Gull Rock

Ground-floor two-bedroom cottage at Trebarwith Strand on the north Cornwall coast, sleeping 4 and rated 4/5 from 94 Sykes reviews. Named after Gull Rock, the small island that sits offshore and frames every sunset photo from this stretch of coast. Dogs welcome.

Step-free throughout: useful if you'd rather not haul cases up a Cornish stair. Two bedrooms, one en-suite, plus a family bathroom. Wifi, dishwasher, washing machine and an enclosed garden with the sea views. Friday changeover.

Trebarwith Strand itself is one of the more dramatic beaches on the north coast - sand at low tide, fully covered at high tide, slate cliffs squeezing the cove. Check tide times before driving down. The Strand cafe and the Port William inn sit above the beach. Walk the coast path 2 miles north to Tintagel Castle and the National Trust Old Post Office, or 4 miles south to Port Isaac - the Doc Martin village and home to Outlaw's New Road. Tregardock Beach is 1 mile south on foot, often empty.

Best for: couples or small families wanting a step-free base with the coast path at the door. Less good for: anyone wanting a tide-independent swim - this beach disappears at high tide.