An area of outstanding natural beauty, the often rugged coastline of South Devon encompasses some of the most stunning views of the southern seashore in England, stretching majestically along the South West Coastal Path between Dorset and Cornwall.
Things to do in South Devon With Dartmoor at its heart, South Devon is an established centre for hill walking and rambling, whilst its beautiful coastline is justly famous to holidaymakers and naturalists alike. Whether tackling one of its many footpaths or cycle trails, or relaxing on one of the many sandy beaches, visitors to South Devon have an amazing range of countryside and coastal pursuits at their fingertips.
Top Destinations Dartmoor – Covering almost 1,000 sq kilometres of picturesque moorland, this designated National Park has also been gainfully employed as a military firing range for over 200 years.
Ivybridge – An important crossing point over the River Erme, the town lies eight miles east of Plymouth and to the south of the Dartmoor National Park.
Salcombe – Close to the mouth of the Kingsbridge estuary, Salcombe is a pretty town with a sheltered harbour and an impressive waterfront, which makes it ideal for boating and sailing, as well as a popular spot for holidaymakers, who flock onto its sandy beaches. The coastline is also the location for a number of historic shipwrecks – including some allegedly dating back to the Bronze Age. Near the mouth of the estuary, the Bar, a sand spit which is exposed at low tide, makes the tidal entrance almost impassable when a strong southerly wind is blowing.
Exeter – The cathedral city of Devon was once the most south-westerly reaches of the Roman Empire in Britain. Perched on the River Exe, the city still enjoys excellent transport links, and although tourism is important to the local economy, unlike some other local conurbations, Exeter is not dependent upon its seasonal trade. The beautiful 12th century cathedral is famous for its impressive vaulted ceiling, as well as its celebrated astronomical clock.
Exmouth – Dominated by its proximity to both the sea and the River Exe, the town has a fine selection of notable architecture, from the small fishing cottages of the original villages, to the smart Georgian town houses of later years. Exmouth is a popular tourist centre, with a particular focus on water sports such as sailing and windsurfing. Close by, on the opposite side of the estuary, Dawlish Warren is one of the few natural sand spits in the world, and is home to a myriad of rare wildlife and plant life.
Dawlish – Sited at the outlet of the small river known as Dawlish Water, the sandy beach at Dawlish is famously fringed by the Riveria Line Railway running along the South Devon Railway sea wall. The unusual positioning of the railway line makes it one of the most photographed sections of track in the country, although it is also constantly in danger of sea erosion and general flooding. Early (pre-Roman) inhabitants of the area were largely fishermen and salt makers. The town was also once famous as the home of Devon Violets.
Bovey Tracey – As with many local towns, this ‘Gateway to the Moors’ takes its name from a nearby river. The town also played its part in the English Civil War, with a decisive battle on Bovey Heath, in which the Roundheads were victorious.
Dartmouth – Once of strategic importance as a deep water port, the narrow mouth of the Dart estuary is protected by two impressive fortified castles; Dartmouth Castle and Kingswear Castle were originally built to provide co-ordinated cover with the use of limited-range cannons. As military gun technology improved, Kingswear declined in importance, and Dartmouth Castle was enhanced with improved gun emplacements.
Brixham – A small fishing town, set on a hill, the harbour at Brixham is still used by fishing boats. A replica of Sir Francis Drake’s Golden Hind is also permanently moored here, creating a well-established tourist attraction. Prince William of Orange landed at Brixham in 1688, and many locals still have Dutch surnames, allegedly being direct descendants of his army.
Oak Cottage, Blagdon, nr. Paignton, Paignton, Devon
These attractive holiday barn conversions are tucked away in the quiet hamlet of Blagdon and situated just under 2 miles to the nearest beach, ideally located for a family holiday, not just in the summer but all year ...
Situated in the heart of the quaint shopping precinct of St. Marychurch, this delightful terraced maisonette has a south facing patio overlooking the church and has been decorated to a very good standard. An ideal base for ...
Hillside, No 5 Hillside Terrace, Fore Street, Kingswear, Dartmouth, Devon
The cottage is well named as it's perched up on a hillside overlooking Dartmouth and the river Dart all the way up to Greenway (Agatha Christie's old holiday home). Its approached voa 78 steps
The kitchen is a lovely ...
Set in a superb location, ideal for everyone from couples to groups or families with children of all ages. The superb leisure facilities are available all year, and are spread around the spacious grounds, offering many ...
Spinneycot, Kingswear, nr. Torquay, Dartmouth, Devon
This ground floor apartment is situated in Kingswear opposite the Maritime Port of Dartmouth at the mouth of the picturesque River Dart and in the South Hams, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is an excellent base ...
The Bunny Barn, Normans Farm, Combefishacre, Ipplepen, Newton Abbot, Devon
THE BUNNY BARN
Open all year. Short breaks or long stays. Romantic breaks, walking, painting, visiting the beach, or just relaxing.
Sleeps 2 plus two children plus a cot and is fully equipped with all the items ...
Robin Cottage is a spacious detached holiday cottage situated a 10-minute walk from both Brixham town centre and the harbour. Situated close to the owner's home, the property has a cosy woodburner and a secluded courtyard, ...
Situated in the heart of the South Hams, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Mount Zion Annexe is a self contained one bedroom property adjoining a Victorian , detached country property, Mount Zion House.Once the home ...
In a quiet location, with a peaceful and secluded lawned garden, this self-contained wing (right of photograph) of a charming 16th-century thatched house, is conveniently located opposite Teignmouth, handy for the Torbay ...
A spacious family holiday property located above the pretty River Yealm estuary in the unspoilt twin fishing villages of Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo, an AONB. From the large living room, patio doors lead out on to a ...
Lilac Cottage, Millmans Cottages, Village Road, Marldon, Devon
Lilac Cottage is a delightful 4 star character cottage just for two with use of a shared pool in the summer months.
Lilac Cottages is in the village of Marldon between the medievel town of Totnes and the Torbay coast, a ...
Hidden away in the garden of the owner's Georgian listed house, The Rock is an exciting modern and contemporary detached property, designed by award winning architects. The accommodation boasts floor to ceiling glass ...
A charming barn conversion in an AONB, well placed to explore coast or country. Wonderfully secluded, yet only a short distance from picturesque Newton Ferrers, 21/2 miles, attached to the owner's home. Comfortably ...
In a setting of stunning natural beauty, Tuckenhay Mill is the centrepiece of a cluster of country homes and cottages with superb leisure facilities including two indoor and one outdoor pools, making it ideal for a family ...
This first floor apartment is in an absolutely wonderful position in the heart of the Barbican, the oldest part of Plymouth. It is surrounded by shops, restaurants and galleries and it overlooks the old harbour and the ...
In a setting of stunning natural beauty, Tuckenhay Mill is the centrepiece of a cluster of country homes and cottages with superb leisure facilities including two indoor and one outdoor pools, making it ideal for a family ...
Situated on the edge of the Dartmoor Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve and within 24 acres of tranquil meadowland, Little Dunley Cottages have been carefully restored and finished to a very high standard. Pristine and ...
Acorn Cottage, Teigngrace, nr. Newton Abbot, Newton Abbot, Devon
Dating back to the 13th century these charming holiday cottages occupy a peaceful location, and command views over the owners' 250-acre working Charolais beef farm, bordered by the River Teign on the edge of the village ...
Situated in the heart of rolling Devonshire countryside, Ashcombe nestles in a peaceful valley close to the seaside resorts of Dawlish and Torquay and the stunning beaches at Teignmouth. Ashcombe's superbly appointed ...
These superb converted barns are set on a 50-acre farm in a lush, green valley, with stunning views out over Lyme Bay. An area of breathtaking beauty, walk to the top field and look out over Exmouth, Dawlish, Teignmouth ...
Barnyard Cottage, Teigngrace, nr. Newton Abbot, Newton Abbot, Devon
Dating back to the 13th century these charming holiday cottages occupy a peaceful location, and command views over the owners' 250-acre working Charolais beef farm, bordered by the River Teign on the edge of the village ...
Beachside, Bovisand, nr. Plymouth, Plymouth, Devon
Just as the name suggests, Beachside is just a stones throw from Bovisand beach, set on a headland overlooking Plymouth Sound, with panoramic views towards the Plymouth breakwater and the Cornish coastline. This cosy, ...
Set at the edge of the picturesque village of Newton Ferrers, a haven for sailing and watersports, Parsonage Farm dates back to medieval times. The converted cottage and barn are adjacent to the main farmhouse, and each ...
This attractive, adjoining barn conversion, with shared use of sauna and outdoor heated swimming pool, is tucked away in the rural hamlet of Blagdon, just 2 miles from the Torbay beaches. Ideal for a family holiday all ...
Breakwater View, Down Thomas, nr. Plymouth, Newton and Noss, Devon
This modern semi-detached chalet style holiday bungalow looks directly across the bay with views to Kingsand, Cawsand and Plymouth Sound. Bovisand is a very popular beach for young families. There are 3 beaches within ...
If you are looking for a tranquil, relaxing holiday away from the hustle and bustle then this is the place for you. Coombe House Cottages are situated in a designated AONB in the heart of rural Devon, situated in a ...
This well presented terraced town property for 4 is an ideal location for exploring the wealth of attractions to be found in Plymouth, or spending days out in Cornwall and in the Dartmoor National Park. Visit the Barbican, ...
Offering some of the most spectacular coastal views of Torbay, Captains Cottage is situated in a row of properties overlooking Brixham Harbour. These cottages were originally built for the town's fishermen, high above the ...
Whether seeking an active family holiday or a relaxing weekend to recharge the batteries, Newhouse Barton is the perfect location from which to explore the South Hams, the Dart Estuary and Dartmoor. Located midway between ...
Cider Press, Diptford, nr. Totnes, South Brent, Devon
The beautiful, adjoining barn conversions of Westmoore Farm sit in a secluded valley, deep in the heart of the South Hams. This 16th-century, Grade II listed site is home to a family-run working livestock farm and a ...
In a setting of stunning natural beauty, Tuckenhay Mill is the centrepiece of a cluster of country homes and cottages with superb leisure facilities including two indoor and one outdoor pools, making it ideal for a family ...
Situated only 300 yards to the beach, these properties (refs: 27424 and 28195)make an ideal place for a family holiday or friends to get together. Both the properties have been furnished to a very good standard and have a ...
This Grade II listed cottage is set in a beautiful location right on the river. Previously it was the washhouse for the millers wife. Stone built it has rustic charm, country views and a tranquil setting. Totnes, 31/2 ...
Elliotts Port, Buckland-tout-Saints, nr. Kingsbridge, Kingsbridge, Devon
Courtlands Manor Estate dates back to the 13th century and was once one of the principal country houses and estates in South Devon. The owners live in the manor house and have lovingly, completely transformed the barns ...
Nestling on the front overlooking the picturesque Dart Estuary, locations do not come better than the one this apartment enjoys, within reach of all the West Country's premier resorts. Emily's has been renovated to offer a ...
Nestled in the heart of Galmpton lies the 250 year old Farmhouse Cottage adjoining the owners farmhouse. With large private garden on a quiet lane, it lies within a 6 mile radius of the River Dart, Brixham, Dartmouth, ...
This truly delightful fisherman's cottage, built around 1770, overlooks the busy little harbour of Brixham with uninterrupted views of Torbay and out to sea. The holiday cottage has been lovingly and sympathetically ...
This delightful cottage adjoins the owners' farmhouse. The house has a fascinating history including once being owned by Sir Francis Drake. Nestling in a beautiful South Hams Valley close to the River Yealm Estuary. ...
Over 100 years old, this stone cottage is set in a residential area of Teignmouth. Four Farthings is situated just a short walk to Teignmouth town centre and the beach. One of a small terrace, adjoining the owner's home, ...
Set in a superb location, ideal for everyone from couples to groups or families with children of all ages. The superb leisure facilities are available all year, and are spread around the spacious grounds, offering many ...
Situated in the idyllic and historic town of Dartmouth, this first floor holiday apartment is one of the few properties set right at the water's edge, and enjoys spectacular views towards Kingswear and the sea. Furnished ...
Just a short walk from the harbour, Hanworth Lodge makes the ideal holiday base. Adjoining the owner's home in a quiet residential area, this cottage has been decorated and furnished to a very good standard. It has an ...
Harbour View is a first floor apartment, located in a quiet residential area with lovely views of the harbour, town and out to sea (as shown in photograph). This holiday property has the added benefit of some excellent ...
United Kingdom cottages
