There’s something timeless about a British seaside escape. The gentle clink of masts in the harbour, fishing boats setting out at dawn, the scent of salt carried on a coastal breeze - Devon and Cornwall’s harbour towns are built on traditions that still shape daily life.
And the most meaningful way to experience them? By staying beside the sea, where those traditions unfold right outside your door.
Where the Harbour Still Sets The Rhythm
In towns like Ilfracombe and Falmouth, the harbour remains the heartbeat of the community. Fishermen unload their catch, sailing boats drift in with the tide, and waterfront cafés buzz from morning through to dusk.
When you stay at Royal Duchy Hotel, overlooking Falmouth Bay, you don’t just visit the coast, you live within it. Early risers can watch the boats from the terrace. Evening strollers can wander along the seafront as the sun sinks behind the headland.
Further north, a stay at Saunton Sands Hotel places you just moments from miles of golden shoreline, where the tide becomes a part of your day.
Festivals, Regattas & Maritime Heritage
Across Devon and Cornwall, coastal traditions are celebrated year-round. During Falmouth Week, the harbour bursts into life with competitive sailing, live music and community events. Sea shanty festivals echo with centuries-old songs, while harbour days honour the region’s fishing heritage.
Returning after a day of celebration to the comfort of one of our hotels, perhaps to a sea-view lounge or an elegant dining room showcasing local seafood, transforms a day out into a complete coastal experience.
Simple Joys of the Seaside
No trip to Devon or Cornwall is complete without the classics: fish and chips by the water, crabbing from the harbour wall, or a slow promenade stroll with an ice cream in hand.
From charming estuary villages like Appledore to Cornwall’s vibrant waterfronts, these rituals endure because they’re beautifully simple.
Staying at a Brend Collection hotel allows you to enjoy these moments at your own pace. knowing that after a breezy afternoon on the coast, a warm welcome, refined comfort and perhaps even a spa treatment await.
Castles, Clifftops & Coastal Walks
Devon and Cornwall’s seaside traditions are also rooted in history. Overlooking Falmouth Bay, Pendennis Castle has guarded the coastline since Tudor times. Along Cornwall’s rugged north coast, Tintagel Castle clings dramatically to the cliffs, steeped in legend.
With our 9 hotels ideally positioned by the coast, these iconic landmarks become effortless day trips, easily paired with scenic drives, cliff-top walks, and sunset views.
More Than a Stay
For generations, Brend Collection has welcomed guests to the South West’s most beautiful coastal settings.
Whether you choose the sweeping sands of North Devon or the sheltered harbours of Cornwall, staying at a Brend Collection hotel means becoming part of the story.
