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You are here > Home > Visitor Info > More Information > Visit Devon News > Perfect cosy cottages for a post lockdown winter stay in Devon
3rd November 2020
Categories: Visitor News
While many of us won’t be going away for a quick pre-Christmas break because of lockdowns etc, once the national restrictions are lifted, if you are able to travel and want somewhere cosy to enjoy a winter break before the Christmas rush, here are some suggestions of welcoming self catering cottages and properties, perfect for this time of year.
When it comes to cute cottages, Devon is THE place to be. You get all the home comforts, plus you can choose between stunning countryside or dramatic coastal views, you can easily social distance and isolate away from other people and you have the freedom to please yourselves. Cottages and other self catering properties in Devon come with fully equipped kitchens and with the abundance of eateries in the region offering delivery and take away, there is no pressure to cook or eat out. Not only that, but many of these properties are also pet friendly, so the whole family can join you on your trip.
If you’re looking for a luxury break with beautiful coastal views and the atmosphere of a friendly local inn all within a cottage setting, take a look at the holiday cottages offered by the Cary Arms.
Image: Cary Arms
Set in the Torbay, these holiday cottages are just a short walk from the inn and space, so you can easily use the facilities there should you want to but are also perfect for those of you wanting privacy. Each cottage faces the sea and you have your own outdoor dining areas, just in case we get a random burst of sunshine! Each cottage has a spacious, comfortable sitting room complete with fireplace, flat screen TV and even comes with a DVD library so you can enjoy a duvet day or two!
The Torbay area is very popular with tourists all year around, but there are plenty of attractions with Covid measures in place so you can enjoy a day out if you choose to with the knowledge that every care has been taken to ensure your safety. You can see a range of attractions here. Make sure to check with the individual attraction before you travel, as their requirements may change with Government guidelines. Many of them also require you to book in advance and to only use contactless payments, so be aware!
Speaking of the Torbay area, Jenny Wren Holidays can be found in Brixham just down the road in the English Riviera on the Torbay/South Hams border. All the bungalows on site are within easy reach of Brixham, Torquay, Paignton and Dartmouth, so you have plenty of choice when it comes to finding things to do. Guests can also take advantage of free WiFi throughout making them perfect for movie nights and with their wide range of facilities, you can easily have a peaceful and comfortable trip away.
Image: Jenny Wren Cottages
If you like the sound of being near the coast, but want something a bit different, why not base yourself in East Devon where you have the dramatic Jurassic Coast? The towns of Sidmouth and Seaton and the village of Beer have plenty of self catering options for you to enjoy.
Littlecourt Cottages are a range of self catering cottages in the Sidmouth area. Set among a complex of five luxury cottages which are all centrally heated and peaceful, they are just 600 meters from the seafront. Courthaye and The Coach House both have two bedrooms while Hemphaye is larger and set out over two floors. Cherry Tree Cottage is a cosy one bed, Magnolia Cottage was built as a Victorian addition to the Littlecourt estate and has retained much of the buildings charm, it has three bedrooms. The Littlecourt cottages are surrounded by award winning gardens and each one comes with a fully equipped kitchen, cosy living rooms and spacious bedrooms as well as having free WiFi throughout.
The town of Sidmouth has lots of things to see and do for those of you wanting to explore the area during your stay, including the Donkey Sanctuary which is one of the largest family attractions in the area.
Other accommodation in the east Devon area is Higher Wiscombe. These cottages have stunning rural views and are located in the heart of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just a short distance from the coast. Thatched and Flint Cottage both sleep six and the Old Winery can sleep up to twenty (though not at the moment – remember the rule of six!). All cottages have ensuites and roll top baths, as well as wood burners for the ultimate cosy night in and all of them are dog friendly! Dogs will love the 52 acres of private countryside and the chance to explore the beach, which is open to them at this time of year.
In the south of the county, near Salcombe and Kingsbridge and within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are Bolberry Farm Cottages . Each home has a beautiful sea view, balconies and gardens. You can enjoy views over Burgh Island, Thurlestone and Bigbury Bay whilst still experiencing a real home from home. Each home comes with complimentary tea, coffee, milk and sugar as well as towels and bed linen are included, you’ll also find a stack of books and DVDs, so you can spend many a cosy night in.
For easy access to a range of South Devon’s most popular towns and villages, book a stay at Heron Cottage, a 3 bedroomed cottage that can sleep up to six and comes with an enclosed garden and an indoor pool. From this spot on the outskirts of Totnes, you can easily visit a host of towns and villages across the south of the county if you fancy a day out. Otherwise, you have plenty of space and comforts to spend time indoors.
Image: Flete Estate
Flete Estates is another option for those that want to be closer to the city of Plymouth. The estate has nine individual self catering cottages to choose from all within their own 5,000 acre private estate on the edge of an AONB and a SSSI. There is both beach and countryside within walking distance so you can get out and about without having to worry about social distancing and you’re close to Plymouth where you can access a whole host of attractions and eateries. Find more here.
For those of you who want to stay in North Devon, Love North Devon is perfect for anyone wanting a countryside retreat. The site is on the edge of Exmoor and is completely surrounded by lush Devonshire countryside. The real draw though is the farm that comes with the cottages, it gives you the chance to live as a local and gives you unprecedented access to a whole host of Devon’s wildlife including deer, owls, otters and buzzards. The site even has its own cat!
In Barnstaple, North Devon’s premier town, you’ll find Corffe House and Holiday Cottages Set in the countryside, this is an ideal base for anyone wanting to experience everything that North Devon has to offer. The town of Barnstaple is just a short trip, as are the the region’s amazing beaches and countryside, giving you the best of both worlds. The estate itself comprises of a Grade 2 listed manor house as well as a number of cottages, all of which has access to the indoor heated pool, tennis courts and play areas. Guests are welcome to make use of the free WiFi, HDTVs, Blu Ray players, books and films, so you can settle in and spend time together in the warm if you like!
Image: Moorparks Holiday Cottages
On the border of North and Mid Devon are Moorparks Holiday Cottages in Winkleigh, aside from having two beautiful two bed cottages, the site also has 12 acres of farmland full of animals like alpacas to entertain you! Each cottage has its own private garden and patio as well as a log burner, so you can really enjoy your winter get away. In the Spreacombe Valley near Braunton you’ll find Spreacombe Gardens which consists of 6 family run cottages that welcome dogs and have a host of walks you can enjoy without having to leave the estate. It’s an ideal location for anyone wanting to take a break away from the hustle and bustle of every day life.
Feeling inspired by these cosy suggestions? Find more cottages in Devon here If you are planning a trip away this winter, make sure to check travel restrictions before you book anything and don’t travel if you feel unwell. Follow the latest guidelines for your area and check with the individual properties for their latest procedures, most importantly though – have a safe and restful time away!
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