Burnfoot Cottage, Dumfries and Galloway

Right on the shore of Dhoon Bay, this four-bedroom cottage is in a magical location. A front gate leads directly to a sheltered beach and there are two acres of woodland garden for exploratory walks, where you might chance upon some wildlife. Warmed by the Gulf stream, the area has a mild climate and is ideal for fishing, watersports or sunbathing. The artists' town of Kirkcudbright (three miles away) has many delightful restaurants.

Sleeps eight. £1,200 a week. Book through Seaside Cottages (www.seasidecottages.co.uk)

Harbour View, Cornwall

Set on the water's edge at beautiful Lamorna Cove, this first-floor apartment is above an old-fashioned seaside cafe which is open from April to October. The decor is bright and modern with clear views of sea and sky. It has French windows that open on to a spacious balcony for an evening meal or to watch the sunrise at breakfast.

Sleeps four. £546 a week. Book through Classic Cottages (01326 555555; www.classic.co.uk)

Cable Hut, Pembrokeshire

The first submarine telegraph cable was laid on the seabed to Ireland from here, hence the name of this compact and functional beach house. Set back 200 yards from the beach at Abermawr, with sea views, it's right on the coastal path and perfect for walkers and nature lovers, who will appreciate the seal colonies and the birds that visit the wildflowers in the garden.

Sleeps two. £367 a week. Book through Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire (01437 765765; www.coastalcottages.co.uk)

Thurlestone Rock Penthouse, Devon

These luxury marine apartments look directly over the beach at Thurlestone Sands, right on the South Devon coastal path. Eat supper on the veranda with breathtaking views over the bay and to Burgh Island. There's a heated outdoor swimming pool and large patio areas with barbecue facilities.

Sleeps six. £1,350 a week. Book through Coast and Country (0870 4050530; www.coastandcountry.co.uk)

Overstrand, Kent

You can step out of your front door and on to the pebble beach at Herne Bay from this cottage. The back garden rises steeply to give dramatic sea and sunset views.

Sleeps five plus a cot. £650 a week. Book through Fairhaven Holidays (01208 821255; www.fairhaven-holidays.co.uk)

Sanderling Cottage, Northumberland

Part of a cute collection of fishermen's cottages in Low Hauxley just metres from the unspoilt coastline of Druridge Bay, with its long walking paths, bird hides and nature reserves. The enclosed front garden has a barbecue if you tire of sandy picnics.

Sleeps six. £620 a week with Northumbria Coast and Country Cottages (01665 830 783; www.northumbria-cottages.co.uk)

All prices are based on a week's rental in July.