If you’re dreaming away the cold weather by planning your summer holidays, why not make that dream a reality by booking a trip to Devon? There are loads of great accommodation options to suit every budget and one of the most popular is the region’s B&Bs and guesthouses.
Bed and Breakfasts offer you comfortable, friendly lodgings without the formalities of a hotel, with a real home from home experience with helpful managers, many of whom live on site so are on hand, whatever you need. The other great draw of staying at a B&B is the cooked breakfasts! Especially when they are farmhouse breakfasts made with fresh, local ingredients! If we’ve inspired you to explore B&Bs in Devon, here are some suggestions for a great holiday, no matter where you are in the county.
As we mentioned farmhouse breakfasts, we had best tell you about some of the B&B accommodation that can be found on the region’s farms. One place to start is Devon Farms who have a series of farms offering bed and breakfast accommodation in places like Dartmoor, Exmoor, coastal towns and countryside retreats. Devon Farms’ members give you the chance to find out more about farm life, get up close and personal with the animals that live there and of course start your day with an incredible breakfast. They cater for every food preference and use only local products, often directly from their own farms.
Another option is Lake Farm Luxury Bed and Breakfast, which is a good choice for anyone who wants privacy without having to give up on the B&B stay. Lake Farm is a Grade II listed Devon longhouse with adjoining barns, giving you a private and luxurious bed and breakfast suite. Spanning 540 square feet, you have your own dining and sitting area as well as a king sized double bed and ensuite. The breakfast menu is extensive, but the hosts are always happy to accommodate any additional needs. It is created using local suppliers, including eggs from their own hens and is served in your private dining area at a time agreed by you.
Image: Lake Farm B&B
It isn’t just breakfast on offer at The Granary B&B – located on Borough Farm near Tavistock, this property is a first floor barn conversion with a log fired pizza over for guest’s use! Breakfast is served either in your own room, or you can visit The Loft, which is right next door where you can lounge in the armchairs. Guests here also have their own garden area to enjoy in the warmer months – either venture into Tavistock or the surrounding area to enjoy a hearty meal or borrow a BBQ or make use of the pizza oven in the evenings.
If you want to explore Dartmoor, why not book a stay at Tor Royal B&B located on a farm within the Dartmoor National Park. This site dates back to the 1780s and once was farmed on behalf of the royal family. The B&B is spread over three floors, with a dog friendly room and its own enclosed outdoor space on the ground floor.
If you’re looking for peace and quiet, a farm B&B is a great option. Often the only sounds that can be heard are the chattering of birds and the resident animals, something you’ll find with many of the countryside properties.
Bulleigh Barton Manor on the outskirts of Newton Abbot has some incredible views over the countryside. The house is an AA 5star rated B&B and parts of it date back to the 1400s, providing an impressive place to stay with plenty of character. Homemade food is their main focus, the breakfast is award winning and if you get peckish during the day, you’ll find home made cakes in the guest rooms and cream tea to welcome guests arriving in the afternoon. Those visiting during the summer will also get a chance to swim in the onsite pool in between exploring the wider South Devon area.
For something with a tranquil feel but with plenty going on, take a look at the B&B options at Dartington Hall. Their Courtyard rooms offer a comfortable, informal and unique place to stay – you’ll be surrounded by medieval buildings, Grade II listed gardens and be right in the centre of an exciting cultural hub. Guests receive free entry to the gardens, discounts at the onsite shops and the chance to enjoy a film in the Barn Cinema or taking part in one of the many activities, performances or workshops that take place throughout the year. Plus, you have the Bohemian town of Totnes right on the doorstep where you can find quirky shops and incredible places to eat and drink.
Choosing a B&B doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice being in the centre of town. While many like the peace and quiet of a countryside retreat, others thrive being in the centre of the action and if that sounds like you, there are several great properties for you to discover. In Torquay, in the heart of the English Riviera, you’ll find Grosvenor House, situated behind the historic Torre Abbey and just a short walk from the town centre and the harbour. All the rooms are ensuite and there are complimentary beverage trays and toiletries included, plus free wifi making it a good choice for anyone attending a conference in the nearby Riviera centre. Breakfast is served in the dining room and you have a choice of Full English or a continental style meal to start your day – with the amount of attractions and activities on offer in Torquay, you’ll need it!
Image: Southbank Townhouse
Another option in Torquay is Southbank Townhouse. Family run, the townhouse is centrally located and features spacious bedrooms. This property is primarily for adults, but they do allow children over 12 and features a library, dining room and a terrace perfect for catching the sun that this part of Devon is so famous for. Fans of the Full English will love staying here – the bacon and sausages are all locally sourced from a butcher in town and once laid, eggs are guaranteed to be delivered within 24 hours. Also centrally located in Torquay is Briarfields, a 5 star Gold Award property with a selection of contemporary ensuite bedrooms, complete with WiFi, smart TVs and tea and coffee making facilities. This property also gives you easy access to the town centre and a host of attractions and activities and is perfect for couples wanting a cheeky, seaside getaway.
Somewhere else in the English Riviera that is worth a visit is Brixham where you can find incredible B&Bs overlooking the harbour. Beacon House is one such property which has stunning views of the marina and each room features ensuite facilities. Aside from the views, Beacon House is also known for the quality of its breakfasts – which have a French twist! Wherever possible, breakfast is sourced locally with everything freshly prepared and a lovely view to enjoy alongside it.
You can even have a B&B stay in a city centre – Townhouse Exeter can be found in a quiet corner of the city centre, close to both train stations and all the history and culture that Exeter is known for. Breakfast is served every morning fresh to your door so you don’t even have to change out of your pyjamas! It’s perfect for those looking for a city break on a budget.
Prefer to stay near the coast? There are bed and breakfasts to suit you too! In Westward Ho! on the North Devon coast, you’ll find the Waterfront Inn where you can stay right next to the award winning beach. It isn’t just the proximity to the beach that makes this a great place to stay while exploring North Devon’s coast, you’re also within easy reach of towns like Bideford and Appledore, as well as the top surfing destinations in the region. The world famous Royal North Devon golf course is also only a short distance away for those of you wanting to play a few rounds while you’re away.
At the other end of the county in Teignmouth is Brunswick House. Close to the main seafront, the river beach and the town centre, this is a good base for exploring the South West Coast Path, taking a walk along the beach or challenging yourself to some watersports during the summer months. You’re also close to the town’s independent shops and arts quarter – giving you lots to do during the day too!
Image: Brunswick House
Tempted by a Bed and Breakfast stay in Devon? Check out some more options here.
