From the wilds of Dartmoor to the wooded hillsides of the Lyn Valley, Devon is undoubtedly one of England's most beautiful counties. Its overwhelmingly rural landscape means that catered accommodation is restricted to over-subscribed Bed and Breakfasts and hotels which are mostly concentrated in towns like Exeter and Barnstaple.
Devon is a great location for a family holiday in the great outdoors, with everything from beach resorts at Ilfracombe to rambling in the hills of Exmoor and tors of Dartmoor. It is a large county, but whether you want to follow the Tarka Trail, or walk down the Doone Valley, you can be sure there will be cottages open for holiday rentals nearby.
Most of Devon's holiday rental cottages started as farm buildings of some sort, and planning restrictions mean that many of them retain their rural charm on the outside. However, the cottages are generally renovated to 21st Century standards inside, with double glazing, TV, washing machines and fully-equipped kitchens. Families are well catered for in the higher end properties with games rooms, sometimes including full-size pool tables and large gardens for children to explore.
Despite the unpredictability of Devon's weather even during the summer months, the comfort of these properties gives great peace of mind. Moreover, a week's holiday rental of a cottage in Devon can cost as little as £300 - £400. During the peak season you can spend as much as £900 a month for one of the larger or more luxurious cottages, which still works out to be cheaper than a lot of hotels, especially if you have to book several rooms to accommodate a family of four or five.
To get the best of Devon's startling countryside and its friendly communities, renting a holiday cottage near Lynton and Lynmouth can be a good start. It is a useful base from which to explore North Devon, and is within walking distance of several beauty spots, such as Watersmeet (complete with a small but impressive waterfall) and the Valley of the Rocks. Separated by a steep cliff, you can travel up a funicular railway from coastal Lynmouth to clifftop Lynton, with plenty of stunning walks, shopping opportunities and several beaches and boat trips to nearby coastal attractions.
The twin villages also boast a concentration of well-equipped holiday cottages, from modest fisherman's cottages on the path to Watersmeet to grander hillside houses on the way to the Valley of the Rocks. Whatever your budget, Lynton and Lynmouth can provide some tempting accommodation options for your first Devon holiday.
5.0 based on 4 reviews
A small quirky gallery full of gorgeous original art and gifts by local artists and makers also serving takeaway coffee and cakes. We are still open during lockdown serving takeaway drinks, cakes and healthy vegan salad boxes, but have restricted our opening hrs to weekend only for Jan/Feb. If you would like a virtual tour of our gorgeous art and creations by local artists and makers then do drop us a line :)) Thanks and stay safe xxx
Really friendly staff, delicious coffee, cakes and salad boxes on offer to suit all tastes. A one way system, hand sanitiser and counter screen enhance customer safety in light of Covid-19. The mix of local art work available to buy makes a feast for eyes too! The beach and a beautiful public garden are just a stones throw away giving a choice of settings to enjoy your take away.
4.5 based on 310 reviews
Marwood Hill Garden, Garden Tea Room and Plant Nursery Welcome to this very special private garden tucked secretly away in a Devon valley. Covering some 20 acres, with three beautiful lakes, this tranquil garden will provide a day of both inspiration and relaxation for the whole family.From the moment the first snowdrops poke their little noses through in spring there is so much to see throughout the year until the rich autumnal tints and shiny fat berries of autumn. The magnificent display of blossom from the massed camellias and rhododendrons is followed by a stream of colour in the bog gardens, as carpets of primulas and iris in all the colours of the rainbow, burst forth. The National Collection of Astilbes follows in a foamy symphony of pastel hues and hydrangeas on the hillside, like French petticoats in sky and lilac, sparkle in the sun. We garden with wildlife always in our minds and providing habitats for them is extremely important. Tucked away around the gardens are piles of branches and mounds of leaves home to lots of lovely bugs and beasts! Kingfishers are regular visitors to the lake and the areas of rough grass provide both food and hibernating site for the young of many butterflies and moths. Well behaved dogs on leads welcome. Children under 12 Free.
What a wonderful garden. We visited on a damp day and were the only people there. A beautifully tranquil visit enhanced by a visit to the lovely tea rooms where we can strongly recommend the ginger scones.
4.5 based on 13 reviews
The Old Morgue is designed to offer a Contemporary Social Community Space. Our facilities are designed to complement the community and the current facilities available in the area. We offer a large Social space combined with bar, cafe and gaming areas.
4.0 based on 261 reviews
Treat yourself to a creative experience at China Blue’s paint-you-own ceramic studio - the largest of its kind in the South West! If paintings not your thing, then take time to look around our homeware & accessories store, packed full of gifts ideas for any occasion. Or sit back, relax and refuel in our cafe. Open 7 days a week. Cafe & Homeware Store - Mon / Sat 9:00 – 4:30, Sun 10:00 – 4:00. Ceramic Studio - Mon / Sat 10:00 – 4:30, Sun 10:00 – 4:00
Great place to chill and relax - a little time away from it all. Great cafe for a visit after you have painted a pot or two! It's a tad pricey especially when everyone wants to do an extra piece but it's worth a visit and it isn't something that you do every day. You'll love it - great help from the staff in the painting area and amazing cakes - some dairy and gluten free too, so all good!
4.0 based on 10 reviews
4.0 based on 187 reviews
Bickleigh Mill was built in the late 18th century and was milling corn until the devastating floods of the 1960’s. Today the Bickleigh Mill offers three floors of retail therapy, plus a delightful Bistro. Shop - From British produced goods to exotic gifts from around the world, Bickleigh Mill offers a huge range to suit all tastes. Whether it’s a present for a special occasion, a holiday gift or just spoiling yourself, you won’t leave empty-handed Dine - Set in the Old Mill House, our restaurant has such a warm and traditional atmosphere that it makes you feel at home as soon as you walk through the door. Log fires during the winter months and views of the waterside gardens and mill wheel add something special to any occasion. Bickleigh Mill is adjacent to the Exe Valley Way in beautiful Mid-Devon, the shop boasts a dedicated toy floor and is dog friendly so the perfect place to visit with the whole family!
Visited here on Friday for the third time, as in previous times the food has been excellent, the specials board offers an extensive choice and all reasonably priced.The staff are all wonderful and attentive plus Bickleigh Mill has the added bonus of a shop within the old mill stocked with a beautiful array of gifts and crafts all within a unique setting. Will definitely be visiting again soon.
5.0 based on 1 reviews
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