Which part of Devon is best for a beach cottage holiday?

It really depends on the type of coastal break you want. North Devon is often better for wide beaches, surf and open coastline, while South Devon has more sheltered bays, estuaries, harbour towns and family seaside resorts. Popular areas include Woolacombe, Croyde, Ilfracombe, Dartmouth, Salcombe, Exmouth, Teignmouth and Torbay.

What is the difference between North Devon and South Devon?

The main difference lies in the landscape and coastal conditions. North Devon faces the Atlantic, resulting in larger waves, open beaches and more dramatic scenery. South Devon, on the other hand, is more sheltered, with calmer waters, estuaries and a gentler coastline. The south is often preferred for relaxed beach days and scenic views, while the north is popular for surfing and wider sandy beaches.

What are the best beaches for views in Devon?

Devon has a number of beaches known for their scenic settings. Saunton Sands offers wide views backed by dunes, while Blackpool Sands on the south coast is surrounded by wooded hills. Beaches around the South Hams, including Bantham, combine open views with rolling countryside. Each area provides a different perspective, making it worth exploring more than one part of the coastline during your stay. For more insights, take a quick look at our guide to the best beaches in Devon for a coastal break.

Which Devon coastal towns are good for a quieter stay?

For a quieter beach cottage stay, look at places such as Appledore, Instow, Combe Martin, Beer, Budleigh Salterton, Shaldon, Hope Cove or smaller villages around the South Hams. These locations tend to be less resort-like than larger towns such as Torquay, Paignton or Ilfracombe. They are good options if you want coastal access without staying somewhere too busy.

Are there hidden beaches in Devon?

Devon has a number of smaller beaches and coves that are less well known than the main tourist spots. These are often accessed via coastal paths or narrow lanes and may require a short walk to reach. While they may not have the same facilities as larger beaches, they can offer a quieter and more secluded setting, particularly outside the busiest months.

Is Devon a good place to visit outside the summer months?

Devon can be a good option outside the summer season, especially for walking and sightseeing. Spring and autumn often provide milder conditions and fewer visitors, making it easier to explore beaches and coastal towns. While the weather can be more changeable, many areas remain accessible and enjoyable throughout the year.

Where are the best Devon beach cottages for surfing?

North Devon is usually the best area for surfing, particularly around Croyde, Saunton, Woolacombe and Westward Ho!. These beaches are popular because they face the Atlantic and often have better surf conditions than the more sheltered south coast. If surfing is a main part of your holiday, staying close to one of these beaches can make the trip much easier.

When is the best time to book a Devon beach cottage?

The best time to book is as early as possible for summer holidays, school breaks and popular locations such as Woolacombe, Croyde, Salcombe and Dartmouth. Spring and autumn can be good for quieter stays, coastal walks and better availability. Winter can also work well if you want a peaceful break by the sea rather than a traditional beach holiday.

Devon Beach Cottages | Sea View & Coastal Holidays

From £525 per week

Seaton, Devon, England

Beautiful Beer Bolthole

No Pets

Parking

Woolacombe, Devon, England

Woolacombe Bolthole

Sleeps 6

Pet Friendly

Parking

From £504 per week

Devon Beach Cottages and Coastal Stays

North coast, south coast and where to base yourself

Devon’s north coast is a good choice if you want wide beaches, surf and a more open stretch of coastline. Woolacombe, Croyde, Saunton and Westward Ho! are among the best-known beach areas, with plenty of space for swimming, surfing, walking and family days by the sea. Ilfracombe and Combe Martin add a different setting, with harbour areas, cliffs and access to the North Devon coast.

South Devon offers a different type of stay, with more sheltered beaches, estuaries and traditional seaside towns. Torquay, Paignton and Brixham form the English Riviera, while Dartmouth, Teignmouth, Salcombe and Exmouth give you a mix of harbours, beaches, ferries and local places to eat. East Devon also connects with the Jurassic Coast, so towns such as Sidmouth, Seaton and Budleigh Salterton work well if you want coastal walks, cliffs and a quieter pace.

Beaches, bays and coastal access

Devon’s beaches vary from long sandy stretches to smaller coves, shingle beaches and harbour-side swimming spots. The north coast is often associated with larger beaches like Woolacombe beach and Atlantic surf, while the south coast has a broader mix of resort beaches, estuary beaches and sheltered coves. This gives Devon plenty of choice for families, walkers, surfers and anyone who wants a beach cottage within easy reach of the water.

The South West Coast Path runs along Devon’s coast and links many of its main seaside towns, beaches and headlands. In South Devon, the route passes through a varied stretch of coastline with sea views, estuaries and coastal towns between Wembury and the edge of Exeter. This makes Devon a practical choice if you want to combine beach days with walking routes directly from, or close to, your holiday base. Check out our Devon beach guide which gives more specific details on most of the popular beaches.

Harbour towns, family resorts and days out

Devon has several coastal towns where the harbour or seafront is central to the stay. Brixham, Dartmouth, Salcombe, Ilfracombe and Appledore all offer a strong waterside setting, with boats, quays, places to eat and coastal routes nearby. These locations suit guests who want more than just beach access, especially if being able to walk to shops, pubs and the water is part of the holiday.

For a more traditional seaside break, places such as Torquay, Paignton, Exmouth, Teignmouth and Westward Ho! offer beaches, promenades and family-friendly facilities. Further east, the Jurassic Coast adds cliffs, fossil beaches and well-known coastal scenery around Sidmouth, Seaton and Budleigh Salterton. For extra ideas on attractions, events and local highlights during your stay, it is also worth taking a look at the Visit Devon website while planning your trip.

Things to do in Devon