Devon, once known as Devonshire, has plenty of attractions, a thriving harbour industry and spectacular, unspoilt, natural sites. Several places have also been designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Well known for its rugged moorlands, pretty villages and quaint chocolate box cottages, Devon is a must-see holiday destination, and we've got plenty of holiday cottages in Devon to make your stay a memorable one.
Situated in the South West of England, close to other popular tourist destinations such as Cornwall, Devon has long been a favourite holiday spot and with such a huge choice of places to visit it is little wonder, particularly North Devon.
Read more
Sitting alongside the fishing lake, Lake View Cottage is a popular choice for a family holiday and sleeps up to six guests in three bedrooms. Located at Lower Aylescott Farm on the edge of the North Devon village of West Down (with a very good pub serving food and a shop), the cottage is a great self-catering base for exploring the North Coast of Devon with its glorious beaches and the areas many attractions. Guests can enjoy plenty of space inside and out for relaxing, a log burner for winter breaks, on-site fishing and lovely walks with Exmoor National Park within easy reach.
Perfect for a family holiday and also couples, Smithy Cottage is one of six family-friendly holiday homes sitting amongst North Devon Countryside on the edge of West Down village and within easy driving distance of the coast and the areas many attractions. Spend your days walking in the surrounding countryside, relaxing on one of the gorgeous sandy beaches or getting out and about exploring. On-site fishing, plenty of space for children to play and a great pub serving food in the village.
Enjoying a countryside position and with plenty of space for children to play and adults relax, Lower Aylescott is home to six family-friendly holiday homes surrounded by North Devon countryside within easy driving distance of the coast. Enjoy on-site fishing, lovely countryside walks from the front door or jump in the car and head for the popular beaches at Croyde, Woolacombe and Saunton. There is an excellent pub in the village as well as a shop for provisions.
Blare Cottage is one of six well presented holiday retreats nestling amongst North Devon countryside on the edge of West Down village with a good local pub, shop for forgotten conveniences and an abundance of attractions close by. The glorious beaches of Devon's stunning north coast are just a car ride away with Croyde, Woolacombe and Saunton providing lovely days out by the sea. On-site facilities include fishing lakes and plenty of space for children to play.
An excellent choice for families, Braefoot Cottage is one of a collection of holiday homes sitting on the outskirts of the vibrant North Devon village of West Down. The village has a good local pub for meals out, village shop for provisions, and is within easy driving distance of the award winning North Devon coast beaches of Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton. Plenty of space on-site for children to play as well as fishing lakes.
Perfectly placed, this modern beautifully presented coastal retreat affords an idyllic position just a short walk from Croyde's golden Blue Flag beach and the village eateries and shops. This is a perfect location for water lovers with some of the country's finest surfing on the doorstep as well as kayaking, coasteering, miles of coastal walks, pony trekking and also excellent golf nearby.
A fantastic stylish barn conversion in a quiet backwater of the Devonshire village of Braunton on the North Devon coastline. Fantastic beaches within a five minute drive and a good choice of pubs and restaurants within walking distance, along with plenty of attractions within easy reach.
Sitting on the edge of the Exmoor National Park, this beautifully presented holiday cottage is an ideal choice for anyone wanting to explore the North Devon Coastline and its stunning sandy beaches with Combe Martin, Croyde and Woolacombe (amongst others) within easy reach.
A luxurious light apartment in a superb position overlooking the beach and Atlantic in the popular seaside resort of Woolacombe in North Devon. Perfect for friends, families or couples looking for a holiday by the sea with the beach opposite and pubs, shops and restaurants just a short stroll away.
Steeped in history, this delightful large holiday home overlooks the Devon coastline and is ideally placed just one mile from the Victorian seaside town of Ilfracombe and three miles from the golden sands of Woolacombe Blue Flag beach. Ideal for those looking for a coastal or country retreat and a great base for enjoying everything North Devon has to offer including an abundance of attractions and Exmoor National Park (within driving distance).
Packed full of character, this delightful holiday cottage is just one mile from the Victorian seaside town of Ilfracombe in Devon and offers the perfect mix of coastal and country charm. A tranquil setting with extensive grounds to relax and unwind, close to an abundance of attractions including the glorious Blue Flag beach of Woolacombe (just three miles away).
Set against a scenic hillside, Barn Cottage offers a charming and tranquil countryside retreat. Offering accommodation for up to six people in three bedrooms, Barn Cottage has access to an onsite swimming pool and sauna as well as the estate's activities.
The charming stone façade of The Old Stables perfectly complements the glorious rolling hills that surround the property, offering unbeatable views from the courtyard garden. The three bedrooms highlight the building’s rich history with original oak beams and timber vaulted ceilings.
Orchard Cottage, set within a beautiful apple orchard, embodies sustainable living and serene comfort. Once an agricultural barn, this restored timber-framed retreat accommodates up to eight guests. Inside, rustic charm meets modern amenities, with rich timber beams, a cozy wood-burning stove, and inviting furnishings.
Mornacott Farmhouse is a beautifully refurbished property in the peaceful Devon countryside, accommodating up to 14 guests. Guests have access to an onsite swimming pool, sauna, games room and sports field, in addition to a network of footpaths which cross the wider estate.
Families love the amenities at Robin Hill Farm, where all six holiday cottages have been awarded 4-Stars for their standard of self-catering accommodation. Puffin Cottage sleeps six people in three bedrooms with a west-facing garden. Guests can use the onsite play area, huge games room, and indoor swimming pool, with 14 acres of fields and farmland between them and the nearest neighbour. Bideford is only two miles away and you're 10-12 minutes from Peppercombe Beach and Westward Ho! Cottages can be booked together for holidays with extended family and friends, depending on availability. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Gull Cottage is a family-friendly holiday home on Robin Hill Farm, two miles from Bideford and ten minutes from Westward Ho! It is a charming barn conversion with a modern kitchen for self-catering, panoramic rural views, and space for six people to sleep in three bedrooms. As well as their private garden, guests enjoy using the farm's indoor swimming pool, games room, children's playground, and a dog-exercise area. There are scenic walks from the cottage through the surrounding countryside to the coast, and you can access the 180-mile Tarka Trail nearby. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Wren Cottage sleeps four people in two bedrooms with features that make it child and pet-friendly. It's one of six 4-Star holiday homes on the family-run Robin Hill Farm, two miles from Bideford and within ten minutes of Westward Ho! and the North Devon Coastline. Guests love onsite facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, huge games room, children's play area and dog exercise field. There are scenic rural walks from the door, with more in the surrounding area, including along the traffic-free Tarka Trail. The kitchen is well-equipped for a self-catering holiday for couples, family or friends. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Kingfisher is on the ground floor of a converted hay barn on Robin Hill Farm. Two miles from Bideford and a ten-minute drive from Westward Ho!, the self-catering holiday cottage sleeps four guests in two bedrooms and is ideal for couples or families. Onsite facilities include an indoor swimming pool, games room, children's play area, and a dog exercise field. There are six 4-Star cottages on the site you can book together for extended families and friends. Although the property sleeps four, it's best suited to families with children rather than four adults. Wren or Swallow Cottages are an option if you have more adults in your group. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Perfect for couples (one or two) and families, Corner Cottage has two en-suite bedrooms (one on the ground floor) and enjoys the benefits from being nicely tucked away from the other cottages on Corffe Estate, whilst having use of the excellent facilities including an indoor pool and tennis. Sitting on the outskirts of the Devon village of Tawstock, Barnstaple is a short car ride away and the glorious beaches of Woolacombe, Ilfracombe, Croyde and Westward Ho! are within easy reach, as is Exmoor National Park. The perfect self-catering retreat for a relaxing holiday in North Devon with an abundance of attractions within easy reach and excellent amenities on the doorstep.
Popular towns in and around Devon:
AppledoreAxminsterAxmouthAylesbeareBabbacombeBamptonBarnstapleBeaworthyBeerBere AlstonBickingtonBidefordBlackdown HillsBradworthyBranscombeBratton FlemingBrauntonBrendonBridfordBrixhamBroadclystBroadwoodwidgerBuckfastleighBudeCadburyChagfordChallacombeChudleighChulmleighChumleighClayhidonClyst St LawrenceColytonCombe MartinCombe RaleighCreditonCroydeCullomptonDalwoodDartmoorDartmouthDawlishDevonDittishamDrewsteigntonDulvertonDunsterExeterExmoor National ParkExmouthGreat TorringtonHartlandHolsworthyHonitonHope CoveIlfracombeKingsbridgeLiftonLydfordLynmouthLyntonMaidencombeMemburyMineheadMoretonhampsteadMortehoeNewton AbbotNewton AbbottNoss MayoOakhamptonOkehamptonOkehampton HamletsPaigntonParkhamPlymouthPonsworthyPorlockPrincetownSalcombeSauntonSeatonShaldonSidmouthSimonsbathSlaptonSouth HamsSouth MoltonTavistockTeignmouthThrowleighThurlestoneTivertonTopshamTorbayTorcrossTorquayTotnesUmberleighUpotteryWelcombeWestward HoWidecombe in the MoorWinkleighWoolacombeWoolacombe BayYealmptonSome local suggestions:
Dog friendly Devon cottagesLuxury Devon holiday cottagesDevon cottages with a hot tubDevon cottages by the seaOr search further afield:
Search within South West England
Many of Devon’s fascinating towns and villages are rich in history and archaeological sites. Their narrow, cobbled streets are home to unique boutiques, craft shops and art galleries, providing visitors with plenty of shopping to do.
Exeter is at the very centre of Devon and its magnificent cathedral attracts tourists from afar. As do the beautiful rolling Blackdown Hills and the famous Jurassic Coast, which has been named a World Heritage Site.
The diverse north Devon coast makes an ideal place for tourists that like their outdoor activities, including water sports. There are miles of coastal paths to explore making Devon a perfect holiday destination for walkers and dog owners.
From the pebble beaches of East Devon to the golden sands of Ilfracombe and Croyde on the north coast, and the much loved English Riviera and South Hams on the south coast, Devon has plenty to offer beach lovers. The vast, blue sea is great for surfing or sailing and Devon is also home to many shipwrecks, so if you enjoy diving, you'll find plenty of sites to explore.
Regardless of where you choose, you're bound to find a delightful cottage that fits the bill. This part of the country is made for UK self-catering holidays, with quaint greengrocers and local takeaways aplenty. For a tranquil retreat with loved ones, pick a Devon cottage with a private hot tub or holiday cottages that boast direct access to the beach with fantastic sea views. Who needs swimming pools when you've got sandy beaches on your doorstep?
Before booking your holiday cottage in Devon, you can find all the information you need for your trip below. For more tips, check out our complete guide to South West England.
Devon is renowned for a number of things, including its impressive coastline, stunning beaches and great weather. Being in the south of England means that you will find better year-round weather in comparison to other tourist spots in the UK. Devon’s warm summers and mild winters are what make it an attractive holiday destination for many.
During summer, Devon’s incredible countryside is heightened as the sun beams down on the greenery and sandy shores. The temperatures average around a comfortable 20°C with plenty of sunshine and blue skies; perfect for a dip in the sea!
The climate in Devon in spring is generally milder with a mix of sunshine and some cooler, wetter days. Spring is a great time to visit as the weather makes the perfect atmosphere for those who want to enjoy the multiple hikes around Devon, with comfortable temperatures of around 16°C.
Winter in Devon brings shorter days and much cooler temperatures of around 8 or 9°C. However, don’t let this deter you from visiting during this time, as the chance of snowfall is higher which creates a beautiful white dusting over the rolling hills and countryside. If you want to spend your days bundled up exploring the towns or just get cosy by the fire, this is a great time to visit.
There are two national parks in Devon which should be on everyone's list of things to see when they visit. The Dartmoor National Park offers something for everyone. Aside from the magnificent views Dartmoor provides, visitors can also explore the local wildlife; tourists can watch the Dartmoor ponies run wild or see if they recognise any of the scenes from movies such as The War Horse which was filmed in the area. Moreover, Dartmoor National Park has many archaeological sites to visit, so it is a magnificent place for anyone who enjoys exploring or digging up history.
The breathtaking sites of Exmoor National Park have to be seen to be believed. This spectacular park, which spans more than 250 square miles, provides a unique combination of farmlands, rugged moorlands, valleys and so much more. While in Exmoor, why not take time to see the Landacre mediaeval bridge or the beautiful Exmoor ponies? There are plenty of attractions to visit for the whole family, including many that are dog-friendly (and that goes for our Devon cottages too!)
Beyond the National Parks, you don't have to look far in Devon to find picturesque countryside. Along the north coast, the sandy beaches of Woolacombe and Saunton Sands are among the best in the country, so make sure you pack a bucket and spade with your hiking boots. In south Devon, the English Riviera awaits with its seaside towns and fishing ports renowned for their seafood, so make sure you make the most of the local restaurants while you're on the Devon coast.
If you are travelling from one of the major cities in the UK, below shows an average distance to Devon, so you know what to expect when choosing to get to Devon holiday cottages by car.
London: 200 miles
Birmingham: 165 miles
Glasgow: 448 miles
Liverpool: 257 miles
Bristol: 84 miles
Manchester: 244 miles
Leeds: 285 miles
Edinburgh: 451 miles
Newcastle: 374 miles
There are multiple ways to travel to Devon. Its excellent public transport means you can journey by train or bus from many major UK cities. If you travel by car, there are some great service stations to stop off and rest up whilst on your trip, as well as alternative routes depending on what roads you prefer to drive on.
With two national parks (Dartmoor and Exmoor), fantastic beaches, and the busy cities of Exeter and Plymouth, you'll easily pack your days with fun. The Jurassic Coast is 95 miles of UNESCO World Heritage site, protected for its amazing geological features dating back over 200 million years, and covering both East Devon and Dorset.
If you're coming for the beaches, you certainly won't be disappointed. The English Riviera on the south coast including Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham is every bit as popular as Dartmouth, Salcombe and Kingsbridge in the neighbouring South Hams area. Saunton Sands, Croyde and Woolacombe on the north coast are all popular choices with surfers and families, as are Lynton and Lynmouth, fringed by the magical beauty of Exmoor National Park. For those torn between the two, mid-Devon and the tranquil beauty of the Blackdown Hills are good central places to stay for your Devon holiday.
As Devon offers such a variety in its landscape from rugged coastline to pretty beaches and historical towns, it can be hard to narrow it down to the best place in the county when picking one of our Devon holiday cottages.
If you are looking for history then you will want to visit Appledore, renowned for its ancient maritime shipbuilding. The pretty little town sits on a hill that overlooks the water. Multiple pubs and cafes are perfect for those who want to stop off for a bite to eat whilst exploring the area.
Woolacombe is famous for its beach offering with its 3-mile stretch of sandy shore providing plenty of space for visitors. This seaside town has a plethora of shops, bars and restaurants and is a hot spot for surfers as the tides here are some of the best in the UK.
Dartmoor is a great place to visit if you seek some incredible walking routes around the rugged countryside. The National Park is the largest open area in Southern England, allowing for more than enough space to explore. The heather-clad moors, quaint villages and bustling towns make Dartmoor a great option for those seeking variety. When it comes to holiday cottages, Devon is hard to beat.
Devon is famous for its national parks, incredible coastline, beautiful countryside, quaint villages and vibrant market towns. There is so much happening here that it comes as no surprise as to why so many choose Devon when deciding to holiday in the UK. Its archaeological offering and history are other reasons that numerous tourists are attracted to the area.
Your trip to Devon will be as expensive as you choose it to be. With so many things to do in the county for free, such as exploring the great outdoors or making the most of the multiple beaches, it doesn’t have to cost a lot to visit here.
However, as Devon is a popular tourist destination, the prices of holiday cottages are slightly higher in comparison to some of the other UK holiday places. The higher price tag is justified by the stunning scenery and activities that are on offer.
Pretty towns come in abundance in Devon, which is why it is so hard to narrow it down to just one.
Brixham sits on the coast at Berry Head, overlooking a stunning bay. This pretty little town brims with culture and countryside, alongside colourful houses that sit atop a hill.
Croyde is a stunning place to visit mainly because of its beautiful sandy bay that is full of sand dunes. The town is encompassed by rolling hills and sits in the Cridda Valley, providing lovely surroundings.
There are many more pretty towns in Devon, all of which offer something unique to visitors. You just have to find the right one for you, or, why not book holiday cottages in multiple locations and set out on a road trip between them?
