Holiday homes & rentals in Devon

Devon is a perfect destination for families - children will be more than happy playing on one of Devon’s many beaches, or in the countryside around your holiday cottage.

There are so many beaches in Devon that you could spend a month going to one each day and still not see them all. For a break from sandcastle-making, book the kids into surf school at Croyde or Woolacombe to learn the basics of surfing or bodyboarding, or take them to see the UK’s largest aquarium in Plymouth.

Devon has many scenic corners offering cosy and comfortable holiday cottages - there's definitely something for everyone.

Salcombe: In the pretty waterside town of Salcombe you can enjoy a thrilling sailing experience in the Kingsbridge Estuary. Or catch a ferry and cruise in search of nearby solitary beaches.

Dartmouth: This quaint harbour town is built on a hill overlooking the river Dart. The town prides itself of its many festivals and the charming Dartmouth Castle.

Woolacombe: Famous for its beach, the fun holiday parks and the vibrant village, Woolacombe is a family friendly holiday spot.

Beaches, swimming and surfing

The main reason for visiting Devon is the beaches. You're spoilt for choice, with five kilometres of golden sands at Woolacombe Beach for family friendly swimming and sandcastles, Croyde Bay for rockpooling and surfing, or Torquay for the traditional British seaside holiday experience. Nine of Devon's beaches, including the popular Blackpool Sands beach in Dartmouth and South Sands beach in Salcombe, have been awarded the Blue Flag accreditation as testament to their cleanliness.

Family days out

Devon isn’t short of history either, and it’s just a short hop from many Devon holiday lettings to Plymouth Hoe or Exeter Cathedral. Crealy Adventure Park offers a mix of children's attractions alongside other rollercoasters to keep the teenagers happy, and a great plan for cooler days is the enormous National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth. For family friendly days out from your Devon holiday homes, visit the apes and giraffes at Paignton Zoo, or the miniature houses at Babbacombe Model Village.

National parks

To discover the great outdoors in Devon, look no further than the greater Dartmoor area. This region boasts beautiful national parks with rolling hills and granite outcroppings, which are home to wild ponies, along with many other animals.

Devon is predominantly rural, but the mid-size city of Exeter features plenty of art, culture and nightlife, alongside its breathtaking cathedral. The town of Plymouth also has a charming Old Town district with offbeat restaurants, galleries and bars. If you are still yearning for a trip to a bigger city, hop on a train for a short trip up to Bristol for shopping, restaurants and everything a major city has to offer.

The next county to the west, Cornwall, has just as much for visitors as Devon, and Tintagel castle and the pretty village of Fowey are both worth visiting. Take a look at leaflets and other information in your Devon holiday letting - it's impossible to cram everything there is to see into one visit, and you'll have to prioritise.

Woolacombe Beach

Located in the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, sandy Woolacombe Beach is popular with surfers because of its breaking waves.

The Donkey Sanctuary

Hundreds of donkeys including the large French Poitou donkeys with their distinctive shaggy coats are waiting to meet you. The sanctuary is located in Sidmouth along the Jurassic Coast.

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park

Home to 2.000 animals of 300 different species, the zoo's collection is categorised by habitat. Prominent exhibits include the Desert House, Forest Animals, Wetland Birds and the Tropical Forest House.

Yaraks Birds Of Prey Falconry Centre

The centre welcomes those who'd like to handle and fly birds of prey in an undisturbed, natural environment. Make an appointment to visit the owls, hawks, falcons and eagles.

Plymouth Hoe

The Hoe, a clifftop ridge boasts splendid views over the ocean bay and Drake's Island. Look out for Smeaton’s Tower lighthouse, an impressive 18th c. engineering feat.