Staycations near the beach

There’s something about summer beach holidays in the UK – they have a real nostalgic, happy and warm feel to them. For many, they will bring childhood memories flooding back – sandcastle building, paddling in the sea, picnic lunches, ice cream, sandy toes and family-togetherness. And, if not, then you have plenty of wonderful memories to make! Why go abroad when you have the West Country to visit?

But it doesn’t just stop at summer, it’s great being near a beach out-of-season too, especially if you have a four-legged friend to take along with you – the beach will soon become their favourite place to visit, running free on the sand and enjoying a paddle in the sea. With or without canine company, the beach is a great place to blow away the cobwebs, even on the blusteriest of days, there is something about a good dose of sea air that has a real feel-good factor.

We've put together a collection of super retreats, perfect for a staycation, all under two miles from a beach (psst, some of them even have sea views too!). What are you waiting for? Dip your toe in the water...

Bluebell, Buttercup and Foxglove, Lamorna Cove, Cornwall | Each sleeps 6 + cot
These seaside safari tents are perfect home-from-homes, with acres of farmland to explore and just a stone's throw from some brilliant beaches – including Sennen Cove, Marazion and Porthcurno.
Forget-Me-Not and Mr Blue Sky near Praa Sands, Cornwall | Each sleeps 2
A hop, skip and a jump from the wonderful beach at Praa Sands, you can see straight out to sea from these romantic shepherd's huts, separated by a high hedge for privacy.
Scenic Bay, Coastal Gaze and Mount Lookout near Penzance, Cornwall | Each sleeps 4 + cot
These super-duper pods are the perfect bases from which to explore all that the far west of Cornwall has to offer, including a wealth of renowned beaches (Marazion, Sennen Cove, Gwithian, Porthcurno and more!)
Glamping at Chymder near Mullion, Cornwall | Rusty sleeps 4 + cot and Hobie and Woody sleep 6 + cot
These retreats have it all: a tranquil, rural location, minutes from a couple of fab beaches (Poldhu and Kennack Sands to name a couple), and to-die-for stylish interiors. Gather by the fire-pit, relax in the hammock, fly a kite or spend the day surfing the waves - the choice is yours!
The Chalet on the Beach in Lyme Regis, Dorset | Sleeps 2
This charming Chalet really is right by the sea, sat quite literally on Monmouth Beach, slap bang in a world heritage site, on the renowned Jurassic Coast, with glorious views across the waves. 
Hannah’s Haven, near Portreath, Cornwall | Sleeps 2 + cot
Sat in a tranquil, rural spot, this idyllic retreat is just two miles from the fabulous sandy beach at Porthtowan (with infamous café and surf lessons available). The trendy village of St Agnes, with its beach, galleries and bistros, is a just little further down the coast too.
Mount View Luxury Glamping near Penzance, Cornwall | Retreat sleeps 4 + cot and Sunrise and Horizon each sleep 6 + cot
We're pretty sure you'll spend a lot of your time taking in the spectacular view of majestic St Michael's Mount while you're here, so it'd be rude not to visit it too - the beach at Marazion is fantastic, along with numerous others nearby too.
Wild Pear and Copperas near Ilfracombe, Devon | Each sleeps 2 + cot
With equally spectacular sea views and their own private areas, these idyllic retreats are between the small seaside resort of Combe Martin and the large town of Ilfracombe.
Rockwater Cabin near Kingsand, Cornwall | Sleeps 3 + cot
Many an hour will be spent gazing at the sea view here, so it's only right that you take a trip to the beach too - adventure down the steep cliff track from the cabin and you will be rewarded with three miles of sandy beach.
The Hideaway, Perranuthnoe, Cornwall | Sleeps 3 + cot or 4
Hidden away (hence the name!) in a magical spot, a few minutes's stroll will take you to a great little beach and, if you jump in the car, you can reach the outstanding beaches at Prussia Cove, Praa Sands and Marazion within five minutes.
Tregwelan Shepherd's Hut near Padstow, Cornwall | Sleeps 2 + cot
If the jaw-dropping sea views aren't enough and proximity to popular Padstow aren't enough, you will be spoilt for choice with the beaches on offer nearby here - Constantine Bay, Harlyn Bay, Polzeath, Daymer Bay and Rock to name a few, all within a 20 minute drive!
Blackberry Jack’s Wagon, near Portreath, Cornwall | Sleeps 2 + cot
Tucked away in a quiet and pretty orchard, there are plenty of great beaches on the doorstep of this wonderful wagon – Porthtowan, with its popular café, Portreath, with its large sandy beach, and St Agnes, with its surfing beach and trendy galleries/shops/cafés.