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Escape to Devon for a Christmas break

10th December 2019

Categories: Visitor News

If you’re someone that wants to squeeze in one more holiday before the end of the year, keep reading here are a few suggestions of places to escape to in Devon for a cheeky Christmas break.

Bracing walks, pub roasts, onsite hot tubs… There is a lot to be said about going on holiday during Christmas, especially if you’re planning to stay in the UK. This time of year, there is nothing better than curling up in front of a roaring fire with a glass or two of mulled wine, so why not book a short break with one of these cottages and have one last holiday in Devon during 2019?

Cottage holidays are a great way to get away for a few days, as most of them are privately owned, it is easy to get yourself a bargain and of course, they’re homely and cosy, which is all you really want if you’re planning a short break in winter. If you are on the hunt for a special offer, don’t forget to check here, you’ll find a whole host of accommodation offers as well as attractions and eateries too!

If we’ve piqued your interest, here are a few ideas for places to stay in Devon this winter.

Wherever you look in Devon there are delightful and charming cottages for you to call home for the duration of your stay. Some are located in private estates or hamlets, allowing space for a large group of you to holiday together, while others are set in vast amounts of land, making them ideal for anyone looking for somewhere relaxing and tranquil to hide away. The amount of space you get also makes them perfect for dog lovers as many of them are pet friendly!

For those of you who want to stay in North Devon where you have access to those incredible coastal views and an abundance of watersports (though you would have to be very brave to want to get into the ocean in December!) there are several properties for you to choose from.

Image: Love North Devon.

Love North Devon, based in Barnstaple, this 53 acre estate is located right on the edge of the Exmoor National Park so wherever you look you’re surrounded by lush countryside. The National Park is an amazing location for anyone who wants to partake in some bracing winter walks and the wildlife in this area, particularly the winter birds are a joy to watch. Being so close to Barnstaple puts you in North Devon’s oldest town and one of the larger market towns in this region – ideal if you haven’t quite finished your Christmas shopping before your trip! As the cottages are self-catering, this also means that you’re close to a whole host of restaurants including the Seasons Bar and Brasserie at the Park Hotel where you can indulge in some incredible locally sourced seasonal menus. After all, you’re on holiday, you might not want to cook!

Image: Moorparks Holiday Cottages

Another option for you are the cottages owned by Moorparks Holiday Cottages. Set on a Victorian era farm, the cottages have been refurbished to make them comfortable and cosy while still retaining many of their original looks. The farm itself is a great place to visit if you’re an animal lover, especially because there are alpacas and rare sheep living there! You’re also close to Exmoor, giving you the chance to explore a natural winter wonderland.

If you saw our comment about watersports and that does actually sound like something you would want to do, take a look at Pickwell Barton Cottages – these cottages are nestled between the beaches of Putsborough and Woolacombe which both offer perfect conditions for getting out on the waves – if you dare! Plus, the cottages have been acknowledged for their accessible facilities so it is ideal for the whole family.
This particular part of North Devon is popular with holiday makers, so you’ll find that there are plenty of things to see and do during your visit. For a day out that the whole family will enjoy, Watermouth Theme Park and Castle isn’t too far away and the parents will love the chance to relax at Saunton Sands Leisure facilities, where the spa is open to everyone. The restaurants on the Saunton Sands site are worth a visit as well, the Beachside Grill can be found right on the seafront, while the restaurant at the hotel has a variety of dining options, so its suitable for whatever you’re in the mood for.

The east of Devon has its own charms with the spectacular Jurassic Coast and plenty of places for winter walks. This region of Devon is popular with families and there are several fun things to do in the area, particularly in Sidmouth, where you’ll find the Donkey Sanctuary and further along the coast into Seaton and Beer.
In the heart of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty you’ll find Higher Wiscombe near the town of Seaton. These cottages offer outstanding views and some of them are large enough to sleep twenty! If you’re hosting a family get together with a difference, these are the properties to visit.

Image: Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays.

If you like the sound of east Devon, but you’re not sure where you want to base yourself, look at the portfolio of Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays, being an agency, they have over 160 cottages dotted around the east of the county so you have the ultimate choice between rural and coastal accommodation.

For somewhere that is definitely more rural in nature is Hoemoor Bunglow, located in Honiton. This self catering cottage is the ideal home from home and being privately owned, you’ll find that there are chances for late booking! It even has a DVD player so you can hide away from the dark nights watching your favourite movies together!

There are a number of holiday cottages to be found in the south of the county too, especially around the Dartmoor area. This is the perfect place to look for a holiday cottage, with its misty atmosphere and abundance of natural beauty, Dartmoor makes for a truly special location for a winter break. Lurcombe Farm Cottages can be found new Newton Abott on the corner of the National Park and offers two properties for you to choose from. If you’re still on the hunt for a few unusual gifts, this region is known for its art and crafts scene, so you’re sure to find some real gems. Head to House of Marbles where you can learn more about the creation of glass or the Devon Guild of Craftsmen who are also based nearby. This series of galleries are free to enter and they often hold workshops should you be on the hunt for something to do.
While technically they count as bungalows rather than cottages, Jenny Wren Holidays have several properties along the Torbay/South Hams border in the Galmpton area, making them idea for anyone wanting to experience the attractions of the English Riviera. These properties are close to Paignton, Torquay and Brixham and are located near Agatha Christie’s former holiday home Greenway, where you can take part in a host of Christmas themed activities. If you have children with you, this is an ideal area of Devon to base yourself, especially as you’re close to top attractions such as Paignton Zoo, Living Coasts and the Dartmouth Steam Railway – who often have Santa train trips!

If you know you want something rural, your best bet is to look to the middle of the county. Places like Crediton, Tavistock and Tiverton give you access to some of the most beautiful countryside locations and being in the middle of the county, you’re in the right place for exploring wherever you like!

Image: Orchard Retreat

One option in this part of Devon for a cottage holiday is the Orchard Retreat who also offer glamping accommodation. The cottages comfortably sleep up to six people, making them ideal for anyone travelling with a large group and being so conveniently located, you can really open up your itinerary to the whole of the county. If you are staying at the Orchard Retreat and don’t want to travel too far for adventures, you’re not that far from Fursden House and Gardens (imagine stopping in the tearoom after a bracing stroll around the garden!)

Perhaps you’re someone who likes the idea of staying in a cosy cottage, but also wants the added assurance of having staff and facilities onsite. In that case, take a look at the cottages available at Gara Rock. This well known hotel complex in Salcombe has several properties on offer including apartments and cottages as well as the usual hotel rooms. Staying in one of these cottages means that you have the option to use the hotel facilities including the pools, restaurant, bar and the cinema and games rooms – it’s like having the best of both worlds! If you’re choosing to go away to escape the kids and the rest of the family for a few days before Christmas, you might want to take a trip to Salcombe Distilling Co while you’re in town. As one of Devon’s leading gin distillers, Salcombe Distilling Co is the place to go to pick up fabulous flavours of locally produced gin, but it is also an attraction in its own right with tours of the distillery and of course, the chance to taste the products!
While you’re welcome to use the facilities available at Gara Rock, you could also head to the Salcombe Harbour Hotel and Spa and use some of their facilities too. The spa and the leisure centre are open for non hotel guests too and what could be better than being pampered and then returning to your cottage to sit in comfort with a glass of gin?
Speaking of Salcombe, Bolberry Farm Cottages which can be found near the delightful Hope Cove consists of three converted cottages in a quiet hamlet – ideal for anyone wanting a peaceful retreat before the onset of Christmas! The hamlet is tranquil, but also close enough to both Salcombe and Kingsbridge so you won’t be short of things to see and do.

Image: Bolberry Farm Cottages.

Torn about where to go in Devon? Luckily, there are agencies with cottages all over so you don’t have to spend too long trying to decide where to go! Luxury Coastal have a series of properties all over the country in coastal spots, many of which have sea views. Another option is Snaptrip who have over 6,200 holiday cottages in the county, make sure to take a look at their portfolio and see which properties best suit you.
Sykes Holiday Cottages are ideal for families, couples and groups in search of the perfect traditional cottage holiday. They have a wide selection of properties, from cosy, intimate homes ideal for couples on a last minute romantic get away to those that can fit the whole family plus the dog – there is plenty of choice here.
Another dog friendly cottage selection is held by Toad Hall Cottages who also have properties all over the county from large beachside houses to small moorland cottages – if you’re the sort of person who needs somewhere to hide away with the dog, Toad Hall Cottage’s portfolio is ideal.

Of course, there are many more holiday cottages in Devon for you to consider than just the ones we’ve pointed out. Take a look at our self catering options and our dedicated Cottages page to find out more.