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Coastguard Cottage

Nr Milford On Sea
  • 4 + 1 baby
  • 2
  • 1.5

What we love...

Fantastic location right by the water’s edge, perfect for coastal walks and activities like paddleboarding and wild swimming.

A modern & stylish terrace house filled with home comforts.

Showstopping master bedroom on the top floor with panoramic views across to the Isle of Wight.

Nestled in the beautiful village of Keyhaven, Coastguards Cottage is the perfect location for a relaxing New Forest escape, with beautiful coastal views and relaxing walks on your doorstep.

Coastguard Cottage Style

Coastguard Cottage is smart, stylish and bright, with white walls and lots of coastal accessories. The kitchen, dining and living spaces are modern and snug, perfect for relaxing as a family after a day of coastal adventures. There’s also a small outdoor space where you can enjoy some sunshine.

Bright and airy bedrooms are laid out over three floors, with the master bedroom on the top floor boasting fantastic views of the Isle of Wight and the Solent.

About the Area

Nestled in the picturesque coastal hamlet of Keyhaven, adventures can be found in almost every direction when you leave the front door!

Coastguard Cottage is second in a terrace of houses facing the sea, next to the tiny Keyhaven harbour and just a 45-second walk from the water’s edge. The area is peaceful, pretty and quiet; it’s also a good crabbing spot for little ones. There is superb walking to great foodie places nearby, and further along the coastal paths, you’ll find long pebble and sandy beaches at Milford on Sea.

Get the tiny ferry to Hurst Castle Spit and the Castle itself. We love it for family play and couples time out. There is enough space here for a quiet and sunny picnic spot out of the wind or wild games of hide and seek. There is a café which is tiny and excellent, or our favourite thing is picnics on the castle keep roof.

After a day of adventures, your neighbouring pub, The Gun Inn, makes for the perfect pit stop on your way back home.

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Book from:

£95 / night

Book Now

What makes this place special...

Highlights staying at this house and in the local area...

  • New Forest Escapes

    Paddle boarding

    Want to get active? There is a large quiet area of water, protected by the Hurst Spit, which is superb for paddle boarding. You can get out at Hurst Castle and pull the kayak up and visit the café there. 

  • New Forest Escapes

    Hurst Castle Spit and beaches

    The walk to Hurst Castle is usually bracing. The Solent winds, beloved by sailors, will sweep out your cobwebs and bring you home renewed. Lunch there at the tiny Hurst Castle cafe and savour the clean water in your tea, (it is taken out by tractor, along the spit, each day).

  • New Forest Escapes

    Sit on, or walk, the coastal path

    The views from the area across the marshes towards the Isle of Wight are boaty and beautiful. Whilst the beaches are shingle, at half way to low tide they are sandy. Walking either way along the path is great, mainly flat and good tracks.

  • New Forest Escapes

    Crabbing

    Crabbing is fun at high tide. The little quay is gorgeous, tiny and very boaty - only small craft and it's all low key.

  • New Forest Escapes

    The Gun Inn

    Anyone needing a break can pop to The Gun Inn nearly next door. It's a locals favourite and new owners in 2021 have done a wonderful job of breathing life back into the ol' lady.

  • New Forest Escapes

    Wild Swim

    Read our full guide in our blog. But the water quality at Hordle Cliff and beyond is generally good. Sandcastling here is good mid-low tide, dogs welcome all year around.

  • New Forest Escapes

    Milford foodie village

    The village of Milford on Sea is a 10 minute walk and has plenty of foodie offerings – make sure to stop by Mr Pink’s Fish and Chips, Verveine for those who want an absolute treat. The Wash House is great fun – BYO food (or order from next door and they’ll bring it across for you) whilst you’re playing their enormous selection of board games.

All the essential details.

Here's your full run down of this place, inside and out...

Inside

The cottage’s interior is fresh, bright and comfortable – all white walls with coastal scenes and pops of colour. On the ground floor there’s a smart contemporary kitchen-dining room opening onto a snug and stylish sitting room with corner sofa heaped with cushions and a modern fireplace. There is also a small room for outdoor cloakroom and toilet just off the entrance lobby.

Upstairs on the first floor is a bedroom with king-size bed, which converts into two singles if preferred, and luxurious bathroom. On the top floor, the master bedroom is an airy, light-filled space with king-size bed and panoramic views over the Solent. Simply throw open the large picture windows to breathe in the spectacular setting – from sunrise over the Isle of Wight to a dark night sky alight with stars.

The cottage is family friendly, ideally located for short, gentle wanders close to the house for small kids, as well as fantastic beaches a few miles away in Milford on Sea and Highcliffe. We provide a travel cot, one high chair & a fitted stair gate at the top of the stairs.

You can crab at Keyhaven harbour, or for bigger crabs, a walk twenty minutes to the west will take you to the bridge over Sturt Pond. This is also a fabulous 'Pooh sticks' bridge and is a hidden hide for birdwatching. Start at the Bridge for the blustery pebble and shingle beaches within strolling distance beyond Hurst Spit.

Sleeping...

Bedroom 1 Superking with spectacular views - feather bedding
Bedroom 2 Twin or Superking - feather bedding. Travel cot.

Bathrooms...

One WC downstairs
Two Spacious family bathroom with bath and separate shower and two sinks

All the rest...

KitchenElectric over / Gas hob / Cafetiere / Fridge freezer / Microwave / Dishwasher (half size) / Washing machine
Mod Cons32" Smart TV and DVD player, iPod docking station, Remote control gas fire
ConnectivityFree WiFi and mobile signal is patchy but outside is good.
Kids' StuffTravel cot - 69cm x 119cm
PetsOne dog welcome for a small charge per stay, and only downstairs.
The beaches here are all dog friendly all year, but do keep your dog on the lead around the bird reserves in the bird nesting season.

Outside

Outside is a charming, sheltered courtyard garden that catches plenty of sun – perfect for sitting with a relaxing G&T.
GardenPrivate and small enclosed courtyard
ParkingThere is an allocated space for one car. If further parking is required, there is a public car park close by (pay & display).

Coastguard Cottage does not currently have EV charging facilities, or access to charge your car from the mains.

Home truths

Please take care when ascending/ descending the stairs, as they are steep.

Accessibility

The access to the cottage is flat and there is a small step into the cottage from the little courtyard garden. The stairs are tight but not overly steep.

Booking Information

Included in your booking cost are: all bedding and linen, towels for the house, kitchen essentials, any baby kit you've requested and cleaning the house after you leave. We also supply some treats to get you going for tea when you arrive. Enjoy!

Arrival & Departure

Arrive from: 4pm
Depart before: 10am

Payment Info

Deposit: 50%
Balance Due: 45 days before your stay

Your nearest...

Local storeVillage Veg - 1 mile
SupermarketWaitrose & Partners - 2.9 miles
PubThe Gun Inn - 367ft
Train stationLymington Town - 3.9 miles

Location, location, location...

The picturesque hamlet of Keyhaven is just outside your front door, with adventures awaiting in every direction. Although you'll be able to spot it from your bedroom window, Hurst Castle is a must to see up close too. Wander two miles up the spit (around 45 minutes), or take the little ferry. Your neighbouring pub, The Gun, provides the perfect pit stop upon your return.

Younger ones will love to climb the rocks as you go forth to explore Milford (a gentle 20 mile stroll) to down tools and sunbathe, swim or picnic (we love Hordle Cliffs amongst the gorgeous rainbow of beach huts).

Milford village has plenty of shops and eateries to try out. We love the HUGE baguettes from The Coastal bakery, and the grocers fresh fruit & veg. Vervaine is a must for a spoiler supper, and Rays ticks all the family-friendly boxes.

Insider's Guide >>

The best things to do and see when you're here...

Head over to the blog for all kinds of good information on where to go, what to do and how to do it...Forest style

  • Insider’s Guide to Keyhaven

    Sleepy, small and very boaty, Keyhaven was a port in 1206. Now it’s a fishing hamlet and base for boat owners. The Isle of Wight…

  • The Haven Bar & Restaurant

    Serving 7 days a week, the Haven is great for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Friday and Saturday nights are also buzzing. We LOVE the view…

  • Discovering Hurst Castle and a fabulous coastal walk.

    he Spit divides the choppy Solent waters and creates a calm lagoon which is an excellent site for paddle boarding trips, kayaking and quiet sailing.…

  • Cycling in the New Forest

    The area is predominantly flat and has fantastic cycle trails and road cycling options. Many parts of the forest, hidden to the motorist, are easily accessible…

  • The Best Restaurants & Pubs in the New Forest

    Indulge in delicious local food with our top New Forest restaurant recommendations, highlighting all the top spots for keen foodies.  

  • Insider’s Guide to Milford on Sea

    Live like a local on your next trip to Milford on Sea with our insiders guide, brimming with plenty of things to see and do…

Guests that have stayed here rate this place:

4.7 out of 5

Psst...find more real reviews on upfront reviews

Spent a few days pre Christmas with the family and had an excellent trip. The cottage was in a great location ... December 2025 Read More
Lovely comfortable cottage in an amazing location. Just walk out of the door and there you have the most beaut... November 2025 Read More
Excellent. Just walked straight in & felt very comfortable. Ideal for Keyhaven and exploring the New Forest.... October 2025 Read More
5 stars! Excellent accommodation. Tremendous views. Incredible bathroom. Very close to the sea and the nature ... May 2025 Read More

Guests that have stayed here rate this place:

4.7 out of 5

Spent a few days pre Christmas with the family and had an excellent trip. The cottage was in a great location for some walks and next to a super pub that did a fantastic Sunday roast. Great customer service from New Forest Escapes too!

Laurence Hayes December 2025

Lovely comfortable cottage in an amazing location. Just walk out of the door and there you have the most beautiful coastal walk’s imaginable.

Andrew November 2025

Excellent. Just walked straight in & felt very comfortable. Ideal for Keyhaven and exploring the New Forest.

Diane Green October 2025

5 stars! Excellent accommodation. Tremendous views. Incredible bathroom. Very close to the sea and the nature reserve and coastal walks.The Gun Inn next door served amazing food. We thoroughly recommend.

Andrew May 2025

We had a fabulous stay. Excellent location and we literally have walked everyday and not moved our car since we arrived. Recommendations- have a meal and a drink in The Gun Inn. Although it seems a bit expensive, we had a marvellous meal and drinks- check times as food not served all day. We saw some brilliant birds, the highlight was a small eared owl which we were lucky to see 3 evenings in a row. The cottage is very comfortable and clean, perfect for us!

Janet, Roger and Alfie May 2025

Sophia 3 yrs says 'This is the best holiday house and the bathroom was amazing'. We agree, fab cottage with all possible amenities and the weather was so kind to us. Thank you very much.

Chris, Lina, Sophia and Nana April 2025

First visit and the cottage is great, very clean, very cosy, nicely furnished. Excellent location for exploring the area. Great views. Loved the birdsong. Hope to be back!

Margaret, Barbara and Jan December 2024

We love Keyhaven and it is perfect to be able to stay here and right next door to The Gun Inn!

Frances October 2024

Fabulous two days in this beautiful cottage, such a special spot, especially with the view from the top window. We enjoyed two evenings at The Gun next door and walks around the harbour here and over at Mudeford. Thank you.

Victoria & Jane March 2024

A lovely stay in a beautiful area plus a great cottage, spotlessly clean with everything you need. Many thanks, we've had a wonderful time.

Coombs famikly March 2024

A really special place. Stunning location with amazing view. Spotlessly clean and well equipped. Comfy beds. Great to have a fabulous pub next door for dinner. Would definitely book again.

Victoria March 2024

Thank you so much for a relaxing get away. A trip to The Gun Inn and a walk to the marshes seems to fix everything. The cottage was brilliant, very homely and had everything we needed.

Dil & Tash February 2024

Beautiful spot very peaceful and loads of walking / cycling on the doorstep. Easy to park and leave the car if you like the great outdoors - but best to bring self catering food supplies as only one pub in immediate area. Hurst castle ferry/walk, Milford on sea and Lymington all walkable and worth a visit

Jan September 2023

We had a great girl's long weekend here (2 adults + 1 infant). Very clean base to come back to after a long day out. Lots of lovely walks and comfy beds. Other than that great place to relax.

Francesca June 2023

We had a fantastic stay - the cottage is in a gorgeous location with beautiful countryside and walks from the door. It's in a very peaceful village and within a short walk of the beach. The view from the top floor bedroom is lovely. The cottage is very comfortable and well equipped.

Charlotte & family March 2023

Lovely base to explore local coast. Ate at local pub which was lovely. Visited Lyndhurst for Sunday Lunch. Pebble Beach was very nice too. House lovely, thank you.

Jo & family September 2022

Just what we needed, peace and rest in a beautiful home in a stunning part of the world. We are sure to return. Thank you!

Paul & family April 2022

I can't recommend Coastguards Cottage more highly, the property is very well appointed and spotlessly clean. I would say the pictures don't do it justice. Location wise it was perfect for us, Keyhaven is beautiful, loads of walks, nature and close to Lymington if you need something a bit busier. we can't wait to return.

Paul April 2022

Second time here and despite the weather being freezing, we had a lovely time. Very comfortable, warm and clean. Thank you.

Pam & Barbara April 2022

Sweet cottage and a great base to explore. Will come back.

Tracey & Martyn February 2022

Happily recommend Keyhaven.

Frances January 2022

Coastguard cottage is very well appointed and just moments from the coastal walks around Keyhaven....

Royston Matthews September 2019

A fabulous place with great views overlooking the harbour. Very clean, great size rooms, the comfiest beds after a long day of walking! The town is a short walk away with a lovely little wine bar called ‘The Cave’ and other pubs, restaurants and shops.

Billie and friend January 2019

Lovely clean beautiful cottage, comfortable beds, large bathroom. The house was even more beautiful in real life, as lovely as the photos are, they don’t do it justice! Wonderful little house. Would definitely stay again. Perfect stay for me and my mum. Thank you New Forest Escapes!

Aimee and Mum November 2018

“We had a fantastic short stay at the cottage. We found it beautifully clean and decorated with everything you would need for your stay. The master bedroom on the top floor is a great spot for parents, so quiet and secluded with peaceful views of the water.”

Shana, AirBnB May 2018

“The cottage made a perfect little getaway for our family of four. The master bedroom was luxurious and had stunning sea views! The kids loved playing with the board games provided and were kept busy with strolls along the beach, climbing rocks and crabbing. Thanks again for a very enjoyable stay!”

Emma March 2018

“We've hired many holiday cottages over the years and this was undoubtedly one of the best, both in terms of the quality of its renovation - without compromising the character - and its practicality. It's difficult for online photographs to do it full justice, particularly to the freshness of the master bedroom and its views. The place was spotlessly clean and the baby equipment provided was much appreciated. Temperatures outside, with windchill, plummeted to -10C in the early part of our stay and we were glad to have such a cosy place to come home to. Just before Easter, we felt like we had the whole place to ourselves, yet we were easy travelling distance from the heart of the New Forest, the Isle of Wight and Winchester. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend.”

Sue and family stayed through Airbnb. March 2018

We had a lovely family stay at Coastguard Cottage with our 14 month old baby. High chair and cot provided which made travelling and packing a lot easier. The cottage is just a stones throw from the water and has beautiful views from the top level. Quality accommodation and facilities meant we had a very relaxing break in a lovely part of the country. Walking to spit was a highlight as well as taking the tiny ferry back across the water from the castle.

Catherine from London February 2018
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