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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A two-minute walk from the beach, shops, cafes and pubs, Belle Vue is a fantastic self-catering apartment in Woolacombe that sleeps four people in two rooms. It has storage for surfboards, bikes and wetsuits and a private parking space - all those important extras that will make your seaside holiday even more relaxing and stress-free. Spend your days on the sand at Woolacombe, or venture around the coast to nearby Croyde or Mortehoe with lovely towns and pretty villages to explore, this is a great holiday location for couples or families all year round.
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.
Hayloft is one of six holiday cottages in North Devon that are ideal for couples, families or groups of friends who want to explore Devon and its coastline, Dartmoor, Exmoor or simply relax. With a swimming pool and tennis court on-site there is plenty to keep you occupied and there is direct access onto the Tarka Trail for cyclists.
A choice of six self-catering cottages with excellent facilities that include an indoor pool and tennis court set amidst North Devon countryside within easy reach of the coast, Dartmoor and Exmoor. An excellent choice for couples, families and friends with plenty of attractions within easy reach. For cyclists and walkers, the Tarka Trail is on the doorstep.
Six self-catering holiday homes nestling amidst North Devon countryside within easy driving distance of the coast and also Dartmoor and Exmoor. Perfect for families, couples and friends with on-site tennis court and indoor swimming pool. There is also direct access onto the Tarka trail for cyclists and walkers.
With the Tarka Trail accessible from the cottage, and some of Devon's top attractions within easy driving distance, Forge Holiday Cottage at Speccott Barton is a great self-catering choice for couples looking to enjoy the best of Devons countryside and coast. On-site facilities include the shared use of a swimming pool and tennis court.
The Stable at Speccott Barton is a popular choice with couples and is well-placed for enjoying all the best bits of Devon with Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks, and miles of stunning coastline within easy driving distance. On-site facilities include an indoor pool and tennis court, and for cyclists the Tarka Trail is directly accessible from Speccott Barton.
Weathervane Cottage is a single storey self-catering holiday cottage with exposed beams and a wood burning stove. Relax and unwind on the patio overlooking the surrounding peaceful countryside of the Blackdown Hills. Excellent local walking, plenty of attractions to visit in Devon, Dorset and also Somerset, and lovely beaches on the Jurassic Coast close by.
Beautifully presented with exposed beams and wood burning stove, this delightful holiday cottage affords fantastic views over the surrounding Blackdown Hills. There are excellent country walks directly from the front door of Meadow Cottage and the Jurassic Coast is within easy reach. A great self-catering base for exploring the counties of Devon, Dorset and Somerset with a wealth of attractions for day trips out.
Exposed beams and a wood burning stove add to the charm of this self-catering holiday cottage – perfect for a romantic retreat. Located in peaceful unspoilt countryside with glorious views of the surrounding Blackdown Hills, Garden Cottage is close to the Jurassic Coast and an abundance of attractions in Devon, Somerset and Dorset.
Stylish throughout, this well presented self-catering apartment is a super choice for couples who want to relax and unwind in a peaceful setting amongst the beauty of the Blackdown Hills. Within easy reach of the Jurassic Coast, guests staying at Apple Loft can enjoy wonderful walks and fantastic views on the doorstep.
With its peaceful location by the 'triangle' in the heart of the picturesque village of Tawstock, quiet garden and ample room to sleep six to eight people in three bedrooms, Triangle Cottage is a much loved holiday retreat for families, friends or couples. Barnstaple is around a mile and a half away, while the Tarka Trail is only two miles, giving you plenty of attractions, easy access to fantastic beaches, lovely walks and all the right ingredients to simply relax and unwind in this beautiful corner of North Devon.
Whether you're planning a self-catering holiday to walk the South West coastal footpath, mountain bike on Dartmoor, swim in the sea or enjoy a relaxation with a book and glass of wine on the top lawn, Mill Cottage is a comfortable holiday home for all seasons with its own driveway, manual 5 bar gate, and front door. The Cottage is comfortable for both a couple or for single people as it's uniquely cosy and welcoming, without it being unfriendly or without atmosphere. The enclosed garden is completely dog safe and secure ........ Mill Cottage is in a very rural location surrounded by fields, and positioned in the Haccombe valley. No noise, other than cows, owls, and the early morning bird chorus. The garden is in a peaceful spot with bird feeders and seating, and there are beautiful rural views from inside and out. You're within walking distance of dog-friendly country pubs and can easily reach beaches like Ness Cove and Shaldon. The cottage sleeps two people in one downstairs bedroom next door to a light and bright Shower Room, as well as a small room for luggage, and with hanging space. A short flight of stairs takes you up to the dual aspect sitting room, with a small but compact new kitchen, well stocked with crockery and cutlery. A brand new SMART television and a cupboard full of games are also provided for those wet afternoons/evenings.
Sea Vista is a spacious detached holiday home with a huge enclosed garden and space for six people to sleep in three bedrooms. The layout works for families, extended families and friends, and accommodation is over two levels with two bathrooms. The beach and bay plus shops, cafes, friendly pubs, and tasty takeaways are all within a five-minute walk, and there's a wide choice of attractions nearby, including gorgeous gardens, fun adventure parks, picturesque villages and the stunning South West Coast Path. Bookings are available all year round, with short breaks possible outside of peak season.
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
Enjoy the warmth of more than 200-years of hospitality in this charming Dartmoor cob and thatch holiday cottage. Primrose Cottage is in the pretty village of Drewsteignton, next to the church and within strolling distance of the village shop and pub. There are gorgeous walks from the door through the River Teign Valley and local attractions, including National Trust's Castle Drogo and Fingle Bridge. Walking, climbing, and mountain biking are popular in North Dartmoor's rugged landscape, but there are more gentle pursuits to enjoy, such as browsing local markets and visiting the beaches of the English Riviera just over half an hour away. The cottage sleeps four people in two bedrooms and has two sitting rooms, an open fire and a very small enclosed front garden with table and chairs to sit and watch the world go by.
Woodhouse is located ten miles west of Tiverton in the heart of beautiful unspoilt rolling Devonshire countryside. Nestling amongst forty acres of woods and pasture, it is the perfect holiday home to get away from it all, and ideal for spending time with friends or family. Centrally located, both Dartmoor and Exmoor are within easy driving distance, as are the north and south coastlines.
In an enviable position nicely sandwiched between Dawlish and Starcross in South Devon, this charming holiday cottage is just a two minute drive from the beautiful sandy beach. Sleeps two to six with discount for couples or parties of four.
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
Gamekeeper's Cottage is in a tranquil setting in the Exmoor National Park, close to Lynton and Lynmouth and only a mile from the coast. It sleeps up to four people in two bedrooms, one of which is downstairs, and suits couples as well as families and friends. The views are incredible, and there are gorgeous walks and mountain bike trails from the front door of the holiday cottage. There are only three cottages at the end of the long private driveway, ensuring you aren't disturbed by anything louder than the local birds.
Popular towns in and around Devon:
AppledoreAxminsterAxmouthBarnstapleBeaworthyBeerBidefordBrauntonBrixhamBuckfastleighChulmleighCombe MartinCreditonCroydeCullomptonDartmouthDawlishDrewsteigntonExeterExmouthGreat TorringtonHartlandHonitonHope CoveIlfracombeKingsbridgeLydfordLynmouthLyntonMaidencombeMineheadMoretonhampsteadNewton AbbotOkehamptonPaightonParkhamPlymouthPrincetownSalcombeSeatonSidmouthSimonsbathSlaptonTavistockTeignmouthThurlestoneTivertonTorquayTotnesUmberleighWelcombeWidecombe in the MoorWoolacombeSome local suggestions:
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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?
