Holidays in South Devon, Self-Catering Cottages and Apartments

The south of 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 the seaside town of Salcombe all offer some of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK. South Devon is also very popular with the sailing fraternity with spots like the lovely safe, picturesque harbours and tidal inlets of Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo (good news for those bringing their yachts on holiday). Alternatively click here to find more Devon holiday cottages on My Favourite Holiday Cottages.

A modern 2-storey house with a full length balcony with all lights on in the dusk.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 3

A superb coastal holiday cottage in Beesands, South Devon. Beautifully designed to make the most of its excellent position on the coast, you'll find a luxurious interior and fantastic sea views. Three spacious bedrooms and loads of outdoor space mean plenty of room, and it even has a cinema!

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A view of Dartmouth estuary seen from the covered terrace of a waterside holiday let
  • Sleeps 11
  • Bedrooms 4

Bights Boathouse is a luxurious waterside holiday home with fabulous views across up and down the Dart estuary in Dartmouth. This pet-friendly property is located in the enchanting South Hams area of South Devon, offering its guests easy access to various coastal attractions. The property is surrounded by boutique shops, restaurants, and local events such as the Dart Music Festival. Guests can enjoy scenic cycling and walking routes or take a trip on the Dartmouth Steam Railway. The nearby beaches like Blackpool Sands are waiting to be explored.

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A single storey barn conversion with Frenchwindos and a mature garden of shrubs and small trees.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Bradbridge Barn is a gorgeous stone-built rural cottage in a peaceful location in Newton Ferrers in Devon. The sophisticated, open-plan cottage sleeps 4, retains features such as exposed beams and wooden panelling, and boasts a handcrafted kitchen, a lovely furnished garden, and tranquillity.

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A stone-built cottage with a first floor that forms an arch over a driveway to a courtyard.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

This smart, peaceful end-of-terrace holiday cottage is in Newton Ferrers, a scenic waterside village in a rural valley 1 1/2 miles from the South Devon Coast. It has three bedrooms and can sleep six people.

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Larger raised and paved terrace with picnic tables and railings overlooks a stone barn conversion and fields.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Butterwell Barn is a Victorian barn converted into a comfortable South Devon holiday home that sleeps up to eight near the seaside town of Dartmouth. This pet-friendly rural cottage offers reverse-level accommodation with high vaulted ceilings, oak beams, and four en-suite bedrooms.

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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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Wisteria-clad exterior of a Luxury waterside holiday home.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Stunning views of the River Yealm await visitors to Elphinstone, a large, luxurious holiday cottage in Newton Ferrers, Devon. Situated close to the sea, the impressive cottage offers a spacious deck, outdoor entertaining areas, an open-plan design, abundant natural light, a neutral palette and tranquillity.

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Exterior of a contemporary terraced seaside holiday cottage with floor-to-ceiling bedroom window.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Fastnet is a recently-built, spacious and lavish townhouse in Salcombe that is furnished to provide the best self-catering experience in Devon. It's just a short walk away from Salcombe's town centre and the beach. Fastnet is situated on the coast in the South Hams area of South Devon and can accommodate up to 8 guests in its 4 bedrooms.

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  • Sleeps 12
  • Bedrooms 5

Fluvius is a truly sophisticated cottage sitting atop a hill with expansive views of the River Teign. This large, pet-friendly cottage with a hot tub near Teignmouth promises modern luxury, an open-plan design and extensive gardens with opportunities for al fresco dining—holiday in style on the Devon coast.

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Outdoor swimming pool with table of drinks and snacks in front.
  • 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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Luxury holiday home with 1st floor being all windows with a roof terrace above.
  • Sleeps 14
  • Bedrooms 7

 

Golden Meadow is a luxurious holiday home in South Devon that offers a unique coastal retreat. The property's architectural design is a blend of steel, glass, and stone, creating a captivating appeal. The property features seven spacious bedrooms, a cinema room, and stylish reception areas, making it ideal for gatherings of family and friends. The Mediterranean-inspired outdoor spaces offer flagstone terraces and panoramic views of Start Bay. The kitchen is well-appointed, and the expansive dining room provides the perfect setting for socializing and entertaining. Golden Meadow is located near Torcross and Dartmouth, providing easy access to South Devon's sandy coves and coastal delights.

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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.

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  • 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.

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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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A stone-barn conversion surrounded by mature shrubs and trees.
  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 5

Discover Spring Barn, a large coastal cottage offering pet-friendly self-catering holidays in Hope Cove. It sleeps ten with five ground-floor bedrooms, including a master with an en-suite. Enjoy a bright, open-plan kitchen/dining area, a spacious lounge with a wood-burning stove, and outdoor spaces for all ages. Family-friendly amenities include a travel cot and a highchair. Conveniently located a mile from Malborough, it's an ideal retreat with ample parking for four cars/boats. Explore the full description for an in-depth look at this delightful South Devon cottage.

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  • Cycling Holidays
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  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays

Why Book a Holiday in South Devon?

  • 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. Dartmoor feels truly wild with ponies running wild and large expanses of moorland dotted with rocky Tors and babbling rivers.
  • South Devon has many historical and heritage sites. Dartmouth Castle is worth a visit or make your way to Greenway, a National Trust site with stunning gardens. This also used to be Agatha Christie's home.
  • This place is great for an action packed holiday! Paddle and build sand castles at Blackpool Sands or try your hand at surfing, kayaking or windsurfing among the waves at Bantham. 

 

Where Can You Explore From Your South Devon Holiday Home?

  • A fun day trip could involve taking a trip on one of the heritage railways named 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.
  • Dartmouth with its historic maritime charm and lively waterfront area is a must for exploration, this town offers an authentic English experience with delightful boat trips along River Dart. Take a rejuvenating stroll at Trelissick Gardens and feel the calm of natures beauty!
  • Torquay is another coastal gem offering miles of pristine sandy beaches, world-class seafood cuisine, shops and pubs. You can enjoy the lively promenades along Newlyn Walk, which provides breathtaking views over a sweeping expanse of golden sands that extend for kilometers into the distance.
  • You can reach Exeter city just outside of South Devon, It's a destination boasting stunning architecture and charming streets with quaint shops, cafés, galleries and market squares to explore. Don’t forget to visit Friar Gate Museum for a taste of the area's cultural heritage!
  • For those seeking outdoor adventure in South Devon, you might want to head towards Dartmoor National Park—a vast expanse of rolling moors dotted with ancient stone circles, old woodlands and hidden valleys. Visitors can embark on challenging walks, gentle rambles or try climbing on granite Tors.
  • As your journey winds down through South Devon, pay a visit to Salcombe's vibrant harbour. Stroll along its narrow streets lined with local businesses and charming pubs for an authentic taste of the region’s warm hospitality!