The Rise of the Coastal Retreat: ARC Names the UK Staycation Spots for Groups Seeking More Than a Beach Break

From Norfolk’s wide sandy beaches to Suffolk’s Heritage Coast and Cornwall’s surf-fringed north coast, ARC’s design-led group houses offer a new way to gather by the sea this summer

With more travellers looking closer to home for meaningful group escapes, ARC, the collection of beautifully reimagined, design-led exclusive-use houses across the UK, has revealed three of the best British coastlines for a summer staycation: the North Norfolk Coast, the Suffolk Heritage Coast and Cornwall's North Coast. 

Created for groups of friends, families and teams to gather in comfort and style, ARC’s coastal houses combine the privacy of a country house with the consistency of a hotel. Each property features generous social spaces, boutique-hotel bedrooms, outdoor dining areas, pools, hot tubs and access to ARC Lobby, the brand’s concierge-style service connecting guests to more than 300 tried-and-tested local experiences, from private chefs and yoga instructors to coastal adventures and local food experiences.

As the Great British summer approaches, ARC is spotlighting three of the UK’s most characterful coastlines for those planning a design-led staycation close to home.

North Norfolk: wide skies, sandy beaches and slow summer days

For those drawn to big skies, salt marshes and some of the UK’s most celebrated sandy beaches, ARC Next-the-Sea offers a bright, modern base close to the North Norfolk coast.

Opened in February 2026, ARC Next-the-Sea sleeps up to 20 guests and has been transformed from a former youth hostel into a relaxed, contemporary house designed for entertaining. Inside, guests will find generous living and dining spaces, while outside the garden becomes the focus of summer stays, with an outdoor pool, sun deck, pétanque court, alfresco kitchen with pizza oven and Braai, wood-fired hot tub and firepit.

With famous sandy beaches within walking distance, the house is well placed for families and groups looking to combine days by the sea with long lunches, garden games and evenings around the fire.

ARC Next-the-Sea, Norfolk

Sleeps 20. Priced from £601 per night or £30 per person per night based on a group of 20 staying for four nights.

Padstow: Cornwall’s north coast, hidden beaches and seafood suppers

On Cornwall’s north coast, ARC Padstow offers a stylish base for exploring one of the UK’s best-loved summer destinations. Set behind a Georgian façade in St Issey, the 18th-century manor has been carefully restored, with Cornish slate walls, original beams and fireplaces sitting alongside contemporary design touches.

Sleeping up to 26 guests, the house is made for multi-generational holidays, milestone celebrations and group summer escapes. Highlights include a bar, kids’ playroom, cinema room, Swedish-style hot tub, contemporary dining extension and outdoor kitchen with pizza oven and Braai.

The surrounding coastline offers access to golden surfing beaches, rugged headlands, hidden coves and the Camel Estuary, where guests can enjoy sailing and paddleboarding. With fishing harbours, seafood restaurants and scenic stretches of the South West Coast Path nearby, ARC Padstow is a strong choice for groups looking to balance coastal adventure with relaxed, design-led living.

ARC Padstow, Cornwall

Sleeps 26. Priced from £687 per night or £26 per person per night based on a group of 26 staying for four nights.

Suffolk: coastal villages, wildlife reserves and panoramic sea views

On the Suffolk coast, ARC Thorpeness brings a striking architectural story to the Heritage Coast. The property reimagines the village’s iconic Grade II-listed former water tower, creating an exclusive-use coastal house with panoramic views from its fifth-floor living room.

Sleeping up to 20 guests across eight ensuite bedrooms, ARC Thorpeness is designed for large gatherings, with equal-calibre bedrooms, super king beds, Egyptian cotton bedding, LA-EVA organic toiletries and boutique-hotel comforts throughout.

Outside, a Mediterranean-inspired garden, outdoor pool, wood-fired hot tub and alfresco kitchen with premium pizza oven and South African-style Braai create an easy summer rhythm. Large indoor and outdoor dining tables encourage groups to gather throughout the day, from post-swim breakfasts to long evening dinners.

Located in the heart of Thorpeness, guests are within easy reach of Suffolk’s coastal landscapes, wildlife and nature reserves, sandy dunes, smuggler’s coves and fisherman’s huts. The property is also moments from tennis courts and the village’s famous boating Meare.

ARC Thorpeness, Suffolk

Sleeps 20. Priced from £625 per night or £31 per person per night based on a group of 20 staying for four nights.

A new way to experience the British coast

Tom Leahy, co-founder of ARC, comments:

“British coastal holidays have always been about bringing people together, but the way groups want to travel has changed. Guests want beautiful design, generous shared spaces, hotel-level comfort and a strong connection to the local area, all in one place. With ARC Next-the-Sea, ARC Padstow and ARC Thorpeness, we’ve created houses that make it easy for groups to gather by some of the UK’s most distinctive coastlines, whether that’s for a family holiday, a celebration or a summer weekend with friends.”

Across its portfolio, ARC restores historic and overlooked buildings through low-impact renovation, sustainable heating and careful preservation of architectural character. Outdoor spaces prioritise native planting, EV charging is added wherever feasible, and the brand works closely with local producers and businesses to reinvest in the communities surrounding each house.

With properties designed for groups of 20 or more, ARC offers a fresh take on the summer staycation: private, spacious, design-led houses in some of the UK’s most characterful coastal locations.

For more information and bookings, visit arc.club.

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ABOUT ARC 

Reimagining the Great British Escape, ARC is a collection of beautifully reimagined, design-led, exclusive-use houses across the UK. Each property pairs architectural character with hotel-level consistency and generous social spaces for groups to gather, celebrate or retreat. A concierge-style service is offered through the ARC Lobby connecting guests to over 300 tried-and-tested local experiences, from private chefs to yoga and vineyard tours.

Across the portfolio, ARC restores historic buildings through low-impact renovations, sustainable heating and careful preservation of heritage architecture. Outdoor spaces prioritise native planting, properties are located near fast rail links to encourage lower-carbon travel, and EV charging is added wherever feasible. ARC also partners closely with local producers and businesses to reinvest in surrounding communities.

Discover more at arc.club 

UK Press Enquiries:

Charlotte Williams & Jess Cochrane at Lemongrass Travel PR

E: ARC@lemongrassmarketing.com

T: +44 (0)1865 237 990

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Editors notes

The country house, made new. With a collection of purposefully restored homes across the UK, ARC promises guests the luxury of a boutique hotel without compromise.

Every ARC is designed for shared experiences, combining stunning architecture and interiors with state-of-the-art indoor/outdoor kitchens, spacious communal areas and extensive amenities.

Each property includes a dedicated house manager, private chefs on request and our purpose-built digital concierge service ‘ARC Lobby’ — providing a curated selection of local activities, services and produce on demand.