Devon
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Devon's countryside is as impressive as its two very different coasts, with Dartmoor and Exmoor rising from a landscape of patchwork fields, thatched whitewashed cottages and traditional stone longhouses.
South Devon is something of a hippy enclave which has become home to a host of music festivals and alternative lifestyle centres. North Devon is home to many grand stately homes set in glorious grounds, a contrast with the dramatic natural beauty of Exmoor.
There are many appealing properties here and our pick of the best places to stay in Devon are either dramatically sited on the coast or deep in the countryside further inland. Many of them reflect the region's chic new image, others are cosy old favourites.
Best Places to Stay in Devon - Rural
Devon boasts no fewer than two National Parks and FIVE areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO Geopark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and two National Parks; Exmoor on the North Coast and Dartmoor towards the South.
Nobody who has been to the county would be surprised at this embarassment of UNESCO conferred riches. Perhaps the more famous of the National Parks is Dartmoor. Its rugged beauty inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles.
Cyclists can enjoy the Drake's Trail and on both Exmoor and Dartmoor, herds of attractive wild ponies can be found roaming.
Our favourite places to stay in the most rural parts of Devon include The Arundell Arms, The Horn of Plenty, Combe House Hotel, Percy's Country Hotel and Restaurant and The Endsleigh.
- The Arundell Arms is a traditional place with its roots firmly in country pursuits. But it still comes up trumps with comfortable rooms, a really warm welcome and fab food. Come here for fishing on the Tamar or shooting in season.
- The Horn of Plenty is a Georgian country house located on the edge of Dartmoor. If peace and quiet are what you're after, look no further. Plus it has great food, super comfy beds and glorious views.
- Combe House Hotel is an Elizabethan manor house turned luxury hotel. Romance is the byword here, with luxurious rooms, beautiful gardens and fantastic food. If you're feeling flush book the thatched cottage for two with its own private walled garden.
- Percy's Country Hotel is an eco friendly, organic restaurant with rooms in the heart of Devon, between Dartmoor and the North coast. Come here for a total chill out, great walks and fantastic food.
- The Endsleigh is Olga Polizzi's stylish Devon pad. As you would expect the interiors are stunning, but the property has retained the air of an old hunting or fishing lodge as per its original incarnation. Book it simply for its stunning location in a hidden valley, surrounded by gardens designed by Humphrey Repton.
Best Places to Stay in Devon - Coastal
But Devon is more than just a pretty face. A haven for outdoor activites and extreme sports, its north coast beaches with their vast expanses of sand are as popular with surfers as they are with walkers and dogs.
The South coast too has much to recommend it. Dartmouth and the surrounding area are quite simply stunning and an increasingly popular summer holiday destination for those who prefer not to rack up the air miles.
There are a plethora of hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses along both coasts, but from our pick of the best places to stay in Devon, we'd suggest you try Nonsuch House, Fingals or The Henley.
- Nonsuch House is a charming guesthouse in Kingswear, across the estuary from Dartmouth. With only four bedrooms, it can be hard to get availability. But it's certainly worth it if you can: charming bedrooms with sensational views plus award winning brekkie and delicious dinners on offer four nights a week.
- Fingals is a quirky property a few miles inland from Dartmouth. Run along house party lines, it is incredibly laid back. The beautifully restored farmhouse offers eleven bedrooms with plenty of room for families. A swimming pool and grass tennis court make it ideal for the warmer months.
- The Henley probably boasts one of the best views on the South coast: a panoramic vista stretching from the Avon Estuary to Burgh Island. The five bedrooms are spacious and simple and make for an ideal seaside bolthole.
Best Places to Stay in Devon - Towns
There are plenty of good places to stay in and around the Devon towns of Plymouth and Exeter. Plymouth, site of Sir Francis Drake's famous game of bowls feels steeped in history, maritime and otherwise.
Parts of the university town of Exeter date back to Roman times. It also boasts an atmospheric high street with cobbled streets and squares housing high street and independent shops.
For urban sojourns we reckon the best place to stay in Devon would have to be the ABode in Exeter. Bang in the city centre and with wonderful views of the cathedral this old townhouse has had a good makeover and now offers a selection of rooms (ranging from Comfortable to Fabulous) depending on your budget. Food too is good here with everything overseen by Michael Caines.
Browse through our list of the best places to stay in Devon and start to plan your stay. Please feel free to call or email a friendly guru for advice Contact
The best hotels in Devon
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Burgh Island
South Devon
Full of character, this seaside art deco hotel on an island is a true 'experience' hotel. It offers the fun of pretending it’s still 1930 (and that you are well-off). Half board only, because the tide locks you in at night.
25 rooms from $628Romantic - Good for couples.WeddingsRestrictions on children - No under 5s, no under 12s at dinnerSecluded setting - Cut off at high tideRecommended by - Good Hotel Guide -
Gidleigh Park Hotel
Chagford, Devon
Super luxurious and pampering Dartmoor retreat with top notch service, very comfortable rooms, extensive grounds (with fine views) and excellent gourmet cooking. Spa, tennis etc.
24 rooms from $435Fishing - Fly fishing on the River Teign - licenses and tuition providedRestaurant - Michael Caines award-winning restaurantGarden - Beautiful landscaped gardenGreat walks - On nearby DartmoorRecommended by - Mr & Mrs Smith, Frommers, Johansens, Kiwi Collection, Relais & Chateaux, Sawdays, Travel Intelligence, Michelin Travel -
The Combe House Hotel
Gittisham, Devon
Easily accessible yet tranquil Elizabethan manor hotel with romantic lived-in country house style interiors, extensive grounds for walking, and excellent food.
15 rooms from $346Exclusive offer - Mid Week BreaksRestaurant - One of Top Foodie Hotels in SW 2013 as voted by Food Magazine readersRomantic Break - The thatched cottage is the perfect romantic hideawayGarden - Restored Victorian kitchen gardenRomantic - Good for couples.Recommended by - I Escape, Good Hotel Guide, Johansens, Sawdays, Travel Intelligence, Mr & Mrs Smith -
Whitehouse
Devon
Small but beautifully designed coastal village hotel - a boutique of real style with just six rooms, one mile from the beach, with chic rooms and a screening room for movies.
6 rooms from $306Spa - House membership to the Dart Marina SpaSailing - Can be booked nearby.Four poster beds - For romantics.Recommended by - Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape -
Hotel Endsleigh
Devon
Historic shooting lodge, surprisingly intimate, with stylish interiors by Olga Polizzi. Lovely grounds, wonderfully sited in its own valley and stretch of river. Good for outdoor types and families.
16 rooms from $298Exclusive offer - Spring Offer Save 10%Garden - Set in 110 acres, with a stretch of riverFishing - Private stretch of the River TamarViews - Great views from hotelSecluded setting - For escaping. -
Northcote Manor
North Devon
Offers the simple pleasures of good food, lovely views and peace and quiet. Old fashioned.
16 rooms from $258 -
The Old Rectory Hotel
Devon
A simple, very relaxed hotel on Exmoor yards from the sea. Quiet, ideal for walkers or if you are looking for a secluded escape, with well styled rooms and excellent food.
10 rooms from $258Great walks - 500 yds from the coastal path on ExmoorQuiet - Nothing but birdsongKayaking - Can be arranged locallySurfing - Can be organised nearbyRecommended by - Sawdays -
Cary Arms
South Devon
Mills & Boon meets the Famous Five meets New England in this interior designed boutique gastropub in a good seaside location. Young staff, on the beach, plenty to do.
8 rooms from $250Seaside - A seaside classicViews - Great views from hotelFishing - The Inn provides rods for the pier, and nets for fishing in rock poolsLively - This is still a pub!Recommended by - Good Hotel Guide, Johansens -
South Sands
Salcombe, Devon
Ideal for families, this boutique beach hotel is a paradise for watersport addicts. Contemporary styling, right on the beach, with good brasserie food.
22 rooms from $242Sailing - Can be booked nearby.Views - Wonderful views over Salcombe EstuarySeaside - Ideal for a seaside holiday.Great walks - Good for walkers. -
Heasley House
North Devon
Highly rated and stylish 'house hotel' in a sleepy Exmoor valley, for log fires, bracing walks and delicious food. Ideal for a quiet country escape.
7 rooms from $242 -
Kaywana Hall
Dartmouth, Devon
Modern design, Californian style boutique B+B with a pool, close to the River Dart. Rooms have their own entrances and sit out terraces, so ideal if you don't want to be disturbed.
3 rooms from $225 -
Percy's Country Hotel
North Devon
Eco friendly, organic restaurant with rooms in the heart of rural Devon, between Dartmoor and the North coast. Spacious well appointed bedrooms and fabulous organic food, much of it produced on site. Wonderful spot for total relaxation after a day exploring the area.
7 rooms from $225Great walks - Both Dartmoor and the South West Coast Paths are within easy reach.Sights nearby - Plenty of National Trust Houses and gardens in the vicinity.Cooking classes - Courses available year round.Restrictions on children - Over 10s only.Recommended by - Sawdays -
Blagdon Manor
Beaworthy, Devon
Quiet and secluded country house hotel overlooking peaceful rural landscape, ideal for a quiet and relaxing weekend. More of a restaurant with (7) rooms, in Grade 11 listed Manor.
7 rooms from $217Garden - 3 acre garden in larger groundsRestaurant - Recommended.Restrictions on children - No children under 12Great walks - Good for walkers.Recommended by - Good Hotel Guide -
Orestone Manor Hotel
Torquay, Devon
Colonial-style and elegant hotel with Mediterranean views across Torbay from most rooms, spacious and furnished with antiques. Excellent food, secluded lawns and uniformed staff - a haven.
11 rooms from $217Garden - Attractive outside space.Views - Overlooking Lyme BaySeaside - Ideal for a seaside holiday.Swimming Pool - Indoor/outdoorRecommended by - Frommers -
ABode Exeter
Exeter, Devon
If you need to be in Exeter, this hotel is bright, slickly designed and central, with great food supervised by Gidleigh's Michael Caines.
53 rooms from $217Restaurant - Award winning food, supervised by Michael CainesSights nearby - Situated in the heart of Exeter's Cathedral YardRecommended by - Frommers -
Watersmeet Hotel
Woolacombe, Devon
Classic seaside hotel with fabulous views over the North Devon coast. Tastefully refurbished rooms reflect the beach side location and the restaurant offers delicious food sourced from local ingredients. An romantic hotel for a seaside break and ideal for a family holiday too.
25 rooms from $216Views - Amazing sea views from all but two of the bedroomsOn the beach - Direct access to a sandy beach below the hotelGreat walks - South West coastal path on the doorstepSpa - In room treatments availableRecommended by - Good Hotel Guide, Johansens -
The Henley
Bigbury-on-Sea, South Devon
Small and friendly seaside bolthole of just 5 rooms, with a beach house feel, close to Burgh Island - great views, fine cooking, with its own private beach access.
5 rooms from $193Exclusive offer - From £60Views - Superb views spanning the Avon Estuary, Burgh Island and beyond.Restrictions on children - No children under 12Great walks - Good for walkers.Outstanding locationRecommended by - Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays -
Weeke Barton
Devon
One of the finest b+bs in Devon - small thatched country house on Dartmoor, eco friendly with organic produce and lovely views and walks. Ride, walk, fish or just chill out.
5 rooms from $193Great walks - Dartmoor ramblingViews - Great views from hotelSecluded setting - For escaping.Full of character -
Fingals Hotel
Dittisham, Devon
Quirky and delightfully informal hotel run on house party lines, near the River Dart - 'quintessentially English' - full of art, a fine lawn, with an indoor pool, gym and grass tennis.
11 rooms from $193Exclusive offer - Free DinnerQuirky - You never know who you will meetLibrary - Overflowing with booksGarden - Attractive outside space.House party feel - Communal dining often hosted by the ownersRecommended by - Sawdays -
Nonsuch House
Kingswear, Devon
Delightful guesthouse overlooking Dartmouth with great estuary views, and gourmet dinners offered four nights a week
4 rooms from $177Views - Lovely views of the river and DartmouthSailing - Local sailing club close byRestrictions on children - No children under 12Outstanding locationRecommended by - Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays -
Strete Barton House
nr Dartmouth, Devon
High standards of interior decor, comfort and hospitality in top-notch B&B, with fine views and in a lovely coastal village, close to the beach.
6 rooms from $169Views - Panoramic views across Start Bay from Start Point light-house to the mouth of the river DartGreat walks - Just off the south west coast pathBirdwatching - Good birding near the hotel.Fishing - Excellent fishing nearby. -
Horn of Plenty Hotel
Tavistock, Devon
Elegant country house hotel with fine dining in rural Tamar Valley on edge of Dartmoor - peace, quiet and nice grounds
10 rooms from $153Exclusive offer - Sunday SpecialRestaurant - Recommended.Great walks - Dartmoor on the doorstepViews - Great views from hotelFishing - Excellent fishing nearby.Recommended by - Johansens -
Masons Arms
South Devon
Traditional country pub in a pretty coastal village for a cheap seaside holiday. Boutique style rooms, fine ales and food and a great beach a short walk away.
21 rooms from $137Restaurant - Features lobster and crab landed on Branscombe beach.Beach nearby - Branscombe Beach a 10 minute walkGreat walks - Explore the Jurassic coastFour poster beds - For romantics.Recommended by - Sawdays -
Arundell Arms Hotel
Lifton, Devon
Traditional, long-established fishing hotel, with a pretty garden and good food. Easily accessible, with fishing courses for beginners. Shooting also available.
21 rooms from $129Exclusive offer - Spring BreakFishing - On a 20 mile stretch of the River TamarGreat walks - On nearby DartmoorRecommended by - Good Hotel Guide -
Hamptons Hotel
Ilfracombe, Devon
Stylish seaside boutique B&B, owned and run by a hotel designer, in an idiosyncratic Victorian villa. Themed rooms and sweeping views of the coast. Walks and surfing nearby.
6 rooms from $113Surfing - Croyde, Saunton and Woolacombe beaches, and lessons can be arrangedSights nearby - Ilfracombe, and Lundy Island close byGreat walks - The coast path or nearby ExmoorSeaside - Ideal for a seaside holiday.Recommended by - Johansens
