There’s still time to lock in a getaway somewhere fabulous this season. Read on for our curation of last-minute breaks for summer thrills in the South West
Harbour Beach Club, Salcombe
If your idea of a last-minute summer break includes plenty of spa lazing, sea dipping and indulgent feasting, you’ll love Harbour Beach Club. The upscale hotel, bar and restaurant has made a name for itself for its chic interior decor, beachside setting, spa and seafood-centric menu.
Its spot on the shores of South Sands beach is the perfect base for a Salcombe weekender: far enough from the hubbub of town but close enough to take advantage of Salcombe’s attractions (thanks to a complimentary all‑day e‑shuttle service).
Spend the day unravelling on the massage table, gliding through the 12-metre pool and relaxing in the hot tub before dressing up and enjoying a pre-dinner glass of bubbles on your balcony. The contemporary restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows provide a stunning backdrop to dinner.
Book a last-minute summer break.
The Eastbury, Sherborne
This luxe bed and breakfast whisks guests off their feet with its regency romance vibes.
There are 27 individually decorated accommodation types spread across the Georgian townhouse, comprising rooms, suites (including the Victorian Potting Shed Suites complete with sedum roofs and private terraces), as well as the three-bedroom Eastbury Cottage. Comfortable beds in each room guarantee quality slumber, which is needed when daytime activities consist of exploring Sherborne. Chic shops, coffee houses, wine bars and foodie institutions all await in the Bridgerton-esque town.
The glam hotel has plenty more traditional charm in its back pocket, as showcased in the garden spa, tranquil walled garden and fabulous breakfast served each morning. Take advantage of its seasonal getaway package including a full English breakfast, sweet treats and a bottle of fizz on arrival from £160 per night this summer.
Book a last-minute summer break
The Pig at Harlyn Bay, Padstow
One of the best bits about holidaying at The Pig at Harlyn Bay in summer is the alfresco feasting possibilities at The Lobster Shed.
The vibey-yet-relaxed eatery – with its sea views and salt-tinged air – is just the place to imbibe artisan drinks and get stuck into wickedly fresh seafood, flame-roasted meat dishes and garden-grown sides. Everything on the seasonally changing menu is built around locally sourced or homegrown ingredients and is well executed by the talented chefs.
Tie in a visit with golden hour if you can. Leisurely tucking into the signature lobster dish (served with rosemary-salted chips) while sipping a chilled glass of Sugrue South Downs Rosé as the sun slips behind the glittery waters takes some beating.
Homely rooms with rustic charm, a Potting Shed spa, and its location near the buzzing towns of Rock and Polzeath offer yet more reasons to visit.
Book a last-minute summer break.
Harbour View House, St Ives
St Ives may teem with tourists in the hotter months, but this contemporary hotel always keeps its cool.
Perched at the top of the coastal town, Harbour View House has sweeping vistas of the glittering harbour, providing splashes of azure beyond the interiors’ muted palette. The minimalist vibe is complemented by the team’s slow-pace philosophy, which encourages sunrise swims at Porthminster Beach, followed by laidback evenings with good food and drink at their in-house restaurant.
Book a last-minute summer break.
Artist Residence, Bristol
Interior design worshippers will no doubt already be familiar with this collective of one-of-a-kind art hotels, and this eccentric Bristol edition is just the place for a vibrant summer stay-cay in the city.
Located in a former boot factory on Portland Square, the rooms pay homage to its past in style and name – fleeting visitors can spend the evening in The Broom Cupboard, while those staying a little longer can opt for Factory or Workshop. The decor layers bright prints and rich textiles on naked brick, bare plaster and neutral walls, affirming that bohemian chic is still very much in vogue.
Book a last-minute summer break.
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