There’s nothing quite like waking up to the sound of the waves and if you’re anything like us, you’re probably already planning your next beach retreat.

To help in the search, we’ve teamed up with our friends at Kip Hideaways to showcase some of their most magical coastal retreats. Offering gorgeous and affordable properties across the UK, Kip Hideaways specialise in small places with big souls, just waiting to be discovered.

Check out these four stunning hideaways we’ve fallen in love with or visit kiphideaways.com to become a member and book your dream escape.

WHITSTABLE BEACH HOUSE

Perhaps best known for its oyster shacks, brightly coloured beach huts and extraordinary sunsets, Whitstable is very much en vogue these days with a new wave of quirky independents and brilliant little restaurants taking the town by storm. And we reckon this beautiful old cottage just yards from the sea is your perfect retreat. Full of cosy, eclectic charm, it’s ideal for up to six people with two double bedrooms (plus a mezzanine with an extra bed), soul-stirring views, and relaxed days of flying kites on the shingle beach, swimming and paddle boarding in the sea, or lazy lunches in those famed shacks.

TOWANS RETREAT, CORNWALL

They don’t come much closer to the sea than this little gem overlooking Hayle Bay and just a short drive from St Ives in beautiful Cornwall. Much has been packed into the compact, charred-wood space, perched on the cliff and when it comes to a view to wake up to, they don’t come better than this. With a kingsize master and full-size bunk room, it’s the perfect escape for families, not-too-big for a couple, and an incredible spot all year round.

COASTAL COTTAGE CEREDIGION

If you’re after an utterly idyllic holiday, for up to four people, your search stops here at Coastal Cottage Ceredigion in West Wales.

Tucked into a green valley, this traditional 18th century stone cottage with its thatched roof and bumpy limestone walls oozes charm and boasts a stylish and contemporary interior including two cosy bedrooms and a ladder that leads up to the best bit; a traditional ‘crog loft’, where you can hide away and read books. The cottage is wrapped in almost an acre of flowering gardens with the lure of beautiful unspoilt beaches such as Llangrannog, Penbryn, Aberporth and Tresaith just a short stroll away.

WEST COAST CABIN, SKYE

If wild landscapes, moody seas, expansive skies and shooting stars sounds like heaven – with the odd storm for good measure – this is for you. The lodge, inspired by traditional Scottish longhouses, sits on Skye’s west coast, with sweeping views as far as the Outer Hebrides from every room. Combining contemporary design with antique accents, the cabin sleeps eight comfortably. Come with friends, come with family, but just make sure you come.