Devon & Cornwall, England's West Country: scintillating coastlines, bucket-and-spade seaside villages, wild moorland, secret valleys and deep, high-sided lanes. On Cornwall's south coast there are sparkling seas, hidden coves and tropical gardens, while the north coast is known for its sweeping surfing beaches. 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 longhouses. Our favourite hotels are either dramatically sited on the coast or lost deep in countryside. Many of them reflect the region's chic new image, others are cosy old favourites. The order by which the hotels are listed bears no reflection on our preference.
Written by Fiona Duncan
-
“City-centre inn revitalised by brighter rooms and fine dining.”
- Moderate
- EXETER; in the centre of the city
Check Availability |
Read more
-
“Colonial-style house with Mediterranean views across Torbay”
- Moderate
- TORQUAY; overlooking the sea 3 miles from Torquay in Maidencombe
Read more
-
“Seaside Art Deco hotel that offers the fun of pretending it’s still 1930 (and that you are well-off).”
- Moderate
- MARTINHOE; in open country outside a small village in the Exmoor National Park
Read more
-
“A simple hotel in beautiful surroundings run by owners who know how to please.”
- Moderate
- MARTINHOE; in open country outside a small village in the Exmoor National Park
Read more
-
“High standards of interior decoration, comfort and hospitality in top-notch B&B.”
- Moderate
- STRETE; in the centre of village, about a mile from a sandy beach
Read more
-
“Offers the simple pleasures of good food, lovely views and peace and quiet.”
- Moderate
- BURRINGTON UMBERLEIGH; open countryside near village
Read more
-
“Historic shooting lodge, wonderfully sited in its own valley”
- Luxury
- MILTON ABBOT; in the Tamar valley, near Tavistock
Read more
-
“Homely, beautifully run guesthouse in deepest Devon”
- Inexpensive
- OAKFORDBRIDGE; in the Exe valley near Bampton
Read more
-
“Sunny new addition to South Devon’s coast hotels, a paradise for watersports’ addicts”
- Moderate
- SALCOMBE; on beach at South Sands, close to Salcombe, approached by narrow lanes
Check Availability |
Read more
-
“The best features of a traditional country pub combined with the comforts of a small hotel.”
- Inexpensive
- BRANSCOMBE; in the middle of the small country village
Read more
-
“Personally-run Elizabethan manor house with something for everyone”
- Luxury
- GITTISHAM; South Devon, in own estate just outside Honiton
Read more
-
“Small and friendly seaside bolthole”
- Moderate
- BIGBURY-ON-SEA, beyond the town, towards the sea
Read more
-
“Traditional, long-established fishing hotel”
- Moderate
- LIFTON; close to Dartmoor and the border with Cornwall
Read more
-
“Mills & Boon meets the Famous Five”
- Moderate
- BABBACOMBE; right on the bay near Torquay, reached by a steep lane
Read more
-
“Inviting and relaxing base for exploring Dartmoor”
- Moderate
- MORETONHAMPSTEAD; on Dartmoor, in the village centre
Check Availability |
Read more
-
“Dartmoor retreat as luxurious as it's secluded”
- Luxury
- CHAGFORD; in Dartmoor National Park
Read more
-
“Stylish seaside boutique B&B, immaculately run by its creators”
- Inexpensive
- ILFRACOMBE; in elevated position, 10 minutes from the harbour
Read more
-
“The epitome of a well-run, unstuffy country hotel”
- Moderate
- ASHWATER; just off A388, four miles south of Holdsworthy, in 20 acres
Read more
-
“Elegant and beautiful country house hotel”
- Moderate
- GULWORTHY; near Tavistock, overlooking the Tamar valley
Read more
-
“Delightful guesthouse overlooking Dartmouth and the sea”
- Inexpensive
- KINGSWEAR; across the river from Dartmouth
Read more
-
“Friendly, comfy, homely B&B in the glorious Dart valley.”
- Inexpensive
- BUCKFASTLEIGH; on the outskirts
Read more
-
“Delightfully informal country house hotel run on house party lines”
- Moderate
- DITTISHAM; in quiet valley, one mile outside the village
Read more
Photo by flickr user timbr00
