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.
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. Read more
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 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.
Daisy Cottage at Bolberry Farm Cottages is ideally located on the South Devon coastline in the peaceful hamlet of Bolberry, just a mile from Hope Cove, half a mile from Bolberry Down (NT) and within easy reach of Malborough, Kingsbridge and Salcombe. A perfect self-catering base for exploring the many attractions of the South Hams.
Enjoy some of the best views in South Devon from this stunning first-floor apartment on Bolberry Down. Guests staying at Ten Ocean View enjoy fantastic ocean views and direct access to the South West Coast Path which leads to nearby Hope Cove and South Milton Sands. The one-bedroom holiday home is ideal for couples or individuals and is pet-friendly. It is one of only three stunning holiday apartments in this exclusive development, which also includes a popular bar and restaurant. Salcombe, Dartmouth and Plymouth are all in within reach for days out, as is Dartmoor National Park.
The Owlery is a cosy romantic pet-free retreat for couples with a log burning stove, fabulous spa bath for two, king-size bed and lovely valley views. The perfect place to escape away from it all in a tranquil haven within the popular South Hams area of Devon. Enjoy coastal and country walks, lazy days on the golden sands and an abundance of day trips out. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
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
This fantastic self-catering Devon holiday cottage is on the edge of Dartmoor and within easy reach of beautiful beaches and coastal footpaths. Hollyberrynook is a newly built property where individuals or couples can stay to enjoy gorgeous views, memorable walks, miles of cycling routes, fantastic food and lots of lovely rest that will leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated. It's in the charming village of Rattery, a five-minute stroll from the 11th Century village pub with a private sunny garden and lots of space. Bookings are available between March and October.
Enjoy the best of the coast and the countryside in this lovely bungalow. Lansdowne Park is situated on a quiet street in the lively market town of Totnes (just 10 minutes walk from the town centre!), offering visitors a comfortable and convenient base for exploring Dartmoor National Park, South Hams beaches and the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). There is ample opportunity for walking, cycling, sailing, surfing and a wealth of other sports, as well as sightseeing and places to eat, drink and shop. The bungalow offers comfortable self-catering accommodation all on one level and is perfect for couples.
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.
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. Exmouth is a fantastic choice for a Devon holiday with the beach, estuary, nature reserves and excellent walks like the Jurassic Coast Footpath all on your doorstep. There are endless opportunities for walking, swimming, sailing and cycling, and with good public transport links nearby you don't need a car to enjoy it all. Guests love that there are great bars and eateries nearby. Stop by The Grapevine for a lazy lunchtime drink, or treat yourself to a meal at The Point with great waterfront views and even better steaks. Exeter, Sidmouth, Dawlish and Budleigh Salterton are just a few of the choices for a fun day out, making Sunnydeck a popular choice for couples who want to see and do it all.
Brixham has long been a favourite year-round holiday destination for all ages, for its fantastic amenities as much as its lovely beach and location on the southern coast of the English Riviera. This comfortable chalet-style holiday cottage is perfect for couples, families or friends as it sleeps up to four people in two bedrooms with a flexible layout. It is above pretty Fishcombe Cove and within walking distance of the beach, cafes, shops and pubs. Local attractions include Paignton Zoo, Berry Head Nature Reserve, Torbay's English Riviera Wheel, and Coleton Fishacre House and Gardens. The South West Coast Path is only a few hundred metres from the cottage, and there is plenty of scope for walking and cycling along the coast and through the nearby countryside.
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.
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.
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.
Situated in a peaceful position in East Devon, Willow Cottage nestles amongst the glorious countryside of the Blackdown Hills, and is a romantic retreat which boasts its own private hot tub - simply relax and soak up the stunning scenery whilst you bubble your aches away.
Nestling amidst the beautiful rolling Blackdown Hills in East Devon, Jasmine Cottage is a great self-catering choice for those seeking a taste of country life with lovely walks and cycle rides on the doorstep.
Honeysuckle Cottage is located in an oasis of peace and tranquility within the beautiful Blackdown Hills in East Devon. A romantic holiday cottage that provides superb self-catering accommodation with its own private hot tub to help you truly unwind after you have been exploring, walking or cycling!
Hele Lane Cottage is a delightful thatched holiday home by the river in the depths of the beautiful countryside of Mid-Devon. An ideal self-catering base to explore this interesting and beautiful part of the South West with Dartmoor and Exmoor within easy driving distance and all the right ingredients to simply relax amongst nature.
The Old Piggery is a beautiful rural holiday home close to Barnstaple and within easy reach of the North Devon coast. You can walk from the cottage to Goodleigh village pub and it sleeps six people and includes level access to the garden and a fully-accessible bedroom and wetroom on the ground floor. It's an excellent choice for a family self-catering holiday as you're within a short drive of beaches, towns, attractions and Exmoor National Park. If you're craving the opportunity to unwind in beautiful surroundings, this lovely barn conversion will not disappoint.
Popular towns in and around Devon:
AppledoreAxminsterBarnstapleBidefordBrixhamCombe MartinCreditonCroydeDartmouthDawlishExmouthGreat TorringtonHonitonHope CoveIlfracombeKingsbridgeMineheadNewton AbbotOkehamptonSalcombeTavistockTeignmouthTivertonTorquayTotnesUmberleighWoolacombeSome 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 coastline of Devon 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.
Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Check out all the other popular towns in and around Devon below:
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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 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.
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 visit 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.
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 visiting Devon.
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 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!
