By the sea

Headland Hotel, North Cornwall

Set on a private clifftop overlooking Fistral Beach on the North Cornwall coast is the wonderful Headland Hotel. The hotel is in the popular Newquay area, also known as the home of British surfing, so a great choice if you are a keen surfer or wanting to learn. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but the area is ideal if you’re brave enough to try Coasteering – the exhilarating sport of jumping off cliffs!

The hotel is a Grade II listed building that has been beautifully updated, including a newly renovated spa and aqua club, offering spectacular sea views and both indoor and outdoor pools. We suggest sitting back and enjoying the impressive three-tier afternoon tea, which can be taken in one of the hotel’s private sun traps overlooking the ocean. The bedrooms offer great views and there are also self-catering cottages available to book if you fancy some more space – guests still have the opportunity to enjoy all of the hotel’s facilities.

· Rooms start from £110 per night. To book, visit Headlandhotel.co.uk

Bailiffscourt Hotel and Spa, West Sussex

Dive into the sparkling English waters at Climping Beach near Little Hampton on the West Sussex coast. A five-minute stroll from the beach back through the woodlands leads you to the Bailiffcourt Hotel, where you will have the chance to chill out and unwind in one of their beautiful medieval-themed bedrooms. What we really like about this hotel is that it offers a combined beach and countryside break. You could easily spend a long weekend here out in the sea air, and there is so much to do – including the state-of-the-art luxury spa, which is set in a Sussex barn and includes a huge indoor pool. The hotel is also happy to pack you off with a delicious picnic to take to the beach for the day.

The hotel offers bedrooms in the main house, along with cottages in the 30 acres of private grounds, which are ideal for families and larger groups. Dinner at Bailiffscourt is served in the dining room and feels cosy yet formal. It tends to get very busy, so we recommend booking a table when you book your stay.

· Rooms start from £350 per night and includes a lovely breakfast. To book, visit Hshotels.co.uk

Brudenell Hotel, Suffolk

Just a few steps from Aldeburgh beach is Brudenell Hotel, with stunning views from both the front and the back of the hotel. The front offers the perfect sea view, and the rear of the building overlooks the River Alde. It’s a fantastic base to explore the stylish town of Aldeburgh – a short stroll takes you to the high street, which is home to fashionable boutiques, tea shops and restaurants.

The hotel has a fabulous seafood and grill restaurant, and we recommend you order the delicious lobster and chips. We love the sea-facing terrace for al fresco drinks and dinner on warmer days, and head to the lovely comfy lounge for tea and cake in the afternoon if the weather’s a bit on the chilly side.

· Rooms start from £129 per night, including breakfast. To book, visit Brudenellhotel.co.uk

Christchurch Harbour Hotel, Dorset

Positioned right on the water’s edge at Christchurch is the traditional seaside hotel Christchurch Harbour Hotel and Spa. You can find the town placed right in the middle of the very popular town of Bournemouth and the countryside of the New Forest, which makes it the perfect spot to escape the crowds, but still have the feeling of being among it all. Take advantage of the stunning horizon and sunsets from the hotel’s terrace with a drink before dinner. The hotel’s Jetty restaurant focuses on a seafood menu, and most of it is sourced locally. It’s definitely worth booking in for – the sea view isn’t too bad either!

There is plenty to do in Christchurch apart from the six fabulous beaches. We suggest walking up to the cliff tops of Highcliffe Castle to take in the amazing coastal views, or right in the centre of town, you will find the ruins of Christchurch Castle. For a relaxing afternoon, hire a self-drive motorboat and explore the harbour and river – just make sure to keep an eye out for all the swans!

· One night at the Christchurch Hotel costs from £166 per night. To book, visit Harbourhotels.com

The Sands Hotel, Kent

Margate is one of Britain’s original seaside towns and home to the Turner Contemporary Gallery – JMW Turner painted more canvases in Margate than anywhere else – and the retro-themed Dreamland theme park. The Shell Grotto is also worth a visit with its caves containing various shells decorated in patterns and symbols.

The Sands boutique hotel sits plum on the prom, with views of the sea and sandy beach, and is just a two-minute walk from the bijou art galleries and quirky artisan shops in the revitalised old town. You should even be able to catch one of the amazing sunsets over a cocktail from the open-terrace roof bar.

· Book a night at the super-stylish Sands Hotel from £120 per night, including breakfast. Visit Sandshotelmargate.co.uk

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