Villages by the sea: Where to find coastal homes

If buying a home on the coast appeals, there are many villages by the sea that could be just what you’re looking for.

Whether it’s the dramatic cliffs of the Cornish coast or the sandy beaches of Norfolk, seaside villages offer natural beauty and a real sense of community.

For those seeking to experience the lifestyle moving to the coast would bring, here are some villages by the sea to consider:

Studland, Dorset

Studland is a charming village by the sea within the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Areas of the village, surrounding countryside, and the beach are owned by the National Trust.

Studland Bay’s sandy beaches stretch for around three miles and offer swim-only areas, water sports, and scenic walks. The eastern point of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, the area is known for its ‘Old Harry Rocks’ chalk formations.

Studland has a village shop, the 16^th-century Bankes Arms Inn, and The Pig, a well-regarded hotel and eatery.

Sandbanks is a short ferry ride away. The towns of Swanage and Wareham are nearby with direct rail services from Wareham to London Waterloo.

Caldy, The Wirral

Caldy is one of the most sought-after places to live on the Wirral Peninsula just south of West Kirby alongside the Dee Estuary.

The village has several sports clubs including the highly regarded Caldy Golf Club.

Local beaches include Caldy Beach, Thurstaston Beach, and West Kirby Beach with its Marina Lake and sailing club.

Caldy Hill is a National Trust-owned area of heath and woodland, and the village is surrounded by vast areas of open countryside.

Services and amenities are nearby in West Kirby and Heswall. The cities of Chester and Liverpool offer excellent shopping, leisure activities, and major transport links.

Hope Cove, Devon

Among Devon’s most favoured villages by the sea, Hope Cove is a small beachside community in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The village is in two parts: Inner Hope and Outer Hope, each with its own sandy beach offering opportunities for swimming and watersports. There is a local shop, pub, bistro, and several hotels.

A broader range of amenities can be found in Salcombe, renowned for its vibrant waterfront and water-based activities. Additionally, Kingsbridge provides more extensive shopping options.

The nearest major road is three miles away. The two nearest railway stations with regular services are roughly twenty miles away in Totnes and Plymouth.

Feock, Cornwall

Feock, five miles south of the city of Truro, is one of Cornwall’s most desirable villages by the sea. It is known for its beautiful countryside and stunning views of the River Fal. There are several scenic walks in the area.

The watersports centre on Loe Beach offers lessons and equipment hire, ensuring it is highly favoured by sailing enthusiasts.

Truro offers a wide selection of amenities and recreational activities, as well as a railway station with a direct service to London Paddington.

Runswick Bay, Yorkshire

Runswick Bay is a small coastal village on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. It is considered one of the best places to live in Yorkshire.

The village is in two parts: Lower Village, with its distinctive red-roofed cottages nestled into the cliffs overlooking the bay, is largely pedestrianised with the houses accessed via winding paths and steep steps. Bank Top, at the top of a steep hill, has more modern homes accessible by vehicles.

Runswick Bay has a pub, cafe, hotels, and a sailing club. For those who enjoy coastal walks, the Cleveland Way National Trail runs both north and south of the village.

With its sandy beach and spectacular views, it is regularly voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK.

Further amenities can be found in nearby villages. The famous seaside town of Whitby is eight miles south and has a railway station and provides for all needs.

East Preston, West Sussex

The large and prosperous seaside village of East Preston is known for having some of the most exclusive and sought-after properties in West Sussex.

The village has diverse and substantial architect-designed homes and several private estates including Willowhayne and Angmering on Sea.

The area offers a good range of amenities with local shops, pubs and restaurants. Also, there is a lawn tennis club, bowls, and cricket clubs.

Nearby Angmering has more shops, a medical centre, schools, a health club, and a golf course. Additionally Angmering has a train station providing services to London Victoria, and the south coast.

Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire

If you are considering Scottish villages by the sea in which to settle, Cruden Bay, on the stunning Buchan Coast, 25 miles north of Aberdeen, is a strong contender.

The village is near Slains Castle ruins and the Bay of Cruden, with its sweeping sandy beach, offers safe swimming. Watersports, and sea fishing.

Cruden Bay offers a range of amenities including general stores, and pubs. There is also a medical practice, pharmacy, post office, a primary school and nursery, and sports facilities.

Aberdeen provides all the services expected of a major city, and Aberdeen Airport offers flights to London and other cities.

Milford-on-Sea, Hampshire

Milford on Sea is a thriving coastal village with a long shingle beach, colourful beach huts, and stunning unspoilt views across the Solent.

The Village Green has a range of shops, a greengrocer, butcher, fishmonger, restaurants, pubs, a medical centre, and a dental surgery. It is also home to several events including an Arts & Music Festival, May Fair, and Christmas Carol Service.

The towns of Lymington and New Milton are three miles away. Larger shopping centres are available in Bournemouth and Southampton.

Old Hunstanton, Norfolk

Another of the villages by the sea that is attractive to buyers is Old Hunstanton. 

Old Hunstanton is a small, highly sought-after village on the north Norfolk coast. It is renowned for its excellent sandy beaches and beautiful scenery.

The village is known for its large, detached family homes, and has a local shop, post office, pubs, and restaurants.

Old Hunstanton is close to several nature reserves, and walking trails.

Additionally, Hunstanton Golf Club is nearby with its Championship course, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.

The nearby town of Hunstanton offers two supermarkets, primary and secondary schools, health care, and a large range of shops, pubs, and restaurants. The large town of Kings Lynn is 18 miles away with many amenities and a direct rail service to London King’s Cross.

Seaside villages

These are just a selection of lovely villages by the sea and, the list could go on.

Properties in many of the most sought-after seaside locations rarely appear on the open market with owners often preferring to sell discreetly.

Garrington’s local experts frequently have access to these off-market opportunities and can be instrumental in your search for the perfect home.

If you would like to discuss your plans and discover more villages by the sea that could be ideal for you, please contact us for an initial discussion without obligation.