WHEN you think about holidays in these islands the mind conjures up images of children building sand castles while adults relax on sun loungers, an ice cream in one hand and a paperback in the other.
The common denominator here is the sea because Great Britain and Ireland boasts miles and miles of wonderful coastline and any number of idyllic seaside towns.
A seaside holiday is a fantastic option for a summer break
These areas also have some of the most popular luxury holiday homes, ranging from cottages and country houses to lodges and farmhouses. The beauty of them is they are within a short stroll, in some cases, or a quick car journey of the beach. Whether you are intending to rent seaside holiday accommodation in the UK and Ireland for a romantic break or as a bolthole for a family vacation, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Many people head for the south coast when they book luxury self-catering accommodation near the coast in England with the rustic charm of Cornwall, the beautiful beaches of Dorset and Devon and the traditional British seaside holiday towns of Kent all well worth exploring. Further north there are the bright lights of Blackpool on the west coast or the quaint little Yorkshire communities to the east.
Wales has the only coastal National Park in the UK, in Pembrokeshire, and the incredible sea views and the opportunity to see wonderful wildlife in its natural habitat helps draw in legions of holidaymakers every year. This is not the only option for coastal self-catering accommodation in Wales because there are some lovely holiday homes in picturesque locations such as Cardigan Bay and Anglesey.
Fynnon Gron - a country house available to rent in Pembrokeshire
If you are looking for breath-taking scenery at every turn, both on the coast and inland, then you should book holiday accommodation near the sea in Scotland. You can choose from rustic log cabins to luxurious cottages with a wealth of impressive destinations to choose from. The Highlands to the north are serene, there is an abundance of history on the east coast while a stay on the west side of Scotland gives you access to great links golf courses and boat trips to the Isle of Skye and Isle of Mull.
Mountwood Luxury Log Cabin - a holiday home near the Perthshire coast in Scotland
Ireland also has its share of idyllic coastal hideaways if you are planning a seaside holiday. One of the most popular is the Giants Causeway, which boasts some excellent surfing conditions as well as being a spell-binding natural feature.
Luxury coastal holiday homes in Ireland are incredibly varied from homely cottages to rustic farmhouses. There are plenty of trails to follow along the coast, either on foot or on a bike, and lots of opportunities for water sports, such as canoeing, kayaking and sailing.
