In the United Kingdom, the people celebrate a royal wedding as a national holiday. Perhaps that quick fact is known to many. Yet, many are unaware that the UK and Great Britain are not one and the same. Great Britain is the island where England, Wales, and Scotland are found. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland is situated on another island, the rest of which is occupied by the Republic of Ireland (which is not part of the United Kingdom). The UK also includes The Isles of Scilly, The Isle of Man, the Channel Islands, and 6,000 smaller islands. You might think that’s a lot of territory, but once upon a time, the British Empire ruled about 24 percent of the total land area of the entire planet! But, enough about geography and history. We’re here to help you discover the top sea-view hotels in the United Kingdom.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to sea views. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 14, 2024.
1. Jurys Inn Brighton Waterfront, Brighton, England (from USD 260)
Brighton and Hove is a popular seaside resort city in South East England. Along Kings Road and fronting the sea is a local hotel called Jurys Inn Brighton Waterfront. The restaurant and bar area is breathtakingly airy and bright with modern seating and decor. The view of the sea from the restaurant would compel you to stay there a while longer. But, it might also be difficult to wrest yourself away from the comfortable and spacious rooms. The sea views from there are equally compelling. For sure, you will enjoy Brighton and Hove more intimately when you go out and explore. At the end of the day, you’ll be happy to return to your fantastic quarters at Jurys Inn Brighton Waterfront.
2. The View Hotel, Eastbourne, England (from USD 127)
The seafront hotels of Eastbourne in England have a reputation to keep. The management of The View Hotel happily take inspiration from the resort town’s rich history to provide contemporary comforts to their guests. The charming wood paneling in the rooms reminds you of Victorian tradition, while modern furnishings allow you to loosen up and let the seaside town’s laid-back energy seep into you. Rooms with seaside views are in high demand so it is prudent to book your UK holiday at The View Hotel now!
3. The Hermitage Hotel, Bournemouth, England (from USD 88)
The south coast of England is on the map because of Bournemouth’s beaches and exciting nightlife. The town’s inclusion in the 1841 book, “The Spas of England” by Augustus Granville probably has something to do with the millions of visitors it receives annually. Bournemouth’s The Hermitage Hotel boasts amazing views of the English Channel, as well as an award-winning restaurant. A full English breakfast should be on your must-list items because The Hermitage makes it extra special. At The Hermitage, you will enjoy every comfort you expect from lovely rooms. Moreover, you can step out the door and find yourself along the beach in only a couple of minutes.
4. View Hotel Folkestone, Folkestone, England (from USD 118)
Folkestone sits on a charming valley in between two cliffs at the southern part of North Downs in Kent. Fortunately, you can book a room at View Hotel Folkestone right on Leas Promenade and enjoy four-star amenities for an affordable stay. The view from Leas Promenade is fantastic. If you’re not in the mood to go out and explore, take a room with a panoramic view and you’ll have a spectacular staycation. View Hotel Folkestone’s 44 bedrooms all have partial sea views at the least. You will not be disappointed.
View Hotel Folkestone
Address: 30-32 Clifton Gardens, The Leas
5. Old Ship Hotel - The Hotel Collection, Brighton, England (from USD 138)
If you have business to attend to in the Brighton area, there is a Georgian hotel that epitomizes balance and symmetry in both structure and service. Old Ship Hotel is included in the prestigious Cairn Collection and looks the part. While the common areas feel austere, and some dining areas are formal and elegant, you’d find lightness and softness in the private lodgings. Those are rooms designed to provide maximum comfort. Every room has a dedicated work area, which makes Old Ship Hotel the preferred option for business travelers.
6. Cumberland Hotel - OCEANA COLLECTION, Bournemouth, England (from USD 81)
An Art Deco building would stand out in Bournemouth Bay. Cumberland Hotel is apart from the rest not only because of its style, but also because of the accolades it has received. The Bournemouth Tourism Award isn’t given to just any establishment, so it counts that The Cumberland Hotel received the Best Large Hotel Award in 2018. Deluxe accommodations await guests, as well as four bars, four restaurants, sauna, squash courts, and outdoor pools. We must add the seafront views on the list of reasons why this hotel comes very highly recommended.
Cumberland Hotel - OCEANA COLLECTION
Address: East Overcliffe Drive
7. The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne, England (from USD 258)
Fair pricing with breakfast included, but extra charges for certain items
Spacious indoor and outdoor pools, beautiful interior, but some areas in need of refurbishment
Charming seafront location, close to town center and beach, great for exploring
Outstanding breakfast, excellent dining experiences, but some service issues
Eastbourne has many significant historical landmarks. If we determine prominence based on the facade alone, The Grand Hotel Eastbourne will always get top marks. The five-star hotel which faces the sea is known as “White Palace,” and has received many prominent figures including Charlie Chaplin and Sir Winston Churchill. The Debussy Suite was named after Claude Debussy himself. The French Impressionist composer worked on his orchestral composition, “La Mer” in the very room sometime in the early 1900s. Expect greatness, elegance, and character in every corner of The Grand Hotel.
8. Best Western Lansdowne Hotel, Eastbourne, England (from USD 103)
Reasonable pricing for pet-friendly rooms with complementary dog amenities.
Comfortable beds, spacious lounges, and convenient location near the seafront and town.
Perfect seafront location with easy parking and proximity to the theater and local shops.
Excellent breakfast with a variety of options, though some guests noted room for improvement in the dinner menu.
Still in Eastbourne and a few minutes from the tourist-drawing beaches, you will find Best Western Lansdowne Hotel. It is an ideal holiday headquarters for the adventurous because of its location on King Edwards Parade. Its facilities allow guests to embrace little luxuries. The hotel is proud of its elegant Devonshire Restaurant. While dining you may take in as much as the seafront view as you like. Lounges and bars also offer views of the sea. Book a room with antique furniture if you’re partial to them. The staff will be happy to accommodate your every whim.
9. Queen's Hotel, Portsmouth, England (from USD 180)
Reasonable pricing for midweek stays; breakfast at additional cost.
Beautiful historic building with stylish modern twist; spacious rooms with sea views; some areas may need updating.
Excellent seafront location with easy access to Southsea and historic dockyard; lovely outdoor space; close to ferry ports.
Very good food and friendly staff; excellent breakfast with extensive choice; some issues with slow service and high drink prices.
Portsmouth’s naval atmosphere makes it a riveting holiday destination. Dockyards, warships, and museums all pay homage to the British Empire’s unrivaled dominance of the seas for many centuries. There is no better place to stay at Portsmouth than at The Queen’s Hotel. The hotel gardens are maintained with love and attention. The rooms present guests with views of Port Solent, where you can head out for leisure activities day and night. The Edwardian building is an attraction in itself and its location makes it easy for you to reach key tourist destinations in the area.
The Queens Hotel
Address: Clarence Parade, Southsea
10. DoubleTree by Hilton Aberdeen City Centre, Aberdeen, Scotland (from USD 64)
We can’t say enough about Aberdeen, dubbed Scotland’s “Granite City.” The grey buildings look imposing, but everything is softened by the arresting landscape. Aberdeen is the place where the North Sea meets the Dee and Don Rivers. You can book comfortable lodgings at Doubletree by Hilton Aberdeen City Center. It’s a four-star hotel standing on manicured lawns. Rest assured your room is warm and cozy when you return from exploring the port city. The menu is modern but uses local produce for maximum flavor and freshness. Aside from sea views, you’ll see the rides of Codonas Amusement, which is minutes away from the hotel.
DoubleTree by Hilton Aberdeen City Centre
Address: Beach Boulevard
Great expectations in the UK
The United Kingdom is fascinating in many ways. Its richness and substance make it one of the most visited places in the world. The adventures you will experience in the UK could be some of the most memorable escapades of your life. As such, you must match these great expectations with only the best hotel accommodation.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to