Empty beaches, wild swims, spa rituals and fireside dining — autumn and winter on Britain’s south-west coast are anything but an off-season. With domestic travel still booming, Harbour Hotels is championing the South West’s Secret Season as the smarter time to go. According to VisitBritain’s July 2025 Domestic Sentiment Tracker, 77% of UK adults plan an overnight domestic trip in the next 12 months, with over a third now more likely to choose the UK over going abroad.
Why travel in the Secret Season?
Cooler days bring calmer harbours, quieter beaches and a slower rhythm that’s perfect for restorative breaks — from wild swimming and cliff walks to HarSPA rituals and long, fireside dinners.
Where to stay
Devon
Harbour Beach Club Hotel & Spa, Salcombe
A barefoot-luxury escape on South Sands with floor-to-ceiling estuary views and a Mediterranean-style terrace for sundowners. HarSPA features a 12-metre pool, sauna, steam room, hot tub and outdoor relaxation terrace — ideal after paddleboarding or a chilly dip.
Harbour Hotel Salcombe
Perched above the water with panoramic sunsets from The Jetty rooftop terrace. Unwind in HarSPA with hydrotherapy and wellness rituals before settling in for seasonal seafood.
Harbour Hotel Sidmouth
Set on the Jurassic Coast’s dramatic red cliffs with views across Lyme Bay. Expect a heated outdoor pool, an atmospheric HarSPA (Elemis & Temple Spa) and relaxed dining at Upper Deck.
Dorset
Harbour Hotel Christchurch
A chic Georgian retreat on Mudeford Harbour. Pair quay-side yoga or paddleboarding with HarSPA’s indoor and hydrotherapy pools; dine at The Jetty by Chef Patron Alex Aitken or all day at Upper Deck with its retractable-roof terrace.
Cornwall
Harbour Hotel Padstow
On the Camel Estuary with coastal-inspired design. Think locally sourced seafood at The Jetty, ocean-hued rooms with complimentary gin, Bramley toiletries and Hunter wellies — steps from the harbour.
Harbour Hotel St Ives
Gaze over Porthminster Beach from HarSPA’s indoor and hydrotherapy pools or the sea-view terrace, then head to Harbour Kitchen, Bar & Terrace for all-day dining with sweeping bay vistas.
Harbour Hotel Fowey
A Victorian gem with split-level garden terraces overlooking the estuary. Wander winding streets, linger over Cornish afternoon tea and watch the ferries drift by.
Offer: The Ultimate Getaway (Autumn–Winter)
Make the most of the Secret Season with a value-packed short break on selected dates 1 October 2025 – 31 January 2026. Book direct with promo code GETAWAY (or call 01202 400614).
What’s included
- Cream tea on arrival
- Daily breakfast (continental & cooked)
- Three-course dinner each evening
- Extra treat:
- A glass of fizz on arrival at Padstow, Fowey or Rothay Garden; or
- A £25 HarSPA treatment credit per stay at all other participating Harbour Hotels.
Secret-Season Ideas
- Coastal walks: Trace windswept cliff paths before warming up by the fire.
- Wild swims & spa time: Cold-water dips followed by steam, sauna and hydrotherapy.
- Seafood suppers: Seasonal menus at The Jetty and Harbour Kitchen celebrate the best of the West Country.