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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Bigbury 7 is a superb seafront holiday apartment in Devon where you can enjoy uninterrupted sea views from the living area, main bedroom and spacious patio. Located in the coastal village of Bigbury on Sea, the self-catering holiday home sleeps four people in two ensuite bedrooms. It is ideal for couples or families, including those with dogs. There's nothing better than being able to stroll from your front door to the sand, popping back and forth as it suits you. Plymouth, Dartmouth, Dartmoor National Park and the English Riviera are all nearby for days out.
This beautiful cottage on the edge of Dartmoor is less than two miles from Okehampton and within easy reach of shops, cafes and pubs as well as favourite attractions like Adventure Okehampton and the Museum of Dartmoor Life. It is perfect for couples or for two friends travelling together as the superking bed can be made up as a twin. Pets are also made welcome here. Dreamcatcher is on a non-working farm in a peaceful location with no passing traffic. It dates back to 1840 and started life as a cow shed before being lovingly transformed by the current owners into a gorgeous cottage with a bespoke kitchen, log burner and underfloor heating.
Set against a scenic hillside, Barn Cottage offers a charming and tranquil countryside retreat. Offering accommodation for up to six people in three bedrooms, Barn Cottage has access to an onsite swimming pool and sauna as well as the estate's activities.
Mornacott Farmhouse is a beautifully refurbished property in the peaceful Devon countryside, accommodating up to 14 guests. Guests have access to an onsite swimming pool, sauna, games room and sports field, in addition to a network of footpaths which cross the wider estate.
The charming stone façade of The Old Stables perfectly complements the glorious rolling hills that surround the property, offering unbeatable views from the courtyard garden. The three bedrooms highlight the building’s rich history with original oak beams and timber vaulted ceilings.
Orchard Cottage, set within a beautiful apple orchard, embodies sustainable living and serene comfort. Once an agricultural barn, this restored timber-framed retreat accommodates up to eight guests. Inside, rustic charm meets modern amenities, with rich timber beams, a cozy wood-burning stove, and inviting furnishings.
The Orchard is a recently renovated holiday cottage in Hartland sleeping 6 people in 3 bedrooms with a private garden, access to a hot tub & a sauna and parking. A short drive to the coast and enchanting beaches, you can enjoy the relaxing scenery surrounding your holiday cottage or exploring the local landscape.
Granary Cottage, a two bedroom two storey character cottage that sleeps 5 in two bedrooms (a double and triple bedroom) welcomes families and friends (and even their four-legged friends) to enjoy and relax in this wonderful part of Devon, which is also close to the North Cornish coast too.
The Milking Parlour at Cheristow Farm, sleeping 4 guests in two bedroom is a charming character cottage within the Hartland Peninsula, an Area of Outstanding Beauty. Well-presented and thoughtfully furnished throughout, and still retaining many of its original features, the Milking Parlour provides high quality comfortable accommodation for couples, friends and families wishing to holiday together in this wonderful part of Devon.
One of seven cottages at Cheristow Farm, The Stables is a charming two bedroom single storey cottage that welcomes dogs and is perfect for couples and small families looking for a relaxing countryside break but still close to the coast and with plenty to do and see nearby.
The Linhay is one of the seven countryside retreats set on a former farm at Cheristow on the Hartland Peninsula. The kids can help feed the farm animals, whilst parents can relax in a quiet and beautiful setting. Sleeping 4 in two bedrooms, and with handy zip and link beds that can be made up as a double or twin, The Linhay offers the perfect base for couples, friends and small families wishing to holiday in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
The Tack Room is a pretty single storey studio cottage, ideal for couples and walkers looking to explore this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty around the remote town of Hartland, on the North Devon/Cornwall border. With just a kitchen, double bedroom and en-suite shower room (and no separate sitting room), The Tack Room provides the perfect base for those who want to make the most of the days exploring. One small dog is also welcome.
Attached to the main farmhouse and separate from the other six cottages at Cheristow Farm, The Dairy is a cosy one bedroom countryside cottage for two. As it name suggests, as the former dairy for the farm, it still retains plenty of its period charm along with comfortable furnishings. Well equipped and finished to a high standard, the Dairy offers a compact country kitchen, a bright and light lounge with a dining area and doors leading out to an enclosed terrace garden.
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.
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.
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
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?
