The 18 Best Hotels in Devon by the sea (2025)

Devon’s shoreline is a wild and wonderful mix of surf-washed coves, fishing villages and dramatic coastal trails—and dotted along it, you’ll find a seriously good line-up of seaside hotels. Our insiders’ collection of the best hotels in Devon by the sea includes everything from clifftop hideaways and Art Deco landmarks to beachside inns and Michelin-starred manors.

Families will find classic coastal hotels where kids can roam and rockpool while grown-ups unwind in sea-facing spas. Food lovers are in for a treat too, with stays that double as destinations for locally sourced seafood and estuary-view tasting menus. Prefer something romantic and remote? There are boutique stays where you can fall asleep to the sound of waves and wake to sunrise swims just steps from your room. And if you’re travelling with the dog, no problem — there are smart yet relaxed escapes where four-legged guests are just as welcome.

Whether you’re after storm-watching in winter or sailing in summer, Devon’s coast has something for every season — and our curated edit makes it easy to find the perfect match. These are the best hotels in Devon by the sea, tried, tested, and ready for your next escape.

For a boutique stay

• Salcombe Harbour Hotel sits on the edge of the bustling Salcombe. Chic rooms feauture floor to ceiling windows which lend spectacular coastal views. Well placed a short walk from both the buzzy town centre and sandy beaches while also offering an indoor pool, spa, and cinema room.

For families

• Thurlestone Hotel is a classic coastal property offering a wide range of outdoor pursuits and activities, making this an ideal choice for families. Most rooms boast sea views, and the design is refined without being stuffy. Children can enjoy a well-equipped playroom, DVD and games library, and table tennis, ensuring entertainment regardless of the weather.
• The Red Lion is a charming family-friendly hotel overlooking Clovelly Harbour. Each of its 17 beautifully decorated rooms boasts a sea view, and the hotel's family rooms feature pull-out sofa beds, accommodating families comfortably. The interiors are reassuringly traditional, and the restaurant serves up the best of the day's catch. A laid-back stay ideal for a family seaside holiday.
• Saunton Sands Hotel is a quintessential family seaside hotel in a spectacular setting on the North Devon coast, offering both double rooms and apartments, making this an ideal choice for families (and groups). Children can participate in a wide range of inclusive weekend and school holiday activities, from messy play to surf lessons. The hotel also features award-winning dining and direct access to the golden sandy beach below.

For a Stay in a Classic Seaside Town

• The Bayards Cove Inn offers a charming traditional stay in the heart of historic Dartmouth. With views of the Dartmouth Estuary, lovely cosy rooms, and a wonderful restaurant this is the perfect base for that quintessential British seaside break.

For Spectacular Sea Views

• The Hope and Anchor is a quaint inn boasting an enviable location on Devon's beautiful Hope Cove. Bright, fresh rooms are simply styled. The best have large bay views, ideal for curling up with a good book and admiring the vista. Offering a good seafood restaurant, it is just a stroll from a quiet beach.
• Watersmeet Hotel boasts a secluded coastal spot with wonderful views over the North Devon Coast and direct access to the sandy beach below. Rooms are bright and contemporary, and the restaurant serves delicious cuisine using local produce. An ideal spot for a romantic weekend away.

For a Pet Friendly Option

• Soar Mill Cove Hotel enjoys a fabulous, secluded coastal position with the nearest beach just a short walk away. Rooms are bright and spacious, and the restaurant serves excellent seafood. With miles of great walking starting straight from the property, and dogs very welcome, this is a superb rural escape.

For Coastal Chic

• Gara Rock boasts a gorgeous, secluded spot with spectacular coastal views. Rustic chic rooms are the epitome of rural cool with floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood floors and retro furniture. The gourmet restaurant and spoiling spa make this an indulgent stay.
• Burgh Island is a unique hotel occupying a superb coastal spot which, once the tide comes in at night, closes the entrance off, giving the property an exclusive feel. Inspired by the elegant 1930s era, expect art deco style, and plenty of cocktails! Perfect for a romantic retreat.
• The Cary Arms is a boutique seaside retreat blending rustic charm with stylish comfort. Sea-view rooms and restored fishermen’s cottages offer laid-back luxury, while the spa and terrace dining make it a spoiling escape. Its peaceful setting above the beach makes it ideal for slow mornings and sunset strolls along the coast.

For Watersports

• South Sands offers wonderful views over Salcombe Estuary and is located right next to a popular sailing and watersports centre. The rooms are spacious, there's a brasserie restaurant, and you are located right on the beach, making it ideal for watersports enthusiasts.

For the Jurrassic Coast

• Sidmouth Harbour Hotel boasts an enviable spot directly on the Jurrassic Coast. Spend days taking long, blustery walks along the beautiful coastal path before returning for a massage and hearty meal in the restaurant. An ideal spot for a weekend break by the sea.
• The Masons Arms is set in a charming village on East Devon's Jurassic Coast and is just a short walk to the nearest beach. Rooms are cosy and stylish, and downstairs you'll find a good selection of ales and classic pub dishes.

For foodies

• The Seagate is a charming coastal inn offering a handful of nautically inspired rooms and lovely views of the fishing village (Appledore). Hop on the famed South West Coastal path, which runs beside the property, before returning for a feast at the restaurant, which serves superb seafood paired with a good selection of fine wines, focusing on seasonal British ingredients inspired by the Atlantic Ocean.
• The Cricket Inn is a quaint rural inn located right on a beautiful, wide stretch of beach. Fresh rooms have a fun nautical theme, and the award-winning restaurant serves up British classics with particularly good seafood.
• Tucked away on the Exmoor coast, The Old Rectory Hotel offers more than just stunning sea views. Guests are treated to a nightly four-course menu that changes daily, crafted from the finest local produce, including fresh fish from nearby day boats and meats from Devon farms.
• Lympstone Manor, a Michelin-starred country house hotel overlooking the Exe Estuary, delivers fine dining with views to match. Renowned chef Michael Caines crafts exquisite tasting menus that change with the seasons. Expect a refined experience that blends classic technique with bold, contemporary flavours.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Devon?
• Or you could refine your search to our Guru's recommendations for the best hotels in Salcombe, Torquay, Dartmouth or Ilfracombe.
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.