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.

A sprawling Dartmoor Manor house ovrlooks a sweeping, tree-lined lawn.
  • Sleeps 12
  • Bedrooms 8

This extraordinary manor house is nestled in the idyllic countryside, a mere mile from the village of Bridestowe, situated on the periphery of the Dartmoor National Park. A living testament to history, dating back to the 13th century, it stands as a truly exceptional Grade II* listed haven, ideally suited for families and large groups of friends seeking resplendent gathering spaces.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Beer Beach in East Devon - a shingle cove beneath cliffs.
  • Sleeps 7
  • Bedrooms 4

Gull’s Rest is an idyllic coastal holiday cottage in Beer set on the hillsides surrounding the quaint fishing village in East Devon. It boasts gorgeous views of the harbour and Lyme Bay from the living area’s floor-to-ceiling windows and four bedrooms spread over two stories.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A double-fronted East Devon holiday cottage in front of a secure lawned garden.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Hamilton House is a large East Devon seaside holiday cottage in Branscombe. The sophisticated cottage boasts a unique dining room and a sun trap garden within easy reach of Branscombe Beach. The large deck catches the sea breeze and invites relaxation. Hamilton House sleeps eight guests in four bedrooms.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A barn conversion with Velux windows in the roof overlooks a large lawn.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Visitors to Harvest Moon, a converted threshing barn near Honiton, Devon, can relax on the patio while watching the wildlife in the fields near Honiton in Devon. Guests can also run their dogs in the generous gardens before retiring to a modern rural cottage that seamlessly blends contemporary comforts with traditional charm.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • 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.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A single-storey, stone-built, luxury Exmoor barn conversion surrounded by trees and hedgerows.
  • Sleeps 3
  • Bedrooms 2

Enjoy self-catering cottage holidays on Exmoor with a stay at Higher Bumsley Barn, a charming barn conversion near the rural settlement of Parracombe, Devon. It stands on 50 acres of an Environmental/Conservation Farm and is a countryside cottage with a vaulted ceiling, two comfy bedrooms, and a Woodburner.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Farm Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A semi-detached, part-timbered contemporary cottage with bi-fold windows, patio and a spacious lawn.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Hunters Moon is a modern rural holiday cottage in the hamlet of Curscombet. The pet-friendly East Devon coast holiday cottage features a generous furnished garden, a spacious interior with an open-plan design, abundant natural light, and a wood-burning stove.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • 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.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Front exterior of a thatched Devon longhouse on a quiet Devon lane.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

A historic, romantic holiday cottage in Stockland nestled in the heart of the Devon countryside, Kites Holt makes the perfect Blackdown Hills rural retreat. It is part of a 15th-century thatched Medieval Hall House with a private entrance, open fire, underfloor heating in the bathroom, and a quaint mid-floor kitchen.

  • Active Holidays
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A neatly presented, double-fronted cottage on a quiet road corner in Dartmouth.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Beautiful 2-bedroom, pet-friendly Dartmouth holiday cottage in the heart of Dartmouth for romantic retreats (with or without a little one!). A light, airy and colourful Lake Victoria Cottage lies just off the Market Square, a short stroll to the Quayside and many excellent shops, restaurants and bars.

  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a large thatched Dartmoor farmhouse amidst mature gardens
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

View Langstone Farm, a rural holiday home near Chagford, Devon, just two miles from the vibrant little town. This four-bedroom country haven offers a rustic interior with exposed beams, a fully equipped kitchen, and an inviting sitting room. Enjoy superb views, a tranquil pond, and ample off-road parking. Surrounded by green hills and close to wild moors, it's an ideal escape for a family or friends seeking a relaxing break in Dartmoor National Park. Discover more about this charming rural retreat by reading the fuller description.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A large single storey barn with a private, secure, hedge-lined lawn.
  • Sleeps 12
  • Bedrooms 6

Lower Curscombe Barn is a rural East Devon holiday cottage near Honiton that combines two properties on a semi-working farm. This luxury holiday home provides child-friendly self-catering accommodation for up to 12 guests with six bedrooms in two beautifully furnished, adjoined cottages amidst lovely gardens.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Nestled in the attic of a stone-built former farmhouse, Lower Norton Apartment on the outskirts of the South Hams town of Dartmouth, Devon, is a romantic flat with an inset balcony offering magnificent countryside views and boasting exposed beams, quality furnishings, and king master with an en-suite.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A tall, 2-storey, stone-built cottage overlooking a mature garden with a terrace and palms.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Lower Norton Farmhouse is a luxurious rural cottage in Dartmouth boasting seclusion and beautiful South Devon views. The pet-friendly, large, stone-built cottage is surrounded by lush countryside and promises a spacious landscaped garden, a sunlit conservatory, open-plan design, elegance and log fires.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • 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.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday 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!