Finding the best holiday cottages in Devon
Devon is one of the UK’s most popular staycation destinations, and it’s so easy to see why. From the wild, open landscapes of Dartmoor to the golden sands of the English Riviera, there’s something here for everyone. But with so many holiday cottages to choose from, how do you know you’re picking the right one?
Nowadays, most people rely on popular websites like Airbnb, Sykes Cottages, Cottages.com, or even the National Trust, but there are so many more hidden gems just waiting to be discovered! In fact, there are roughly 5,000 holiday lets to choose from in Devon alone.
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend away, a family holiday, or a big group getaway, here’s what to look for when choosing the best holiday cottages in Devon for your trip:
1. Decide what kind of break you want
Before you start browsing, it’s worth thinking about the type of holiday you’re actually after. Are you looking for:
- A romantic break for two, with a bit of luxury thrown in?
- A family holiday with space for your little ones to run around?
- A group holiday with friends or extended family?
- An adventure-packed break planned around walking, cycling, or the great outdoors?
Knowing this early on will save you from the effort of doomscrolling and help you narrow down not just the size of cottage you need, but the facilities and location that will suit your preferences best.
2. Check what’s actually on-site
Devon has no shortage of beautiful holiday cottages, but not all of them come with much to do if there’s an unexpected downpour. There’s something incredibly British about going to the beach when it’s raining, but if you’d prefer not to be affected by the weather, look for a property with facilities, such as:
- An indoor heated swimming pool – a genuine lifesaver on a rainy Devon afternoon, and a big hit with children of all ages.
- A private hot tub – perfect for unwinding after a day of coastal walks, whatever the season.
- A games room, tennis court, or on-site fishing lakes, if you’re staying with a group who want more than one way to spend an evening.
Don’t forget to check exactly which cottages have access to which facilities, as this can vary even within the same collection of properties.
3. Think about location
Devon is a relatively big county, and where you stay will have a huge impact on your entire trip. As a rule of thumb:
- Staying near Dartmoor puts you close to moorland, ancient woodland, and some of the best walking opportunities in the South West.
- Staying near the coast positions you closer to beaches, but often further away from the tranquillity of the countryside.
The good news is that in South Devon, you get the best of both worlds – holiday cottages on the edge of Dartmoor, for example, are often just a 20 to 30 minute drive from the coast, meaning you don’t have to choose between the countryside and the beach.
Make sure to check how long the drive will take to get to where you actually want to visit. “Devon” doesn’t mean everything is on your doorstep – what might look like a relatively short distance could quickly turn into a long drive time down country lanes!
4. Look for dog-friendly options
If you’re planning to bring your furry friend, don’t leave it until the last minute. Dog-friendly holiday cottages tend to book up fast, and not every property (or even every cottage within a collection) will accept pets. Look out for:
- Dog-friendly holiday cottages with secure, enclosed gardens.
- Nearby dog-walking fields or meadowland, so your dog doesn’t have to be on a lead the entire stay.
- Dog-friendly beaches within a reasonable drive, if a seaside walk is part of the plan.
5. Read recent reviews
A high star rating can give you a good indication of what to expect when staying at the best holiday cottages in Devon. However, don’t just look at the overall rating – make sure to read a handful of recent reviews and look for comments on the things that matter most to you:
- Cleanliness
- How well-equipped the kitchen is
- How private the outdoor space feels
- Whether the facilities (pool, hot tub, games room) were well maintained during their stay
Reviews mentioning a returning guest are usually a good sign – people don’t rebook somewhere they didn’t enjoy.
6. Consider the time of year
Devon holiday cottages aren’t just for the summer.
If you’re after a winter or autumn break, look for cottages with wood-burning stoves and undercover hot tubs, so you can enjoy the cosier months in comfort. On the other hand, if you’re planning a summer holiday, book early – the best holiday cottages in Devon, and the best weeks, go quickly.
You might find that you can get better rates during off-peak seasons, so if you’re on a budget and have the flexibility to avoid busier periods, it’s certainly worth exploring your options.
7. Look for award-winning accommodation
Last but not least, awards and accreditations aren’t just nice badges on a website – they’re actual proof that the properties have been independently assessed and recognised by third- party organisations. Many of the best holiday cottages in Devon are award-winning, giving a strong indication that your experience there will be a good one. To name just a few example awards:
- SME Best of British Getaways
- Prestige Awards
- LUXlife
- Cottages.com Customers’ Choice Awards
Ready to find your perfect holiday cottage in Devon?
At Little Dunley Cottages, we’re set within 24 acres of tranquil countryside on the edge of Dartmoor in Bovey Tracey, just 20 minutes from the nearest beach, giving you the best of both worlds at our holiday cottages in Devon.
Accommodating couples, as well as groups of up to six people, plus on-site facilities like an indoor heated pool, hot tubs, a games room, and fishing lakes, we’ve got the perfect base for your next Devon getaway. Why not book a massage or beauty treatment to add that extra touch of luxury to your stay?
Browse our full range of holiday cottages or check availability and book online today.
What our guests say
Take a look at just a couple of reviews we received to give you an idea of what it’s like at Little Dunley Cottages (but we’ll let you make your own mind up when you come and stay with us!):
Apple Lodge
“Just back from a week in Apple Lodge as a family of six (two adults and four boys aged 10-1. They particularly appreciated the on-site facilities, tennis courts and games room.
We loved the hot tub and the lodge itself was really contemporary, finished to a high standard with even a lovely little welcome pack awaiting our arrival.
Whilst there, we had a small power cut and not all the appliances came back online afterwards, we called for assistance and the issue was fixed very quickly.
I’ve holidayed a great deal in the UK and have rarely returned to the same accommodation, but would do so without hesitation in this case, we would love to go back again in the next year or two.Rooms: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Location: 5/5
Nearby activities
We did Kents Cavern, Babbacombe Model Village, Becky Falls, visited Teignmouth Beach and Clapper Bridge
Hotel highlights
Luxury, Great view, Romantic, Quiet, Child-friendly, Great value”
Victoria Johnston, Google
Oaktree Cottage
“In April 2026 we experienced a weeks’ stay in The Oaktree Cottage at Little Dunley Cottages and we wish to share our positive review with others.
Our accommodation was immensely satisfactory, being clean, comfortable, warm and very peaceful. Dom, the Estates manager, was friendly, helpful and with a pleasant attitude, which was coupled with efficiency. He could not be faulted.
We both enjoyed the privacy of the garden and the close proximity to the swimming pool. The pool was a joy, as were the facilities therein.
The cottage was equipped with all items to enable home cooking if we wished and there was a nearby laundry room. However, only one mile away was an excellent pub where we could enjoy a variety of menus.
The location was great, being so near to Bovey Tracey and the various amenities. Places of interest, i.e. (House of Marbles) and being on the edge of Dartmoor itself, was an additional bonus.
We can thoroughly recommend this holiday complex for a relaxing holiday, and will, no doubt, be returning at some time in the future.Rooms: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Location: 5/5”
Kathleen Ayers, Google