and the more sophisticated Ogo restaurant, focusing on local, seasonal produce like whole lemon sole with mussel butter. Bed and breakfast doubles are priced from £129.
The Cary Arms & Spa: Queen Victoria's 'Fairytale' Ballet Scene
Centred on a cosy pub above Babbacombe Beach, The Cary Arms occupies a location so stunning it captivated Queen Victoria. She famously sketched the view in 1846, describing the "red cliffs and rocks" as resembling "a ballet or play where nymphs appear."
The dog-friendly resort offers coastal-chic rooms, beach huts, and cottages, all with mesmerising sea views. Guests might spot dolphins or the local seal, Sammy, from their private terrace. Activities include paddleboarding, kayaking, and mackerel fishing. The restaurant serves fresh local seafood, and lobster barbecues are held in summer. B&B doubles start from £175 per night.
Trefeddian Hotel: A Welsh Edwardian Legacy
A perennially popular hotel with a faithful following, the Trefeddian Hotel in Snowdonia has welcomed guests since 1904. Recently sold by the founding family in October 2025, the new owners have pledged to maintain its legacy, staff, and values. Its hillside location offers a "fabulous" outlook over a golf course, dunes, and a sandy beach.
Amenities include a heated indoor pool, tennis court, and a nine-hole golf course. The spacious bedrooms, decorated in coastal colours, cater well to families. The restaurant menu features classic dishes like roast chicken and beef medallions. A bed and breakfast double room costs from £270.
Scarista House: Remote Georgian Grandeur on Harris
For a truly remote escape, Scarista House on the Isle of Harris offers a sublime, end-of-the-world setting. This Georgian manse sits with only machair and pasture between it and the Atlantic. It provides a cosy, fireside ambience perfect after days of hiking, surfing, or wildlife spotting.
The traditional cottage-style bedrooms have views of the garden, beach, or hills. Guests enjoy convivial set-price dinners with sophisticated dishes like langoustine bisque, with separate vegan menus available. The hotel is currently closed and will reopen in April 2026. Doubles are priced at £315 per night for stays of two or three nights, including breakfast.
These five Editor's Choice selections demonstrate the rich variety of the UK's coastal hospitality. From historic charm to modern family focus, they provide compelling reasons to explore the nation's spectacular shores in the year ahead.
