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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Judge's Cottage is your ideal destination for adventure and relaxation on the eastern shore of the River Dart, next to the South West Coast Path. This refurbished holiday cottage sleeps four people in two bedrooms with breathtaking marina views and is perfect for couples, families, and friends. A quick ferry ride takes you to Dartmouth's eclectic shops, cafés, and lively pubs, letting you explore unique boutiques, enjoy year-round markets, and uncover historical treasures like Dartmouth Castle. With hiking, swimming, and paddleboarding opportunities nearby, plus stunning beaches and exciting annual events, Judge's Cottage is the perfect self-catering retreat for unforgettable fun by the water!
The Cowshed is a peaceful haven in a beautiful location just outside of Moretonhampstead. Shops, pubs and cafes are all within walking distance, and there are miles of easy footpaths, superb cycling routes and bridleways nearby. The cottage is in Dartmoor National Park and surrounded by beautiful countryside, yet also close to favourite attractions such as Bovey Castle Hotel and Golf Course, Castle Drogo, and the high moor. The cottage is light and spacious with a private courtyard and a balcony with lovely views. It is perfect for couples but can also accommodate up to two children on a double sofa bed.
You won't forget your stay at Morocco House. This stylish house has accommodation over four floors and has uninterrupted views of the River Dart from both the house and the garden. It's in the pretty village of Kingswear in the South Hams region of Devon, a short walk from the ferry to Dartmouth, train station, shops and local pubs. The house has two bedrooms plus a double sofa bed and can sleep up to six people, with every room beautifully furnished to ensure a comfortable stay.
Nutcombe Barn is a luxury, dog friendly and family friendly barn conversion set in a beautiful secluded valley in 6 acres of glorious landscaped gardens and grounds on the edge of Exmoor National Park within easy reach of the local beach in Combe Martin North Devon. Sleeping 6 guests across three beautifully appointed double en-suite bedrooms, it is perfect for multi-generational stays, larger families and friends looking to holiday together in style. Up to two dogs are welcome who get to enjoy a large dedicated dog garden right next door to the cottage as well as a three-acre meadow; perfect for zoomies. Relax on your own private South facing sun terrace watching the sun set over the valley with no passing traffic to disturb the sound of birdsong, and no light pollution to dim the beauty of the night skies. Nutcombe Barn offers a haven of peace and tranquillity in a stylish coastal, countryside estate with easy access to gorgeous sandy beaches at Woolacombe, Croyde & Saunton, the South West Coast Path and Exmoor National Park.
**SUMMER HOLIDAYS 7th AUGUST AVAILABLE** Beautiful detached stone barn conversion on the edge of Exmoor National Park within easy reach of the local cove at Combe Martin. With the South West Coast Path and Exmoor just up the hill, Nutcombe cottage is perfect for walking holidays for couples, friends and family along with your dog. Up to two dogs can happily play in the cottages own enclosed garden while their owners relax on the south facing sun terrace admiring the stunning views and landscaped gardens. With no passing traffic you will enjoy the sound of birdsong and gaze in awe at the dark skies of Exmoors Dark Sky Reserve. With Superfast fibre broadband it is also ideal for remote working. The local beach is a haven for kayakers and paddleboarders and it's just a short drive to some of the countries most beautiful sandy beaches of Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton. Weekend and mid week breaks available most of the year. Two night Fri & Sat Shorts breaks available from Oct to Easter . Flexible 3 night breaks available October until May half term.
**SUMMER HOLIDAY DATES AVAILABLE** Cider House is a Grade II Listed barn conversion set on a 6 acre private estate in its own secluded valley with no passing traffic, yet within easy reach of the local beach at Combe Martin. Combe Martin and the many attractions of Exmoor National Park are a stones throw away, as is the South West Coast Path and the beautiful, sandy beaches of the North Devon coast. This child and dog-friendly cottage sleeps up to four guests in two en-suite bedrooms, one of which opens directly onto the south-facing terrace. There are stunning views from every window out over the landscaped gardens to the valley beyond. The fun doesn't stop when the sun goes down - lack of light pollution means the night skies here are pretty awesome! Cider House is perfect for a get away from it all holiday for couples and small families.
Eggesford Barton is a large group holiday home in Devon sleeping up to 30 people in 13 bedrooms, perfect for multi-generational families, retreats and special celebrations. Surrounded by 30 acres of gardens, woodland and pasture, this self-catering property near Chulmleigh offers easy access to the Tarka Trail, River Taw, and both Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks. Facilities include a fully equipped kitchen, dining for 30, a games room, an EV charger, and dog-friendly accommodation. Whether you're planning a big birthday, a peaceful walking holiday or a weekend away with friends, Eggesford Barton provides the perfect base in the heart of Devon.
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.
The Stables is an ideal base for a coastal getaway, whether for a weekend, short break or longer. Situated in a quiet village half a mile from the beach at pub at Beesands, this barn conversion sleeps up to four guests in two bedrooms, dogs welcome too. We have an onsite playground and games room. Beeson Farm is an ideal location for exploring South Devon and its many beautiful beaches, stunning coastline and countryside, or further up to Dartmoor National Park. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
The Linhay is located in a quiet village just half a mile from the beach and pub at Beesands. The Linhay is all on one level with accessible bedrooms and bathrooms, spacious open plan living room with log burner and plenty of natural light, a private sun deck and enclosed garden. Ideal for families or couples, the Linhay is an ideal base to explore the beautiful coastline between Salcombe and Dartmouth or further afield to Dartmoor National Park. Sorry, no pets. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
The Trap House has everything you need for a relaxing coastal break- whether a weekend away, short break or longer. The Trap House is just half a mile from the beach and pub has a spacious living room with log burner and private enclosed garden, making this a popular choice for dog owners. There is a well equipped kitchen, dining room, two bedrooms and three bathrooms. Located on a stunning stretch of coastline between Salcombe and Dartmouth in an AONB in South Devon, it is a perfect base for exploring innumerable beaches, coastpath and countryside. The Trap House is a popular self-catering choice for families and couples looking for a holiday by the sea with all the comforts of home. For families, there is an onsite playground and games room plus lots of beach toys and wellies to borrow for all your adventures! Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Woodpecker is one our “Affordable Holidays” cottages -please see our website for full details. With six acres of grounds and gardens with stunning views, and within the Blackdown hills AONB the surroundings are rich in wildlife & history. Just 20 minutes from the World Heritage “Jurassic” coast and 3 miles from Axminster, our cottages lie hidden away in a network of narrow lanes and footpaths. Equipped with all you need to enjoy your break in a very tranquil setting.
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!
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 persons, prices for 1/2, 3/4, and 5/6 persons.
Crowborough Farm is a big holiday farmhouse in Georgeham, providing self-catering accommodation for up to 14 guests on a 50-acre organic farm close to North Devon's finest beaches. With seven bedrooms, generous living spaces and room for everyone to spread out, it's an excellent choice for family holidays, reunions and celebrations. Guests can wander through flower meadows, discover a hidden woodland quarry and enjoy far-reaching views towards Lundy Island, all while being within an easy half-mile walk of The Kings Arms, The Rock Inn and the village shop. The farm is also licensed for weddings and events only when Farmhouse is not booked, with seasonal wild camping available at the top of the farm.
Treat yourself and your partner to a peaceful escape in Exmoor National Park. Chauffeur's Cottage is one of three superbly appointed holiday cottages on the private Martinhoe Cleave Estate, enjoying beautiful views of the Heddon Valley. You can walk to the coastal Hunter's Inn in around ten minutes, and there are miles of footpaths, cycle routes and bridleways to help you explore this stunning landscape. Lynton, Lynmouth, Porlock Weir and the Arlington Estate are all close by, and with short breaks possible all year round you can make the most of your stay in this romantic cottage for two, even if you only have a few days available to do so.
There's space for all your family and friends in Marine Court. This fantastic holiday home in Ilfracombe sleeps up to 20 people in eight ensuite bedrooms, including 2 family suites with interconnecting rooms. There's a kitchen designed for group catering, a large living and dining room with your own personal bar, and a games room with pool table. You're only a short walk from beaches, shops, restaurants and cafes, as well as Ilfracombe harbour and the South West Coast Path. Local attractions include the Milky Way Adventure Park, RHS Gardens Rosemoor and Exmoor National Park. Marine Court is ideal for celebrating a milestone occasion, hosting a family reunion, or holidaying with friends.
Popular towns in and around Devon:
AppledoreAxminsterAxmouthAylesbeareBabbacombeBamptonBarnstapleBeaworthyBeerBere AlstonBickingtonBidefordBlackdown HillsBradworthyBranscombeBratton FlemingBrauntonBrendonBridfordBrixhamBroadclystBroadwoodwidgerBuckfastleighBudeCadburyChagfordChallacombeChudleighChulmleighChumleighClayhidonClyst St LawrenceColytonCombe MartinCombe RaleighCreditonCroydeCullomptonDalwoodDartmoorDartmouthDawlishDevonDittishamDrewsteigntonDulvertonDunsterExeterExmoor National ParkExmouthGreat TorringtonHartlandHolsworthyHonitonHope CoveIlfracombeKingsbridgeLiftonLydfordLynmouthLyntonMaidencombeMemburyMineheadMoretonhampsteadMortehoeNewton AbbotNewton AbbottNoss MayoOakhamptonOkehamptonOkehampton HamletsPaigntonParkhamPlymouthPonsworthyPorlockPrincetownSalcombeSauntonSeatonShaldonSidmouthSimonsbathSlaptonSouth HamsSouth MoltonTavistockTeignmouthThrowleighThurlestoneTivertonTopshamTorbayTorcrossTorquayTotnesUmberleighUpotteryWelcombeWestward HoWidecombe in the MoorWinkleighWoolacombeWoolacombe BayYealmptonSome local suggestions:
Dog friendly Devon cottagesLuxury Devon holiday cottagesDevon cottages with a hot tubDevon cottages by the seaOr search further afield:
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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?
