Six of the best island cottages

Even the swankiest islands have a scattering of smaller, more affordable stays – if you know where to look. Luckily, Lucy Thackray does

January is a great time for a relaxing staycation by the sea. Bracing walks followed by cosying up in front of an open fire is the ideal way to start the year. Here are some of our favourite picture-perfect cottages to rent for your first break of 2026

From a 17th-century country house to a small but idyllic clifftop retreat, Amy McPherson compiles some of the best coastal properties currently for sale

Rye, East Sussex This Medieval town is brimming ...

Take a road trip around Scotland’s ‘misty isle’ for volcanic rock formations, wild swimming at the Fairy Pools and warming drams of cask whisky.

Every month, we trawl the nation’s coastline to bring you news of the people, places and exciting goings-on that are worth knowing about