A large sandy cove overlooked by steep-banked wooded hills and cliff tops in South Devon BLACKPOOL SANDS IN SOUTH DEVON - GOLDEN MEADOW COTTAGE

Find My Favourite Holiday Cottages in South Devon

The region of South Devon, also known as The South Hams, is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty located in and around the south-west coast of Devon. It stretches along the coast from Plymouth across to Dartmouth and inland to touch the southern edge of Dartmoor to the North. Its self-proclaimed capital is the historic town of Totnes, which even has its own currency. The coastline around Dartmouth, Kingsbridge and Salcombe all offer some of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK. South Devon is also very popular with the sailing fraternity with lovely safe, picturesque harbours and tidal inlets, such as at Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo (good news for those bringing their yachts on holiday).

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.

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      Exterior of a large contemporary house with a raised terrace and surrounded by mature gardens.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Clamoak Cottage is a charming waterfront cottage in Clamoak boasting a thoroughly modern interior combined with exposed beams and touches of yesteryear and an open fire. The pet-friendly cottage offers outdoor spaces with sweeping views of the Tamar River and the South Devon countryside.

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A lighthouse complex in a clifftop location with the sea in the background.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Perched on the clifftop at Start Bay, Beacon Cottage boasts unparalleled ocean views and a wonderful sitting-out area. The coastal cottage adjoins the lighthouse near Kingsbridge in Devon and offers a unique holiday escape with contemporary elegance, modern comforts and access to sandy beaches.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

With fabulous waterside views across the beautiful River Dart and the Marina beyond, the 2-bedroom apartment at 40 Dart Marina is in a fabulous South Devon location within walking distance of central Dartmouth within a designated National Landscape.

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Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

This beautiful Devon penthouse apartment is set on the three-mile stretch of shingle beach at Slapton Sands and is literally at the 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 coast.

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Sleeps
13
Bedrooms
6

Live in luxury at Gitcombe House, a large holiday rental in Cornworthy, your ideal South Devon holiday home with a pool. This Georgian manor farmhouse boasts six bedrooms, classic furnishings, and an AGA-equipped kitchen. Enjoy grand dining, relax by the open fire, and explore the extensive grounds with shared pools. Experience elegance and comfort – book your unforgettable holiday in South Devon now.

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A lighthouse on a clifftop overlooking the ocean.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Situated on the grounds of a working lighthouse at the southernmost point in Devon, Landward Cottage near the abandoned coastal village of Hallsands overlooks Start Bay. It offers gorgeous sea views and a pet-friendly three-bedroom South Devon holiday cottage featuring a gravel patio and cosy sitting room.

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Exterior of a thatched holiday cottage in Thurlestone.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Enjoy self-catering holidays in Thurlestone at Just A Cottage’, an iconic thatched cottage in South Devon. This Grade II listed seaside retreat, dating back to the 17th century, offers stylish comfort for up to four people. Pet-friendly, with a beamed lounge, well-equipped kitchen, luxurious bathroom, and a small patio, it’s an ideal base near local beaches. Perfect for those seeking character, convenience, and a genuine South Hams experience. Discover more about this unique property’s allure in the full description.

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A lounge with comfortable sofas and TV has French windows with a sea view
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

A holiday in this beautiful seafront apartment in Torross is coastal living at its best. With a large, private terrace and a sweeping sea view over the sparkling shingle beach, you'll instantly feel miles away from it all.

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South Devon is dotted with beautiful towns and villages, probably the most famous being Dartmouth, home of the Royal Naval College. Many Dartmouth holiday cottages or self-catering apartments offer superb waterside views across the wide Dart Estuary towards Kingswear. The Dart is packed with Marinas while ferries ply their trade carrying cars and foot passengers across to Kingswear, a terminus for the South Devon Railway. From the station, restored Great Western steam locomotives haul visitors through the South Devon countryside to Paignton, where getting a pleasure boat back to Dartmouth is often possible. 

The contrast in geography is most pronounced if you drive for an hour from the coast at Kingsbridge or Dartmouth. Here you will find yourself on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park. The region’s other heritage railway is the Dart Valley line, which chunters alongside the River Dart between Totnes and Buckfastleigh. Further down the coast is Burgh Island, on which stands an Art Deco hotel that features in at least one Agatha Christie novel. When the tide is in, reach it by ‘sea tractor.

View holiday homes in other regions of Devon

North Devon

Dartmoor

East Devon

Torbay