Most Popular 
With fabulous family-friendly beaches in the south, and a rugged surf-strewn coastline in the north – Devon holiday cottages have it all.
Please wait, your properties are loading...
A local’s guide to Devon self catering cottages…
Top Things to do in Devon
We know a huge chunk of your Devon holiday will be spent on the nearest beach, but there’s much more to see and do. Experience the coastline from the water instead of the shore with a fabulous boat trip in South Devon. Take the kids to one of Devon’s top family-friendly attractions for a day of fun. Try coasteering and surfing in North Devon. Walk the South West Coast Path, or indulge in as many cream teas as you fancy – this is Devon after all.
Our Top 5 free things to do with kids in Devon
- Visit the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth. Free entry, encounters with the resident donkeys, a terrific cafe and lots of open space make it a great day out in Devon.
- Climb Hay Tor on Dartmoor. It’s one of the area’s most easy to reach tors and has wonderful views right down to the sea. Kids will love scrambling over the resident boulders, and there’s usually an ice cream truck in the car park for a sweet treat after (weather dependent).
- Rock pooling. With so many terrific beaches, it won’t be hard to find a spot near you Devon holiday cottage for a bit of marine exploration. A great activity for sunny and wet weather alike, kids and grown ups can join in.
- Walk or cycle the Tarka Trail in North Devon. With 180 miles to choose from, it’s likely that a section of the trail will be within easy reach of your holiday cottage. It’s a fab way to explore the area’s beautiful landscapes together.
- Go crabbing. Crabbing kits can be picked up for a small sum in almost every seaside town in Devon. If however you’d like a free version, just tie a stone to the end of a piece of string along with a piece of bacon. Dangle from a safe spot whether that be a marina like Brixham, a harbour wall or a mill pond like Stoke Gabriel in South Devon.
Beaches in Devon
We’re certain that Devon beaches are some of the best in the UK so if you’re planning a Devon escape, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
North Devon Beaches
On the north coast, Woolacombe rolls on for three blissful miles and is one of North Devon’s best surfing beaches. Saunton Sands is a blissful golden stretch that’s been used as the film location for blockbuster movies and music videos (including Angels by Robbie Williams and Pink Floyd’s Brick in the Wall).
South Devon Beaches
Torquay has a bevy of beautiful beaches including Torre Sands, Meadfoot Beach, Oddicombe and Babbacombe. Neighbouring Paignton has Preston Sands, Paignton Beach and the beautiful Broadsands, while Brixham offers quiet coves like Fishcombe and Churston.
East Devon Beaches
Let’s not forget East Devon’s wonderful Jurassic coastline with Budleigh Salterton and Sidmouth sporting shimmering pebble beaches and trademark red cliffs.
Coastal cottages in Devon
Self catering in Devon with dogs
Bursting with dog friendly beaches and coast path walking routes, holidays in Devon with dogs are a dream come true for both you and your canines. You’ll also find many a foodie pitstop where you and your dogs can relax afterwards. And when they’re not gallivanting on the sand or retrieving sticks from the sea, they’ll love sniffing their between the tors on Dartmoor and Exmoor.
Of course a dog friendly self catering cottage has to be in Devon’s is within 30 minutes’ drive of the coast, with all those blissful beaches right on the doorstep.
Dog friendly cottages in DevonEating out in Devon
The best holidays in Devon have eating-out on the agenda, when you can soak up the scenery and enjoy local dishes. Devon’s food scene is as diverse as its landscape, from swish fine dining experiences to more casual affairs.
Devon seaside dining
With 500 miles of coastline, there’s a good chance your Devon holiday cottage is within easy reach of a terrific seafood restaurant. Rockfish which has sites in Brixham, Torquay and Dartmouth. Of course let’s not forget the many brilliant local fish & chips shops which pepper the towns – a ‘must’ for any Devon escape.
Country pubs in Devon
Devon’s produce isn’t limited to it fruits-de-mare though; a lush landscape means an abundance of fruit, veg and meat. Scattered around the county you’ll find many excellent, award-winning pubs and eateries where the local produce is at the heart of every dish. Some of our favourites include The Mason’s Arms on Exmoor, the Cott Inn just outside Totnes, The Farmer’s Arms in Bideford, and The Cornish Arms in Tavistock.
Bringing your electric vehicle to your Devon holiday cottage? Our collection of Devon cottages with EV charging means you’ll have the convenience of charging outside your front door.
LC Loves Local Itineraries
FAQ’s about Devon
-
What's the weather like in Devon?
Devon has mild summers and cool but not cold winters, similar to tropical locations (which explains the Torbay Palm).
If you’re planning a visit and don’t mind the rain, January, October, November and December are on average the wettest months, with June being the sunniest and July being the warmest and driest.
-
What can I do in Devon with kids?
There are plenty of family friendly attractions so you won’t have to travel far from your Devon holiday cottage to find both indoor and outdoor entertainment.
Highlights are Occombe Farm, Pennywell, The Donkey Sanctuary, Quince Honey Farm and Wildwood. The World of Country Life, Dartmoor Zoo, the National Marine Aquarium, Crealy Theme Park, The Big Sheep and The Milky Way.
-
What are the top National Trust sites in Devon?
There are 9 stately home National Trust sites in Devon. On the South Hams coast you’ll find Coleton Fishacre in the Arts and Crafts style, Agatha Christie’s holiday residence at Greenway wand Overbeck’s hidden paradise of subtropical gardens near Salcombe. There’s also the magnificent Saltram near Plymouth and Ale Ronde in Exmouth.
Let's stay in touch...
Sign up to the Luxury Coastal newsletter to find out about our latest properties, competitions and holiday inspiration.