Violet Cottage

Violet Cottage works for families wanting a seaside base, groups of friends after their own space, or couples seeking a coastal retreat. The three bedrooms—one kingsize, one double, one with bunks—sleep six, and one dog stays free. You have the whole property to yourselves, with parking for one car on site and a large enclosed garden that includes a sitting area, barbecue and bike storage.

Downstairs, the living room has French doors onto a decking area overlooking the beach; a woodburner takes the edge off cooler months. The kitchen is equipped for real cooking, with an oven, gas hob, dishwasher and washing machine. Upstairs is the single bathroom with a bath and shower. Electricity, heating, wifi, bed linen and towels are included, along with initial logs for the fire. There's a travel cot, highchair and stairgate if you need them.

The cottage sits ten yards from the shingle beach in the Cemetery area of Dover. A pub stands fifty yards away; shops are three hundred yards' distance. The Rising Sun is nearby. No smoking inside; check-in is after 3pm and checkout before 10am.