Crowe Point in North Devon Click here to view nearby Kittiwake Cottage

North Devon

 

North Devon Holiday Cottages: The Best Places to Stay in Devon

Book North Devon holiday cottages to watch dolphins from high-up on Europe's tallest cliffs between Combe Martin and Woody Bay on Devon's rugged north coast. Catch a few waves in the surf at Croyde, Saunton and Woolacombe. Stay in a coastal cottage on the North Devon coast in ancient fishing villages such as Clovelly, or relax in the countryside near equally old market towns such as South Molton and Hatherleigh. Where ever you choose to stay, a holiday cottage in North Devon is a lovely way to enjoy a holiday in this secret corner of the West Country. From North Devon seaside cottages and luxury holiday apartments such as those overlooking the sandy beaches of Saunton and Woolacombe to remote rural cottages amidst the wilds of Exmoor and the bustling and historic coastal ports of Barnstaple and Bideford, a self-catering holiday in his spectacular corner of Devon makes for an unforgettable holiday.

 

Old Chapel
Clovelly
Devon
England
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

The Old Chapel is a majestic coastal cottage just moments from the beautiful beaches of Clovelly in North Devon. The former chapel boasts 10 acres of meadows with a pond as well as sea views, church windows, vaulted beamed ceilings, a floor-to-ceiling fireplace and many more original features.

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A wooden holiday lodge in the North Devon countryside near Braunton
The Gallery Lodges No.3
Braunton
Devon
England
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Private lodge for couples only. Just a 5 minute drive from North Devon surf beaches and SW coast path.This immaculate, one bedroom luxury lodge has a king-size bed and a gorgeous bathroom. Well appointed kitchenette. South facing outdoor decking, set in a pretty meadow. A calm and relaxing retreat.

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Siren
Mortehoe
Devon
England
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Enjoy a unique holiday experience with a stay at Siren, one of four refurbished former lighthouse keepers’ cottages overlooking Bull Point near the village of Mortehoe, Devon, a child-friendly cottage that sleeps up to five, featuring three bedrooms, fully fitted kitchen, and gorgeous sea views.

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Moorparks Cottage
Beaford
Devon
England
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Moorparks Cottage is a traditional farm cottage offering two bedrooms, 1 King-size (Which can be converted to a twin) and one double bedroom. Downstairs lounge diner leading through to a kitchen with views to Exmoor. The Barn is suitable for children over 6 years of age. • Bathroom: with shower over

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Nairn
Braunton
Devon
England
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

Nairn is a luxurious grand cottage set in the village of Braunton near the North Devon coast. Boasting impressive grounds with a hot tub and furnished entertaining areas, the pet-friendly cottage promises a memorable holiday. It also offers indoor and outdoor play areas and a log fire.

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Stoneleigh
Bideford
Devon
England
Sleeps
17
Bedrooms
9

Stoneleigh is a gorgeous 19th-century home designed by prominent Victorian architect William Bryden and situated in the North Devon coastal town of Northam, a large child-friendly cottage that boasts ornate brickwork, original sash windows, traditional games room, and space for up to 17 guests.

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The Corn Tallet
Bideford
Devon
England
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Enjoy a rural escape in the North Devon countryside with a stay at The Corn Tallet, one of a group of child-friendly cottages on a working sheep farm near the historic port town of Bideford, Devon, featuring a heated swimming pool on property and upside-down accommodation for up to six guests.

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Beach Retreat
Instow
Devon
England
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Beach Retreat is an elegant coastal cottage situated a short stroll from the beautiful beaches of Instow in North Devon. The pet-friendly cottage benefits from a neutral palette and sophisticated design features and captures the sea breeze in its light and airy rooms, as well as boasting a log fire.

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Charlesworth
Braunton
Devon
England
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Charlesworth is a very impressive detached chalet bungalow perched above the village of Ashford in North Devon. The pet-friendly cottage enjoys estuary views from its lovely garden and boasts a sophisticated design, light-filled spaces, table tennis table, garden hammock and summerhouse.

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  • Agency Cottages
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  • Cycling Holidays
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  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays

 

Historic North Devon

North Devon holiday cottages are nicely located for exploring the Exmoor and the top half of Devon. A thriving market town packed with leisure facilities on the River Taw's estuary, Barnstaple's historic centre is home to independent shops, tea rooms, a lovely museum and several striking landmarks, including the 13th century Long Bridge, over the Taw. The Pannier Market and Butchers Row are worth visiting for fresh, local produce or a unique gift to take home.

 

The Tarka Trail for Walking and Cycling Holidays

One of North Devon's best cycle routes, the Tarka Trail, runs through Barnstaple, following an old railway track for more than 30 miles, along the north and south banks of the Taw, from Ilfracombe, through Braunton to Meeth via Bideford and Torrington with stunning views across the estuaries of the Taw and Torridge. Visitors to North Devon will also find some attractive North Devon holiday cottages in the leafy, sleepy little villages in steep wooded valleys surrounding Barnstaple such as Goodleigh, Shirwell, Kentisbury and Bratton Fleming. From Croyde to Woolacombe.

The glorious sandy, surfing beaches of Croyde, Saunton Sands and Woolacombe are all a short drive from Barnstaple. Saunton is the closest, with miles of uninterrupted sand and brilliant waves for surfing. There are several surf schools in the area and a popular café with a terrace overlooking the Atlantic. A short, scenic drive away is Croyde, a rugged bay, backed by dunes, a stroll from the pretty village.

If you want to find places to stay in North Devon where you can fall asleep to the sound of the sea, Woolacombe cottages could be for you. Walk the length of this vast stretch of golden sand, to Putsborough, and back on one of the footpaths which meander through a maze of wild dunes. In the laid-back village above the sands, you'll find pubs, cafes and shops selling everything needed for a day on the beach.

 

From Lee Bay to Lynmouth and Exmoor

The South West Coast Path heading east from Woolacombe Lynmouth is beautiful, with towering cliffs, rocky peninsulas and the chance to spot dolphins and basking sharks. Stop for a pint at the Grampus, a charming pub, a mile from Lee Bay, a popular swimming spot with rockpools to explore at low tide. Nearby, Ilfracombe is not to be missed. As you wander around this welcoming resort, you'll discover grand Victorian architecture and fishing boats bobbing in a working harbour. Looming over the crashing waves is a dramatic sculpture by Damien Hirst, known as Verity.

East of Ilfracombe on the edge of the Exmoor National Park, Combe Martin is another seaside village with a sandy beach and superb rock pools overlooked by imposing cliffs and a selection of cafes and pubs. It's a great starting point for a challenging walk along the South West Coast Path along the highest clifftops in Europe towards Exmoor via Heddon's Mouth and Woody Bay. Exmoor's enchanting expanse of windswept moorland is a paradise for horse-riding, wildlife-watching and walking. The moor, which extends across North Devon and neighbouring West Somerset, meets the coast, where Lynton and Lynmouth's elegant villages cling to the sides of a wooded valley. If you're weary after following the steep footpath from Lynton down to Lynmouth Harbour, jump on the Victorian cliff railway and savour breathtaking views of the Bristol Channel on the way back up.

 

From Bideford to Clovelly

Heading Southwest towards the Cornish border, Bideford, known as the Little White Town, overlooks the River Torridge, with a tangle of narrow streets to explore. Along with Ilfracombe, it's an embarkation point for day trips to Lundy Island. At the river mouth, Appledore is a picturesque village with a rich shipbuilding heritage and one of North Devon's best-loved ice cream brands, Hocking's. Appledore's share of North Devon holiday cottages tends to be charming, beautifully restored Appledore fishermen's cottages clustered on streets leading off the Quay.

West of Bideford, secluded rocky coves, breathtaking clifftop walks, and shipwreck remains await discovery on the coast. Just past the hillside fishing village of Clovelly, The Hartland Peninsula is particularly dramatic. Visit Hartland Abbey nestled in bluebell-carpeted woods and the pub on Hartland Quay, where a pint of ale can be enjoyed, just a few feet from the crashing waves.

Visitors looking for self-catering holidays in North Devon often miss its inland areas offer tranquil countryside and a scattering of villages and market towns. Discover picturesque Winkleigh and Great Torrington, where you can still find a slower, rural pace of life. There are two superb days out for all the family to enjoy at The Big Sheep in Abbotsham and The Milky Way near Clovelly. Rain or shine, both are highly recommended.

There's only one rule for visitors to North Devon to follow between April and the end of October: if you see a Hockings ice cream van on your travels, you have to stop and buy one. Ask for a cornet with a 'girt dollop' of clotted cream - they are the world's best! 

If you do decide to book a North Devon holiday cottage, it is odds on you'll plan to repeat the experience many times in the years ahead. It's that kind of country - and that kind of coast: Wild, rugged, spectacular, and so enjoyably relaxing.