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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This delightful cottage has view of the lake and gardens and shared use of the many leisure facilities. With a lounge/diner with exposed beams, leather chesterfield settee and electric log burner style fire. Spacious kitchen with beautiful tiled walls and oak fitted units. Stairs lead to bedrooms and bathroom. The colourful double room has a half tester bed. Second bedroom has twin single beds. Just outside your front door are table and chairs for alfresco lunch or that evening drink. Accommodation:Ground Floor: Lounge/Diner with electric log burner style fire. Kitchen with large fridge/freezer and dishwasher. Shared washing machine and tumble drier on site. First Floor: Bedroom 1 with double half-tester bed. Bedroom 2 with twin beds. Bathroom with shower over bath, washbasin and WC. sleeps 4
Sylvie's Cottage is the perfect North Devon retreat nestled in the countryside yet a short distance from the stunning coastline. Situated just a short drive from the world famous fishing village of Clovelly. Comprising cosy lounge with original stone inglenook, fully fitted kitchen, full central heating, 3 bedrooms and a family bathroom. We operate dynamic pricing - please refer to our website for current rates.
A house party needs a venue that encourages socialising yet allows people to retreat to their private space when they need to rest. Tone Dale House fits the bill perfectly. This elegant Georgian manor has been sympathetically refurbished to sleep 31 people in 15/16 bedrooms, featuring multiple reception rooms, a cinema/party room and over four acres of professionally landscaped grounds. It's a popular holiday home for group self-catering holidays in Somerset as it is convenient for the M5 and has a wide choice of activities and sights within easy reach. You can walk to the pub, supermarket, restaurants and cafes, or talk to the owner about brining the entertainment and catering in house.
The Linhay is the ultimate family-friendly holiday cottage, comfortably accommodating five guests in three bedrooms. Situated on Lower Hearson Farm near Barnstaple, it's a popular destination for many families who return year after year. Owners Anna and Tim have created a welcoming atmosphere across their five North Devon holiday cottages, making the farm perfect for getaways with extended family or friends. Lower Hearson offers tranquillity and stunning views just a short drive from Barnstaple's amenities. Nearby beaches like Westward Ho! and Saunton Sands promise days of seaside fun. Back at the farm, kids can roam freely, feed sheep and chickens, enjoy the games room and pool.
The Threshing Barn is a hit with guests for good reason. Located on a family-run smallholding near Barnstaple in North Devon, this stone holiday cottage sleeps four and welcomes children and dogs. Families and couples adore the spacious layout and onsite perks like the outdoor heated swimming pool and games room. Part of Lower Hearson Farm, it's one of five delightful cottages, perfect for group getaways. The site offers stunning rural vistas by day and stellar night skies after dark. Owners Anna and Tim offer hands-on experiences, from animal feeding to woodland walks. With beaches and attractions nearby, the Threshing Barn will be the setting for many happy holiday memories.
The beautiful Prince Cottage, Princes Street, Paignton, Devon, TQ3 3AS, United KingdomTwo bedrooms: 1 x king-size, 1 with 2 bunk bed. Ground-floor bathroom with bath and basin. Cloakroom with basin and WC. Kitchen. Sitting room with woodburning stoveKey features & notesGas central heatingElectric oven, gas hob, microwave, fridge, freezer and dishwasherSmart TV and WiFiFuel, power and starter for woodburning stove inc. in rentBed linen and towels inc. in rentHighchair, travel cot and stairgate availableOff-road parking for 1 small carRoof terrace with furnitureSorry, No smokingShop 0.2 miles, pub 0.1 miles and beach 0.9 milesNote: The parking space is very narrowNote: The key safe is accessed at rear of parking space Note: The roof terrace is accessed from the kitchen by steep, ladder-style fire escape steps, please take careNote: Due to the property's age the stairs are extremely steep and narrow and are unsuitable for those with limited mobility, small children must be
Widemouth Bay Cabin is one of 10 stunning architecturally designed cabins at Coastal Cabins Glamping. Grouped around a fishing lake and just over a mile to the breathtaking coastline of North Devon, this is the perfect coastal escape. All the cabins are painted in pretty pastel hues with Widemouth Bay being a sea blue. Widemouth Bay Cabin is the perfect cabin for Family Glamping North Devon style. The cabin sleeps up to 4+1 people in a Kingsize bed and bunk beds (+extra small bed or cot if needed for an extra child under 6), and has a private deck and stunning views over looking the countryside. They also have a fully equipped kitchenette which is perfect for cooking up light meals. There is a fridge, freezer box, small oven with hob, kettle, toaster and all plates and cutlery etc for a family. Inside the cabin is also an en-suite shower room with sink and wc and all your basic toiletries. Widemouth Bay is towards the near end of the fi
Perfect for gatherings of family or friends (not suitable for under 3s), Torrs Cottage offers spacious en-suite accommodation for up to 16 people with parking for 8 cars and large gardens. Quiet location, only 5 mins to South West Coast path and 10 mins walk to Ilfracombe seafront. There's a sun terrace/BBQ area with beautiful views, private lawned garden and paddock play area with trampoline, basket swing, football goal and firepit. A large kitchen/dining room seats 12 people at the table and 4 at the breakfast bar plus a separate bar/lounge/games room with a smart TV, Xbox, woodburner and pool/table tennis tables.
Black Swan is a beautiful example of lakefront luxury. Designed and built to sit seamlessly within its natural surroundings, this enormous holiday home is stunning inside and out. As one of just four romantic holiday cottages spread over 35 private acres of the exclusive Woody Park estate near Cullompton, you'll have all the peace and privacy you crave. The interior is finished to a superb standard and includes a bedroom encompassing the entire top floor. However, it's the lake views, visible from virtually everywhere in the house and from the large timber deck, that will win your heart.
Egret promises seclusion, luxury and stunning waterfront views. Situated on the edge of a private lake and surrounded by 35 pristine acres of woodland, lakes and gardens, it is one of only four holiday homes on the exclusive Woody Park estate on the edge of Cullompton in rural Devon. The owners have designed everything to cater for romantic holidays. From the peaceful location, high-quality fixtures and furnishings, expansive timber deck with sun loungers and a hot tub, luxuriously deep bath, and the bedroom where you can wake up to sunlight on the water, it is the ultimate escape for any couple.
Write your own "happily ever after" at Kingfishers. This charming holiday cottage is like a fairytale, set on a private island and surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens. It's perfect for a romantic escape, a backdrop for your honeymoon or anniversary, or as the setting for an intimate proposal. The holiday home is deep in the Devon countryside yet within easy reach of the M5 and includes lakefront views from every window, a rowboat, deck with an outdoor hot tub and a gas barbecue, and wonderfully indulgent furnishings.
Woodpeckers is a secluded haven in the heart of the Devon countryside. As one of only four holiday homes on the exclusive adults-only Woody Estate resort, you are surrounded by 35 acres with woodland walks, lakes, and gardens. Protected by an ancient oak woodland, your holiday cottage is completely private and comes with an outdoor hot tub, your own rowboat, and chocolates and champagne on arrival. Grab your sweetheart by the hand and escape to the beauty of Woodpeckers.
A pretty two bedroom dog friendly terraced cottage within 10 minutes walk of Brixham harbour in Devon. Providing ideal family accommodation (sleeps 4) within easy access to explore this lovely part of the country with its bustling activity on and off the water.
Hammonds is a Grade II listed home in Combe Martin on the North Devon coast. A cosy lounge with logburner, dining room and separate study/snug plus an outdoor table and gas BBQ gives comfy space for guests. Combe Martin beach is walking distance from the house and there are pubs and places to eat within a short walk. The beautiful big sandy beaches of North Devon are a short drive away. Close by find surfing, coastal walks and charming villages. We cannot accommodate children under 4. Hammonds has 4 bedrooms and two bathrooms upstairs with a cloakroom downstairs. The main bedroom has a king bed and an ensuite bathroom. The second bedroom has a double bed. Bedroom three has twin beds and bedroom four has bunk beds. The original part of the house dates back around 450 years with a Georgian extension on the front. This means that there are some floor level changes on the first floor, with steps into bedroom three. All bedrooms have linen supplied and bath towels, but not beach towel
The huge room is open and spacious, with plenty of comfortable armchairs and sofas where you can relax and enjoy the changing light over the water. There is an open fire at one end of the room, with logs available for winter visitors. At the other end the dining table comfortably seats 12 guests. Outside there is a garden running alongside the water, leading to a woodland area, and a BBQ and two picnic tables where you can eat out in the summer. A spiral staircase leads up to a sundeck on the roof with fantastic views out over the river where you can catch some rays while watching the boats go by.
Torbay Rise is a beautiful holiday home where families can gather comfortably to spend precious time together. The sizeable Victorian property is the owner's former home, and the sense of warmth and welcome is evident in every room. They have carefully refurbished the property to provide space for 15 people in eight bedrooms with two reception rooms, a big kitchen/diner for family self-catering, a cinema room, a games room, and a heated indoor swimming pool with a hot tub and a sauna. Guests enjoy panoramic views from the hilltop location with windows facing Torquay beach and the harbour. The seaside, shops, cafes and other amenities are within a ten-minute stroll.
A big group needs a big holiday house. Where better to get together with your family and friends than this elegant Georgian house near Hartland Quay on the North Devon coast? Berry House is a fantastic holiday home sleeping 24 people in ten bedrooms with amazing views towards the sea. The owners have protected original features while sympathetically updating the interiors, decorating in an extremely comfortable and classically elegant style. Self-catering for two dozen people is no problem in the very well-equipped kitchen, while the games room and multiple reception rooms provide lots of space for relaxed or formal socialising.
You can't help but relax in the tranquil setting of Crownwheel Cottage. The period stone and timber barn has been converted into a beautiful holiday home beside a mill leat with six acres of shared ground that include bluebell woods, a waterfall and a riverside lawn. The cottage is ideal for families or friends, sleeping six guests in three bedrooms with the potential for two more in folding beds or travel cots. Slapton village is three miles away, while Dartmouth, Kingsbridge, Salcombe and Totnes are also within easy reach. Combine lazy days on the beach with gorgeous walks and bike rides through the countryside and around the coast, and fun days shopping, eating and sightseeing in picturesque towns and villages. Holiday bookings are available all year round.
Woodpecker Cottage is a wonderful holiday cottage for couples or families who want to be close to the South West Coast Path and the famous beaches of North Devon. The two-bedroom cottage sleeps four people and is beautifully presented, featuring a log burner in the living room, patio, and no immediate neighbours. It's in the village of Bucks Cross, in an Area of Outstanding of Natural Beauty and within walking distance of the village shop. Bideford, Barnstaple and Bucks Mills are all within easy reach, as are Westward Ho!, The Big Sheep, and The Milky Way Adventure Park. Pls note: Bookings run Friday to Friday (7 days) or Monday to Friday for weekend and mid-weekshort breaks.
Enjoy the beauty of South Devon from this charming holiday cottage in Kingsbridge. The one bedroom Victorian property is a stroll from the quay, where you can connect with buses taking you to Dartmouth, Totnes, Plymouth and Salcombe. Bars, tea rooms and shops with wonderful walking, cycling, sailing SUP boarding and sightseeing opportunities. It comes with off-street parking, a huge plus in the busy summer season, and has a picturesque cottage front garden and living room with a log burner. Salcombe, Dartmouth and Dartmoor National Park are nearby, as are the Rivers Dart and Avon. Gardeners Cottage welcomes couples and independent travellers all year round.
Popular towns in and around Devon:
AppledoreAxminsterAxmouthAylesbeareBabbacombeBamptonBarnstapleBeaworthyBeerBickingtonBidefordBlackdown HillsBradworthyBranscombeBratton FlemingBrauntonBrendonBridfordBrixhamBroadclystBroadwoodwidgerBuckfastleighBudeCadburyChagfordChallacombeChudleighChulmleighChumleighClayhidonClyst St LawrenceColytonCombe MartinCombe RaleighCreditonCroydeCullomptonDalwoodDartmoorDartmouthDawlishDevonDittishamDrewsteigntonDulvertonDunsterExeterExmoor National ParkExmouthGreat TorringtonHartlandHolsworthyHonitonHope CoveIlfracombeKingsbridgeLydfordLynmouthLyntonMaidencombeMemburyMineheadMoretonhampsteadNewton AbbotNewton AbbottOakhamptonOkehamptonOkehampton HamletsPaigntonParkhamPlymouthPonsworthyPorlockPrincetownSalcombeSauntonSeatonShaldonSidmouthSimonsbathSlaptonSouth HamsSouth MoltonTavistockTeignmouthThrowleighThurlestoneTivertonTopshamTorbayTorquayTotnesUmberleighUpotteryWelcombeWestward HoWidecombe in the MoorWinkleighWoolacombeWoolacombe BayYealmptonSome 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?
