Fishing boats on a pebble beach at Beer in East Devon.

Discover Delightful Coast and Country Holiday Cottages in Devon

Coastal, Countryside and Moorland Holiday Cottages in Devon

For many visitors, renting holiday cottages in Devon is the most enjoyable way to experience this charming County. Here are beach apartments overlooking wide sandy bays from Woolacombe in North Devon to Slapton Sands in South Devon. Discover thatched cottages in quaint coves such as Beer, Lee Bay, Blackpool Sands and Ladram Bay, with clear waters backed by lush green Devon countryside. 

Stay in a thatched Devon holiday cottage in the heart of the countryside to explore deep flower-filled lanes or the wild moorland landscapes of Exmoor and Dartmoor. The many picturesque and historic towns and villages from Clovelly to Budleigh Salterton scattered across Devon offer a fine choice of self-catering accommodation. 

Find quaint thatched cottages in sleepy villages, stylish barn conversions on working Devon farms or waterside apartments in converted fishing lofts and harbourside warehouses on the South Devon coast. Devon's mild climate makes the County a popular choice for self-catering cottage holidays all year round, as Christmas Day surfers on the North Devon beaches at Croyde and Saunton will testify. At the same time, wild daffodils and primroses appear in the hedgerows as early as February, adding colour to winter and early spring walks in the countryside.

Exterior of a large contemporary house with a raised terrace and surrounded by mature gardens.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Clamoak Cottage is a charming waterfront cottage in Clamoak boasting a thoroughly modern interior combined with exposed beams and touches of yesteryear and an open fire. The pet-friendly cottage offers outdoor spaces with sweeping views of the Tamar River and the South Devon countryside.

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A single-storey, stone-built, luxury Exmoor barn conversion surrounded by trees and hedgerows.
Sleeps
3
Bedrooms
2

Enjoy self-catering cottage holidays on Exmoor with a stay at Higher Bumsley Barn, a charming barn conversion near the rural settlement of Parracombe, Devon. It stands on 50 acres of an Environmental/Conservation Farm and is a countryside cottage with a vaulted ceiling, two comfy bedrooms, and a Woodburner.

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A white-rendered contemporary house fronted by iron-railings.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Introducing Exmoor View, an inviting countryside property nestling in North Molton, a peaceful Moorland village in North Devon. Step into a contemporary, pet-friendly retreat where stylish touches of grey and white walls and hints of lilac and purple pay homage to the nearby heather-clad moorland. This 3-bedroom Exmoor holiday home sleeps six.

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Exterior of a single-storey holiday cottage overlooking a courtyard.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
2

Explore Diana’s Cottage, a charming holiday home in Braunton. This rural cottage offers high-quality accommodation for up to 5 guests and lies within easy reach of the beach at Saunton Sands. With rustic charm and modern comforts, it features a spacious living room, a well-equipped kitchen, and a secluded garden. Pets are welcome, and key amenities are included. Experience the laid-back tranquillity of North Devon – book now for an unforgettable seaside holiday.

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A secluded country cottage with an ivy clad exterior on a quiet country lane.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Crooked Lake is a charming rural holiday cottage in North Devon between Bideford and Clovelly. This charming 17th-century secluded cottage is ideal for a quiet and relaxing getaway amidst beautiful countryside just a short distance from the coast.

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Exterior of a large 2-storey barn conversion surrounded by lawns.
Sleeps
18
Bedrooms
8

Stay at The Roundhouse, a large holiday cottage in South Devon. Seven bedrooms and a private annexe offer flexible accommodation for gatherings. The grand central hall of this luxury holiday home boasts a well-equipped kitchen and a wood-burning stove. Enjoy countryside views from the mezzanine or relax in the shared indoor pool and play area. Perfect for pet-friendly holidays, this rural cottage provides peace and privacy. For a detailed experience, view the fuller description and book your stay at this extraordinary barn conversion near Halwell.

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A sprawling Dartmoor Manor house ovrlooks a sweeping, tree-lined lawn.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
8

This extraordinary manor house is nestled in the idyllic countryside, a mere mile from the village of Bridestowe, situated on the periphery of the Dartmoor National Park. A living testament to history, dating back to the 13th century, it stands as a truly exceptional Grade II* listed haven, ideally suited for families and large groups of friends seeking resplendent gathering spaces.

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Exterior of a thatched cottage facing a paved, flower-filled courtyard in Brixham.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Hearthstone East Cottage is a large, thatched holiday cottage in Brixham, a popular seaside resort in Torbay. Set in idyllic surroundings, the pet-friendly cottage boasts stone walls, exposed beams, tiled floors and antique furnishings, plus a log fire, a lovely sunny garden and proximity to sandy beaches.

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Larger raised and paved terrace with picnic tables and railings overlooks a stone barn conversion and fields.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Butterwell Barn is a Victorian barn converted into a comfortable South Devon holiday home that sleeps up to eight near the seaside town of Dartmouth. This pet-friendly rural cottage offers reverse-level accommodation with high vaulted ceilings, oak beams, and four en-suite bedrooms.

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Torbay Seaside Cottages

To the south of the County are the bustling Victorian seaside resorts of Torquay, Paignton, Exmouth and Teignmouth, these days offering much more than a traditional bucket and spade holiday (although buckets and spades are still essential holiday must-haves). It's a haven for superb family theme parks such as Diggerland, an adventure theme park with a real emphasis on DIGGERS! An invigorating construction experience for adults & children. It is highly recommended!

Sleepy East Devon Cottages

To the southeast corner of Devon are the charming and genteel Edwardian resorts and villages of Sidmouth, Beer, Branscombe and Budleigh Salterton. Here, a perfect day can be spent chuntering around Lyme Bay in a self-hire boat, and catching mackerel to BBQ back at your holiday cottage in the evening. For delightful views of the River Ax estuary - and the chance of a Devonshire Cream Tea in Colyton, enjoy a sedate ride on restored trams at The Seaton Tramway that runs from Seaton along the estuary to Colyton. 

Idyllic North Devon Holiday Cottages

North Devon is much wilder and quieter than the south but just as welcoming to visitors. Here are the extensive sandy surfing beaches of Croyde, Woolacombe, Westward Ho! and Saunton Sands (perfect for beach cricket and sandcastle building when the tide is out). Tiny coast-hugging villages such as Lee Bay or Clovelly delight visitors at any time of the year. The principal coastal towns of Barnstaple and Bideford provide all the services and supplies you need to enjoy a self-catering holiday in a rural or seaside holiday cottage. North Devon also has the occasional geographical claim to fame, such as the biggest village in England (Braunton) and the longest High Street in England (Combe Martin). For visiting walkers and cyclists, the superb Tarka Trail offers more than 40 miles of level cycling on old North Devon railway lines that follow the river valleys and estuaries of the Taw and Torridge. There are plenty of bike hire shops along its route if you don't have space to bring your bikes.

Coastal, Countryside and Moorland Holiday Cottages in Devon

For many visitors, renting holiday cottages in Devon is the most enjoyable way to experience this charming County. Here are beach apartments overlooking wide sandy bays from Woolacombe in North Devon to Slapton Sands in the South Hams. Discover thatched cottages in quaint coves such as Beer, Lee Bay, Blackpool Sands and Ladram Bay, with clear waters backed by lush green Devon countryside. 

Stay in a thatched Devon holiday cottage in the heart of the countryside to explore deep flower-filled lanes or the wild moorland landscapes of Exmoor and Dartmoor. The many picturesque and historic towns and villages from Clovelly to Budleigh Salterton scattered across Devon offer a fine choice of self-catering accommodation. 

Find quaint thatched cottages in sleepy villages, stylish barn conversions on working Devon farms or waterside apartments in converted fishing lofts and harbourside warehouses on the South Devon coast. Devon's mild climate makes the County a popular choice for self-catering cottage holidays all year round, as Christmas Day surfers on the North Devon beaches at Croyde and Saunton will testify. At the same time, wild daffodils and primroses appear in the hedgerows as early as February, adding colour to winter and early spring walks in the countryside.

Find Cottages in Dartmoor and the Heart of Devon

Inland Devon is equally inviting to visitors. Quiet thatched villages such as Broadhembury, Coleford, Sampford Courtenay or Chittlehampton can be found at the end of slow drives down deep Devon lanes (all replete with excellent pubs and idyllic holiday cottages). Exeter's city centre is well worth at least one day's visit to see the magnificent Cathedral (picnic on Cathedral Green) followed by a trip down to Exeter Quay on the River Exe, full of craft shops, bars and restaurants. Hire a bike and follow the ship canal towpath through Starcross to the coast. Make it past the enticing pubs such as the Twin Locks, and you'll find yourselves collecting sea shells and nibbling seaside candy floss on the beach at Dawlish Warren before a leisurely ride home to your holiday accommodation.

Devon's centre is the wonderful Dartmoor National Park - offering picturesque wild walks and drives across the moors. Visit Widecombe and Princetown - the latter now earning a reputation as an artistic centre as well as being the location of the famous prison. Above all, find and climb a tor - there are hundreds from which visitors can choose. Dartmoor is also home to England's 'newest castle'. Now wonderfully restored by the National Trust, Castle Drogo, designed by Edward Luytens just outside Drewsteignton, was built in the early 20th Century and is a fascinating place to visit.

South Devon Coast and Countryside Cottages

Devon's maritime heritage and traditions can be discovered in the south coast ports of Dartmouth. Taking an Edwardian paddle steamer upriver to Dittisham past Greenaway, Agatha Christie's house, is now open to the public. Discover more of Devon's scenic heritage by water at Salcombe or Plymouth, where a boat trip visiting all the historic maritime naval yards along Plymouth Sound will provide an entertaining history lesson.

For steam train lovers, occasional mainline rail excursions to and from Exeter, steam a-plenty can be found within an easy drive of many holiday cottages. In the popular (and idyllic) South Hams region in Devon's southern corner, ride the South Devon Railway from Buckfastleigh to Totnes or from Paignton to Kingswear (and then by ferry to Dartmouth). In North Devon, discover the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway, which operates a mile or so of scenic track from Woody Bay Station - combine this with a clifftop walk along the South West Coast Path between Woody Bay and Martinhoe and you have the perfect day out!

Family-Loving Devon

With so much on offer in Devon and, it's not just the large attractions that appeal to visitors. In North Devon, visit The Gnome Reserve, where over a thousand gnomes add colour and enchantment to a woodland walk. The Reserve was once nominated for a Turner Prize. If not Gnomes, they try sheep: The Big Sheep in Bideford has everything from baby lambs to feed to roller coaster rides - all year round! It is no wonder that many of Devon's self-catering holiday cottages and seaside apartments welcome the same visitors year after year!