Discover East Devon's Prettiest Villages For Cottage Holidays

East Devon: It's a beautiful location for a relaxing holiday, whether relaxing with your family or for a romantic escape for two. Thatched cottages, medieval churches and characterful pubs prevail. East Devon also has some lovely beaches to wile away a day, beach combing, swimming or taking out a boat to go mackerel fishing. You may feel like you have stepped back a few decades in time as you acclimatise to the slow pace of life and an abundance of thatched cottages. Here are some of the prettiest, sleepiest villages to consider as a relaxing location for your self-catering holiday in East Devon. Each one has its own unique charm and attractions to offer.

Beer

This charming fishing village is located on the Jurassic Coast. It has narrow streets lined with flint cottages, an expansive shingle beach, and stunning coastal walks along dramatic towering cliff tops on the South West Coast Path travelling east towards Seaton or west to Branscombe. During the summer, rent a self-drive motorboat from the beach to trawl for mackerel in the bay to bring back to BBQ in your holiday cottage.

Otterton

This village is located in the tranquil Axe Valley and is known for its thatched cottages, historic church, and scenic walks. For refreshment, the village also has The Hind, a dog-friendly pub and an excellent resting place after walks exploring the idyllic East Devon countryside. Alternatively, the Musbury community shop will supply all your picnic needs, so top up your hamper there before going for a walk.

This village is located in the Otter Valley. It is known for its picturesque thatched cottages, Otterton Mill, a historic working watermill (with an excellent tea room), and tranquil riverside walks.

Sidbury

Sidbury, on the River Sid, is a small village outside Sidmouth. There’s a lovely walk from Sidford to Sidmouth on a riverside path called The Byes. The village has a medieval church and thatched cottages, and it is surrounded by beautiful countryside, with plenty of countryside walks to explore. For something completely different, book a Nature and Wildlife alpaca trek. After that, The Red Lion Inn is a handy port of call to discuss the morning’s antics.

Branscombe

This lengthy village in a valley leads to a pretty shingle beach, passing thatched cottages, a thatched, working smithy and National Trust's Old Bakery Tea Room. Another cafe, The Sea Shanty Beach Cafe, overlooks the beach with a large car park. The village displays abundant colourful flowers in the summer and is a regular contender for Britain in Bloom Awards. Branscombe has two pubs. The Fountainhead Inn lies towards the top of the village, while the Masons Arms is further down the valley, nearer the beach. Both are recommended.

Colyton

This small town has a medieval church, narrow streets, and historic buildings. It’s located on the River Coly and is surrounded by beautiful countryside. As with all East Devon villages, you won’t go hungry – choose between pubs and tea rooms. Colyton is also the terminus of the Seaton Tramway, built on a disused railway line. Restored 1930s trams sedately convey you along the Axe Estuary wildlife reserve into Seaton.

Gittisham

Take a little walk back in time with a stroll around Gittisham. The village is in the Otter Valley and is known for its thatched cottages, historic medieval church, green village, and beautiful countryside. The village has a choice of footpath walks and is located near the Iron Age fort of Blackbury Camp. The Camp is popular for family picnics – especially at bluebell time. Gittisham doesn’t have a pub, but it does have a pig – The Pig at Combe is a picturesque hotel just outside the village. It has a bar menu and a restaurant. And it’s probably the only tea room in Devon with a recommended wine with its Devon cream tea (a Hungarian Tokaji.

Broadhembury

An utterly picturesque village, it is located in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is known for its thatched cottages, historic church, and scenic walks. Dine in style at The Drewe Arms in Broadhembury, a superb gastro pub: the Drewe Arms and a community-managed village store, post office and tea room.

Dunkeswell

This village is situated on the Blackdown Hills and is known for its stunning views, historic church, and community orchard. The village also has a pub and a community shop. At the top of the hill, Dunkerswell Airfield, a wartime airdrome where American paratroopers departed for D-Day, has a fascinating museum and a parachute school. The café is an excellent place to sit and watch the little planes take off and parachutists descend.

Hawkchurch

This tranquil village is located in the Marshwood Vale and is known for its historic church, thatched cottages, and scenic walks. After exploring the village and its winding footpaths, you are spoilt for choice when seeking refreshment as the village boasts two fine pubs: The Old Inn and the thatched The Shave Cross Inn.

Musbury

This village is located in the tranquil Axe Valley and is known for its thatched cottages, historic church, and scenic walks. For refreshment, The village also has The Hind, a dog-friendly pub and a good resting place after walks exploring the idyllic East Devon countryside. Alternatively, the Musbury community shop which will supply all your picnic needs. Top up your hamper there before going for a walk.

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What are the Prettiest Villages For Holidays in East Devon?