Holiday rentals and lettings in South Devon

• Choice of holiday homes: Self-catering cottages, holiday homes and glamping sites suit couples, families and groups of friends in search of rural relaxation.
• Best places to stay: Base yourself in Salcombe or Dartmouth for sailing and estuary views, Totnes for history, or Bigbury-on-Sea for relaxed family beach days.
• Loved by guests: Recent visitors praise the peaceful coastal settings of South Devon holiday homes, as well as the well-equipped kitchens and gardens and proximity to the beaches and the coast path.
• When to visit: Summer brings the warmest beach weather, whilst late spring and autumn offer quieter lanes, mild walking weather and better value.
• Things to do: Walk the South West Coast Path, ride the South Devon Railway, explore Dartmoor and discover historic castles and gardens across the region.

Look out for charming self-catering cottages in South Devon tucked into harbour villages, modern holiday homes with sea views, and back-to-nature glamping stays on the edge of Dartmoor. Travelling with your dog? There are plenty of dog-friendly cottages in South Devon too, so the whole family can come along. Many properties are well placed for both the coast and the countryside. Popular amenities include:

• Gardens, patios or terraces
• Fast Wi-Fi throughout
• Sea, estuary or rolling countryside views
• Pet-friendly spaces
• Fully-equipped kitchens

For something a little different, rustic log cabins in South Devon blend genuine comfort with a real sense of the great outdoors.

What are the best areas to stay in South Devon?

The best base depends on your plans: Salcombe and Dartmouth are hard to beat for sailing and estuary scenery, whilst inland Totnes suits history lovers. The table below details regions for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

South Devon holiday homes earn consistently high marks from our guests, who regularly praise the peaceful coastal settings, comfortable interiors and warm welcomes from local hosts. Many reviewers highlight how easy it is to reach the beaches, the South West Coast Path and the pretty harbour towns straight from the door.

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

1. Kittiwake - 10.0: A welcoming cottage for five in the waterside village of Noss Mayo, unbeatable spot for estuary walks and creekside pubs.
2. The Bothy - 10.0: A charming retreat for four near Slapton, with its own enclosed garden and handy access to the long shingle sweep of Slapton Sands and the coast path.
3. Breakwater View - 9.5+: A comfortable coastal cottage for four at Bovisand, with a sunny yard and sweeping sea views just a short stroll from the beach.

South Devon sits in the south-west corner of England, stretching from the wild heights of Dartmoor down to a sheltered, south-facing coastline along the English Channel.

✈️What is the best way to get to South Devon?

Getting to South Devon is straightforward, with good links by road, rail and air. Here are the most common ways to get to the region:

• Car: Most visitors arrive by car along the M5 motorway to Exeter, then join the A38 or A380 heading south towards Plymouth, Torbay and the South Hams. Driving gives you the freedom to reach tucked-away villages and beaches, though the country lanes can be narrow.
• Train: Mainline trains run from London Paddington and the Midlands to Totnes, Plymouth and Newton Abbot, where you can pick up branch lines and local buses. From there, the scenic Riviera Line hugs the coast towards Paignton.
• Plane: Exeter Airport lies just north of the region, with seasonal UK and European flights, whilst Bristol Airport is around two hours away by motorway. Hire a car for the final leg of the journey.

🥗Where to eat in South Devon?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, The Seahorse is the best-rated restaurant in South Devon. Below is a table showing the top 5 highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers Katie and Will recommend Café Alf Resco in Dartmouth: a buzzy, sun-trap courtyard café that became their go-to spot for hearty breakfasts and strong coffee before a morning out on the water.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit South Devon is from late spring to early autumn, when the coast is at its most inviting. July and August bring the warmest weather and the liveliest beaches, whilst May, June and September offer quieter lanes, milder walking conditions and better value. Winter is peaceful and atmospheric, ideal for a cosy coastal escape.

Summer (July to August)

• Best for: Beach holidays, watersports and family days out.
• Weather: Warm and bright, with the year's highest temperatures and sea warm enough for swimming.
• Atmosphere: Busy and buzzing, with packed beaches, festivals and a lively holiday mood.

Spring and autumn (shoulder season)

• Best for: Walking, sightseeing and couples seeking a quieter break.
• Weather: Mild and changeable, with plenty of bright days and the occasional shower.
• Atmosphere: Relaxed and uncrowded, with gardens in bloom or autumn colour and easier parking.

Winter

• Best for: Cosy retreats, bracing coastal walks and a peaceful escape.
• Weather: Cool, often breezy and damp, with crisp, clear spells between fronts.
• Atmosphere: Quiet and restful, with welcoming pubs and dramatic, empty beaches.

⭐Our hosts' recommendation: Our South Devon local expert, Sarah of Quays Cottage, recommends timing your visit around low tide at Bigbury-on-Sea so you can walk across the sands to Burgh Island, explore the rock pools and ride the quirky sea tractor back as the water returns. You can read more about local tips on Sarah's page.

1. Walk a stretch of the South West Coast Path
2. Ride the South Devon Railway steam train
3. Explore wild Dartmoor National Park
4. Discover historic castles and gardens
5. Hit the beach at Bigbury-on-Sea

1. Walk a stretch of the South West Coast Path

   The South West Coast Path threads along the entire South Devon shoreline, linking sheltered coves, dramatic headlands and pretty harbour towns. One of the finest sections runs from Salcombe out to Bolt Head, with sweeping sea views, wildflowers and the chance to spot seabirds along the cliffs. Enjoy a gentle hour-long loop or tackle a full day's hike.

2. Ride the South Devon Railway steam train

   Step back in time aboard the South Devon Railway, a lovingly restored steam line that runs for seven miles along the wooded banks of the River Dart. The journey from Buckfastleigh to Totnes rolls past quiet valleys, grazing cattle and dense woodland, with beautifully preserved stations along the way.

3. Explore wild Dartmoor National Park

   On South Devon's northern edge, Dartmoor National Park is a vast expanse of open moorland, granite tors and free-roaming ponies. Climb the famous Haytor for far-reaching views, seek out ancient stone circles and prehistoric remains, or simply lose yourself on the walking trails. For a real adventure you can base yourself at a campsite in Devon and wake up surrounded by nature.

4. Discover historic castles and gardens

   South Devon is rich in history, from Dartmouth Castle, perched at the mouth of the River Dart with views over the harbour and sea, to the romantic ruins of Berry Pomeroy Castle, wrapped in woodland and legend. Garden lovers should not miss Coleton Fishacre, a 1920s house whose lush, subtropical grounds tumble down towards the sea.

5. Hit the beach at Bigbury-on-Sea

   The wide golden sands of Bigbury-on-Sea are perfect for swimming, kitesurfing and lazy days of building sandcastles. When the tide is out, walk across to Burgh Island to explore its rugged paths, or wait for the water to return and ride the famous sea tractor back. If you fancy venturing further afield, the beaches and cottages in Cornwall are an easy day's adventure away across the county border.