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
EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT…….Any booking made in January for anytime in 2025 will receive 10% early booking discount. 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, wh
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.
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 accommodation 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.
Stay in a traditional Devon longhouse on a family-run farm close to Exmoor at The Cyder Barn. It's a charming mix of original features, like the stone inglenook fireplace with wood burner (all logs are provided at no extra charge)and wonky oak beams, with modern comforts that will make your stay relaxed and enjoyable. The cottage has two bedrooms and two bathrooms and is child and dog-friendly. Tracks around the farm lead to woods and streams and are ideal for dogs and walkers alike. Not only is Exmoor nearby but you are within easy reach of the coast. The self-catering Devon cottage is close to Tiverton, with tranquil views.
Located in a desirable unspoilt area of Devon with exceptional views, this spacious holiday home provides a perfect self-catering base for relaxing amongst beautiful countryside or exploring Devon and its many delights. Cadeleigh village is a short walk away from Oakwood Farm with a good pub; Tiverton and Exeter are within easy reach and there are lovely walks and bike rides on the doorstep as well as fantastic free on-site fishing lake.
Two stylish spacious holiday lodges each sleeping up to four guests with their own private hot tub, nestling in a tranquil valley setting amongst beautiful Mid-Devon rolling countryside. A haven for wildlife, Morrells Valley Lodges provide the perfect setting for relaxing and an ideal base for exploring Devon with the Blackdown Hills, Exmoor, Dartmoor and both the north and south coasts within easy driving distance.
Comfy and homely, The Lower Barn welcomes couples and offers the chance to experience a taste of country life in Devon. With direct access out onto Dartmoor from the farm, guests staying at this cosy holiday cottage can enjoy days exploring the plethora of footpaths and byways and return home to enjoy supper in front of the Aga. A rare opportunity to enjoy isolated beauty and escape from the outside world!
Full of character, this self-catering holiday cottage is located within the boundary of the Dartmoor National Park and provides a perfect place for those who enjoy outdoor activities with fabulous walking and horse riding on the moors from the front door. Peter Tavy with a very good pub is close to The Shippen and there are lots of attractions throughout Devon and East Cornwall for day trips out. Tourist board rating: 3 Star
Cosy and comfy, this self-catering barn conversion provides the ideal place to relax and unwind within the boundaries of Dartmoor National Park. With lovely views, guests can enjoy superb walking and an abundance of outdoor activities, as well as a host of attractions throughout both Devon and East Cornwall. Peter Tavy village is nearby with an excellent food pub.
With immense character and charm, this traditional barn conversion sits within the Dartmoor National Park, and offers a comfortable base for enjoying the stunning scenery and outdoor activities available in the area, as well as the many attractions of Devon and East Cornwall. Close to Peter Tavy with an excellent pub serving food, this welcoming holiday cottage is a good choice for walkers, horse riders (stabling available for those looking for a riding holiday) and those wanting to discover the magic of Dartmoor. Tourist board rating: 3 Star
Large luxury 4 Star Gold Award North Devon cottage with huge indoor pool and hot tub. Bicclescombe Grange lies on the outskirts of the lovely seaside town of Ilfracombe within a private setting in large gardens. It's a very substantial Victorian residence, sleeping 26, with fantastic facilities including a 40' indoor heated swimming pool, hot tub, full sized snooker and table tennis. Perfect for a large family gathering, hen do, stag do or any other special occasion.
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.
Just outside Tawstock and a short drive from Barnstaple, Corffe is a wonderful estate with nine holiday cottages and a magnificent Georgian country house which sleeps up to 22 people. Corffe House can be rented on its own or together with some or all of the cottages to accommodate larger parties for events like weddings. With beaches like Woolacombe, Ilfracombe, Croyde and Westward Ho! as well as the Exmoor National Park nearby, a holiday at Corffe is one of endless fun. The grounds have an all-weather tennis court and adventure play area, and there is also an indoor swimming pool and spa bath. Corffe House also has a cinema room with pool table for relaxed evenings watching films or challenging your friends and family to a game. Whether you're there for a long weekend to celebrate an occasion with your extended family and friends, or sneaking away for a romantic week in the beautiful North Devon countryside, Corffe has the perfect self-catering property for you.
The Bolthead offers a high standard of self-catering for friends, families and couples and affords a spectacular position with panoramic views over the Salcombe Estuary and South Sands Beach on the doorstep. Perfect for those who want a holiday relaxing by the sea, this ground floor apartment sits on the outskirts of Salcombe in the popular South Hams area of Devon and is within easy reach of fantastic restaurants, shops and South West Coastal Path.
Upper Carlane Court sleeps six people in three bedrooms with space for two more on a comfortable sofa bed. It's an ideal holiday home for a multi generation family break in Devon, located only a mile from Slapton Sands and even closer to Slapton Ley lake and nature reserve. The property is one of three lovely self-catering barn conversions at Carlane Court in Slapton village, a few minutes from a village shop and two friendly pubs. Dartmouth, Salcombe and Dartmoor National Park are all within easy reach, as is the South West Coast Path and the beaches and attractions. Upper Carlane Court is available for bookings during the peak summer season in 2024 all year round in 2025.
The Stables sleeps six people in three bedrooms with space for two more on a comfortable sofa bed. It's an ideal holiday home for a multi generation family break in Devon, located only a mile from Slapton Sands and even closer to Slapton Ley lake and nature reserve. The property is one of three lovely self-catering barn conversions at Carlane Court in Slapton village, a few minutes from a village shop and two friendly pubs. Dartmouth, Salcombe and Dartmoor National Park are all within easy reach, as is the South West Coast Path and the beaches and attractions. The Stables is available for bookings all year round.
Lower Carlane Court is a ground floor accommodation sleeping four people in two bedrooms with space for two more on a comfortable sofa bed. It's an ideal holiday home for a multi generation family break in Devon, located only a mile from Slapton Sands and even closer to Slapton Ley lake and nature reserve. The property is one of three lovely self-catering barn conversions at Carlane Court in Slapton village, a few minutes from a village shop and two friendly pubs. Dartmouth, Salcombe and Dartmoor National Park are all within easy reach, as is the South West Coast Path and the beaches and attractions. Lower Carlane is dog friendly and is available for bookings 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:
Dog friendly Devon cottagesLuxury Devon holiday cottagesDevon 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?
