Great cottages and self catering properties in North Devon

Planning a trip to North Devon and Exmoor this year? Whether you’re coming to the region for the May half term, a weekend get away, a family trip or a romantic break, there are a host of wonderful self catering properties just waiting for you.

From cute cottages to treehouses and just about everything in between, here are some of the incredible self catering properties and cottages you can choose from in North Devon.

Breaks by the coast

North Devon’s coastline is one of the most impressive the UK has to offer. From incredible surfing beaches that form part of the UK’s first Surf Reserve to contenders for Britain’s best beach, there are plenty of reasons to visit the North Devon coast. With beaches and coves that fall under the region’s Natural Landscapes and the Exmoor National Park, each with their own charms, there are plenty of enchanting destinations to consider, with self catering properties of all shapes and sizes to choose from.

In the cute village of Appledore, with its maritime history, colourful fishermen’s cottages and an annual book festival, is Catboat Cottage.  Centrally located, Catboat Cottage is only a couple of minutes from the famous independent shops, restaurants and pubs and gives you easy access to the water’s edge and the incredible views over towards Instow. Suitable for a romantic get away, a family holiday or a break with friends, you’ll find plenty of space and privacy at Catboat Cottage.

If you want to be as close to the beach as possible, Saunton Beach Villas has the property for you. Their 4 berth villas have the glorious Saunton Sands beach on the doorstep. Saunton Sands is not only famous for its waves and is loved by surfers, but is also dog friendly all year round and is backed by the sand dune system, the UK’s second largest sand dune system of its kind! These properties are dog friendly and provide enough space for groups and families, all with a private parking space and fully equipped with everything you need for a self-catering break.

Image: Saunton Beach Villas

If you need something a little more accessible, for guests using wheelchairs or with other additional needs, check out the offering at Saunton Beach Villas. Their Braunton Accessible Bungalow sleeps four guests and has been designed with mobility aids in mind, it’s also dog friendly and is just a few minutes away from Saunton Beach.

One of the most popular holiday resorts in the region is Ilfracombe and if you want to spend some time exploring the harbour, looking at Damien Hirst’s Verity and enjoying the foodie haven that is Fore Street, book a stay with Beach Cove Coastal Retreat. Overlooking Hele Bay, these properties are perfect for anyone who wants to go on a walking holiday and with the choice of beach huts and apartments, you can choose a property that best suits you.

Berry Barn is another option for a coastal break. Sitting within a Natural Landscape near the stunning area of Hartland, it is along the South West Coast Path and has beautiful sea views across to Lundy Island, make it perfect for anyone who wants to explore. It sleeps up to 12 people and isn’t far from Hartland, Bideford and the famous beaches, making it ideal for large groups and family holidays.

Image: Berry Barn

Overlooking the Exmoor National Park and just five minutes from the sea front, Moor and Sea Holidays offers the best of both worlds. These lodges are all south facing and offer a relaxing and tranquil base. The open plan design makes them ideal for socialising, while also giving you privacy and the chance to hide away in your individual rooms. Though staying here gives you the chance to easily spend time out on the waves or trudging around Exmoor, you can also take advantage of their onsite art studio where you can participate in art workshops, should the weather be against you.

Breaks near town

If you want the chance to enjoy the nightlife and culture of North Devon’s larger towns, while still being close to the coast and with easy access to the walks and beauty of Exmoor, why not choose somewhere like Bideford or Barnstaple for your stay?

Sleepy Owl Devon have a collection of beautiful luxury treehouses and retreats, complete with hot tubs and all the home comforts you can think of on the outskirts of Bideford. Hideout Treehouse is the only treehouse in the UK with a bath on rails, so you can enjoy the relaxing comfort of bath time, while also enjoying the clear, night skies. Designed with luxury and romance in mind, Sleepy Owl’s Hideout Treehouse is perfect for couples wanting to escape to North Devon.
Their Cosy Cowshed is a converted cowshed that sit within 20 acres of meadows, river and woodland and features its own outdoor terrace, as well as your own private, secure garden. Whereas the Nest Treehouse has a private courtyard with its own wood fired hot tub and open plan living. Whatever kind of break you’re looking for, you can find the perfect home from home here.

Breaks in the countryside

While we all love North Devon’s coast, there is so much more to the region than just the beaches. It is home to some spectacular countryside, especially around Exmoor. The countryside is ideal for anyone who wants to escape the every day, spend some time with nature and switch off from day to day stressors.

One place to do this is at the Mole Resort. You’ll find a selection of self catering properties at The Mole, including their lodges. Combing eco conscious living with home comforts and hot tubs adding that bit of extra pizzazz, there are lodges for every sized group, from families to smaller parties. Each lodge has its own private balcony where you can enjoy the views across the countryside, as well as everything you could need for a self-catering break, as well as access to a range of activities, all without leaving the site.

Image: The Mole Resort 

The Corffe Estate, which features cottages and a Grade II listed manor house, is nestled within beautiful scenery and is an ideal base for holidays and stopovers. Despite its rural setting, you’re only a few minute’s drive from Barnstaple and the coastline. The cottages were once the stables for the main house and have been completely refurbished, giving you a well equipped base for your North Devon adventures.

Not sure?

Not sure if you would prefer coast or country? Marsdens Devon Cottages  is one of Devon’s leading agencies and have over 2000 cottages across the region, with properties in both the depths of the countryside and overlooking the coast. The team at Marsdens Devon Cottages are well versed in helping you plan the perfect trip, so don’t hesitate to ask them for their recommendations.

Another option is Classic Cottages’ portfolio. They have properties to suit every traveller, whether you want a cosy cottage or a romantic woodland cabin. Whatever you need, they have the property for you, so be sure to let them know what you’re looking for, whether that’s a hot tub, extra parking or somewhere you can bring your dog. You can find holiday cottages in both popular resort towns and secluded hideaways, too.

Inspired to find a self-catering property for your North Devon break this year? You can find a host more places to stay here.

Header image: Sleepy Owl Devon