North Devon Holiday Cottages

Why choose North Devon?

The area of North Devon extends along the coast from Saunton to Lynton and includes part of Exmoor National Park as well as the towns of Witheridge and Chulmleigh. It also includes the varied landscape of The North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; 66 miles of coastline, sandy coves and dense woodland. 

North Devon has many great beaches to visit and some of the best surfing spots in the UK. In fact, it’s ideal for pretty much any water sport you can think of. Try your hand at kayaking, paddle boarding or windsurfing to name a few.

Explore the great outdoors by walking or cycling along the many trails. The South West Coast Path runs the length of the North Devon coast and contains some of the best cliff views in the country. If you want to walk further inland then follow the Tarka Trail. This 32 mile route stretches from Braunton to Barnstaple and follows the route taken by Tarka the Otter, in the book of the same name written by Henry Williamson. 

Where are the best places to visit in North Devon?

Combining coast and countryside, North Devon is a diverse region that has something for everyone. The coastal towns of Saunton, Woolacombe, Ilfracombe and Lynmouth have amazing beaches, seafood restaurants and miles of walking and cycling trails. 

Visit the medieval town of Barnstaple, the largest town in North Devon. Once a thriving port, Barnstaple remains a busy market town with a traditional Pannier Market. Learn about the history of the area with a trip to one of the local museums or discover the remains of Barnstaple Castle.

Clovelly is an ancient fishing village that has remained unchanged for hundreds of years. Completely pedestrianised, the only traffic in the village are donkeys and sledges. Starting high up in the cliffs, cobbled streets descend down to an idyllic fishing port. Though not as busy as it once was, Clovelly is still famous for its lobsters and crabs.

Where are the best places to eat in North Devon?

The Masons Arms - This 13th century thatched pub is an award winning restaurant in Knowstone. Beautiful to look at from the outside; the food is just as pretty on your plate. As you would expect from a Michelin Star restaurant, only the finest local ingredients are used to create stunning dishes. 

Number Eight - Run by a young couple; Number Eight is the brainchild of chef, Joshua Jones and front of house manager, Chloe Wilks. Expect fine dining in cosy and intimate surroundings. The food is made from only the finest local ingredients and the dishes are bright, colourful and wonderfully inventive. The restaurant is only open in the evenings so it is best to book in advance. 

Custom House - Located in Barnstaple, Custom House specialise in American comfort food, including fried chicken, steak and mac n cheese. The star of the menu however are the customisable burgers. Choose from loads of different salads, cheeses, toppings and sauces. You could come back night after night and try a completely different combination!

What are the best attractions in North Devon?

If you love the outdoors then there is plenty to keep you entertained in North Devon. Walk or cycle along the trails or visit one of the many beaches along the coast such as Saunton Sands or Combesgate Beach. Explore the rock pools, build sandcastles or try out the water sport activities on offer.

From Ilfracombe you can take a boat trip and see the stunning North Devon Coastline from sea level. The Ilfracombe Princess has a choice of three cruises on offer of varying lengths, including a two hours cruise past Bull Point Lighthouse and out to sea in search of seals. Whilst in Ilfracombe head along to Chambercombe Manor, a property rich in history that dates back to the 11th century. It is said to be one of the most haunted buildings in the UK, inhabited by a lady who died while visiting the house.

For something different why not take a trip to The Ultimate Adventure Centre in Bideford, a huge outdoor assault course. Take on the Ultimate Assault - ride the water slides, traverse climbing walls and try and get across the giant inflatable wipeout balls.

Types of Holidays in North Devon

Our collection of North Devon cottages cater for all tastes and types of holidays. Our large cottages are perfect for special occasions, whilst our cottages with hot tubs offer a relaxing retreat after a busy day exploring. Contact our friendly travel experts today if you would like help finding your perfect self-catering North Devon holiday cottage.