Perfect family friendly cottage holidays

19th March 2019

Categories: Visitor News

Now that the first half term of the academic year is over, you might have started thinking about what you’re going to do for the next school holiday, why not experience a short break with a real home from home atmosphere by booking into one of Devon’s cottages?

Staying in a holiday cottage rather than a hotel or guesthouse gives you a flexibility and freedom that you don’t get with other accommodation providers. They are self-catering and often come with outside space, privacy and for those that need to bring equipment or have a vehicle, there is plenty of parking and space for all those essentials.

If you’re not sure what part of Devon you want to visit, but you do know that you’re keen on staying in a cottage, you’ll find that there are several agencies with a range of cottages all over the county, so you can get the perfect base for your adventures, whether you want to be by the beach, in the country or nearer one of the cities.

Image by Classic Cottages

Classic Cottages have a wide range of holiday cottages across Devon and you will have plenty of properties to choose from to suit your needs and tastes. Each of the cottages have different locations and facilities, so be sure to speak to their team to see what is available. Similarly, My Favourite Holiday Cottages also have cottages all over the county, so you can choose between a rural, suburb or beach holiday.

For those wanting the option of cottages or town houses, Helpful Holidays have a selection of 600 holiday homes to pick from all across the region. Their cottages have lots of exciting features including hot tubs, games rooms and gardens, so you really can amuse yourself. Some of the cottages are also pet friendly, the friendly team will be able to talk to you about your options.

Luxury cottages are also available all over the county with Marsdens Devon Cottages. Their staff are all local to Devon, so are able to give you the best advice as to which cottages suit your needs. Many of the properties are dog friendly and have properties with a whole range of facilities including log fires, spas and swimming pools.

Image by Sykes Holiday Cottages

Sykes Holiday Cottages have a selection of cottages that can cater for groups of two all the way to 22. Their properties range from a more traditional cottage to more quirky options, such as converted chapels. These properties are perfect for group holidays or larger families looking to get away.

Toad Hall Cottages have over 900 properties on their books all across the south west with everything from large family friendly properties to small intimate get aways to couples. They have a large number of properties that are pet friendly and situated near attractions and pubs that also accept dogs, so these offer plenty of options for those wanting to bring their dogs on holiday with them.

Coast and Country Cottages are an agency that does just as the name suggests, they have 400 award winning cottages that are located exclusive in the south of Devon and suit all tastes and budgets, whether you need something that is suitable for a family with a young baby or one that wants to bring their four legged friends, you’ll find plenty of choice here.

Image by Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays

For those with your heart set on visiting East Devon, you’ll have a choice of cottages in the region with Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays. All of them are just a short distance from the Jurassic Coast and the South West Coastal Path and wherever you are, you’ll have glorious scenery. East Devon is mostly set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so budding photographers and those looking for a rural setting will be pleased with a stay in this part of Devon. For those looking for attractions in east Devon, kids will love the Donkey Sanctuary and the Beer Quarry Caves. Seaton Tramway also offers a great day out with tram rides and family friendly activities.

Another east Devon based collection of cottages all in the Beer area are Jean Bartlett Cottage Holidays. As all the cottages are within 25 miles of the office, there will always be someone on hand if you need to discuss anything during your stay and there is the choice between apartments, house, cottages and larger manors for bigger parties, so the choice is almost endless!

Image by Highwe Wiscombe

Higher Wiscombe and their collection of cottages are in the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and are a good base for exploring Beer, Sidmouth, Branscombe and other east Devon villages. While there are plenty of facilities onsite to keep you entertained, you are also near some of the area’s popular attractions, including Wildwood Escot, which has everything from animals, theme park rides and mazes, as well as soft play centres.

If you’d like a farm stay, North Devon Farm Holidays have a portfolio of self-catering farm cottages in a range of locations, including at blue-flag beaches and in the depths of the countryside. Staying at one of these cottages will give you everything you can expect from a farm holiday, amazing produce and the chance to do something a little different by staying on a working farm, but with the added privacy and flexibility of exploring on your own. Being in North Devon means which ever cottage you pick, you are never too far from the famous beaches, known for their popularity with surfers and the beautiful rock formations. There are a number of great family attractions in the north of Devon, such as Watermouth Family Theme Park and Castle and for those that are really taken with the farm life, Quince Honey Farm makes for an interesting day out. There is also the North Devon Wake Park which is perfect for the more daring among you. Pickwell Barton Cottages are another option for farm stays in North Devon. There are two cottages on site overlooking Woolacombe and Putsborough and are only a short distance from shops, pubs and restaurants. Bolberry Farm Cottages are three traditional barn conversion cottages only a mile from the village of Hope Cover and can sleep up to sixteen, plus they all have their own private garden and off road parking, making them perfect for parties. Knowle Farm is a great choice for families as there is a purpose built indoor toddler soft play area, as well as an indoor heated pool, table tennis table, outdoor play area and pool table. On the off chance that you want to head out into the wider area, Pennywell Farm is nearby as are the Shops at Dartington, so you can vary your days.

Rural North Devon is also home to Trimstone Manor Cottages, which are both easily accessible by main roads, but also is rural enough to give the impression that you are in the middle of nowhere. The cottages are nestled within 44 acres of gardens as well as being close to those wonderful beaches.

Image by Westward Living

If you like the idea of being close to the award-winning Westward Ho beach, then a stay with Westward Living is a good shout. They offer luxury accommodation with amazing coastal views set in beautiful private grounds. The onsite facilities include everything from play barns, heated indoor pools and a team of chefs preparing fabulous local dishes.

Lurcombe Farm Cottages sits on Dartmoor within an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, surrounded by rolling hillsides and green fields, perfect for families that want to get to grips with nature. There are onsite fishing facilities and the owners are happy to arrange trips to golf courses, horse riding, cycle hire, gym sessions and spa treatments, so you can have everything you would expect from a hotel without having to sacrifice from feeling at home. Being a self-contained property, guests can stay out as late or as early as they want without bothering anyone else. Set out early and spend the day at Trago Mills or join the Unique Devon Tours for an adventure. Of course, you can provide for yourself where meals are concerned, or you could use it as a chance to sample some of the amazing local produce that you can only get in Dartmoor. Be sure to stop off in some of the nearby cafes and restaurants, like the Home Farm Café which is right on the edge of Dartmoor.

Image by Alpine Park Cottages

Alpine Park Cottages allows you to have a cottage holiday with the facilities of a resort. The complex has eleven cottages set in grounds with a children’s play area. Each one has their own parking and patio areas, so they are good for those who want to socialise and have their own space.

The Holiday Cottages at the Cary Arms is a luxury sea side break that gives you the chance to enjoy hotel facilities whilst having your own privacy. Guests at the cottages are welcome to use all the private areas of the award-winning hotel, which includes spa treatments, as well as having their own space in comfortable cottages. So if you want the added bonus of using luxury hotel facilities without compromising on your cottage dreams, this is one for you to consider. If you get bored of the luxurious setting, head to nearby Babbacombe and find out more about the Cliff Railway and the model village at these popular local attractions.

Image by Flete Estate

Another spectacular setting for a seaside holiday is at the Flete Estate, there are nine individual cottages all set in a 5,000 acre private estate in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and three private beaches. The properties come in a range of sizes, so you can pick which one best suits you and your family. There are plenty of opportunities to have a good time in this part of Devon. You’re close to both Plymouth Gin and the Salcombe Distilling Company, so the grown ups can spend a few hours finding out more about how these businesses manufacture their gin before making your own and tasting it. For the kids, head to the National Marine Aquarium and learn more about the wildlife living off the coast. 

Inspired by this list? Take a look at the full range of accommodation available on our pages here.
Cottage Holidays are a great way to spend time away from home in luxurious settings with an informal and relaxed atmosphere and the flexibility to spend your time how you wish.