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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Kingfisher is one our 3“Affordable Holidays” cottages -please see our website for full details. With 6 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 tranquil setting.
“We loved being here; a peaceful air in the cottage as well as gorgeous surroundings. Idyllic.” Z.B. April 2025 Nuthatch is one our 3“Affordable Holidays” cottages. -please see our website for full details. With 6 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 tranquil cottages lie hidden away in a network of narrow Devon lanes and footpaths. Equipped with all you need to enjoy your break in a tranquil setting. Our customers appreciate our really competitive prices . In return we ask that guests bring their own towels and bedlinen. They pay, at cost, for the fuel used during their stay. Please see our website for fuller details.
A beautiful detached stone barn conversion on the edge of Exmoor National Park in Combe Martin. With the South West Coast Path and Exmoor a short distance away, 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. Just 2 miles from the local beach, perfect for kayaking and SUP's and just a 20 minute drive to some of the countries most beautiful sandy beaches of Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton. Two night Fri & Sat Shorts breaks available until Easter & from Oct. Flexible 3 night breaks available until May half term.
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, just a short 5-minute drive to 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.
The Cider House is a Grade II Listed barn conversion set on a secluded private estate in its own secluded valley with no passing traffic, yet just two miles from the beach. 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.
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.
Peaceful Self-Catering Holiday House near the sand dunes and Beaches of Saunton and Croyde on the outskirts of Braunton, North Devon. We are within the buffer zone of the Braunton Unesco Bioshpere Sand Dune Nature reserve and next to two sites of special scientific interest for their rare habitats. It feels like you are in the middle of nowhere, but only a mile, 20 minutes walk, to Braunton centre and 2 miles to Saunton Golf Club & Saunton Sands Hotel, Saunton Beach and 3.5 miles to Croyde Beach. There are some wonderful walks and cycle rides from the door. You can also cycle along the back lanes and fields to The Tarka Trail, Saunton Golf Club, Sandy Lane Car Park, and Crow point. A new house, close by the lodges. A private setting with own patio and secure lock up to store bikes and boards. Lively art decorates the walls with lots of ski mountain paintings as well as Pete’s sunset and ocean paintings. It’s slightly larger than the Lodges and set in its own private gar
Whatever your reason for visiting Dartmoor National Park, you will find a warm welcome at Wooder Manor where five fantastic holiday properties sleep between one and six people and are as popular with couples as they are with families. The cottages are along a private driveway that leads off a quiet country lane just a flat, half-mile walk from the village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor. Here you will find two excellent pubs (The Old Inn and the Rugglestone Inn) and two great cafes, one of which, the Cafe on the Green, has been in business for over 90 years. All of Dartmoor's best attractions are virtually on the doorstep whether you want to walk, horse ride, climb, mountain bike, or just make your way from pretty village to lovely town, tucking into fresh local produce at the wealth of cafes and pubs in the area. Wooder Manor's central location in the heart of Dartmoor National Park means you are never far from a fun-filled day out at places like Pennywell Farm, Buckfast Butterfly Farm, Hald
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 a mile, 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.
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 15/16 bedrooms, featuring multiple reception rooms, a cinema/party room 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.
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.
Sitting in an elevated hillside position surrounded by rolling Devonshire countryside, this former Victorian farmhouse provides welcoming self-catering accommodation for six guests in three bedrooms. Rose offers tranquility in bucket loads with no passing traffic to interrupt. A good base for exploring Devon's many attractions including the Blackdown Hills, coast and even Exmoor. On-site fishing solely for the use of guests.
High on a hill, surrounded by fields with no neighbours or passing traffic, Honeysuckle provides a romantic rural holiday retreat ideal for relaxing or exploring the many attractions that Devon has to offer. An adjacent fishing pond is available for guests' use. Recently refurbished with a wood burner, new kitchen, and utility room. One bedroom with king size bed, plus a sofa bed in the lounge. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
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
Jasmine Cottage is a lovely choice for a family break in East Portlemouth, South Hams, Devon, ideal for short breaks and week stays all year round. This dog-friendly holiday cottage sits on a quiet non-working farm with far-reaching countryside and coastal views, sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms, parking, superfast broadband, and EV charging available. You’re close to dog-friendly beaches, plus East Portlemouth, Salcombe, Dartmouth and Kingsbridge, with the Cricket Inn in Beesands and the South West Coast Path within walking distance., with a courtyard for sunny days and a woodburning stove for chilly nights.
The Bunny Barn in Combefishacre near Ipplepen is the perfect place to escape into the Devonshire countryside for a holiday. The medieval barn has been sympathetically converted to offer comfortable self-catering accommodation for couples or small families with young children. Boasting flagstone floors, thick stone walls and original oak beams. Ipplepen village is a mile away with a traditional pub serving great food(The Wellington), A village Co-Op for groceries and a lovely coffee shop. There is a very fine Church with Norman origins and a beautiful rood screen with medieval painted saints. Nearby the towns of Totnes and Newton Abbot provide everything else you could need. Dartmoor National Park and the beautiful beaches of the English Riviera are both only five miles away, providing a wealth of walks, cycling routes, attractions and sightseeing.
Lamacraft House is a luxury coastal holiday home in South Devon that comfortably accommodates ten guests across five beautifully designed bedrooms. Set high above Start Bay with views reaching across the sea, this elegant self-catering accommodation combines contemporary comfort with timeless style. You and your guests will enjoy an eight-person hot tub, a professional pool table, and a choice of relaxing living areas with wood-burning stoves. Perfect for family gatherings or group celebrations, the house sits on the Start Point peninsula within easy reach of Salcombe, Kingsbridge, and Dartmouth. This enviable Devon retreat balances privacy, luxury, and dramatic scenery for an unforgettable stay.
Rose Cottage ticks every box for those searching for a holiday cottage in Devon with incredible views, a location convenient for popular attractions and enough space for a family, including the dog. The two-bedroom cottage is on a non-working farm with loads of outdoor space and views over meadows and fields to Start Bay. Guests can walk from the picket gate to the South West Coast Path, North Hallsands Beach and the Cricket Inn in Beesands, while Salcombe, Dartmouth and Kingsbridge are only a short drive away.
Just a stone's throw from the beach - listen to the sound of the waves lapping up the slipway in this delightful cottage. Catboat Cottage is a gorgeous 200-year-old holiday home, a short stroll from pubs, cafés and shops. The former fisherman's cottage is on one of the oldest streets in Appledore and the South West Coastal path goes past the front door. Sleeping eight guests in four bedrooms, it has loads of family-friendly touches that make it especially popular with families and groups. Lovingly restored to provide all the modern conveniences that make a holiday home special. Its many original period features add to its charm, character and cosiness. Highlights... Only seconds from the beach 4 individually styled bedrooms, one on the ground floor 3 bathrooms including one en suite Well-equipped kitchen and separate dining room Enclosed south-facing garden Located in the heart of the village - within easy walking distance to the shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs Dog friendly Sleeps up to 8 plus an infant Appledore is so much more than just a traditional bucket and spade destination. The local area is renowned as a haven for creativity. Numerous independent galleries and artisan workshops offer a wonderfully eclectic mix of arts and crafts. Some artists exhibit in shops and markets, others have open studios in their own front room. In addition to the wonderful cafés and delicatessen, you also have choice of individual shops ranging from antiques, gifts and clothing to hand-made chocolates. Winding narrow lanes adorned with quaint fisherman's cottages pair with lovely views across to Instow, making the historic village so unique. They say the best things come in small packages and Appledore is a perfect example. Whatever your passions, there’s always something to appeal in this delightful coastal village. A perfect location for a relaxing holiday in North Devon, where local attractions include The Big Sheep and RHS Rosemoor and spectacular beaches, rolling countryside, and miles of footpaths and cycling routes. Who doesn't love a holiday by the coast? PARKING: Due to the age of the cottages in Irsha Street, there is no on-site parking. However, residents can load/unload shopping and passengers outside before parking.Free on-street parking can be found nearby (25 yds away), linked by a small public footpath adjacent to the cottage. 3 Pay & Display car parks - 2 are 160 yards away, the 3rd is 800 yards away. All offer hourly, daily and weekly parking or you can purchase a tourist permit online. (This can be used in other Torridge district car parks). Please contact me for prices.The Quay car park offers parking free of charge 6pm-8am. Blue Badge holder bays are available as well as charging facilities for electric vehicles.
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?
