Delve into Devon's Box of Delights for a Dreamy Country Cottage Holiday

Devon is an idyllic playground in which to base your country cottage break and a favourite English holiday destination. Take time out to relax and unwind in its unspoilt beauty and vibrant history. From rolling hills to pretty patchwork fields, high countryside lanes, to picture postcard villages, Devon charms its visitors with a sense of the timeless.

 

Choose a traditional Devon longhouse or thatched country cottage for a sanctuary by the seaside, where every day of your holiday is a fairy tale come true.

Accommodation with Nature on the Doorstep

Surfers in DevonDevon's landscape is so special, that over half of it has been protected. Our range of Devonshire cottages is surrounded by two national parks, two World Heritage Sites, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, an international geopark, plus two varied and stunning coastlines, stretching over 500 km, with 3,500 miles of footpaths and bridleways to connect it all.

 

Whether you are seeking peace and solitude in the rugged beauty of Dartmoor and Exmoor, beachcombing along wide open beaches such as Woolacombe, or strolling among the wooded estuaries of the Tamar Valley, our range of countryside holiday cottages is near some of the most breathtaking scenery in England.

 

Nature lovers are spoilt for choice in Devon, and a holiday with English Country Cottages can put this precious landscape right on your doorstep.

Character Cottages Steeped in History and Heritage

Holiday in Devon and you'll discover that the region is studded with many stately homes, historic houses and splendid castles and cathedrals, where you can soak up historic tales of long ago. Plymouth and Dartmouth have a strong maritime history, and Buckland Abbey is home to Sir Francis Drake's famous drum.

 

Explore the myths and legends of old at ancient sites, or enjoy the favourite views of more modern legends Agatha Christie and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The 850-year-old Exeter Cathedral is a superb architectural masterpiece; Totnes Castle has one of the best examples of a Norman motte and bailey, while at the romantic ruins of Okehampton Castle you can walk in the footsteps of medieval princes.

 

Then retreat to your charming cottage to soak up your day's adventures!

Choose a Cottage Holiday for Culture and Cuisine

Devon cream tea'sDevon's lush, green pastures, rich arable land and dramatic coastal waters provide the origins for some of England's finest fresh local produce, and cottage holidays here are a delight to food lovers.

 

What better way to spend a short break, than indulging in a gastronomic event such as the Devon Festival of Food, in October, or browsing farmers markets at Widecombe-on-the-Moor and Bovey Tracey? Make full use of your cottage's self catering facilities, and prepare a feast fit for a king, or dine out in style at one of the region's many delightful restaurants.

 

For culture vultures, our range of holiday cottages make the perfect base for enjoying Devon's vibrant and lively creative arts scene. The Exeter Festival in July is a must, while jazz fans flock to the Teignmouth Jazz Festival in November. In 2008 the Devon Rocks! Programme sees a range of artistic projects to celebrate the International Year of Planet Earth, and Bideford celebrates the 10th anniversary of its Appledore Visual Arts Festival. At any time of year, you're guaranteed an array of entertainment to suit any tastes, and all within easy reach of your holiday cottage.

Holiday Homes near the Highlights and Hotspots

beach hutsFor a holiday full of family days out, Devon has no shortage of attractions: the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, Dartington Crystal, a trip to Lund Island, the cobbled streets of Clovelly, Kents Caverns, farms and wildlife parks, railways and, of course, a good old fashioned day on the beach.

 

From an English Country Cottage you can explore Exmoor or Paignton Zoo, Ilfracombe Aquarium or, for a real taste of the magic of Devon, try The Gnome Reserve and Wild Flower Garden at Holsworthy. Or for a really active short break, don't forget that the coast of North Devon offers some of the best locations for water sports anywhere in the UK.

 

Both its coast have excellent year-round surf and, whether you're trying out your skills for the first time, or watching the children refine their technique, there's something for everyone, of every level, at beaches such as Croyde, Saunton Sands and Lynmouth. Visit our availability search page to find your next holiday cottage in Devon.