Family-Friendly Cottages in North Devon

North Devon is a good choice for a family cottage holiday, whether you want long beach days, a rural escape, a base near local attractions or a mix of all three. Browse family-friendly cottages across the region, from coastal homes near Woolacombe and Croyde to countryside stays close to Exmoor.

There are holiday homes for different family sizes, from smaller cottages for a short break to larger properties for grandparents, cousins and friends. Use the filters below to find the right number of bedrooms, location and facilities for your stay. Child-friendly features vary by property, so check the individual listing before booking.

  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Beach Lodge is an impressive detached holiday cottage in Woolacombe with spectacular sea views. The seaside cottage sleeps six opposite the beach in the award-winning resort town. It offers a spacious, sophisticated interior, an open-plan design, a balcony, a sea breeze, and natural light.

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  • Coastal Cottages
  • Short Breaks
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  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Beach Retreat is an elegant North Devon coastal cottage situated a short stroll from Instow's beautiful beaches. The pet-friendly cottage benefits from a neutral palette and sophisticated design features that capture the sea breeze in its light and airy rooms and boasts a log fire.

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Exterior of a North Devon mill cottage surrounded by gardens in a valley floor.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Set amongst mature waterside gardens in a gorgeous secluded location, Bratton Mill Cottage is a pet-friendly 17th-century cottage near the medieval village of Bratton Fleming in Devon, is a pet-friendly 17th-century cottage. It has been recently redecorated yet retains much of the character and charm of the original mill.

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A large old mill cottage nestles in a wooded Exmoor valley.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Bratton Mill Farmhouse near the North Devon village of Bratton Fleming offers the perfect escape for large families and groups on holiday in the South West. A 17th-century former mill, It has been transformed into a child-friendly, large North Devon holiday cottage alongside a babbling trout stream.

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  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 3

Cecily Cottage is located in an elevated position of Westward Ho!, providing beautiful views of the ocean and the North Devon coastline. This pet-friendly Victorian holiday cottage can accommodate up to five people and features a relaxing enclosed garden, bold décor, and a wood-burning stove. It is close to the beach.

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A double fronted stone-built North Devon country cottage with arched windows
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Explore the charm of Chapel Cottage in Welcombe, a delightful hamlet on the North Devon coast. Just 1½ miles from the stunning Welcombe Mouth beach, this self-catering haven offers a cosy rural retreat with a country-style kitchen, wood-burning stove, and four peaceful bedrooms. The nearby Old Smithy Inn serves excellent food, and the South West Coast Path awaits for scenic cliff-top walks. Discover the perfect blend of comfort and coastal beauty at Chapel Cottage in Welcombe for your self-catering holidays in North Devon.

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A large countryside Braunton holiday cottage with a large terrace and mature gardens.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

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

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A double fronted 3-storey coastal cottage in Inistow.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Cool Stone Cottage is sleek, modern and elegant. The pet-friendly cottage in Instow carries a distinct coastal vibe and lies just moments from the beach and the highlights of North Devon. Natural light floods the cottage, and the sea breeze can be enjoyed in the open-plan spaces or the lovely garden.

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A large country house at dusk.
  • Sleeps 15
  • Bedrooms 8

Coulscott House is a luxury North Devon holiday cottage situated in Combe Martin; it's a superb rural retreat for exploring the rugged North Devon coast and its award-winning beaches. With three bedrooms, including a master bedroom with an ensuite bathroom and a separate family bathroom, it comfortably accommodates up to 6 guests. Inside, you'll find a well-equipped kitchen, a dining area, and a cosy living room with a wood-burning stove. Outside, enjoy the beautiful garden and patio area, along with the indoor heated swimming pool and hot tub for ultimate relaxation. Explore the charming village of Combe Martin or venture into Exmoor National Park for outdoor adventures. Coulscott House offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience for your North Devon holiday. Book now for a memorable stay

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  • Sleeps 11
  • Bedrooms 5

Hazel Barn is a large, luxurious farmhouse with a hot tub for cottage holidays in North Devon. The family-friendly Exmoor cottage lies on the owner’s rural property. It treats guests to an open fire, indoor and outdoor games areas and captivating views of North Molton village and beyond.

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  • Short Breaks
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  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 3

This lovely rural holiday cottage in Noth Devon is located one mile from the village of Muddiford near Barnstaple and sandy beaches. It can sleep five people in three bedrooms.

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  • Short Breaks
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A lounge with twin sofas, inglenook fireplace and French windows.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Folded into the idyllic landscapes of North Devon, Keepers Lodge is a stylish two-bedroom (both ensuite) rural retreat with a hot tub. Located in the quaint village of Knowstone, it offers a blend of rural charm and modern convenience. The cottage on the edge of Exmoor features spacious interiors adorned with rustic elegance and modern amenities. Set amidst expansive gardens, it provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Discover the allure of countryside living at Keepers Lodge. Explore further details about this enchanting rural holiday cottage today.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Cycling Holidays
  • Farm Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
2-storey, stone-built holiday lodge in a rural location.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Keepers Lodge, a holiday cottage in Knowstone, offers a tranquil and secluded rural getaway. Located in North Devon, close to Exmoor, this 16th-century thatched longhouse extension provides 5-star self-catering accommodation for up to 4 guests.

With two spacious ensuite bedrooms, modern amenities seamlessly blend with the historical charm of the property. The open-plan living space boasts an inglenook fireplace and other original features. Guests can unwind in the private courtyard with a hot tub, or explore the 20-acre farm grounds and nearby Exmoor National Park. The area offers stunning landscapes, from moorlands to coastal vistas, which are perfect for nature lovers to explore. After a day of exploring, guests can relax at the nearby Michelin-starred Masons Arms.

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  • Walking Holidays
A large house with two bay wings overlooks a shrub-liined lawn.
  • Sleeps 12
  • Bedrooms 6

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

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  • Coastal Cottages
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  • Cycling Holidays
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  • Fishing Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

 

View No.9 The Vista, an eco holiday lodge in Woolacombe. Set within the small and peaceful Willingcott holiday park, just 2 miles from Woolacombe Beach, this retreat accommodates up to 8 guests. Its open-plan layout seamlessly connects the kitchen, dining, and living areas flooded with natural light. The modern kitchen boasts sleek surfaces and amenities to make life easier for culinary enthusiasts. With four bedrooms and three bathrooms, including a master king-size room with an en-suite and a twin room, there's ample space for relaxation. Enjoy outdoor living on the large decked area with a hot tub and extensive shared grounds.

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  • Coastal Cottages
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  • Countryside Cottages
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  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays

Why choose North Devon for a family cottage holiday?

North Devon gives families plenty of choice without needing to pack every day with a long drive. You can stay close to sandy beaches, choose a quieter village, find a cottage near Barnstaple or Bideford, or head inland towards Exmoor and the countryside.

A self-catering cottage also gives you more flexibility than a hotel stay. You can eat when it suits you, have space for children to wind down after a day out, and choose a layout that works for your own family.

Beach days, rock pools and coastal villages

Woolacombe, Croyde, Saunton and Westward Ho! are useful choices for families who want the coast close by. They offer long stretches of sand, beach activities and easy access to nearby cafés, shops and places to explore.

For a different pace, look towards Ilfracombe, Combe Martin, Appledore or Instow. These areas can suit families looking for harbours, shorter walks, boat trips or a quieter base than the main surfing beaches.

Countryside, Exmoor and days out

North Devon is not only about the beach. Barnstaple and Braunton work well as practical bases, while South Molton, North Molton and villages on the edge of Exmoor suit families looking for countryside, walks and more space.

For wetter days or a change of plan, North Devon also has family attractions including The Big Sheep, The Milky Way and Watermouth Castle. Check opening times and age requirements directly before visiting.

What makes a cottage family-friendly?

“Family-friendly” and “child-friendly” are useful starting points, but they are not a fixed set of facilities. When choosing a cottage, think about what will make the stay easier for your family:

  • Enough bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
  • Space to eat, relax and spend time together
  • A garden or outdoor area, where appropriate
  • Availability of cots, high chairs or stair gates
  • Facilities such as a swimming pool, games room or parking
  • Distance from the beach, shops, attractions or walking routes

Some properties will suit babies and toddlers particularly well, while others are better for older children, teenagers or larger multi-generational groups. Check the property description for the details that matter to you.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. The listings above include family-friendly cottages across North Devon, from coastal apartments and beach houses to rural cottages near Exmoor.

For beach-led holidays, consider Woolacombe, Croyde, Saunton or Westward Ho! Barnstaple, Braunton and Bideford are useful central bases, while South Molton and the Exmoor edge suit countryside breaks.

It means the property is considered suitable for families, but facilities vary. Check the listing for sleeping arrangements, outdoor space, cots, high chairs, stair gates and other practical details.

Some properties have pools, games rooms or other family-oriented facilities. Use the relevant filters to narrow the listings, then check each property page.

Yes. Use the Sleeps and Bedrooms filters to find cottages suitable for larger families, joint holidays or multi-generational breaks.