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.

Orchard Cottage at Mornacott
South Molton
Devon
England
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Orchard Cottage is a large 4-bedroom farm cottage in North Devon, a rural location near South Molton on the edge of Exmoor. This family-friendly rural retreat is ideally located for exploring Exmoor and North Devon's fabulous award-winning beaches.

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  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
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  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
2-storey gable end of a holiday apartment block with stairs and balconies.
Redwood Apartment
Croyde
Devon
England
  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 4

Redwood, a large coastal apartment in Croyde, sleeps ten people. It welcomes groups, including stag and hen groups, perfect for fun beach holidays at one of Devon's top award-winning beaches. Redwood is open-plan with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a dining area, a lounge, a balcony and a kitchen.

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  • Active Holidays
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A row of two terraced holiday cottages in North Devon
Stag, Great Torrington
Great Torrington
Devon
England
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Stag Cottage is a lovely farm cottage with a swimming pool and games room resting in a quiet corner of Little Torrington. The rural North Devon holiday cottage boasts a garden and woodland views and treats guests to experiences with farm animals.

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  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Independent Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior and courtyard of a stone-built, Exmoor barn conversion
The Old Stables at Mornacott
South Molton
Devon
England
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

A stunning farming estate with a swimming pool in the heart of North Devon, The Old Stables is a rural holiday cottage located in a scenic valley between Bishop's Nympton and South Molton on the edge of Exmoor National Park with easy access to Devon's coastline and other attractions.

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  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
North Devon coastal cottages exteriors.
Weavers
Barnstaple
Devon
England
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Weavers Cottage, sleeping up to four, is one of seven dog-friendly North Devon holiday cottages at semi-rural Muddlebridge House near Barnstaple. It features an indoor swimming pool and a two-acre garden. It is within easy reach for excellent sandy beaches, cycling on the nearby Tarka Trail, walks on Exmoor, fishing and golf.

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  • Accessible By Train
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • 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.