Watch wintry squalls and waves crashing on the shore from the comfort of a cosy seaside inn.

By Adrian Tierney-Jones

The Driftwood Spars, Cornwall

This pub/hotel was originally built in the 17th century and during its long life has been a chandlers, a warehouse and a billet for war evacuees. Down the road is Trevaunance Cove, which is popular with surfers. After catching a few righteous waves, return to the Spars for its own brewed beer and locally sourced food (sausage and mash, £9.50). The pub has a reputation for live music - Queen played here before becoming superstars.

Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes, Cornwall (01872 552428, www.driftwoodspars.com)

If you fancy a game of beach cricket, pack your pads and gloves, for they take it seriously at the Ship Inn in Elie. (At low tide, the Blue Flag beach opposite this 19th century inn doubles up as a cricket pitch for the pub's first XI. Any batsman who hits a six into the pub's garden gets a bottle of wine. The Ship is also noted for its food, so once you tire of watching grown men throwing a ball at each other, it might be time for a seafood platter (£14).

The Toft, Elie, Fife (01333 330246, www.ship-elie.com)

Where the River Orwell wends its way to the sea, The Butt & Oyster is the ideal place for watching the action on the water. A long-time meeting point for fishermen, bargemen and even Arthur Ransome (who featured it in 'We Didn't Mean To Go To Sea'), it now offers Adnams ales and freshly caught fish dishes (£9.95).

Pin Mill Road, Pin Mill, Suffolk, 01473 780764, www.debeninns.co.uk

With the White Cliffs of Dover at its back, The Coastguard in St Margaret's Bay clings by its fingertips to England. In fact, mobile phones retune to French networks when you arrive. On a sunny day, view the ferries and tankers crossing the Channel from the terrace. For now, retreat to the bar: when a storm is raging, you'll almost believe you're at sea. Real ales and locally sourced dishes (£7.50-£20) add to the winning formula.

St Margaret's Bay, Dover, Kent (01304 853176, www.thecoastguard.co.uk)

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If you enjoy watching sailors mucking around with mainbraces, the beer garden at The Ship is the perfect spot. Several hundred years old and run by the same family since 1971, this quayside inn offers marvellous views of the northwest coast of Anglesey. Small craft and yachts are drawn by the good food, such as the Chef's famous fish pie (£10.50).

Red Wharf Bay, Anglesey (01248 852568, www.shipinnredwharfbay.co.uk).

Take the camera if you visit the West Highland town of Gairloch in winter. Sandy beaches and views towards Skye and the Western Isles inspire, while, further inland, chances are you'll spot red deer. After a day out, gather at The Old Inn, which offers a wonderful selection of single malt whiskies and local real ales, including Cullin Beast. Fresh seafood and fish dishes (£7.95- £14.95) figure highly on the menu.

Gairloch, Wester Ross (0800 542 5444, www.theoldinn.net).

Back in 2007, the container vessel Napoli famously sank just off Branscombe, energising a new generation of beachcombers. This ancient village is apparently the longest in England, stretching down a stunning valley to the beach. The South West Coast Path passes close by, so a pint and bite to eat at The Fountain Head, reputedly dating back to the 14th century, is the salvation of many a weary walker. Fresh crab sandwiches (£5.10) or beef and Branoc bitter pie (£8.25) really hit the spot.

Branscombe, Devon (01297 680359)

Every summer, Walberswick hosts the British Open Crabbing Championship. And, after a couple of hours' work with a line, there's no better place to relax than at The Anchor, separated from the North Sea by a shingle bank. It has a justly deserved reputation for its food, wine and beer. The latter two are orchestrated by landlord Mark Dorber, while wife Sophie rules the kitchen with an emphasis on seasonal and local produce, such as beer-battered haddock with chips (£9.25).

The Street, Walberswick, Suffolk (01502 722112, www.anchoratwalberswick.com).

Glorious big skies and the windswept saltmarshes draw people to this area. The White Horse offers a modern haven with 15 spacious rooms, while the pub serves excellent food (mussels in white wine, cream and parsley, £7.50/£9.95). Sit on the terrace and contemplate the remains of the day, knowing you haven't got far to go to bed.

Brancaster Staithe, Norfolk (01485 210262, www.whitehorsebrancaster.co.uk).

Beer doesn't have to travel far to be served at the bar of this popular Northumbrian pub, in a former fishing village. As well as providing excellent food (try the kippers from nearby Craster for £5), landlady Christine Forsyth has set up a tiny brewery on the premises. A glass of Sandcastles at Dawn or Dolly Day Dream is the ideal pick-me-up after a walk over the sands.

Low Newton-by-the-Sea, Alnwick, Northumberland (01665 576262, www.shipinnnewton.co.uk).