Best Coastal Cottages to Stay This Winter

Now that the summer is a distant memory, booking a winter break to look forward to is a good idea to help keep those winter blues at bay. For crisp walks and plenty of fresh air that is sure to give you that healthy, rosy cheek glow, there is nothing like staying in a cottage by the sea. So, we have selected the best coastal cottages to stay this winter that promise the chance to take invigorating coastal walks and admire dramatic seascapes by day and spend cosy nights relaxing in stylish surroundings.

Elegant and cosy dining room with chandelier at Harold House on the Isle of Wight

Harold House, Isle of Wight

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Harold House in Cowes on the Isle of Wight is perfect for a winter break by the sea with friends in a fantastic town centre location. Flit from the luxury and comfort of this period townhouse to socialising in local pubs as and when you feel like it.

Cowes Marina and the beach are within a 10-minute walk, while the High Street is just a few minutes’ away – very handy for a spot of Christmas shopping in the boutiques. There are lots of restaurants nearby including Robert Thompson’s just across the street and the popular Smoking Lobster at Cowes Marina that serves seafood with a Pan Asian twist.

So, if you want to leave the car at the cottage during your stay so that you can all indulge and sample local tipples including Mermaid Gin without worrying about who is going to drive, you can.

If the weather is too miserable to venture out, rustle up a meal to savour in the dining room. Then, retire to the living room on the first floor – from the window there are glimpses of the sea in the distance – for after-dinner drinks and an evening of chatter.

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Fireplace at Mersea Island Cottage on Mersea Island

Mersea Island Cottage, West Mersea

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Mersea Island Cottage is one of the cosiest luxury cottages for couples by the sea. This historic little hideaway is one of the oldest cottages on Mersea Island and was originally built for workers of a local farm. Today, the original wooden frame and ceiling beams add to its many charms, that also include a cosy wood burner for those winter nights spent snuggling up in front of the TV.

Mersea Island is renowned for its pretty scenery and coastal charm and is popular with walkers. The sea is just a 10-minute stroll away from the cottage and the bay is edged with brightly-coloured beach huts. There is also a yacht club and a cafe where you can grab a hot cup of coffee to warm you up. It is a wonderful spot for a refreshing, yet romantic walk.

Dogs are welcome to stay at the cottage too, so if you have your furry friend in tow, Cudmore Grove Country Park is a particularly good place to go for walkies.

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Dining room at Riverside Retreat, Bideford , Devon

Riverside Retreat, Devon

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Set right on the banks of the River Torridge in the village of Weare Giffard in North Devon, Riverside Retreat promises mesmerising views with every rise and fall of the tide. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer the opportunity to take in every moment from the comfort of the lounge with its cosy log burner or the kitchen which has underfloor heating to keep your toes warm.

So, whatever the weather is doing outside, relax and see what you can spot – herons and egrets are regular visitors to the area. However, if you like water sports and are happy to embrace the cold, there is direct access to the river from the garden for kayaking and canoeing.

There’s also the bonus of a village pub in Weare Giffard where you can treat yourself to home-cooked food and a glass of the local cider. The Tarka Trail can also be accessed from the village, ideal for countryside walks, coastal views and traffic-free cycling. Meanwhile, the historic harbour town of Bideford being is within easy reach too.

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Pen y Bryn, Abersoch

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Pen y Bryn is a traditional, detached cottage that has been renovated into a sophisticated home for a coastal cottage break in Abersoch. While the house retains original features including wooden ceiling beams, it is now a modern home, with many bespoke fixtures, where an active family can enjoy exploring the local area.

Pen y Bryn is just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of Abersoch, but the village’s shops, cafes and beaches are all within walking distance. Meanwhile, the coastal town of Pwllheli and its renowned marina is only a short distance, and the house is well located for exploring the coastline of the Llyn Peninsula.

From the elevated position there are views across countryside, while glimpses of the sea towards St Tudwal’s Islands can be seen from the first-floor bedrooms. Other features include a stunning open-plan living space, a cosy snug with a log burner, a games room that’s the ideal teen hangout and a handy boot room to store muddy shoes.

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