Active Holiday Cottages in North Devon

North Devon is a good choice for a holiday with plenty to do outdoors. From surfing and coastal walks to cycling trails, moorland routes and quiet country lanes, there are easy ways to build an active break around the interests of your group.

Browse active holiday cottages in North Devon and choose a self-catering base for walking, surfing, cycling and days by the sea. Whether you are planning a long weekend on the coast or a full week exploring the area, a cottage gives you the flexibility to set your own pace.

Exterior of a 5-storey brick built block of seaside holiday apartments in North Devon.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

37 Ocean Park boasts impressive, far-reaching coastal views over Westward Ho! The sophisticated holiday apartment in North Devon sleeps four and offers light-filled spaces with an open-plan design, large windows, a sunny balcony and clean sea breezes.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
  • 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
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Beach Retreat is an elegant North Devon coastal cottage situated a short stroll from Instow's beautiful beaches. The pet-friendly cottage benefits from a neutral palette and sophisticated design features that capture the sea breeze in its light and airy rooms and boasts a log fire.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a North Devon mill cottage surrounded by gardens in a valley floor.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Set amongst mature waterside gardens in a gorgeous secluded location, Bratton Mill Cottage is a pet-friendly 17th-century cottage near the medieval village of Bratton Fleming in Devon, is a pet-friendly 17th-century cottage. It has been recently redecorated yet retains much of the character and charm of the original mill.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A large old mill cottage nestles in a wooded Exmoor valley.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Bratton Mill Farmhouse near the North Devon village of Bratton Fleming offers the perfect escape for large families and groups on holiday in the South West. A 17th-century former mill, It has been transformed into a child-friendly, large North Devon holiday cottage alongside a babbling trout stream.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 3

Cecily Cottage is located in an elevated position of Westward Ho!, providing beautiful views of the ocean and the North Devon coastline. This pet-friendly Victorian holiday cottage can accommodate up to five people and features a relaxing enclosed garden, bold décor, and a wood-burning stove. It is close to the beach.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A double fronted stone-built North Devon country cottage with arched windows
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Explore the charm of Chapel Cottage in Welcombe, a delightful hamlet on the North Devon coast. Just 1½ miles from the stunning Welcombe Mouth beach, this self-catering haven offers a cosy rural retreat with a country-style kitchen, wood-burning stove, and four peaceful bedrooms. The nearby Old Smithy Inn serves excellent food, and the South West Coast Path awaits for scenic cliff-top walks. Discover the perfect blend of comfort and coastal beauty at Chapel Cottage in Welcombe for your self-catering holidays in North Devon.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A large countryside Braunton holiday cottage with a large terrace and mature gardens.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Charlesworth is a very impressive detached chalet bungalow perched above the village of Braunton in North Devon. The pet-friendly cottage enjoys estuary views from its lovely garden and boasts a sophisticated design, light-filled spaces, a table tennis table, a garden hammock and a summerhouse.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A double fronted 3-storey coastal cottage in Inistow.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Cool Stone Cottage is sleek, modern and elegant. The pet-friendly cottage in Instow carries a distinct coastal vibe and lies just moments from the beach and the highlights of North Devon. Natural light floods the cottage, and the sea breeze can be enjoyed in the open-plan spaces or the lovely garden.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
The exterior of a small terrace of thatched cottages overlooks a quiet North Devon village street.
  • Sleeps 3
  • Bedrooms 2

Cosy Nook is a gorgeous Grade II-listed holiday cottage in North Molton dating back 500 years. The thatched-roof cottage welcomes pets and sleeps three people. It features an inglenook fireplace, exposed beams, a raised, furnished garden, rural charm, and access to the coast and Exmoor National Park.

  • Active Holidays
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A large country house at dusk.
  • Sleeps 15
  • Bedrooms 8

Coulscott House is a luxury North Devon holiday cottage situated in Combe Martin; it's a superb rural retreat for exploring the rugged North Devon coast and its award-winning beaches. With three bedrooms, including a master bedroom with an ensuite bathroom and a separate family bathroom, it comfortably accommodates up to 6 guests. Inside, you'll find a well-equipped kitchen, a dining area, and a cosy living room with a wood-burning stove. Outside, enjoy the beautiful garden and patio area, along with the indoor heated swimming pool and hot tub for ultimate relaxation. Explore the charming village of Combe Martin or venture into Exmoor National Park for outdoor adventures. Coulscott House offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience for your North Devon holiday. Book now for a memorable stay

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Farm Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • 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
  • 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
A lounge with twin sofas, inglenook fireplace and French windows.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Folded into the idyllic landscapes of North Devon, Keepers Lodge is a stylish two-bedroom (both ensuite) rural retreat with a hot tub. Located in the quaint village of Knowstone, it offers a blend of rural charm and modern convenience. The cottage on the edge of Exmoor features spacious interiors adorned with rustic elegance and modern amenities. Set amidst expansive gardens, it provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Discover the allure of countryside living at Keepers Lodge. Explore further details about this enchanting rural holiday cottage today.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Farm Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
2-storey, stone-built holiday lodge in a rural location.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Keepers Lodge, a holiday cottage in Knowstone, offers a tranquil and secluded rural getaway. Located in North Devon, close to Exmoor, this 16th-century thatched longhouse extension provides 5-star self-catering accommodation for up to 4 guests.

With two spacious ensuite bedrooms, modern amenities seamlessly blend with the historical charm of the property. The open-plan living space boasts an inglenook fireplace and other original features. Guests can unwind in the private courtyard with a hot tub, or explore the 20-acre farm grounds and nearby Exmoor National Park. The area offers stunning landscapes, from moorlands to coastal vistas, which are perfect for nature lovers to explore. After a day of exploring, guests can relax at the nearby Michelin-starred Masons Arms.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays

Walking holidays in North Devon

North Devon offers a mix of coastal, countryside and moorland walks. Head along the coast for sea views and beach walks, explore woodland and river valleys inland, or spend a day on Exmoor for a more open landscape.

There are routes for a short morning walk as well as longer days on the trail. Staying in a cottage means you can return to a comfortable space, dry off, make dinner and plan the next day’s route.

Surfing holidays on the North Devon coast

North Devon is well known for surfing, with beaches around Croyde, Saunton, Woolacombe and Putsborough all giving you different options for time in and around the water.

Choose a cottage close to the coast for early starts, relaxed beach days and an easy place to return to after surfing. Check local conditions, tides and individual beach guidance before heading out.

Cycling holidays in North Devon

Cycling is another good reason to choose North Devon. The Tarka Trail and wider Devon Coast to Coast route provide options for leisurely rides, longer days in the saddle and traffic-free stretches suited to a relaxed pace.

You can also explore quiet country lanes, estuary routes and countryside around towns and villages including Braunton, Barnstaple, Bideford and Great Torrington.

Find the right cottage for an active break

When choosing an active holiday cottage, look for the details that will make your stay easier:

  • Parking for beach trips and day excursions
  • Space for bikes, boards, walking boots and outdoor gear
  • Nearby footpaths, cycle routes or beach access
  • A garden or outdoor area to relax after a busy day
  • Dog-friendly accommodation if you are bringing your dog

Facilities vary by property, so always check the individual listing before booking.

Explore North Devon your way

An active holiday in North Devon can be as full-on or as relaxed as you want it to be. Surf one day, walk the coast the next, take a cycle ride along the trail and leave time for a pub lunch, a village browse or a quiet evening at your cottage.

You may also like to browse North Devon holiday cottages, walking holiday cottages across the UK, or active holiday cottages in Braunton and Woolacombe.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. North Devon has beaches for surfing, coastal and countryside walking routes, Exmoor nearby and cycling options including the Tarka Trail.

Popular surf areas include Croyde, Saunton, Woolacombe and Putsborough. Conditions vary, so check local guidance before heading into the water.

Yes. You can choose from beach walks, coast-path routes, countryside trails, river valleys and walks on Exmoor.

Yes. The Tarka Trail and Devon Coast to Coast route offer cycling options, alongside quieter local roads and lanes.

Look for practical features such as parking, outdoor space, storage for equipment and access to the activities you want to enjoy.