Five Cool Coastal Hotels to Book in 2024
Oh we do like to be beside the seaside
The White Horse & Griffin, Whitby
Tucked under Whitby Abbey’s cliff, on one of Whitby’s oldest cobbled streets you’d be forgiven for walking past this historic inn which truly encapsulates the heritage of this remarkable seaside town.
Insider guide: Dating back to the 17th century, this former coaching inn has history in spades. Charmingly quirky, there are 10 surprisingly contemporary bedrooms over four floors, all found down a maze of little passageways and round hidden corners. Some have low-slung ceilings, some have original panelling, and all have a cool mix of antique and contemporary furniture. The cosy dining room and bar, where sailors would fill their boots, now has a more refined feel and serves the best local produce on its bistro-style menu, including of course fish fresh from Whitby’s fishing fleet.
Whitby YO22 4BH
01947 604857
whitehorseandgriffin.com
Wrea Head Hall, Scalby
This elegant hotel in stunning grounds on the very edge of the North York Moors National Park is within sight of Scarborough Castle.
Insider guide: This Gothic country house has now become a much-loved, elegant (adult-only) country hotel with unparalleled views of the surrounding countryside. Impeccable service and heaps of charm make this a special place to relax. Enjoy cocktails on the terrace, stroll in the gorgeous grounds or hunker down by the huge fire in the hall with its stained-glass, mullion windows – it’s the perfect place to curl up with a book. The 24 rooms are spread across the main house and Carriage house but each has its own character and is individually designed. Our favourite? The Ellis Suite with its stunning stone mullion bay window looking down over the lawns, and a huge four-poster bed. Rest a while and soak up the views before you head down to dinner in the romantic 1881 restaurant.
Barmoor Lane, Scalby, Scarborough YO13 0PB
01723 371190
wreaheadhall.co.uk
Fingal, Leith
This unique luxury floating hotel on Edinburgh’s vibrant waterfront has all the style and glamour of a super yacht combined with an old-world elegance.
Insider guide: This former Northern Lighthouse Board tender has been totally transformed into a highly polished, totally luxurious, 22 cabin boutique hotel, including the penthouse suite with its own private deck. She’s berthed in Leith, just a few minutes walk from the Michelin-starred dining hotspots on Commercial Quay, but don’t miss the onboard Lighthouse Bar with its bow windows offering expansive views of other ships, just perfect for a sundowner, and the well thought of 2 AA Rosette restaurant, with its tempting menu which includes special Fingal’s salmon smoked on board.
Alexandra Dock, Leith EH6 7DX
0131 357 5000
fingal.co.uk
Newton Hall Garden Rooms, Newton-by-the-Sea
Newton Estate’s 27 Garden Rooms are just a stone’s throw from the picturesque Low Newton Square and the wide expanse of sandy beach dominated by Dunstanburgh Castle.
Insider guide: Balancing nature with comfort, the rooms all have private decking and gardens, some have hot tubs and fire pits but expect to find fluffy towels, crisp sheets, huge beds and a pervading sense of calm in these small garden oases. Sleeping between two and six guests, and with delicious home cooked food available at The Joiners Arms next-door, you may not want to travel far but your estate host will be on hand to organise everything from coasteering to beach yoga, and can order personalised food boxes and even in-room beauty treatments.
Newton-by-the-Sea NE66 3DZ
0191 933 7409
newton-hall.com
Beach House Hotel, Seahouses
This new hotel on the seafront at Seahouses has breathtaking views of the Farne Islands.
Insider guide: With a selection of stylish bedrooms, some with sea or garden views, and a choice of family and dog-friendly rooms, the hotel is perfectly placed to make the most of this part of the Northumberland coast. The bustling village of Seahouses with its busy harbour and many pubs and restaurants is just a few steps away, whilst the pretty village of Bamburgh and its iconic castle are well within walking distance. The bright and cheery restaurant serves locally-sourced ingredients in its dishes, you’ll find local ales and cocktails in the bar, and there’s a welcoming, relaxed seaside-style atmosphere throughout the hotel.
Seahouses, NE68 7SR
01665 720337
beachhousehotel.co.uk
