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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This spacious, first-floor apartment has uninterrupted views over Instow beach and estuary. It comfortably sleeps up to five people in three lovely bedrooms, with a layout that works for families and friends. Westward Ho! and Exmoor National Park are only a few miles away, and there are endless miles of footpaths and cycling routes including the South West Coast Path and Tarka Trail. Surfing, sailing, swimming, horse riding, golf and fishing are all favourite activities, with local attractions including The Big Sheep, RHS Rosemoor and Hartland Abbey.
Surrounded by gorgeous countryside, fantastic walking and cycling routes and just a short drive to beaches such as Croyde, Woolacombe, Saunton and Westward Ho!, a holiday at the Tallet really does have something for everyone. Located a ten minute drive from Barnstaple, this house sleeps ten guests in five bedrooms and has a hot tub, patio for alfresco dining and wood burning stove for cosy nights in. Enjoy days on the beach, exploring Exmoor National Park or simply sit back and relax in beautiful surroundings.
Escape to the romance of The Shepherd's Shed, a charming glamping shepherd's hut within walking distance of The Castle Inn and village shop in Landkey, and close to Barnstaple, North Devon beaches and Exmoor National Park. Guests can sleep happily in the cute hut with a double bed and cosy log burner, surrounding themselves with stunning views and a garden that includes an outdoor hot tub and covered barbecue area. The Shepherd's Shed is ideal for a holiday in any season, being warm and welcoming to couples and solo travellers, including those with a dog.
Hen House is a spacious holiday home in a quiet location close to Exmoor National Park and only 10 minutes from Bideford. The dog-friendly, ground-floor property sleeps two people in one bedroom and has superb views from every room except the bathroom. It boasts a big sun deck with sun loungers and an outdoor hot tub, while indoors is kept cosy in winter with a log burner. North Devon beaches like Westward Ho! and Croyde are only half an hour away, and Ilfracombe, Appledore, and Lundy Island are also within easy reach.
Combe Martin boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in Devon, with a dramatic coastline and a location on the edge of the Exmoor National Park. This spacious holiday cottage is within walking distance of the beach, pubs, shops and cafes, and within easy reach of some of the area's favourite sights and attractions. It sleeps up to six people in three comfortable bedrooms, with an open-plan living space and a private patio and garden. Seaweed is ideal for families and friends who love walking, cycling, and spending time at the seaside.
This beautifully presented holiday cottage is in a quiet location next to Exmoor National Park and close to the North Devon coast and beaches like Croyde, Woolacombe, and Broadsands. The Shippon at Park View is in Kentisbury and sleeps four people in two bedrooms with features that include underfloor heating and an outdoor hot tub. It's perfect for couples or families in all seasons as there is a wide choice of sights and attractions within easy reach. Walking, cycling, surfing, and horseriding are all easily accessible.
Imagine yourself relaxing in an outdoor hot tub with far-reaching views over fields to the Taw and Torridge Estuary, or curling up with a good book or a box set in front of the log burner. Barnstaple, Croyde, Saunton and Woolacombe are all within easy reach, as is the Exmoor National Park and attractions like Marwood Gardens and Exmoor Zoo. The owners of Springfield Linney have transformed a former farm building into a stylish North Devon holiday cottage that sleeps up to four people in two bedrooms and offers a high standard of accommodation for couples, families and friends.
Fall in love with a seaside lifestyle at Coast View. This stunning house is within walking distance of award-winning Woolacombe Beach and the South West Coast Path, providing a very high standard of accommodation for up to ten people in five bedrooms. It has fantastic ocean views from most rooms, a sundeck with a hot tub, and a layout perfect for families and friends. Explore far and wide or park the car and forget about it for a week - there is plenty to see and do whatever you choose.
Whitelady House is a beautiful period property in a fantastic location next to Lydford Gorge and the Whitelady Waterfall. The owners have carefully restored it to the highest standard, offering luxurious accommodation for up to 12 guests in six bedrooms. The is perfect for families and friends, with its easy access to wonderful footpaths, bridleways, cycling trails and the untamed wilderness of the Dartmoor National Park. Talk to the owners if you are celebrating a special event as they can assist with catering and arranging activities either on site or in the local area.
Some properties say "beachfront" even when they are miles from the sand, but Sunnycliffe lives up to the description, being just across the road from Combesgate Beach, and only a short walk from Barricane Beach. As if that was not enough, Woolacombe Beach is around a 20-minute walk away, giving guests the best of the North Devon Heritage Coast to enjoy. Walk the South West Coast Path or cycle the Tarka Trail. There are museums, country houses and gardens to explore, and countless pubs, cafes and restaurants serving delicious food and drink. There is space for six guests to stay in three bedrooms, making Sunnycliffe a perfect self-catering base for families and friends.
Braunton Farmhouse is a fantastic holiday home surrounded by fields and close to the beaches of Devon. You can walk or cycle the two miles to Braunton's pubs, shops and cafes if you do not want to drive, and fantastic beaches like Saunton Sands, Croyde Bay and Woolacombe are nearby. This part of North Devon is protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and with favourite attractions such as the Tarka Trail, South West Coast Path, Exmoor Zoo, Watermouth Castle and the Combe Martin Dinosaur and Wildlife Park only a short drive away, there is no shortage of fun to be had! Surrounded by fields and with space for ten guests in five bedrooms, you can easily imagine the Famous Five having adventures somewhere just like this dog-friendly farmhouse.
2 Gull Rock is a specious coastal holiday cottage in Woolacombe sleeping 4 people in 2 bedrooms. The sun deck at the front of the house has stunning views overlooking Woolacombe as the waves crash against the beach. There is parking for 1 car around the back of the property with steps leading down to the front door.
Sleeping 10 people in 4 bedrooms (plus the games room), Barton Rock is a spacious luxury cottage with a private hot tub and confined garden. Bring the dog along on your coastal escape as you relax and unwind in the open plan ground floor with a kitchen, dining and lounge area.
Perfect for families and friends, Duror Cottage is one of a collection of six holiday retreats located at Lower Aylescott, on the edge of the North Devon village of West Down. With extensive grounds (including a fishing lake) for relaxing during the summer months, a log burner for cosy winter breaks, good pub within walking distance and an abundance of attractions within easy reach (including the coast and Exmoor), this is a great self-catering base for enjoying everything Devon has to offer.
Sitting alongside the fishing lake, Lake View Cottage is a popular choice for a family holiday and sleeps up to six guests in three bedrooms. Located at Lower Aylescott Farm on the edge of the North Devon village of West Down (with a very good pub serving food and a shop), the cottage is a great self-catering base for exploring the North Coast of Devon with its glorious beaches and the areas many attractions. Guests can enjoy plenty of space inside and out for relaxing, a log burner for winter breaks, on-site fishing and lovely walks with Exmoor National Park within easy reach.
Perfect for a family holiday and also couples, Smithy Cottage is one of six family-friendly holiday homes sitting amongst North Devon Countryside on the edge of West Down village and within easy driving distance of the coast and the areas many attractions. Spend your days walking in the surrounding countryside, relaxing on one of the gorgeous sandy beaches or getting out and about exploring. On-site fishing, plenty of space for children to play and a great pub serving food in the village.
Enjoying a countryside position and with plenty of space for children to play and adults relax, Lower Aylescott is home to six family-friendly holiday homes surrounded by North Devon countryside within easy driving distance of the coast. Enjoy on-site fishing, lovely countryside walks from the front door or jump in the car and head for the popular beaches at Croyde, Woolacombe and Saunton. There is an excellent pub in the village as well as a shop for provisions.
Blare Cottage is one of six well presented holiday retreats nestling amongst North Devon countryside on the edge of West Down village with a good local pub, shop for forgotten conveniences and an abundance of attractions close by. The glorious beaches of Devon's stunning north coast are just a car ride away with Croyde, Woolacombe and Saunton providing lovely days out by the sea. On-site facilities include fishing lakes and plenty of space for children to play.
An excellent choice for families, Braefoot Cottage is one of a collection of holiday homes sitting on the outskirts of the vibrant North Devon village of West Down. The village has a good local pub for meals out, village shop for provisions, and is within easy driving distance of the award winning North Devon coast beaches of Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton. Plenty of space on-site for children to play as well as fishing lakes.
Perfect for couples (one or two) and families, Corner Cottage has two en-suite bedrooms (one on the ground floor) and enjoys the benefits from being nicely tucked away from the other cottages on Corffe Estate, whilst having use of the excellent facilities including an indoor pool and tennis. Sitting on the outskirts of the Devon village of Tawstock, Barnstaple is a short car ride away and the glorious beaches of Woolacombe, Ilfracombe, Croyde and Westward Ho! are within easy reach, as is Exmoor National Park. The perfect self-catering retreat for a relaxing holiday in North Devon with an abundance of attractions within easy reach and excellent amenities on the doorstep.
Popular towns in and around Devon:
AppledoreAxminsterAxmouthBarnstapleBeaworthyBeerBidefordBrauntonBrixhamBuckfastleighChulmleighCombe MartinCreditonCroydeCullomptonDartmouthDawlishDrewsteigntonExeterExmouthGreat TorringtonHartlandHonitonHope CoveIlfracombeKingsbridgeLydfordLynmouthLyntonMaidencombeMineheadMoretonhampsteadNewton AbbotOkehamptonPaightonParkhamPlymouthPrincetownSalcombeSeatonSidmouthSimonsbathSlaptonTavistockTeignmouthThurlestoneTivertonTorquayTotnesUmberleighWelcombeWidecombe in the MoorWoolacombeSome 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?
