What is the best area in Devon to rent a holiday home?

It depends on your priority. Croyde is best for surf and Atlantic coastal walks. Torquay offers warmer temperatures, a walkable harbour, and rail access. Lynmouth delivers dramatic Exmoor scenery with near-total peace. Exeter works as a central hub with city amenities and strong transport links. Dartmoor-edge properties near South Tawton suit walkers and guests seeking rural immersion.

How far in advance should I book a holiday home in Devon for summer?

For North Devon coastal properties like Croyde, book at least 3 months ahead for July and August. Torquay and Exeter properties have more flexibility. Lynmouth, despite being less commercial, also fills quickly in summer due to limited stock.

Which of these Devon holiday homes is the best value for money?

Croyde Victoria Cottage 2 Bedrooms offers strong value - it includes free private parking, a full kitchen, two bathrooms, a fireplace, and a patio, all within 1 km of one of Devon's most popular beaches. For groups splitting the cost, the per-person nightly rate compares very favourably to Torquay hotels.

Can I visit Devon without a car if I stay in a holiday home?

Only realistically from Exeter. The 5 Exe Street property on Exe Street is walkable to the city centre and within reach of Exeter St Davids station. All other properties in this selection - Croyde, Lynmouth, Torquay penthouse, South Tawton, and Honeysuckle Barn - require a car to access local attractions and amenities comfortably.

When is the cheapest time to rent a holiday home in Devon?

Late October through early December and January through March offer the lowest rates. Shoulder-season pricing in May and early June sits around 30% below August peaks on comparable properties. These periods suit guests targeting Dartmoor, Exmoor, or Exeter rather than beach-focused coastal stays.

Are Devon holiday homes suitable for short breaks of 2 or 3 nights?

In peak season (late July and August), most coastal properties enforce 7-night minimum stays. Short breaks of 3 or 4 nights are widely available from September through June, and properties like 5 Exe Street in Exeter and Vane Tower in Torquay are more likely to accept shorter stays year-round than rural cottages.

What is the difference between staying in North Devon and South Devon?

North Devon (Croyde, Lynmouth, Barnstaple) has an Atlantic-facing coastline with bigger surf beaches and wilder scenery, but longer drive times from most UK cities and limited public transport. South Devon (Torquay, Dartmouth) offers a milder climate, calmer sea, and better rail connections, making it more accessible for non-drivers or guests arriving from London.

Is Vane Tower in Torquay worth the premium over a standard cottage?

For couples or small groups prioritising design quality and sea views over space or self-catering practicality, yes. The award-winning interiors and panoramic Torbay views are genuinely distinctive in the Devon self-catering market. For families needing multiple bedrooms, garden space, and a BBQ, a property like Croyde Victoria Cottage or Honeysuckle Barn will deliver more practical value per night.

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6 Top-Rated Holiday Homes to Book in Devon

The Historicalrfa Journal

6 Top-Rated Holiday Homes to Book in Devon

Discover 6 top holiday home hotels in Devon, UK. Compare locations, facilities and booking tips to find your ideal self-catering stay in Devon.

Devon offers one of the most diverse self-catering landscapes in the UK, from surf-facing cottages in Croyde to cliff-top retreats in Lynmouth and designer penthouses in Torquay. Whether you're planning a coastal escape, a moorland break, or a city base in Exeter, choosing the right holiday home in Devon means understanding location trade-offs, seasonal demand, and what each area genuinely delivers. This guide cuts through the noise to help you book smarter.

What It's Like Staying in Devon

Devon is England's third-largest county, spanning two coastlines - the rugged Atlantic-facing North Devon coast and the calmer English Channel shore of the South Devon coast - plus Dartmoor National Park inland. Self-catering holiday homes dominate the accommodation market here, making up the majority of stays outside Exeter. Getting around without a car is difficult; most villages and coastal spots have limited or no public transport, so driving is the practical default for most visitors. The county draws heavy summer crowds from late July through August, particularly in surf towns like Croyde and harbour villages like Lynmouth, while shoulder seasons in May, June, and September offer far better value with noticeably fewer visitors.

Pros:

Two distinct coastlines within a single county give genuinely varied stay options - Atlantic surf in the north, sheltered coves in the south
Holiday homes typically offer more space, private parking, and a garden or patio compared to hotels at a similar price point
Dartmoor and Exmoor are both accessible as day trips from most Devon bases, adding significant outdoor variety to any stay

Cons:

A car is essentially mandatory - rural lanes are narrow, signage is limited, and popular spots like Croyde Beach have restricted parking in summer
Peak-season prices in coastal villages spike sharply, with week-long lets often unavailable for short breaks in August
Mobile signal and broadband reliability vary significantly between rural cottages and town-based properties

Why Choose Holiday Home Hotels in Devon

Holiday homes in Devon consistently outperform hotel stays on space and flexibility, particularly for families, couples on longer breaks, and groups who want to self-cater. A two-bedroom holiday cottage in Devon typically costs less per night than an equivalent hotel room when split across a group, and the inclusion of a full kitchen, private parking, and outdoor space adds practical value that hotels rarely match at the same price. Most Devon holiday homes come with coastal or countryside views as a baseline, not an upgrade. The key trade-off is that you're committing to a fixed property rather than a serviced room - maintenance issues fall on the owner to resolve, and check-in flexibility is usually tighter. Minimum stays of 3 to 7 nights are common in peak season, which suits holiday planners but not spontaneous weekend bookers.

Pros:

Full kitchens with dishwashers, ovens, and BBQ facilities make self-catering genuinely cost-effective for stays over 4 nights
Private gardens, patios, and courtyard spaces are standard in Devon cottages - a significant advantage over hotel rooms in summer
Free private parking is included at most properties, saving around £15 per day compared to town-centre hotel parking

Cons:

Daily housekeeping is not included - guests are responsible for maintaining the property during their stay
Week-long minimum stays during August limit flexibility for shorter breaks in the most popular coastal locations
Property quality varies more widely than in hotel chains - reading recent reviews carefully is essential before booking

Practical Booking & Area Strategy

Devon divides naturally into three distinct stay zones, and your choice should be driven by what you prioritise. North Devon - centred on Croyde, Saunton, and Barnstaple - is the best base for surf beaches and Atlantic coastal walks, but properties book out months ahead for summer. South Devon, including Torquay and the Torbay Riviera, offers a warmer microclimate, calm water beaches, and better transport links, with Torquay accessible via direct trains from London Paddington in around 3 hours. Exeter sits centrally and works well as a city base with easy access to both coasts and Dartmoor. Exmoor-edge villages like Lynmouth deliver dramatic scenery and near-total peace, but require the most driving time to reach other parts of the county. Book North Devon coastal homes at least 3 months ahead for July and August; Exeter and inland properties often remain available with shorter lead times. Key attractions drawing visitors include Croyde Beach, the Valley of the Rocks near Lynton, Dartmoor National Park, Torquay's harbour, and the Tarka Trail cycling route.

Best Value Holiday Homes in Devon

These properties offer strong space, location, and facilities relative to their price point, making them well-suited to families, couples, and small groups seeking a cost-effective Devon base.

1. Croyde Victoria Cottage 2 Bedrooms

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Check-in
from 16:00 until 22:00

Check-out
from 06:00 until 10:00
Croyde Victoria Cottage places guests within a 15-minute walk of one of North Devon's most popular surf beaches, making it a practical choice for families or couples targeting Croyde's Atlantic coastline. The two-bedroom layout includes a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher and oven, two bathrooms, a living room with fireplace, and a private patio with garden views - covering the key self-catering requirements without relying on nearby amenities. The inner courtyard setting keeps the property quiet despite its proximity to the village centre, which gets noticeably busy on summer weekends. An outdoor barbecue, free private parking, and free WiFi are all included, reducing the on-the-ground daily spend significantly for a week-long stay. Bull Point Lighthouse is 10 km away and makes a strong half-day walking destination directly from the property.

Free private parking included on-site

Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, oven, and BBQ

Private patio and garden with courtyard views
Just a few rooms left at the best rate!

from
£ 154
2. Ferndale Cottage

9.6 Exceptional

19 reviews

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Check-in
from 15:00 until 18:00

Check-out
from 08:00 until 10:00
Ferndale Cottage sits in Lynmouth, one of Devon's most scenically dramatic villages, where the East and West Lyn rivers meet before reaching the Bristol Channel - a setting that makes it a strong choice for walkers and those seeking a genuinely peaceful coastal retreat. Lynmouth is the starting point for the Valley of the Rocks walk and provides direct access to Exmoor National Park trails without needing to drive to a trailhead. The village has a small cluster of independent restaurants and pubs within walking distance, which reduces the reliance on self-catering for every meal. The cottage format suits couples or small families who want character accommodation over modern anonymity, in a location where hotel options are very limited. Booking well ahead is essential - Lynmouth's small accommodation stock fills quickly from May through September.

Direct access to Exmoor National Park trails on foot

Lynmouth village restaurants and pubs within walking distance

Coastal and river views from one of Devon's most scenic villages
Hurry – almost gone at this price!

from
£ 147
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West Nymph Holiday Cottages Leafy Nook sits near South Tawton on the eastern edge of Dartmoor, positioning it as one of the most genuinely rural options in this selection - suited to guests who want deep countryside immersion rather than a coastal base. The South Tawton location provides easy driving access into Dartmoor National Park, while the market town of Okehampton is close enough for grocery shopping and local services. This type of Dartmoor-fringe cottage typically appeals to walking groups, cycling tourists on the Granite Way trail, and families seeking a quieter Devon experience away from peak-season beach crowds. The rural setting means the night sky is significantly clearer than at any coastal property in this guide. It works best as a base for those happy to drive 20 to 30 minutes to reach the moor's main attractions.

Dartmoor National Park accessible within a short drive

Rural south Tawton location away from summer coastal crowds

Close proximity to Okehampton for local amenities and Granite Way cycling
Best price guarantee
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Honeysuckle Barn offers a converted barn format that provides more generous ceiling heights and open-plan living space than a standard Devon cottage, making it a practical pick for guests who find traditional low-beam cottages too compact. Barn conversions in Devon typically come with private enclosed gardens and ample outdoor space, which suits families with young children or guests travelling with dogs. The property's character interior combined with modern fitted amenities reflects the higher-specification end of the Devon self-catering market. Converted barns in this county tend to be set in quieter farm or village-edge locations, reducing noise exposure compared to properties in busy tourist centres like Croyde or Torquay. This is a strong option for guests prioritising indoor space and outdoor privacy over beach proximity.

Barn conversion with open-plan layout and generous interior space

Private enclosed garden suited to families and dog-owning guests

Quiet rural setting with lower foot traffic than coastal Devon villages
Best price guarantee

Best Premium Holiday Homes in Devon

These properties are positioned at the higher end of the Devon self-catering market, offering distinctive design, exceptional views, or city-centre convenience that justifies a higher nightly rate.

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Vane Tower is an award-winning designer duplex penthouse in Torquay offering panoramic sea views across Torbay - a calibre of property that sits entirely apart from a standard Devon cottage rental. The duplex layout across two floors creates a genuinely hotel-suite quality of space with interior design at a level rarely found in self-catering accommodation in the South West. Torquay's location on the English Riviera means milder temperatures than North Devon, a walkable harbour with restaurants, and direct rail access to Exeter and London - practical advantages for guests who don't want to drive everywhere. The panoramic views from this elevated position cover the full arc of Torbay and make it one of the most visually distinctive self-catering options available in Devon. This property suits design-conscious couples or small groups for whom the aesthetic and view quality are as important as the destination itself.

Award-winning designer interiors at duplex penthouse scale

Panoramic sea views across the full sweep of Torbay

Torquay location with walkable harbour, restaurants, and direct rail links
Best price guarantee
6. 5 Exe Street

10 Exceptional

1 review

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Check-in
from 16:30 until 23:59

Check-out
until 10:00
5 Exe Street is a city-centre holiday home on Exe Street in Exeter, positioning it as the only genuinely urban self-catering option in this selection - best suited to guests who want Devon as a base for cultural exploration, business, or Exeter's independent food and nightlife scene rather than a coastal or countryside retreat. Exeter's central location within Devon means both the North Devon coast and South Devon beaches are reachable within 90 minutes by car, making it a logical hub for guests who want to explore multiple areas. The city has a significant independent restaurant quarter around the Quayside and Cathedral area, reducing the need to self-cater on every evening. Exeter St Davids station connects to London Paddington in around 2 hours, which makes this the strongest option for guests arriving by train. The Exe Street address puts guests within walking distance of the city's main attractions including Exeter Cathedral and the Roman city walls.

Exeter city-centre location walkable to Cathedral, Quayside, and Roman walls

Train-accessible base with London Paddington connection in around 2 hours

Central Devon hub with both coasts reachable within 90 minutes by car
Rooms filling fast – secure the best rate!

from
£ 91

Smart Travel & Timing Advice for Devon Holiday Homes

Devon's self-catering market follows a predictable but sharp seasonal pattern. August is the single most congested month across all coastal areas - Croyde, Lynmouth, and Torquay all operate near capacity, prices peak, and week-long minimum stays become the norm rather than the exception at most properties. Booking in August requires at least 3 months' lead time for popular coastal cottages; barn and rural inland properties like Honeysuckle Barn and West Nymph retain more flexibility. June and September offer the most reliable balance of good weather, manageable crowds, and availability of short breaks of 3 or 4 nights. Shoulder-season pricing in May and October can be around 30% lower than peak-summer rates on equivalent properties. For Dartmoor and Exmoor-edge properties, late October to early November brings dramatic moorland atmosphere and very few visitors, though some local restaurants and attractions reduce their hours significantly. Guests targeting Torquay or Exeter can book with less urgency year-round as urban demand is more stable. A minimum stay of 4 nights extracts the best value from any Devon holiday home when factoring in travel time from most UK cities.

Ferndale Cottage

9.6

Ferndale Cottage sits in Lynmouth, one of Devon's most scenically dramatic villages, where the East and West Lyn rivers meet before reaching the Bristol Channel - a setting that makes it a strong choice for walkers and those seeking a genuinely peaceful coastal retreat. Lynmouth is the starting point for the Valley of the Rocks walk and provides direct access to Exmoor National Park trails without needing to drive to a trailhead. The village has a small cluster of independent restaurants and pubs within walking distance, which reduces the reliance on self-catering for every meal. The cottage format suits couples or small families who want character accommodation over modern anonymity, in a location where hotel options are very limited. Booking well ahead is essential - Lynmouth's small accommodation stock fills quickly from May through September.

Direct access to Exmoor National Park trails on foot
Lynmouth village restaurants and pubs within walking distance
Coastal and river views from one of Devon's most scenic villages

Croyde Victoria Cottage 2 Bedrooms

Croyde Victoria Cottage places guests within a 15-minute walk of one of North Devon's most popular surf beaches, making it a practical choice for families or couples targeting Croyde's Atlantic coastline. The two-bedroom layout includes a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher and oven, two bathrooms, a living room with fireplace, and a private patio with garden views - covering the key self-catering requirements without relying on nearby amenities. The inner courtyard setting keeps the property quiet despite its proximity to the village centre, which gets noticeably busy on summer weekends. An outdoor barbecue, free private parking, and free WiFi are all included, reducing the on-the-ground daily spend significantly for a week-long stay. Bull Point Lighthouse is 10 km away and makes a strong half-day walking destination directly from the property.

Free private parking included on-site
Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, oven, and BBQ
Private patio and garden with courtyard views

West Nymph Holiday Cottages Leafy Nook sits near South Tawton on the eastern edge of Dartmoor, positioning it as one of the most genuinely rural options in this selection - suited to guests who want deep countryside immersion rather than a coastal base. The South Tawton location provides easy driving access into Dartmoor National Park, while the market town of Okehampton is close enough for grocery shopping and local services. This type of Dartmoor-fringe cottage typically appeals to walking groups, cycling tourists on the Granite Way trail, and families seeking a quieter Devon experience away from peak-season beach crowds. The rural setting means the night sky is significantly clearer than at any coastal property in this guide. It works best as a base for those happy to drive 20 to 30 minutes to reach the moor's main attractions.

Dartmoor National Park accessible within a short drive
Rural south Tawton location away from summer coastal crowds
Close proximity to Okehampton for local amenities and Granite Way cycling

Honeysuckle Barn offers a converted barn format that provides more generous ceiling heights and open-plan living space than a standard Devon cottage, making it a practical pick for guests who find traditional low-beam cottages too compact. Barn conversions in Devon typically come with private enclosed gardens and ample outdoor space, which suits families with young children or guests travelling with dogs. The property's character interior combined with modern fitted amenities reflects the higher-specification end of the Devon self-catering market. Converted barns in this county tend to be set in quieter farm or village-edge locations, reducing noise exposure compared to properties in busy tourist centres like Croyde or Torquay. This is a strong option for guests prioritising indoor space and outdoor privacy over beach proximity.

Barn conversion with open-plan layout and generous interior space
Private enclosed garden suited to families and dog-owning guests
Quiet rural setting with lower foot traffic than coastal Devon villages

5 Exe Street

10.0

5 Exe Street is a city-centre holiday home on Exe Street in Exeter, positioning it as the only genuinely urban self-catering option in this selection - best suited to guests who want Devon as a base for cultural exploration, business, or Exeter's independent food and nightlife scene rather than a coastal or countryside retreat. Exeter's central location within Devon means both the North Devon coast and South Devon beaches are reachable within 90 minutes by car, making it a logical hub for guests who want to explore multiple areas. The city has a significant independent restaurant quarter around the Quayside and Cathedral area, reducing the need to self-cater on every evening. Exeter St Davids station connects to London Paddington in around 2 hours, which makes this the strongest option for guests arriving by train. The Exe Street address puts guests within walking distance of the city's main attractions including Exeter Cathedral and the Roman city walls.

Exeter city-centre location walkable to Cathedral, Quayside, and Roman walls
Train-accessible base with London Paddington connection in around 2 hours
Central Devon hub with both coasts reachable within 90 minutes by car

Vane Tower is an award-winning designer duplex penthouse in Torquay offering panoramic sea views across Torbay - a calibre of property that sits entirely apart from a standard Devon cottage rental. The duplex layout across two floors creates a genuinely hotel-suite quality of space with interior design at a level rarely found in self-catering accommodation in the South West. Torquay's location on the English Riviera means milder temperatures than North Devon, a walkable harbour with restaurants, and direct rail access to Exeter and London - practical advantages for guests who don't want to drive everywhere. The panoramic views from this elevated position cover the full arc of Torbay and make it one of the most visually distinctive self-catering options available in Devon. This property suits design-conscious couples or small groups for whom the aesthetic and view quality are as important as the destination itself.

Award-winning designer interiors at duplex penthouse scale
Panoramic sea views across the full sweep of Torbay
Torquay location with walkable harbour, restaurants, and direct rail links

Hotels featured in this article

1. Croyde Victoria Cottage 2 Bedrooms

2. Ferndale Cottage

6. 5 Exe Street

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Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on your priority. Croyde is best for surf and Atlantic coastal walks. Torquay offers warmer temperatures, a walkable harbour, and rail access. Lynmouth delivers dramatic Exmoor scenery with near-total peace. Exeter works as a central hub with city amenities and strong transport links. Dartmoor-edge properties near South Tawton suit walkers and guests seeking rural immersion.
For North Devon coastal properties like Croyde, book at least 3 months ahead for July and August. Torquay and Exeter properties have more flexibility. Lynmouth, despite being less commercial, also fills quickly in summer due to limited stock.
Croyde Victoria Cottage 2 Bedrooms offers strong value - it includes free private parking, a full kitchen, two bathrooms, a fireplace, and a patio, all within 1 km of one of Devon's most popular beaches. For groups splitting the cost, the per-person nightly rate compares very favourably to Torquay hotels.
Only realistically from Exeter. The 5 Exe Street property on Exe Street is walkable to the city centre and within reach of Exeter St Davids station. All other properties in this selection - Croyde, Lynmouth, Torquay penthouse, South Tawton, and Honeysuckle Barn - require a car to access local attractions and amenities comfortably.
Late October through early December and January through March offer the lowest rates. Shoulder-season pricing in May and early June sits around 30% below August peaks on comparable properties. These periods suit guests targeting Dartmoor, Exmoor, or Exeter rather than beach-focused coastal stays.
In peak season (late July and August), most coastal properties enforce 7-night minimum stays. Short breaks of 3 or 4 nights are widely available from September through June, and properties like 5 Exe Street in Exeter and Vane Tower in Torquay are more likely to accept shorter stays year-round than rural cottages.
North Devon (Croyde, Lynmouth, Barnstaple) has an Atlantic-facing coastline with bigger surf beaches and wilder scenery, but longer drive times from most UK cities and limited public transport. South Devon (Torquay, Dartmouth) offers a milder climate, calmer sea, and better rail connections, making it more accessible for non-drivers or guests arriving from London.
For couples or small groups prioritising design quality and sea views over space or self-catering practicality, yes. The award-winning interiors and panoramic Torbay views are genuinely distinctive in the Devon self-catering market. For families needing multiple bedrooms, garden space, and a BBQ, a property like Croyde Victoria Cottage or Honeysuckle Barn will deliver more practical value per night.