8 gorgeous cottages to stay at in Devon
I’m lucky enough to live in Devon, and on a bright, summer’ day, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.
We have sprawling sandy beaches in the north and south, moorland in the middle and gorgeous villages at every turn. And, for those who don’t live in the county, there are ample holiday cottages to stay in!
Whether you want to base in north or south Devon, on the moors or at the coast, here’s a selection of the best holiday cottages in the county.
Where to stay in North Devon
It may be more challenging to reach, but North Devon is worth the journey. The coast begins with the tallest sea cliffs in England in Exmoor, descending to the beach towns and villages of Combe Martin, Ilfracombe and Woolacombe – once rated the best beach in Europe.
Beyond the surfing beaches, the Tarka and Taw Estuaries are flatter, perfect for cycling, and are dotted with charming villages on either side – Appledore’s a personal favourite.
Venture further west, past the long beach at Westward Ho! (one of only two places in the world with an exclamation mark in its name!) and the cliffs start to climb again. Clovelly, a village seemingly stuck in a time warp, spills down the hillside where it meets the Atlantic Ocean.
Hartland Quay stands close to the Cornish border, a nearly abandoned port standing before one of the most remote sections of the South West Coast Path.
As you can see, there’s plenty to explore – and some gorgeous cottages to stay in!
Boathyde – Appledore
The Taw Estuary village of Appledore can be quieter than coastal locations, but it’s still only a five-minute drive to Westward Ho!, and steps from the river. The Seagate and The Beaver Inn are fantastic in-village eateries, and the larger town of Bideford is just a 12-minute drive or quick bus ride away.
Boathyde can sleep up to 10 people; ideal for your annual family get together! Located at the end of a village lane, with its own electric gates, Boathyde is actually right on the South West Coast Path.
Enjoy a hot tub, games room and a gym, with five en suite bedrooms, a kitchen, dining area and a snug. Dogs are welcome here.
Long Beach House – Woolacombe
When it comes to Devon beach towns, Woolacombe is a firm favourite – despite it being a 90-minute drive from Exmouth, where I live, we regularly make the drive up to this area of the coast for its surf and holiday atmosphere.
Long Beach House boasts vistas across Woolacombe Bay, with Lundy Island in the distance (which is well worth a trip when you’re in the area – more information here). It sleeps six, with extra cot space, and has three bedrooms.
As well as a kitchen and dining room, you’ll find a garden and sun terrace with a fire pit and barbecue, along with a surfboard rack and wetsuit rails if you’re having a surf break. There’s nowhere better for it than the waves of Woolacombe!
Abelwood Lodge – Clovelly
Located around 4.2 miles from Clovelly, Abelwood Lodge is a place to rent if you want isolation. It’s located in a forest retreat, close to the South West Coast Path and with extensive woodland walks.
The closest village is Woolfardisworthy, with a convenience store and fish and chip shop, and Clovelly is only a short drive away.
The modern property sleeps six and has space for two cots. The rooms are awash with natural light, with bi-fold doors leading to a patio with woodland views. There’s even a roll-top bath with a view!
If you want to get away from it all, Abelwood Lodge ticks all boxes.
Where to stay in East Devon
East Devon is the land of the Jurassic Coast (although here, it’s actually Triassic – even older!) and pebbled beaches. I live in Exmouth, the largest town in the region, but to the east, the small towns and villages become progressively more scenic!
Most beaches (other than Exmouth’s) are pebbled here, which is perhaps one reason we don’t get quite as many visitors as the south and north coasts – but the sparser tourist crowds are part of the magic.
From Exmouth, the Jurassic Coastline spans past Budleigh Salterton and Ladram Bay, before descending into the regency-era seaside town of Sidmouth. The cliffs sprawl into the quiet village of Branscombe, before reaching the larger village of Beer (not named after the drink!). This section of Devon coast ends at Seaton, famous for its wetlands that tramway tours lead through.
This coastline was a particular hotbed for smugglers back in the day, and now the caves and hiding places that they once used are visible from the South West Coast Path. Away from the beach, attractions include the Beer Quarry Caves, Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary, the 16-sided house A La Ronde and theme park Crealy.
The Dolls House – Branscombe
The Dolls House seems completely at home in the charming village of Branscombe. The cottage, which sleeps two and has cot space, is located in the Trafalgar Barton Estate, with vistas from nearly every window of Branscombe Vale and Branscombe Mouth Beach.
With one king-sized bedroom with exposed brickwork and an open-plan kitchen and dining area, this is the ideal romantic getaway. The doors lead out to a patio – ideal for slow, sunny mornings.
The Dolls House seems isolated, but it’s just half a mile walk from nearby pub The Mason’s Arms and Branscombe centre, and Sidmouth is a fifteen minute drive away.
Churchstyle Barn – Honiton
Away from the coast, Churchstyle Barn sits amongst the Blackdown Hills National Landscape – a quieter part of Devon that’s known for its hilly scenery, with plenty of nearby walks!
It’s seven miles from Honiton and just over nine miles from Seaton, should you fancy a day at the coast. Churchstyle Barn is just a short walk to the village of Stockland, home to a pub and a few shops.
Sleeping ten with space for two cots, Churchstyle Barn is a refurbished barn that has an indoor swimming pool (available in the summer months), five bedrooms and an open-plan living room. There’s also an enclosed courtyard, which is perfect for stargazing – this part of Devon has very little light pollution.
Where to stay in South Devon
South Devon leads from the Exe Estuary all the way to Plymouth; a diverse coastline packed with atmospheric towns and villages, beaches of all sizes and an array of attractions. Dawlish and Teignmouth are still a bit reminiscent of the coast further east, with red cliffs (but sandy beaches this time!). The railway, which has been called the most beautiful in the country, runs right by the sea here.
Further along, Torbay is one of the most populated areas in Devon, but just outside you’ll find ample beaches and scenic spots. It’s a fantastic family destination, with attractions like Kent’s Cavern Caves, the Babbacombe Cliff Railway, the Golden Hind which is a replica of Sir Francis Drake’s ship and Bygones, a museum with a replicated Victorian street.
From Torbay, the coastline wraps around the South Hams and becomes increasingly dramatic. This stretch, which ultimately leads to Plymouth, is rural and slightly isolated, but is well worth the extra journey time – its scenery is amongst the most glorious in the UK.
Camellia Cottage – Brixham
Torbay is made up of three towns, and Brixham is my favourite. Sprawling around a large harbour, it’s well-known for its fishing industry, but step inland and pretty cottages line the lanes.
From Brixham, it’s a pleasant walk to Berry Head, the southern end of Torbay. On the other side sits the pretty Fishcombe Cove, one of my favourite beaches in the area.
Camellia Cottage itself is a Grade II listed converted barn that can sleep six people, with space for two cots. It’s a dog-friendly property and sits slightly inland from Brixham, with Dartmouth and the Dart Estuary (which leads to Totnes) also close by.
The cottage has three bedrooms, a farmhouse kitchen, cosy lounge area with a log burner and enclosed patio with a BBQ and is part of the Alston Farms Cottage Collection.
Mount Folly Penthouse – Bigbury on Sea
The broad sands of Bigbury on Sea are the among the very best of the Devonshire coastline, and Mount Folly Penthouse certainly makes the most of it, with views right over the cliffs to the sandy beach, with Burgh Island in the distance.
The location is ideal for hikes, sea dips and beach days. Bigbury-on-Sea is nearby and has a few facilities – but I’d recommend stocking up on the drive in, as once you’re there, you might not want to leave!
Mount Folly Penthouse is home to a hot tub and sauna, both with glorious views over the beach. Sleeping six people and with space for two cots, there’s an open plan kitchen/ dining area and three bedrooms.
It’s on the Mount Folly Farm estate, which is a working farm making their own ice cream, which you can purchase on site!
The Barn at Newton Creek – Newton Ferrers
In the wonderful rural setting of Newton Ferrers, but only a 25 minute drive to Plymouth, The Barn at Newton Creek sits alongside the Yealm River. Newton Ferrers is a small village, but still has a pub with terraced beer garden, and the local beach is just over a mile away.
In the vicinity, you’ll find riverside and coastal walks, with the chance to drive toward Bigbury or up to Yealmpton, home to Ben’s Farm Shop.
Back at the barn, there are three bedrooms – the property sleeps six people and has space for a cot – and an airy kitchen and diner. Outside, there’s a garden with dining table, from which you can enjoy riverside views with Noss Mayo in the distance.
There are so many more glorious cottages in Devon – take a look at Classic Cottages’ listings for more information.
