Holidays in Devon, Self-Catering Cottages and Apartments

For many visitors, renting holiday cottages in Devon is the most enjoyable way to experience this charming County. Here are beach apartments overlooking wide sandy bays from Woolacombe in North Devon to Slapton Sands in South Devon. Discover thatched cottages in quaint coves such as Beer, Lee Bay, Blackpool Sands and Ladram Bay, with clear waters backed by lush green Devon countryside. 

Stay in a thatched Devon holiday cottage in the heart of the countryside to explore deep flower-filled lanes or the wild moorland landscapes of Exmoor and Dartmoor. The many picturesque and historic towns and villages from Clovelly to Budleigh Salterton scattered across Devon offer a fine choice of self-catering accommodation. 

Find quaint thatched cottages in sleepy villages, stylish barn conversions on working Devon farms or waterside apartments in converted fishing lofts and harbourside warehouses on the South Devon coast. Devon's mild climate makes the County a popular choice for self-catering cottage holidays all year round, as Christmas Day surfers on the North Devon beaches at Croyde and Saunton will testify. At the same time, wild daffodils and primroses appear in the hedgerows as early as February, adding colour to winter and early spring walks in the countryside. Looking for a relaxing staycation or active holiday? Click here to explore our full North Devon Holiday Cottages Listings.

The River Lyn in Lynmouth flows through the village.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Lorna Doone Cottage is a Lynmouth Holiday Cottage enjoying beautiful views of the East Lyn River from its elevated hillside location in Lynmouth. Split over three floors, the coastal cottage is just moments from the quaint village centre and the beach and offers a lovely balcony, contemporary comfort and a warming log fire for those autumn and winter holidays.

  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Discover the coastal serenity of 16 Combehaven, a top-floor duplex apartment in Salcombe, South Devon. This holiday rental is ideally situated just a 5-minute walk from Salcombe's heart and offers three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a balcony with stunning estuary views. Featuring modern amenities, underground parking, and close proximity to sandy beaches, it promises to be the perfect South Devon retreat. Come and explore the charm of this Salcombe holiday rental and escape to the seaside, where comfort meets coastal allure.

  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Short Breaks
Exterior of an L-shaped apartment building with iron-railings protecting walkwabys and spaced for parking beneath.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

3 Dolphin Court epitomises coastal convenience. The seaside apartment lies just minutes from the harbour and Brixham's attractions. Its location allows families to explore South Devon with ease. This Brixham holiday cottage's sophisticated, light-filled interior carries a nautical aesthetic and catches the sea breeze and the sun.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Waterpark Nearby
  • Waterside Cottages
aerial view or a beach with a small seaside village overlooking the sands
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Just metres from the beach at Slapton, this chic, beachside apartment is perfect for dog owners looking to enjoy a slice of coastal life. We can't think of a better way to experience this special part of south Devon with a lovely, open-plan layout, two spacious bedrooms, and allocated parking.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

With fabulous waterside views across the beautiful River Dart and the Marina beyond, the 2-bedroom apartment at 40 Dart Marina is in a fabulous South Devon location within walking distance of central Dartmouth within a designated National Landscape.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Waterside Cottages
A semi-detached with a large 1st floor balcony overooks a front garden with off-road parking.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

7 The Retreat is a sophisticated coastal cottage in Torbay, just a short walk from the beach in Paignton. Sleeping six, the pet-friendly Devon cottage is beautifully furnished. It boasts a lovely enclosed garden with a summer house, plus a light-filled interior with wooden floors, pastels & Juliet balconies.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Waterpark Nearby
Exterior of a large Victorian house in Torquay with a long balcony overlooks a courtyard.
  • Sleeps 16
  • Bedrooms 8

Babbacombe Hall is a large detached Victorian Villa sitting just moments from the coast in Babbacombe. The spacious Torbay coastal cottage offers sophistication in rooms with high ceilings & bay windows, as well as a beautiful garden ideal for socialising, plus a hot tub, a balcony, a games room and a pleasant sea breeze.

  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterpark Nearby
Exterior or a stone-built barn conversion surrounded by a flower-filled garden
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 3

Escape to the picturesque village of Brayford, located on the western edge of Exmoor National Park, for a rejuvenating self-catering holiday. Experience the charm of Barn Cottage, a beautiful three-bedroom cottage with stunning views of the surrounding countryside, covered in wildflowers. This pet-friendly cottage is located in a small rural North Devon village, perfect for a peaceful getaway.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Bayview is a sophisticated coastal apartment within The Cove complex in Brixham, Devon. Overlooking Fishcombe Cove, the apartment sleeps four and promises fantastic views, urban chic, abundant natural light, beautiful spacious grounds, a furnished balcony and a swimming pool.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterpark Nearby
  • 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.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Exterior of a contemporary, slate-roofed holiday age surrounded by a low stone wall.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Introducing Bear Cottage, a charming pet-friendly retreat located near Bigbury on Sea. This beautiful three-bedroom cottage is just a stone's throw away from sandy beaches and the South West Coastal Path. Inside, you can enjoy stylish interiors, underfloor heating, and a cosy log burner. The cottage also boasts a contemporary kitchen fully equipped with Smeg appliances and a master bedroom with an en suite bathroom. Outside, you can relax on the enclosed patio or make use of the private parking. The cottage is also conveniently located near the village shop, making it the perfect base for your seaside holiday in Bigbury. Enjoy comfort and the sheer beauty of the South Devon coast. Book your stay at Bear Cottage now!

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a double-fronted Torquay holiday cottage with a small overhead porch and flower-filled front garden.
  • Sleeps 3
  • Bedrooms 2

Explore Torbay's vibrant coastal resorts from this delightful seaside escape. Blue Harbour, a charming holiday cottage in Torquay, captures the essence of coastal living. With wooden floors, seaside-themed decor, and an enclosed courtyard garden, it offers a warm and inviting retreat. Close to shops, restaurants, and the seafront, the cottage is a short walk from Meadfoot Beach and provides easy access to Torquay's maritime wonders. Discover comfort and coastal charm at Blue Harbour - the ideal Torquay getaway.

  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Waterpark Nearby
Behind a table set for cocktails on a balcony is a view of Brixham Harbour.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Blue Horizon is a luxurious coastal cottage boasting superb views of Brixham Harbour, Devon. The sophisticated former fisherman’s cottage sleeps four and blends chic with tradition. It features exposed beams, stone walls & antique furnishing, and a furnished balcony for basking in the sunshine.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterpark Nearby

Why Stay in a Holiday Cottage in Devon?

  • Devon has something for everyone. There are plenty of coastal, countryside and moorland Holiday Cottages in Devon to choose from. Enjoy bustling market towns, quiet villages and varied coastal settings.
  • Devon has something for everyone. Families will enjoy the beaches and adventure parks. Hikers will love the coast paths and moors. Surfers will be able to enjoy well known surf spots, while birdwatchers and nature lovers will have an array of places to visit.
  • For many visitors, renting holiday cottages in Devon is the most enjoyable way to experience this charming County. Here are beach apartments overlooking wide sandy bays from Woolacombe in North Devon to Slapton Sands in the South Hams. Discover thatched cottages in quaint coves such as Beer, Lee Bay, Blackpool Sands and Ladram Bay, with clear waters backed by lush green Devon countryside.
  • Stay in a thatched Devon holiday cottage in the heart of the countryside to explore deep flower-filled lanes or the wild moorland landscapes of Exmoor and Dartmoor. The many picturesque and historic towns and villages from Clovelly to Budleigh Salterton scattered across Devon offer a fine choice of self-catering accommodation.
  • Find quaint thatched cottages in sleepy villages, stylish barn conversions on working Devon farms or waterside apartments in converted fishing lofts and harbourside warehouses on the South Devon coast. Devon's mild climate makes the County a popular choice for self-catering cottage holidays all year round, as Christmas Day surfers on the North Devon beaches at Croyde and Saunton will testify. At the same time, wild daffodils and primroses appear in the hedgerows as early as February, adding colour to winter and early spring walks in the countryside.
  • Devon's centre is the wonderful Dartmoor National Park - offering picturesque wild walks and drives across the moors. Visit Widecombe and Princetown - the latter now earning a reputation as an artistic centre as well as being the location of the famous prison. Above all, find and climb a tor - there are hundreds from which visitors can choose. Dartmoor is also home to England's 'newest castle' Castle Drogo which is now wonderfully restored by the National Trust.

 

What Can You Do and Where Can You Visit From Your Devon Holiday Home?

  • To the south of the County are the bustling Victorian seaside resorts of Torquay, Paignton, Exmouth and Teignmouth, these days offering much more than a traditional bucket and spade holiday (although buckets and spades are still essential holiday must-haves). It's a haven for superb family theme parks such as Diggerland, an adventure theme park with a real emphasis on DIGGERS! An invigorating construction experience for adults & children. It is highly recommended!
  • To the southeast corner of Devon are the charming and genteel Edwardian resorts and villages of Sidmouth, Beer, Branscombe and Budleigh Salterton. Here, a perfect day can be spent chuntering around Lyme Bay in a self-hire boat, and catching mackerel to BBQ back at your holiday cottage in the evening. For delightful views of the River Ax estuary - and the chance of a Devonshire Cream Tea in Colyton, enjoy a sedate ride on restored trams at The Seaton Tramway that runs from Seaton along the estuary to Colyton.
  • North Devon is much wilder and quieter than the south but just as welcoming to visitors. Here are the extensive sandy surfing beaches of Croyde, Woolacombe, Westward Ho! and Saunton Sands (perfect for beach cricket and sandcastle building when the tide is out).
  • Tiny coast-hugging villages such as Lee Bay or Clovellyin North Devon will delight visitors at any time of the year.
  • The main North Devon coastal towns of Barnstaple and Bideford provide all the services and supplies you need to enjoy a self-catering holiday in a rural or seaside holiday cottage.
  • North Devon also has the occasional geographical claim to fame, such as the biggest village in England (Braunton) and the longest High Street in England (Combe Martin). For visiting walkers and cyclists, the superb Tarka Trail offers more than 40 miles of level cycling on old North Devon railway lines that follow the river valleys and estuaries of the Taw and Torridge. There are plenty of bike hire shops along its route if you don't have space to bring your bikes.
  • In North Devon, visit The Gnome Reserve, where over a thousand gnomes add colour and enchantment to a woodland walk. The Reserve was once nominated for a Turner Prize. If not Gnomes, they try sheep: The Big Sheep in Bideford has everything from baby lambs to feed to roller coaster rides - all year round! It is no wonder that many of Devon's self-catering holiday cottages and seaside apartments welcome the same visitors year after year!

 

Find Cottages in Dartmoor and the Heart of Devon

Inland Devon is equally inviting to visitors. Quiet thatched villages such as Broadhembury, Coleford, Sampford Courtenay or Chittlehampton can be found at the end of slow drives down deep Devon lanes (all replete with excellent pubs and idyllic holiday cottages). Exeter's city centre is well worth at least one day's visit to see the magnificent Cathedral (picnic on Cathedral Green) followed by a trip down to Exeter Quay on the River Exe, full of craft shops, bars and restaurants. Hire a bike and follow the ship canal towpath through Starcross to the coast. Make it past the enticing pubs such as the Twin Locks, and you'll find yourselves collecting sea shells and nibbling seaside candy floss on the beach at Dawlish Warren before a leisurely ride home to your holiday accommodation.

 

South Devon Coast and Countryside Cottages

Devon's maritime heritage and traditions can be discovered in the south coast ports of Dartmouth. Taking an Edwardian paddle steamer upriver to Dittisham past Greenaway, Agatha Christie's house, is now open to the public. Discover more of Devon's scenic heritage by water at Salcombe or Plymouth, where a boat trip visiting all the historic maritime naval yards along Plymouth Sound will provide an entertaining history lesson.

For steam train lovers, occasional mainline rail excursions to and from Exeter, steam a-plenty can be found within an easy drive of many holiday cottages. In the popular (and idyllic) South Hams region in Devon's southern corner, ride the South Devon Railway from Buckfastleigh to Totnes or from Paignton to Kingswear (and then by ferry to Dartmouth). In North Devon, discover the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway, which operates a mile or so of scenic track from Woody Bay Station - combine this with a clifftop walk along the South West Coast Path between Woody Bay and Martinhoe and you have the perfect day out!