Find a holiday cottage to explore the magnificent landscapes that Devon offers
There is nothing better than staying in a cosy countryside cottage whilst exploring a beautiful area. Devon is a county of stunning landscape that seems to go on forever with two beautiful coastlines. Rent a holiday let or holiday cottage in Devon to be in the depth of this county and close to many of its sights. From visiting the Bovey Castle in the Dartmoor National Park to visiting Exeter's Cathedral on a day drip there is something for everyone to see and do. If you are more interested in getting stuck into some activities then why not canoe around Roadford Lake or go surfing in Croyde, Woolacombe or Saunton. Devon is the perfect place to explore England and stay in a lovely holiday rental.
How to Get to Devon
The train is the most scenic route to get to Devon – departing from London Paddington and Waterloo to Exeter and Plymouth. The train takes around 2h10mins.
Otherwise, driving is the best way to travel around the countryside, come along the M1 or M4 from the north-east and link to M5.
Getting Around in Devon
Travelling by car is the easiest option for those who want to properly explore the depths of the Devonshire countryside. Avoid sporadic transport timetables and enjoy the freedom of having your car. Cycling could also be an option. Otherwise use public transport such as Devon's buses or the south Devon railway.
Where to book a holiday cottage in Devon?
Salcombe
Book a holiday cottage in Salcombe for your family to stay in this popular resort town in Devon. This town sits on the banks of the Salcombe Estuary making it a stunning location to look for a holiday rental. It is a great base for accessing surrounding areas of Devon as well as for sailing, kayaking or paddle boarding in the crystal blue waters.
Dartmouth
Find a holiday home in Dartmouth to stay on the idyllic bank of the estuary of the River Dart. Explore this area of National Outstanding Beauty: notable attractions in Dartmouth include the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth Castle and the Dartmouth Steam Railway, making it a good place to stay with your family in a holiday home.
Exeter
Stay in a bed and breakfast in Exeter, an ancient city of in the southwest of England. Exeter holiday homes are cosy and well located in the city for you to explore. Visit Exeter Cathedral in its magnificence of Gothic architecture or the Royal Albert Memorial Museum.
Woolacombe
Booking a guest house in Woolacombe will be a beach and surfer's dream in this seaside resort on the coast of North Devon. Head to Woolacombe Beach for a lovely walk and spot the jellyfish that have been washed up onshore. Barricane Beach has lots of rockpools for children to go crabbing in, book a holiday cottage near here for the perfect family holiday.
Plymouth
Plymouth has a slightly different vibe to the rest of Devon. It is a great place to rent an apartment or stay in a hostel as it is set in a city of excitement and entertainment. By the waterside, there is a great theatre, live music and art galleries in Plymouth as well as being steeped in history.
Torbay/The English Riviera
This borough of Devon, also often called the English Riviera because of its beautiful clear blue waters on its coast is definitely worth a visit for seaside and sun lovers. Booking a house with sea view in Torquay will place you close to the beautiful scenery of Thatcher Rock, finding a holiday cottage in Brixham you will be just a few steps from its picturesque harbour and beaches and a holiday apartment in Paignton is a great option for families wanting to visit its famous Zoo Environmental Park.
Exmoor
The dramatic beauty of Exmoor is definitely a place to book a holiday let for your stay. An area surrounded by hiking, riding, climbing or cycling whilst also being full of lovely country pubs, restaurants and cafes. Perhaps stay in a holiday inn.
What to do in Devon
Devon Railway Centre
This is the perfect activity to entertain the young ones. The Devon Railway Centre welcomes you to a day of railway-themed fun as well as proving interesting facts about the British rail.
Roadford Lake
This stunning lake is situated in the beautiful surroundings of the Wolf Valley. Explore and discover the outside air, go den-building, hunt in the woodlands and enjoy walking around the largest inland water in south west.
Best Beaches in Devon
Croyde Bay Beach
Situated between Woolacombe and Saunton Sands, this beach is sandy not rocky. Loved by surfers for its consistent waves.
Woolacombe Beach
Enjoy 3 miles of Woolacombe beach, a stunning stretch of golden sands. RNLI lifeguards are on patrol from Easter to September to keep you safe from the strong tides. It is a great beach for paddle boarding and learning to surf.
Barricane Beach
A quiet option with exotic shells and rocky caves and inlets! For any geography enthusiast there are some cool rock formations.
Beer Beach
Visit this picturesque fishing villages surrounded by beautiful boats and limestone cliffs. A great beach to come for a picnic or enjoy a pint at the Anchor Inn.
When to go to Devon
Visiting in the school holidays is asking for busy roads, beaches and towns, however the summer is usually the best time to go because of the weather. Most of Devon's main attractions, museums and National Trust areas are open from April to October so you ideally want to be going in between these times. Avoid driving on a Saturday down to Devon because this is usually turnover day.