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.
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Just one mile from the popular seaside town of Seaton and ten minutes in the car from Lyme Regis in one direction and Sidmouth in the other, this comfortable self-catering holiday cottage with fabulous views offers the perfect base to explore the beautiful countryside and beaches of East Devon and West Dorset. Spend your days exploring the coastal path, fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast, relaxing by the sea or discovering Devon's many attractions. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Peacehaven, a relaxing holiday getaway in Thurlestone, South Devon. Wonderful sea views, private garden, log burner, private parking, village pub, local sandy beaches, coastal walks.
Whatever your reason for visiting Dartmoor National Park, you will find a warm welcome at Wooder Manor where five fantastic holiday properties sleep between one and six people and are as popular with couples as they are with families. The cottages are along a private driveway that leads off a quiet country lane just a flat, half-mile walk from the village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor. Here you will find two excellent pubs (The Old Inn and the Rugglestone Inn) and two great cafes, one of which, the Cafe on the Green, has been in business for over 90 years. All of Dartmoor's best attractions are virtually on the doorstep whether you want to walk, horse ride, climb, mountain bike, or just make your way from pretty village to lovely town, tucking into fresh local produce at the wealth of cafes and pubs in the area. Wooder Manor's central location in the heart of Dartmoor National Park means you are never far from a fun-filled day out at places like Pennywell Farm, Buckfast Butterfly Farm, Hald
Sitting in an elevated hillside position surrounded by rolling Devonshire countryside, this former Victorian farmhouse provides welcoming self-catering accommodation for six guests in three bedrooms. Rose offers tranquility in bucket loads with no passing traffic to interrupt. A good base for exploring Devon's many attractions including the Blackdown Hills, coast and even Exmoor. On-site fishing solely for the use of guests.
High on a hill, surrounded by fields with no neighbours or passing traffic, Honeysuckle provides a romantic rural holiday retreat ideal for relaxing or exploring the many attractions that Devon has to offer. An adjacent fishing pond is available for guests' use. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Woodpecker is one our “Affordable Holidays” cottages -please see our website for full details. With six acres of grounds and gardens with stunning views, and within the Blackdown hills AONB the surroundings are rich in wildlife & history. Just 20 minutes from the World Heritage “Jurassic” coast and 3 miles from Axminster, our cottages lie hidden away in a network of narrow lanes and footpaths. Equipped with all you need to enjoy your break in a very tranquil setting.
A few minutes walk from the golden sands of Exmouth beach (with Blue Flag status), Sunnydeck is a fresh, modern ground floor apartment sleeping two guests in one spacious bedroom. Sunnydeck apartment has a lovely decked area where you can relax and catch the sunshine. The large double bedroom has a king size bed with high quality mattress, plenty of storage space & flat screen digital TV. The comfy lounge has 2 & 3 seat settee, electric fire, flat screen smart TV, HomeHub Docking Station with Bluetooth. Kitchen is well equipped with electric cooker, washing machine, microwave, fridge, freezer & dishwasher. The shower room has shower cubical with electric shower, basin & toilet. Separate dining area with extending table. The apartment has central heating, controllable by the visitor. Linen & towels provided. Gas, heating, electric and Wi-Fi internet included. OFF ROAD PARKING, suitable for a MEDIUM SIZE CAR (eg.Golf estate). The parking space is protected by cctv, which can be turned off on arrival by the guest. Exmouth is a fantastic choice for exploring Devon and the West Country.
A tranquil cottage based on the southern slopes of Dartmoor National Park, 3 miles from Buckfastleigh one way and Holne / Dart valley in the other. A spacious, detached cottage with a stunning conservatory; It is private and secluded, surrounded by well-planted gardens with sunny terraces and lookouts over fields to the Tors of Dartmoor. The cottage is off a quiet no-through, surrounded by farmland and within 300 meters of the open moor but is within easy reach of many local attractions.
Clanaborough is a quintessential thatched cottage in Devon and a fantastic place to stay. The cottage is so comfortable and conveniently located to explore Devon's beautiful beaches and countryside that the owners enjoy regular repeat bookings from families who have been visiting for years - sometimes generations! Lovely countryside walks lead from the front gate, and the coast is just four miles away at Bigbury-on-Sea. Dartmoor National Park is close, as are Kingsbridge, Modbury, Salcombe, Totnes and Plymouth. With space for up to six people in three bedrooms and loads of unique and original features, Clanaborough is excellent for families and friends. Tourist board rating: 3 Star
An idyllic retreat for large groups of up to ten in a tranquil country setting just four miles from Tavistock and within easy reach of Devon's many attractions including Dartmoor National Park. Ideal for a holiday with friends or family with an outdoor heated pool (May - Oct), heaps of charm and modern conveniences.
The Orchard is a recently renovated holiday cottage in Hartland sleeping 6 people in 3 bedrooms with a private garden, access to a hot tub & a sauna and parking. A short drive to the coast and enchanting beaches, you can enjoy the relaxing scenery surrounding your holiday cottage or exploring the local landscape.
Granary Cottage, a two bedroom two storey character cottage that sleeps 5 in two bedrooms (a double and triple bedroom) welcomes families and friends (and even their four-legged friends) to enjoy and relax in this wonderful part of Devon, which is also close to the North Cornish coast too.
The Milking Parlour at Cheristow Farm, sleeping 4 guests in two bedroom is a charming character cottage within the Hartland Peninsula, an Area of Outstanding Beauty. Well-presented and thoughtfully furnished throughout, and still retaining many of its original features, the Milking Parlour provides high quality comfortable accommodation for couples, friends and families wishing to holiday together in this wonderful part of Devon.
One of seven cottages at Cheristow Farm, The Stables is a charming two bedroom single storey cottage that welcomes dogs and is perfect for couples and small families looking for a relaxing countryside break but still close to the coast and with plenty to do and see nearby.
The Linhay is one of the seven countryside retreats set on a former farm at Cheristow on the Hartland Peninsula. The kids can help feed the farm animals, whilst parents can relax in a quiet and beautiful setting. Sleeping 4 in two bedrooms, and with handy zip and link beds that can be made up as a double or twin, The Linhay offers the perfect base for couples, friends and small families wishing to holiday in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
The Tack Room is a pretty single storey studio cottage, ideal for couples and walkers looking to explore this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty around the remote town of Hartland, on the North Devon/Cornwall border. With just a kitchen, double bedroom and en-suite shower room (and no separate sitting room), The Tack Room provides the perfect base for those who want to make the most of the days exploring. One small dog is also welcome.
Attached to the main farmhouse and separate from the other six cottages at Cheristow Farm, The Dairy is a cosy one bedroom countryside cottage for two. As it name suggests, as the former dairy for the farm, it still retains plenty of its period charm along with comfortable furnishings. Well equipped and finished to a high standard, the Dairy offers a compact country kitchen, a bright and light lounge with a dining area and doors leading out to an enclosed terrace garden.
Walk beneath climbing flowers and through the door of The Den to enter a romantic hideaway for two. This charming cottage is on a family-run farm three miles from Umberleigh and half an hour from the North Devon Coast. It's perfect in all seasons and particularly appeals to those who love walking, birdwatching, and cycling. The Tarka Trail, South West Coast Path, and Exmoor National Park are nearby for outdoor adventures, with local attractions including Arlington Court and RHS Gardens Rosemoor.
Cuckoo's Nest is a lovely family holiday cottage near Umberleigh in Devon. It's one of six beautiful holiday homes at Countryways Farm, where guests have 17 acres of woodland, a games room, and a play area to enjoy. The property can sleep six people in three bedrooms and is well-equipped for a self-catering holiday. After dinner, relax in the hot tub on your private deck. Barnstaple and Exeter are within easy reach by car or train, and you're only half an hour's drive from Westward Ho! and other fantastic North Devon beaches.
A self-catering holiday in Devon should always include fantastic views, countryside walks, days at the beach, and opportunities to shop and sightsee in ancient towns and villages. The Stables near Umbridge provides all of the above and includes accessible accommodation, a private deck with a hot tub, acres of woodland and a games room. It's one of a collection of cottages at Country Ways and sleeps five people in two bedrooms. It is child and dog-friendly with a layout that suits families and couples.
Popular towns in and around Devon:
AppledoreAxminsterAxmouthBarnstapleBeaworthyBeerBidefordBrauntonBrixhamBuckfastleighChulmleighCombe MartinCreditonCroydeCullomptonDartmouthDawlishDrewsteigntonExeterExmouthGreat TorringtonHartlandHonitonHope CoveIlfracombeKingsbridgeLydfordLynmouthLyntonMaidencombeMineheadMoretonhampsteadNewton AbbotOkehamptonPaightonParkhamPlymouthPrincetownSalcombeSeatonSidmouthSimonsbathSlaptonTavistockTeignmouthThurlestoneTivertonTorquayTotnesUmberleighWelcombeWidecombe in the MoorWoolacombeSome local suggestions:
Dog friendly Devon cottagesLuxury Devon holiday cottagesDevon cottages by the seaOr search further afield:
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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?
