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The Independent
3 days ago
- The Independent
The best beach hotels in the UK for 2025, reviewed
Summer's here, and the seaside is calling. But there's no need to head to the Med or brave the airport queues; with more than 11,000 miles of coastline, Britain has plenty of beaches on offer, from the South Coast's wide, sandy bays to dramatic cliffs in Wales and Scotland 's wild shores. Some look as if they've been lifted from European climes, complete with turquoise coves and Blue Flag credentials. Others are pure postcard nostalgia: wind in your hair, a Mr Whippy ice cream, and the scent of salt in the air. Better still, scattered all along our shores are some remarkable beach hotels, from family-friendly resorts to secluded escapes and dog-friendly retreats. So book somewhere fast, pack your bucket and spade, and jump in the car. Wherever you head, there's a coastal escape to suit you. Jane Knight from The Good Hotel Guide picks Britain's best seaside hotels. South Sands Location: Salcombe, Devon Stay just steps away from a sheltered beach at this smart contemporary hotel. Head out on a boat, take the sea tractor linking South Sands to quaint Salcombe, or just relax in the sun at this dog-friendly haven. When you're hungry, there's something for everyone, from a cream tea on the terrace to fish 'n' chips or Salcombe's best seafood. If you're a curry fan, make sure you're there on a Wednesday. Rooms are decked out in nautical colours; the best has a Caesar-size bed, its own balcony and two slipper baths in a bay window, perfect for admiring the sea view. The Albion Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight There are few better settings on the Isle of Wight than the one enjoyed by this recently refurbished hotel, which looks out over the sea and pebbly shore of Freshwater Bay, with Tennyson Down rising up behind. The glorious sands of Compton Beach are just minutes away. Some of the coastal-chic bedrooms open onto a sea-facing terrace, and you can dine on delicious seafood right by the waves – the seafood linguine is particularly good. Dogs are treated as part of the family, with treats by reception and some great walks in the downs. B&B doubles from £140 ( Hotel Portmeirion Location: Portmeirion, Gwynedd Enjoy a beach stay with a difference at the hotel that visionary architect Clough Williams-Ellis designed as the focal point for his ideal village. Overlooking the golden sands of the Dwyryd estuary in Snowdonia, and with a swimming pool on the lawn and an Art Deco bar and dining room recreated by Sir Terence Conran, it makes a great base from which to explore the Italianate resort (and if you stay in the hotel, you don't have to pay the £20 village entry fee). As well as 14 traditional rooms in the hotel proper, there are more contemporary ones in Castell Deudraeth, and others scattered around the village. Scarista House Location: Scarista, Western Isles It feels like you're on the edge of the world at Scarista, with miles of remote, crowd-free sands on the south western coast of South Harris. Yes, the sea might be a tad nippy for a dip, but you can go surfing, kayaking or sailing as well as walking. Once you've worked up an appetite, return to a three or four-course gourmet dinner. The menu changes each day, with everything possible made from scratch, from bread and cakes to pasta and ice cream. Two of the traditionally styled bedrooms have sea-facing sitting areas and there's a self-catering cottage if you want to take the dog. The Gallivant Location: Camber Sands, Sussex A cool New England feel and a chic laid-back 'Camberfornia' vibe characterise this hotel just over the road from glorious Camber Sands. Start the day with yoga in the studio or on the spectacular dunes, followed by a swim in the sea. Bedrooms come with wood panelling, white-painted rafters and jazzy headboards; most have a terrace. Elsewhere, there are slouchy sofas and book-lined walls, with English wines on the menu at the copper-topped bar. If you book the full package, it includes not only breakfast but also wine at 5pm, an exquisite dinner at new restaurant Harry's, and daily morning yoga. Feel free to take a small dog but not your kids; only over-16s are allowed. The Seaside Boarding House Location: Burton Bradstock, Dorset It feels like a mix between Edward Hopper's Cape Cod and an Edwardian seaside hotel in this white-painted villa above Chesil Beach. Owners Mary-Lou Sturridge and Tony Mackintosh, who created London's Groucho Club, have filled the stripped-down interiors with marine salvage, seascapes and antique-shop booty. Enjoy a drink on the terrace with its views over Lyme Bay (they have happy hour every evening) before eating here or moving into the candlelit dining room. The bright, light rooms have views of the coast along with a retro dial phone and radio. Dogs are welcome in some bedrooms for no extra charge. Polurrian on the Lizard Location: Mullion, Cornwall The spectacular setting of this white clifftop edifice with mesmerising sea views through its walls of windows takes some beating. You can walk down to the hotel's own little beach, just ten minutes away, or take a longer hike along the South West Coast Path, which runs alongside. Bedrooms are simple, with a contemporary style, and there's an all-day menu catering for every taste, whether you want just a sandwich or a juicy steak. It's a great place for children and the hotel can supply potties, changing mats and bottle sterilisers. No. 33 Location: Hunstanton, Norfolk It may not be on the seafront, but Jeanne Whittome's B&B is still a top spot to stay in this Victorian seaside town, the only west-facing resort on England's east coast. A concierge service can arrange everything from bike hire to birdwatching and you can walk the Coast Path from 'sunny Hunny' to Cromer, or cheat and take the CoastHopper bus. Stylish interiors feature a palette of soft greys, sea blues and white. There are also self-catering cottages plus suites at nearby Thornham Deli, where No. 33 guests receive a discount on breakfast. The Nare, Cornwall Location: Veryan-in-Roseland A self-styled country hotel by the sea, The Nare has beautiful gardens leading to the sands of Carne beach. You can enjoy breathtaking views from some of the bedrooms, or fully immerse yourself in the picture by taking one of the hotel's two boats out to explore the Cornish coast. There's even an artist in residence. Owned by the Ashworth family for more than 30 years, the hotel is traditional yet luxurious; expect daily complimentary cream teas, flowers, fruit, and an hors d'oeuvre trolley in the fine-dining restaurant. You'll be hard pushed to find a tennis court with a better view. Book now Trefeddian Hotel Aberdovey, Wales Family-run for more than a century, this imposing white hillside hotel commands views across the golf course to Cardigan Bay. Although neither hip nor boutique, the hotel's rooms are nevertheless welcoming and nicely done out in marine colours. This is a great place for children: under-fives stay and eat for free while under-16s get reduced rates. There's a playroom and outdoor play area, an indoor pool and a putting green. After a day crabbing on the jetty, paddling or building sandcastles, there's early supper for the young ones and a nightly changing menu for those who prefer to stay up later.
Scotsman
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
I introduced my mum to the restaurant at Scotland's best hotel and she's loved it ever since
This is her dream venue Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... My mum found her spiritual home rather late in life. David Cheskin Although she's lived in Edinburgh for decades, her first visit to Prestonfield House was only about two years ago, when I took her for festive afternoon tea in their restaurant, Rhubarb. She was bewitched and smitten. Since then, she's treated friends to tea at this plushly theatrical five-star destination, which was awarded Best Hotel in Scotland 2025 by the Good Hotel Guide, and has announced that she wants her funeral wake there. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad I know, it's a bit depressing, but she's very pragmatic and you can't help thinking of these things when you're 89. When I invited her to try their new Spring Afternoon Tea, which is available until June 19 and is £60pp - or £75pp with a glass of Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve - she switched off her beloved snooker and practically leapt out of her seat. She also refused to use the hotel's wheelchair that I'd procured for her. If she was going to her favourite place, she was going to walk in the door, albeit slowly and clutching onto every high-backed heavily upholstered chair that was en route. Thankfully, there are a lot of them. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad We made it to our favourite table, with the view out to the lawn and their resident peacock, Colin, who was pecking about the grass. The food comes thick and fast. There's lots, so don't schedule lunch or dinner that day. Maybe skip breakfast, too. After we'd received our rhubarb rooibos and Scottish breakfast teas (you can try as many as you like, or choose coffee or hot chocolate), we started on the plate of savouries. There seemed to be a verdant green theme, to suit the season. These pairs of bites included a bonnie asparagus quiche that was topped with wild garlic pesto, as well as the satisfyingly palate-coating mouthful of powdered clava brie and herb truffle, plus black sourdough crackers that were topped with tiny lapsang souchong cured sea trout cubes, and dots of limey avocado puree. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad David Cheskin Once we'd dispatched those swish amuse bouche, we could move onto the finger sannie section on the lower ground floor of our three tier cake stand. Apart from the Scandi open cucumber sandwich that was topped by minty pickled red onion, dill fronds and sour cream, they've gone classic loaf-with-the-crusts-cut-off here. Well, it wouldn't be an afternoon tea without sandwiches that adhere to the roof of one's mouth. My fave was the sturdy protein hit of spring chicken with lemon and spring onion. Its filling prompted a joke about mum's age, but she didn't laugh. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There was also a sturdy egg version, but with the twist of Caesar mayo, and a well stuffed brown bread Ayrshire ham number that was pimped up with rhubarb and honey relish. After all that, we were starting to feel prematurely replete. If Colin was inside, he could've helped us with a few crumbs. I think that would've cheered him up, as we could see children trying to feed him handfuls of grass, and he looked well unimpressed. At this point, mum moved onto the plain and buttermilk fruit scones with clotted cream and raspberry jam, while I focused on the colourful penthouse-level cakes. There was a neat, purple-lidded blueberry, lemon and lavender gateau and a Jaffa Cake-ish Earl Grey and chocolate orange mousse. However, my heart was won by the marzipan-clad lemon verbena and lime battenburg, which was topped by a Mary Quant-esque white chocolate daisy and was probably my favourite afternoon tea cake of all time. So beautiful to look at, and to eat, with a fluffy sponge innard in pale buttery yellow and green pastels. I also loved the rhubarb and custard cardamon tart - another substantial and memorable treat, with the sunshine hitting its yolk-like pink dome of rhubarb gel. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Gaby Soutar We did our best at eating every item, but, without Colin's help, we were done. I couldn't finish the scones, she couldn't do the cakes. The remnants of everything had to be taken away, in a little branded box. At least it's going to feel pretty decadent, I'm sure, to eat such fantastical gems in front of the snooker. It'll also help to draw the experience out, because she still adores this place. Let's hope we'll have many more visits. No wheelchair required.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Yahoo
Norfolk venue named one of UK's best 'posh pubs'
A north Norfolk venue has been named one of the "best posh pubs to stay in". Jane Knight, the editor of the Good Hotel Guide, compiled a list of the "inns whose beds are as fabulous as their beer". The Pigs - which sits in the countryside in Edgefield, near Holt - was included. The pub boasts 18 rooms which all come with their own spa facilities as well as a restaurant and bar area. "It's hog heaven at this Norfolk pub, which is all about wallowing," Ms Knight wrote in the article. "Even the standard sties (sorry, rooms) have a sauna and a bath made for two, while spa suites also feature a steam room and an outdoor hot tub alongside a fire pit. READ MORE: She added that there is an impressive range of treatments on offer, including a champagne and truffle facial. "As for food, the pub's Marmite and white chocolate pot after dinner is its signature dish - and yes, you'll either love it or hate it," she added. This is not the first time the Pigs has earned acclaim. It was named Pub of the Year at the Suffolk and Norfolk Tourism Awards in March and, last summer, the Times called it one of the country's best dog-friendly hotels.
Wales Online
02-05-2025
- Wales Online
Welsh pub that's made The Times' best posh hotel list
Welsh pub that's made The Times' best posh hotel list The Times' most recent list of 'the UK's best posh pubs to stay in' praised The Bell at Skenfrith as an inn "whose beds are as fabulous as their beer" The Bell at Skenfrith has been named one of the best posh hotels to stay in the UK (Image: Rob Besant ) A pub in Wales has been named one of the best poshest pubs in the UK. In The Times' most recent list of 't he UK's best posh pubs to stay in', The Bell at Skenfrith in Monmouthshire has been recommended as an inn "whose beds are as fabulous as their beer", according to the editor of the Good Hotel Guide, Jane Knight. The pub was listed alongside establishments in Aberdeenshire, Cumbria and Devon, amongst others. In the list, The Bell at Skenfrith, which is a 17th century coaching inn, is described as "more boutique hotel than bar". The review continues: "This 17th-century Welsh coaching inn makes a stylish base from which to explore the Monmouthshire countryside or for fishing on the River Monnow, beside which it stands. "The six circular walks that start at the Bell's front door include the four-mile Knights Templar Trail, which crosses the border to an English Knights Templar church. "Back at the pub there are local wines, beers and ciders on offer in the Monnow Bar followed by locally sourced food in the airy restaurant, while the rooms might feature a modern four-poster and river views." It comes after the pub was recently listed as one of the best beer gardens in the UK by lifestyle magazine TimeOut. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . Article continues below They named The Bell at Skenfrith was fifth on their list of the 12 best beer gardens, which described the "idyllic views over the valley". You can read more about this list here. Located in the picturesque village of Skenfrith, next to the ruins of a medieval castle and alongside the banks of the River Monnow, the inn is renowned for its award-winning restaurant, run by head chef Joseph Colman. The menu is changed on a regular basis to match with every season. According to its website, its current menu features peppered Brecon beef carpaccio, pan-fried black bream with samphire and roast Welsh lamb. The beer garden at The Bell at Skenfrith has recently been named one of the best by Time Out magazine (Image: The Bell at Skenfrith ) The restaurant also uses local suppliers and some of the vegetables even come from their own kitchen garden. Meanwhile, its hotel has 11 rooms, which are all "individually designed" bedroom that come with en suite bathrooms. And as mentioned in The Times review, the pub is situated in the perfect place for a country walk, with the pub itself creating six of their own guided walks in and around the Skenfrith area, named Circular Walks. These walks can take you across the border into England and back, and on a beautiful, clear night, the pub recommends that budding astronomers, sky scouts and galaxy watchers should head over to the area as the sky is "never diminished by orange light". Article continues below
