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 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.
The Root House is a character cottage, recently renovated offering touches of luxury throughout. Sleeping 6 people in 3 bedrooms, The Dog Friendly Root House is the perfect mix of modern coastal cottage, and thatched renovated barn. Elements of the old barn still remain throughout the cottage delicately combined with modern fixtures and facilities to provide a high-quality self-catering experience in The popular coastal location of Croyde.
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.
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.
Seymour Heights is everything you could want in a Devon beach holiday home. Light timber floors, huge picture windows with sweeping views over Woolacombe Bay, superb self-catering facilities, and space for six people in three bedrooms make this a fantastic property for families, including multi-generational ones. The house is dog-friendly and has off-street parking, making it even more appealing for your family holiday in Woolacombe. You're just under a mile from Woolacombe village and beach, close to Exmoor, and a short drive from favourite North Devon sights and attractions.
Woodpecker Treehouse is a blissful retreat in a woodland location on the edge of Dittisham and a short drive from Dartmouth. Woodpecker is one of four tranquil treehouses on site. It's wonderfully peaceful and private, featuring an expansive timber deck furnished with a hammock, sun loungers, a barbecue and outdoor dining area, and a cedar-fired hot tub. Every item has been carefully chosen with your comfort and relaxation in mind, including Egyptian cotton bed linen and a delicious hamper to welcome you to your private hideaway. It's perfect for a romantic break but can also accommodate families with a bunk room, including those with dogs offering pooch welcome packs.
Families love the amenities at Robin Hill Farm, where all six holiday cottages have been awarded 4-Stars for their standard of self-catering accommodation. Puffin Cottage sleeps six people in three bedrooms with a west-facing garden. Guests can use the onsite play area, huge games room, and indoor swimming pool, with 14 acres of fields and farmland between them and the nearest neighbour. Bideford is only two miles away and you're 10-12 minutes from Peppercombe Beach and Westward Ho! Cottages can be booked together for holidays with extended family and friends, depending on availability. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
With space for six people to sleep in three bedrooms and an onsite indoor pool, games room and play area, Heron Cottage is a popular family holiday home in North Devon. It's on Robin Hill Farm, two miles from Bideford and a short drive from Peppercombe Beach and Westward Ho!, offering a delicious blend of coast and countryside. Throw in proximity to favourite family-friendly attractions like The BIG Sheep and The Milky Way Adventure Park and verified 4-Star standard self-catering accommodation, and you won't be surprised to learn that guests of Heron Cottage make a stay here an annual highlight. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Gull Cottage is a family-friendly holiday home on Robin Hill Farm, two miles from Bideford and ten minutes from Westward Ho! It is a charming barn conversion with a modern kitchen for self-catering, panoramic rural views, and space for six people to sleep in three bedrooms. As well as their private garden, guests enjoy using the farm's indoor swimming pool, games room, children's playground, and a dog-exercise area. There are scenic walks from the cottage through the surrounding countryside to the coast, and you can access the 180-mile Tarka Trail nearby. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Wren Cottage sleeps four people in two bedrooms with features that make it child and pet-friendly. It's one of six 4-Star holiday homes on the family-run Robin Hill Farm, two miles from Bideford and within ten minutes of Westward Ho! and the North Devon Coastline. Guests love onsite facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, huge games room, children's play area and dog exercise field. There are scenic rural walks from the door, with more in the surrounding area, including along the traffic-free Tarka Trail. The kitchen is well-equipped for a self-catering holiday for couples, family or friends. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Swallow Cottage is on the first floor of a converted hay barn on the family-run Robin Hill Farm. The self-catering holiday home sleeps four people in two bedrooms, has a private garden, and far-reaching rural views. The layout suits couples and families, with guests loving the onsite facilities, including a children's playground, a huge games room, and a heated indoor swimming pool. Robin Hill Farm is two miles from Bideford and a ten-minute drive from Westward Ho! and the South West Coast Path. North Devon has excellent attractions, lots of walks, the traffic-free Tarka Trail, market towns, and picturesque villages. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Kingfisher is on the ground floor of a converted hay barn on Robin Hill Farm. Two miles from Bideford and a ten-minute drive from Westward Ho!, the self-catering holiday cottage sleeps four guests in two bedrooms and is ideal for couples or families. Onsite facilities include an indoor swimming pool, games room, children's play area, and a dog exercise field. There are six 4-Star cottages on the site you can book together for extended families and friends. Although the property sleeps four, it's best suited to families with children rather than four adults. Wren or Swallow Cottages are an option if you have more adults in your group. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Riversmeet is a beautiful beachfront holiday cottage in Instow. Recently renovated with a stylish modern coastal interior, fantastic views, and excellent self-catering facilities, it sleeps six people in three bedrooms. It is ideal for families, multi-generational families, and friends. Instow is a relaxed village convenient for beaches and attractions, including The Milky Way, Tarka Trail, and The Big Sheep. The beach is just over the road, and you're only a short walk from two excellent pubs and a village shop, deli and cafe. One well-behaved dog is welcome. Bookings are available all year round with a Saturday changeover.
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.
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 bedrooms, featuring multiple reception rooms, a party room with a sound and light system, 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.
Modern comforts meet rural charm in this lovely holiday cottage in the North Devon village of Goodleigh. Goodleigh Cottage sleeps six people in three beautifully decorated bedrooms and features an upstairs open-plan living area with a vaulted ceiling and stunning countryside views. It's only ten minutes from Barnstaple and within easy reach of beautiful beaches and Exmoor National Park. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom holiday home sleeps up to six people and is ideal for families, extended families, and friends. Bookings are available all year round, with guests able to enjoy fantastic walks and bike rides from the door.
Just a stone's throw from Exmoor National Park and long sandy beaches, Courtyard Cottage is set in gorgeous North Devon countryside on the outskirts of the market town of Barnstaple. Perfect for walking, cycling or surfing holidays, or simply enjoying some time out in a beautiful setting, this tastefully decorated holiday cottage is an ideal self-catering getaway for couples or small families. Sleeping four guests in two bedrooms with a wood burning stove and underfloor heating it is cosy all year round.
A charming period self-catering property located in the popular village of Braunton in North Devon. Located on an original farmer's estate, Diana's Cottage sits in a beautiful rural setting, yet is walking distance to the village shops, pubs and restaurants. There is a choice of fantastic beaches on your doorstep, or head inland to explore the wild beauty of Exmoor. Sleeping up to five guests in two bedrooms this pretty holiday cottage is perfect for families or couples looking for a seaside break at any time of the year.
Popular towns in and around Devon:
AppledoreAxminsterAxmouthBarnstapleBeaworthyBeerBidefordBrauntonBrixhamBuckfastleighChulmleighCombe MartinCreditonCroydeCullomptonDartmouthDawlishDrewsteigntonExeterExmouthGreat TorringtonHonitonHope CoveIlfracombeKingsbridgeLydfordLynmouthLyntonMineheadMoretonhampsteadNewton AbbotOkehamptonParkhamPlymouthPonsworthyPrincetownSalcombeSeatonShaldonSidmouthSimonsbathSlaptonTavistockTeignmouthThurlestoneTivertonTorbayTorquayTotnesUmberleighWidecombe in the MoorWinkleighWoolacombeSome 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?
