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.

  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 3

Old Church House is a Grade II listed 16th-century rural cottage nestled beside the churchyard at High Bray. Situated between the country and the coast in Brayford, Devon, the gorgeous pet-friendly cottage boasts multi-pane windows, oak beams, stone fireplaces, and a wood-burning stove.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a luxury thatched coastal cottage in with porch and low stone wall.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Old Maids Cottage is a luxury holiday cottage on the spectacular North Devon coast. It has been fully restored as an open-plan holiday home for six people, with three double bedrooms (two en-suite). You’ll enjoy this picture-perfect thatched cottage, which oozes the holiday feeling from the moment you arrive.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Large thatched cottage overlooking a large lawn fringed with flowering shrubs.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Old Thatch is a charming Grade II-listed coastal cottage in Torcross, Devon, with panoramic ocean views and expansive grounds. The masterfully renovated thatched-roof cottage boasts landscaped furnished gardens, a sun-drenched conservatory, a log fire, exposed beams and beach access.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A fitted kitchen with breakfast bar and a pine-wood dining table seating 6.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Pip’s Corner is a spacious Edwardian holiday cottage in Lynton, close to the sea in North Devon. It sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms. The pet-friendly cottage enjoys an ideal village location and boasts tiled floors, a log fire, modern comforts, multiple outdoor spaces, and a sun-drenched conservatory. Enjoy Lynton, trips down the Lynton-Lynmouth cliff railway, and exploring the Exmoor National Park.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Carpeted lounge area with large windows in a Kingsbridge holiday cottage with sofa, large cupboard and coffee table
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Discover serenity in South Devon at Printers Grange, a stylish Kingsbridge holiday home. This newly built retreat features elegant furnishings, an open-plan living space, and an enclosed terrace for relaxation. Enjoy the comfort of Hypnos beds in two bedrooms and modern amenities, including a well-equipped kitchen and Smart TV. The property's central location allows easy exploration of the picturesque Kingsbridge/Salcombe Estuary and nearby beaches. Perfect for couples and small families seeking coastal charm and privacy by the sea. View the full description for an enchanting getaway.

  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
An estuary view from a deck of a waterside holiday apartment in Salcombe.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Enjoy a taste of luxurious living at 'Quarterdeck,' a Salcombe holiday apartment with a pool. This 2-bedroom waterfront retreat boasts a large balcony with panoramic estuary views, perfect for al fresco dining. Enjoy exclusive amenities like a private mooring, communal gardens, and a heated outdoor pool. The open-plan living area, well-equipped kitchen, and stylish bedrooms make it an ideal getaway. Explore the charming surroundings, with pubs, restaurants, and sandy beaches just steps away. Discover the allure of South Devon living at 'Quarterdeck.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Waterside Cottages
Exterior of a stone-built riverside cottage on Exmoor
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Riverside Cottage is a stone-built Exmoor holiday cottage in Brendon. It offers bags of character with contemporary styling & a wood-burning stove and access to the Noth Devon coast and countryside. The pet-friendly cottage sleeps four and features a delightful furnished garden that catches the sun.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
The double-fronted exterior of a rustic, terraced holiday cottage in a Mid Devon village street with a flowery creeper overhanging the front door.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Sausage Cottage in Oakford is a large and charming Mid Devon holiday cottage that can accommodate up to eight guests. It offers four delightful bedrooms, an inviting sitting room with an art deco fireplace, and a separate Snug/TV room. The cottage is situated within walking distance of the village pub and is an ideal base for exploring the idyllic moorland surroundings. It promises a unique and memorable stay for its guests.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
 single-storey South Devon barn conversion overlooks a courtyard and a hot tub
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Escape to The Cattle Shed for unforgettable cottage holidays in South Devon. This coastal cottage offers a five-star retreat with a private hot tub, scenic walks, and stunning coastal views. Nestled above Chillington village, it perfectly blends luxury and tranquillity. Enjoy the warmth of a log burner in winter and a spacious decked terrace in summer. With two bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, and outdoor amenities like paddle boards, it promises a relaxing getaway. Explore the detailed description for a closer look at this idyllic retreat.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Large Exmoor farmhouse with cottage windows and a covered porch sits behind a walled front garden.
  • Sleeps 19
  • Bedrooms 9

The Farmhouse is perfect for a group celebration. The large, pet-friendly Exmoor holiday cottage with a hot tub near Dulverton promises luxury and rural charm. Its generous grounds include a lake, tennis court, and outdoor entertaining areas. Indoors, a sauna, log fire, farmhouse kitchen, and rustic features await.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A North Devon riverside cottage with a large lawn.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

A romantic riverside holiday cottage in Bratton Fleming perfect for celebrating any of life’s special occasions, The Folly lies on the fringes of Exmoor in North Devon, tucked away on a private lane, with large glazed double doors opening onto a beautifully furnished pet-friendly studio cottage.

  • Active Holidays
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

This beautiful Devon penthouse apartment in Torcrossis overlooks Slapton Sands, a three-mile stretch of shingle beach. With its own entrance, three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a gorgeous open-plan living space, we can't think of a better place to enjoy a break on the South Devon coast.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A converted stone-built, remote Exmoor schoolhouse with a lawn and large patio.
  • Sleeps 13
  • Bedrooms 5

The School House is a large holiday cottage on the North Devon coast near Lynmouth. The pet-friendly cottage features a wood burner and other traditional details and boasts a beautiful garden with a running stream and rural views.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A modern, 2-storey, half-timbered house overlooks a long garden and paved terrace lined by palm trees.
  • Sleeps 9
  • Bedrooms 5

Tredarloe is a comfortable 5-bedroom detached South Devon holiday home. This large holiday property in Salcombe has lovely rural views with estuary glimpses and spacious suntrap gardens, including a patio, raised decking area, balcony and large lawn.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A stone-built Exmoor barn conversion at sunset.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Come and experience the charm of Tumbledown Barn, a delightful holiday cottage located in Knowstone that is pet-friendly and comes with a hot tub. This cottage, which used to be a cow shed, has been tastefully transformed into a spacious 3-bedroom stone and cob retreat that offers both rural tranquillity and modern luxury. With ensuites, open-plan living, and a private courtyard, it is an ideal space to relax and unwind. You can soak in the hot tub, enjoy alfresco dining, and explore the stunning views of Exmoor. This cottage is perfect for family getaways or couples' retreats in the heart of Exmoor National Park.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays

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!