Family-Friendly Cottages in North Devon

North Devon is a good choice for a family cottage holiday, whether you want long beach days, a rural escape, a base near local attractions or a mix of all three. Browse family-friendly cottages across the region, from coastal homes near Woolacombe and Croyde to countryside stays close to Exmoor.

There are holiday homes for different family sizes, from smaller cottages for a short break to larger properties for grandparents, cousins and friends. Use the filters below to find the right number of bedrooms, location and facilities for your stay. Child-friendly features vary by property, so check the individual listing before booking.

Spacious, open-Plan interior of a modern seaside holiday apartment.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

A modern luxury apartment home in a brand-new North Devon coastal complex, 5 Putsborough in the heart of the seaside resort village of Woolacombe, Devon, offers a family-friendly holiday stay, a pet-friendly home with a master bedroom having a  king-sized bedroom and an en-suite bathroom, private balcony, and access to indoor pool and gym.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Luxury defines 6 Middlecombe, a coastal apartment near the beach in Woolacombe Bay in Devon. The pet-friendly holiday apartment features a sun-drenched balcony, a sophisticated interior with light and airy spaces, an indoor swimming pool, a games room, a sauna, a treatment room, and fun in the sun.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
3-storey contemporary seaside apartment block with glass-screened balconies.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

The golden sands of Woolacombe Bay beckon guests at 7 Putsborough, a sophisticated seaside holiday apartment in Devon. The pet-friendly apartment in the Byron complex boasts contemporary styling and modern comforts, plus access to a swimming pool and other facilities, all a short walk from the beach.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A  restored country cottage overlooks a shaded courtyard.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Squirrelled away in the North Devon countryside, less than half an hour from the coast. Somers Hiscott-6 is beautifully spacious and sits right in the middle of the private estate (40 acres). There will be more than enough room for you to spill out and make this home your own – inside and out!

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
An outdoor swimming pool overlooked by a stone-built holiday cottage in North Devon
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 2

With two bedrooms accommodating up to 8 guests, The Annexe is the ideal choice for families or friends seeking a memorable North Devon holiday. However, this versatile coastal cottage also appeals to couples looking to escape for a romantic, relaxing break. This pet-friendly haven boasts a private hot tub, a heated swimming pool, a tennis court, and even table tennis for hours of family fun. From the cottage, you can soak in panoramic views of the coast and revel in breathtaking sunsets.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a stout North Devon farm cottage overlooking a garden.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Duck Cottage is a large luxury barn conversion in North Devon, nestling in a quiet corner of Little Torrington. The rural cottage boasts commanding views over its generous gardens and woodlands. It features an open fire, a heated outdoor swimming pool, a library, a games room and access to farm animals.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Farm Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • 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.

  • 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
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
2-storey gable end of a holiday apartment block with stairs and balconies.
  • 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.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A row of two terraced holiday cottages in North Devon
  • 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.

  • 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
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Thatchers Cottage, sleeping up to six, is one of seven North Devon holiday cottages at Muddlebridge House, near Barnstaple. With an indoor swimming pool and two-acre garden, it is ideally situated for surfing, cycling, golf and fishing holidays - (in between days on the many nearby beaches). Pets welcome.

  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior and courtyard of a stone-built, Exmoor barn conversion
  • 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.

  • 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.
  • 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.

  • 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

Why choose North Devon for a family cottage holiday?

North Devon gives families plenty of choice without needing to pack every day with a long drive. You can stay close to sandy beaches, choose a quieter village, find a cottage near Barnstaple or Bideford, or head inland towards Exmoor and the countryside.

A self-catering cottage also gives you more flexibility than a hotel stay. You can eat when it suits you, have space for children to wind down after a day out, and choose a layout that works for your own family.

Beach days, rock pools and coastal villages

Woolacombe, Croyde, Saunton and Westward Ho! are useful choices for families who want the coast close by. They offer long stretches of sand, beach activities and easy access to nearby cafés, shops and places to explore.

For a different pace, look towards Ilfracombe, Combe Martin, Appledore or Instow. These areas can suit families looking for harbours, shorter walks, boat trips or a quieter base than the main surfing beaches.

Countryside, Exmoor and days out

North Devon is not only about the beach. Barnstaple and Braunton work well as practical bases, while South Molton, North Molton and villages on the edge of Exmoor suit families looking for countryside, walks and more space.

For wetter days or a change of plan, North Devon also has family attractions including The Big Sheep, The Milky Way and Watermouth Castle. Check opening times and age requirements directly before visiting.

What makes a cottage family-friendly?

“Family-friendly” and “child-friendly” are useful starting points, but they are not a fixed set of facilities. When choosing a cottage, think about what will make the stay easier for your family:

  • Enough bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
  • Space to eat, relax and spend time together
  • A garden or outdoor area, where appropriate
  • Availability of cots, high chairs or stair gates
  • Facilities such as a swimming pool, games room or parking
  • Distance from the beach, shops, attractions or walking routes

Some properties will suit babies and toddlers particularly well, while others are better for older children, teenagers or larger multi-generational groups. Check the property description for the details that matter to you.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. The listings above include family-friendly cottages across North Devon, from coastal apartments and beach houses to rural cottages near Exmoor.

For beach-led holidays, consider Woolacombe, Croyde, Saunton or Westward Ho! Barnstaple, Braunton and Bideford are useful central bases, while South Molton and the Exmoor edge suit countryside breaks.

It means the property is considered suitable for families, but facilities vary. Check the listing for sleeping arrangements, outdoor space, cots, high chairs, stair gates and other practical details.

Some properties have pools, games rooms or other family-oriented facilities. Use the relevant filters to narrow the listings, then check each property page.

Yes. Use the Sleeps and Bedrooms filters to find cottages suitable for larger families, joint holidays or multi-generational breaks.