Cottages in Devon

• Cottages for every group: Devon's holiday cottages range from snug getaways for two to spacious farmhouses with room for eight or more, many with enclosed gardens, wood burners and pet-friendly touches.
• Where to base yourself: Coastal Salcombe and Ilfracombe suit beach days, whilst Dartmoor villages and rural mid-Devon offer peace, walking trails and easy moorland access.
• Top-rated stays: Our highest-rated Devon cottages earned near-perfect guest scores this past year, praised for spotless interiors, warm welcomes and peaceful settings close to the coast.
• Where to eat: Devon's food scene shines, from farm-to-table feasts at Riverford Field Kitchen to fresh seafood in Dartmouth and proper cream teas by the river.
• Things to do: Explore Dartmoor's tors, ride the Dartmouth Steam Railway, surf at Saunton Sands and discover historic Compton Castle.

Devon's self-catering cottages span every style and budget, from snug one-bedroom retreats for couples in search of a cosy escape to charming farmhouses and barn conversions sleeping eight or more. Many come with enclosed gardens, log fires and far-reaching countryside views. If a cottage isn't quite what you're after, Devon also offers stylish villas, spacious holiday homes and cosy log cabins tucked away in woodland and rolling hills across the county. Whatever your plans, Devon's cottages come packed with the comforts that make a self-catering holiday effortless:

• Enclosed gardens and patios for long summer evenings
• Wood burners and open fires for cosy autumn breaks
• Fully equipped kitchens for proper home-cooked meals
• Dog-friendly cottages so the whole family can come along
• Fast Wi-Fi and parking right at the door

Filter by the features that matter most to you and book a cottage that fits your holiday perfectly.

What are the best areas to stay in Devon?

For first-time visitors, South Devon offers the easiest mix of beaches, estuaries and pretty harbour towns. The table below details regions for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Don't just take our word for it — guests consistently rank Devon's holiday cottages among their favourite stays in the South West. Over the past year, reviewers have praised warm welcomes from hosts, immaculate interiors and peaceful settings just minutes from the coast or the moor. Whether you're travelling as a couple or a larger group, visitors return again and again for the comfort, character and value these cottages offer.

Here are our top-rated holiday cottages from the past year:

1. Barn Court Cottage - 10.0: A pet-friendly cottage near Washfield, praised for its peaceful rural setting, enclosed garden and spotless, well-equipped interiors — an ideal base for exploring mid-Devon.
2. Lawn Vista Cabin - 10.0: A snug retreat for two near Barnstaple, with guests highlighting the private garden, thoughtful touches and quiet location close to North Devon's beaches.
3. The Granary - 10.0: Sleeping six, this spacious Devon cottage won guests over with comfortable rooms and a convenient setting — a firm favourite for family getaways.

Devon sits in the far south-west of England, bordered by Cornwall to the west and Dorset and Somerset to the east, with two contrasting coastlines and the wild expanse of Dartmoor at its heart. Its windswept beaches are popular with surfers, while its dramatic coastlines are a walker's paradise. Wild ponies on the moors add to its appeal.

🥗Where to eat in Devon?

Devon is a top choice for foodie travellers who enjoy farm-to-table fare. Locally-grown fruit and ultra-fresh seafood are commonly seen on menus - and, of course, this is the home of cream teas. Be sure to assemble yours cream-first, as the locals do. Here are our travel experts' recommendations:

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers Ella and Ryan recommend Otterton Mill in Devon: a working watermill café in the Otter Valley serving stone-ground bread baked on site and a proper Devon cream tea by the river — exactly the slow, local feel a cottage holiday is all about.

1. Hike across Dartmoor National Park
2. Ride the Dartmouth Steam Railway
3. Surf at Saunton Sands
4. Explore historic Compton Castle
5. Walk the Valley of Rocks
6. Unwind on Blackpool Sands
7. Enjoy family fun at the World of Country Life

1. Hike across Dartmoor National Park

   Dartmoor National Park is the wild heart of Devon, a vast expanse of granite tors, heather moorland and ancient woodland. Lace up your boots and climb High Willhays, the highest point in southern England at 621 metres, or follow gentler trails past Bronze Age stone circles and grazing wild ponies. The protected landscape is a haven for walkers, wild swimmers and stargazers alike.

2. Ride the Dartmouth Steam Railway

   Step back in time aboard the Dartmouth Steam Railway, where vintage locomotives puff along nearly seven miles of glorious coastline between Paignton and Kingswear. As steam drifts past the windows and the whistle sounds, you'll take in sweeping views over Torbay and the wooded banks of the River Dart. At Kingswear you can hop on a ferry across to Dartmouth itself, with its colourful quayside and independent shops.

3. Surf at Saunton Sands

   For a proper taste of the North Devon coast, head to Saunton Sands, a vast three-mile sweep of golden beach backed by the Braunton Burrows dunes. Its long, rolling waves make it one of the best spots in the country for longboarding, and the gentle breaks are forgiving enough for first-timers taking a lesson.

4. Explore historic Compton Castle

   Tucked into a quiet valley near Torquay, Compton Castle is a wonderfully preserved medieval manor house and one of Devon's hidden gems. For centuries it was home to the seafaring Gilbert family, whose members helped to colonise Newfoundland. Wander the great hall, climb the towers and explore the walled gardens that frame the fortified façade. Now cared for by the National Trust, the house offers a vivid window onto Devon's rich and turbulent past.

5. Walk the Valley of Rocks

   Just west of Lynton on the dramatic North Devon coast, the Valley of Rocks is a striking dry valley where jagged crags tumble towards the sea. Herds of wild goats roam the slopes, and the well-worn coastal path offers walking with the hills on one side and the Bristol Channel on the other. Photographers adore the way the early light catches the weathered rock formations.

6. Unwind on Blackpool Sands

   Despite the name, Blackpool Sands is a sheltered, crescent-shaped beach in South Devon framed by evergreen-clad hills. Its calm, clear water and golden shingle make it a firm favourite for swimming, paddleboarding and lazy afternoons with a picnic. The beach is well looked after, with a café serving local produce. Tucked just a few miles from Dartmouth, it's an idyllic spot to relax and recharge between sightseeing sessions.

7. Enjoy family fun at the World of Country Life

   Families with children will find plenty to love at the World of Country Life near Exmouth, an all-in-one attraction combining a farm, playground, museum and gardens. Little ones can feed deer by hand, meet friendly farm animals and bounce on the trampolines, whilst the Victorian street and vintage exhibits keep grown-ups entertained. For more thrills, the nearby Crealy Theme Park & Resort packs in rides for every age.