Cary Arms, South Devon

Sitting at the bottom of red Devon sandstone cliffs and reached via a series of tight bends is this classic british beachside inn. Overlooking babbacombe bay, it’s the ultimate location for all manner of watery pursuits.

The Cary family have been a part of Torquay’s history since 1662 and the hotel has existed since Queen Victoria’s reign. Now famed hotelier Peter de Savary oversees proceedings.

It exudes traditional seaside glamour with an abundance of stripes, blues and whites. The terrace is beautiful for alfresco dining in warm weather and the menus feature local seafood.

Ten sea-facing rooms and suites are the ones to go for, although the four delightful fisherman’s cottages with their own gardens and terraces will make it tricky to choose which to book. Eight lovely yet larger-than-normal beach huts and beach suites have just been added too. ■■Doubles from £275 per room, per night; beach huts from £335 per night (in May), caryarms.co.uk

Brudenell, Suffolk

Rooms with views of the pale grey pebbles of Aldeburgh’s expansive beach are on offer at the brudenell. Originally built as 19th-century merchant homes, it opened as a hotel in 1868. Rooms are neutral in tone with the communal areas featuring driftwood artworks, lanterns and maritime-inspired wallpaper.

Wander along those pebbles to artist Maggi Hambling’s arresting steel scallop artwork and past the little wooden huts selling fresh seafood.

The hotel’s Seafood & Grill restaurant is constantly booked, renowned for its local fish which lands just up the beach.

A mile away is the quirky black and white town of Thorpeness, while Aldeburgh’s high street with bookshops and individual boutiques is just behind. ■■Doubles from £150 per room, per night, B&B (in May), brudenellhotel.co.uk