Devon is a spectacularly varied county in the South West, from the windswept beauty of heather-covered Dartmoor to the two distinctive coastlines where you can spend your days catching waves or rays, or walking along the rugged cliffs. One of the simplest, but loveliest things to do in Devon is to wander the towns and villages, which are brimming with beautifully preserved heritage attractions, quaint rural architecture and traditional, open-fire pubs.
Our cosy cottages in Devon are found all over the country, from the north coast to the south coast and in the wilds of Dartmoor too. From holiday homes with nearby beaches, walking and hiking paths right on your doorstep and hot tubs to come back to, there’s something to tick every box. Oh, and don’t forget the pooch! More than half of our cottages in Devon are dog-friendly so even the four-legged family members can join in the fun!
Discover the Oliver’s Travels way, where style and character define every handpicked rental in Devon. Our destination experts curate unique homes in beautiful locations that are perfect for families and guaranteed to ‘wow’.
Once you book a holiday, the service doesn’t stop there. Our Concierge Service means you’ll be in good hands to arrange in-house chefs, fridge stocking, housekeeping, and so much more, to make your stay truly extraordinary.
Devon is the kind of destination that rewards exploration. With coastlines on two separate sides of England you’ll have seaside towns and clifftop walks to enjoy, and with Dartmoor and Exmoor your adventures can expand to kayaking, hiking or just admiring the spectacular scenery. Whether you’re searching for a family adventure or craving a lazy day on a gorgeous beach you’ll have options aplenty.
Although Devon may strike you as a beach holiday destination, that’s not all it has to offer. With stunning countryside and moors galore, you can breathe in the fresh country air and let the kids run wild. And with many of our cottages in Devon offering nearby walking and hiking paths, you won’t have to go far to experience it in all its glory.
It’s no secret that Devonshire cuisine is a big hit with locals and tourists alike. Think organic food and inventive, trendy dishes made from only the freshest ingredients. Whether you’re all about the meat or more of a veggie at heart, the locally farmed produce has a very short journey from field to fork, making every dish a flavourful feast. Inland, the farms provide rich cheeses and even wine or you can head to the coast for menus decided by the daily catch!
Make sure to try the famous Brixham crab in a tasty salad or risk the hangover with a glass of scrumpy, a particularly potent cider that locals love.
The diverse activities and attractions to fit both the laziest and the most adrenaline-filled days out.
For some traditional charm, Ashburton is a stunning little market town near Dartmoor with a focus on environmentally friendly living. Pop into the galleries, have a bite at the many cafes and restaurants or have a nosy in the antiques. There’s even a steam railway in the nearby Buckfastleigh if you fancy a scenic ride around the area.
Make sure to try a Devonshire cream tea while you’re here – but remember, cream first then the jam!
If you’re planning to go in peak season, make sure to book attractions ahead – you’ll save money and guarantee a ticket!
Check the weather in advance before planning your beach days. If it’s looking a bit peaky, why not try the array of free galleries and museums spread around the county.
When we think of Devon, we think pretty sandy beaches, picturesque picnic spots and, of course, a wetsuit for those chilly waters!
You’ll find plenty of surfing hotspots so you can give those gnarly waves a go! Or take the little ones to explore marvellous rockpools and paddle in the shallow waters. If you’re looking for some family activities, why not hire a kayak and head out to sea? Keep your eyes peeled for sealife… you might even spot a seal if you’re lucky!
For a short journey to these dazzling blue waters, check out our cottages in Devon near the beach or hire a car to adventure further afield.
If you’re looking to swim uninterrupted by the elements, Fishcombe Cove in Brixham is the perfect spot. The small, shingled beach is a surrounded by red cliffs and you might even see a seal or two in the water!
Stretching over 3 miles of golden sands and surrounded by rugged cliffs, this pretty beach is a favourite with the locals. With lifeguards on patrol, it’s a safe place to learn some watersports or just sit back and enjoy the expansive views.
For picturesque scenery in all directions, Slapton Sands has it all. With the beach on one side in all its glory and the Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve on the other, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Take a picnic and breathe in the fresh sea air.
Surf’s up! This beautiful sandy beach is the perfect place to catch some waves. If you’re with the little ones, you can spend hours exploring the rock pools. You can even bring the pooch along if you’re holidaying in off-season.
For scenic views over the estuary and a calming atmosphere, East Portlemouth Beach is a great option for a relaxing afternoon by the water. When you’ve had enough of soaking up the rays, jump on a ferry to Salcombe for a wide choice of restaurants and cafes.
Devon’s diverse assortment of old towns, wild uninhabited moorland and breathtaking coastline provide freedom in abundance, as well as a lengthy catalogue of activities for both grown-ups and little ones alike.
Whether you’re planning a trip for a group getaway, an adventure for the kids or a romantic retreat, here’s some of our favourite things to do in Devon…
Valley of Rocks
Learn about the legends that surround Okehampton Castle, a country manor best known for the grisly story of Lady Howard who reputedly murdered her husbands to turn them into carriages. The ruin, which dates back to the Dark Ages, is impressive and well worth a visit – whether you buy into the ghastly ghost stories or not.
From cobbled streets and pretty, independent shops to culture festivals and stunning coastline, the towns and villages in Devon are just waiting to be explored. If you’re on the hunt for a traditional, English retreat, car-free villages like Clovelly will give you the option to take it the unspoiled beauty on foot. Or head out to Exmoor for countryside views that are second to none.
Want to be near the action? Many of our cottages in Devon are only a short walk to quaint local towns and villages and nearby beaches. Choose a dog-friendly cottage in Devon and bring your pup along to see the sights!
Check out our top six towns and villages in Devon for an insight into what this beautiful county has to offer…
A car-free village hidden on the northern coast of the county; it’s worth visiting simply to wander the attractive pedestrianised streets. Kids will love riding the donkeys, which were historically used as transport here in place of motors, while the village’s two inns make for scenic dinner spots.
An alternative town that celebrates diversity and exudes a New Age vibe. What makes the area unmissable for us, however, is not just its progressive outlook but also its collection of listed buildings, which feature unusual overhanging upper storeys.
Nestled in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this small Devon village is a peaceful spot for the whole family. The beach is perfect for watersports enthusiasts or head on one of the many national Trust walks in the area and admire stunning views and spectacular sunsets.
This seaside village is a delight to explore, full of quaint, charming cafés and colourful, independent shops. Its popular book festival draws in authors and literature-lovers from around the country, while the whole community joins in with the celebrations during its annual regatta.
Sitting on the banks of the River Dart, this unspoiled village is deemed to be one of the prettiest villages in Devon. Surrounded by lush countryside, you can plan a big walk or hop on the ferry down to Greenway Quay to visit Agatha Christie’s former holiday home, Greenway House.
A lesser-known, equally stunning version of its southern counterpart, Dartmoor – except Exmoor has the added bonus of a coastline. It’s a wild and alluring stretch of countryside that feels far removed from the busyness of modern life. Start your explorations in Exford, which is found right in the heart of the park.
Dartmoor offers excellent hiking opportunities, ancient stone circles, and charming villages like Widecombe-in-the-Moor.
On the other hand, the Jurassic Coast, particularly around the areas of Sidmouth and Exmouth, provides dramatic cliffs, fossil-rich beaches, and picturesque seaside towns.
Don’t miss out on local specialties such as Devonshire cider, and if you’re visiting in autumn, try to catch an apple pressing event to see traditional cider-making in action.
Popular car rental firms such as Avis, Europcar, Sixt and Hertz offer the most flexible way of getting around Devon, allowing access to places off the beaten track. E-cocars, which operates out of Totnes, is a car share club that lets you borrow a local’s car.
Trains are hassle-free ways of trundling through the scenery of Devon, and routes run to most of the major towns. Ranger tickets offer unlimited roaming on local lines for the day, and can take you along some of the region’s most scenic routes, such as the spectacular Tarka line. Visit NationalRail for tickets.
The Lynton & Barnstaple Railway is the only steam train in the UK where passengers travel in Victorian carriages! This is a must-see if you’re staying in one of our cottages Barnstaple.
Cycling is an excellent way to get around Devon. Visit Travel Devon for information on trails to suit cyclists of every ability.
Buses provide slightly more flexible public transport around the villages of the region. Travel Devon has an interactive bus map which shows you all the routes you can take.
Flights to Devon land in Exeter Airport, with excellent links within the UK.
