Coastal Hotel Breaks: Why Harbour Hotels Are Leading the British Seaside Revival

With nearly 80% of UK travellers opting to stay on home soil in 2025 (Post Office Staycation Guide), British seaside breaks are enjoying a confident revival. The traditional British seaside escape has evolved into something altogether more refined – think sea-to-table dining, wild swimming, spa rituals with a view, and boutique hotel interiors.

Leading the way is Harbour Hotels, a coastal collection of design-led stays set in some of the UK’s most sought-after destinations, including Salcombe, Sidmouth, Christchurch, Padstow, Fowey, and St Ives.

Whether you’re craving a long weekend by the sea, a rejuvenating spa retreat, or a foodie escape rooted in local produce, these coastal hotel breaks offer an elevated way to reconnect with the British coast.

coastal hotel breaks in South West

🌊 Why Coastal Hotel Breaks Are Booming in 2025

As travellers move away from long-haul escapes in favour of meaningful, accessible experiences, UK coastal hotel breaks are topping the travel trend lists. Harbour Hotels blends location with lifestyle, offering stays that are as nourishing as they are beautiful. For design lovers, wellness seekers, and foodies alike, these are breaks that go far beyond the beach.

Discover more about the Harbour Hotels collection.


🐟 Sea-to-Table Dining at The Jetty

At the heart of every Harbour Hotel stay is The Jetty, the award-winning restaurant concept by Chef Patron Alex Aitken. Found in Christchurch, Salcombe, and Padstow, each menu is a celebration of British coastal cuisine:

  • Hand-dived scallops
  • Day-boat fish
  • Sea herbs and locally grown produce

This season, Harbour Hotel Christchurch welcomes back chef-hosted lunches, offering guests the chance to dine with Alex Aitken himself. Meanwhile, seasonal tasting menus across the collection honour the changing moods of the coast.


🍸 Al Fresco Moments on the Coast

No Coastal Hotel break would be complete without a view, and Harbour Hotels is dialling up its outdoor offering. This summer, expect:

  • Provençal rosé beachside in Salcombe
  • English sparkling wine terraces in Fowey
  • Curated cocktails at sunset across the portfolio

Each space has been designed in partnership with premium drinks brands to complement the coastal lifestyle.


🍰 Introducing the Secret Garden Afternoon Tea

Launching at select properties, Harbour’s new Secret Garden Afternoon Tea offers a fresh, floral twist on the British classic. Inspired by the surrounding landscapes, the menu features:

  • Botanical infusions
  • Petal-dusted pâtisserie
  • Seasonal flavours celebrate each region

Ideal for guests seeking a relaxed yet refined break.


💆 Wellness by the Waves

If relaxation is your priority, Harbour’s HarSPA experiences are a standout reason to book a Coastal Hotel break. Especially strong at Harbour Beach Club & Spa and Harbour Hotel Salcombe, wellness menus now include:

  • Temple Spa’s “Drift Away” aromatherapy massage
  • Elemis Body Cleansing Salt Scrub and Frangipani Body Wrap
  • Outdoor yoga, wild swimming, and guided coastal walks

These experiences reconnect guests with nature while offering full-body restoration.


🌅 Why Book a Coastal Hotel Break with Harbour Hotels?

From curated cocktails at golden hour to estuary swims and firelit spa treatments, Harbour Hotels is redefining the classic UK seaside getaway. Each property blends thoughtful design with a sense of place, and whether you’re heading to Devon, Cornwall, or Dorset, you’ll find the perfect balance of style, substance, and serenity.

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