If you are looking for some inspiration for where to stay in Devon, then look no further! Devon is one of the best places to experience the best of England’s beaches, countryside and cuisine.  Beautiful countryside nestled between two beautiful coastlines also makes for some fantastic exploring from one of our East Devon cottages.

With ample opportunities for all the family, you can enjoy an action-packed holiday from walking, golf and cycling to surfing, kayaking and horse riding. If you’re looking for a quiet break, explore the quaint seaside towns and sample some of the finest local foods from seafood to ice cream!

Check out our favourite towns below for the best places to stay in Devon.

Beer & Branscombe

The beautiful historic fishing village of Beer is famous for its fresh seafood, which is sold on the beach and many restaurants in town. Enjoy the views from Jubilee Gardens of the sheltered shingle bay and high white cliffs along the Jurassic coast, designated a World Heritage Site. From the beach you can enjoy watching the local fishermen landing their catch, or even set sail for your own angling and sightseeing trip. The pretty stream runs through the town with its many delightful restaurants, galleries and shops. Beer is a tranquil, unspoilt and extremely friendly village, it remains totally un-commercialised to this day and full of charm and character.

Branscombe, the next village along is the ideal destination to escape from the world. Its pretty thatch cottages line the wooded valley down to the beach. The 12th century Church of St Winifred is worth a visit, along with the Old Bakery and working forge. Enjoy The Masons Arms or The Fountain Head for a well-deserved pub meal after a day walking the South West Coast Path or enjoying the crystal water at the beach. The Sea Shanty café also serves lovely meals & ice cream with a handy shop for your beach needs.

Sidmouth & Nearby

We have a range of Sidmouth holiday cottages in this attractive town, with its selection of independent shops it is well worth a visit. The esplanade overlooks the picturesque and tranquil beach. At low tide, the western end of the beach has an abundance of sand, uncovering fascinating rockpools for hours of family fun. Above at Connaught Gardens you can find a brilliant café and listen to the town band play every Sunday evening in summer.  The town and sea front have an array of activities from pottery painting & guided walks, to Paddle boarding & kayaking so there Is fun for all the family.

Much of the surrounding land is a Designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The quiet nearby hamlets and villages of Weston, Sidford, Sidbury & Otterton are all unique with their pretty cottages, rolling hills & walks, whether that be walking through the forests of East Devon Way, or exploring the beautiful beaches along the South West Coast Path.

Budleigh & Nearby

The elegant town of Budleigh is set in striking red sandstone cliffs with a sweeping pebble beach. The crystal waters are alive with water sports during the summer whilst the beach makes for a perfect winter stroll. The River Otter leads up from the beach where you can see an abundance of wild life, along with the nearby Woodbury Common which is excellent for bird watching, walking and cycling.  Budleigh Salterton has a lovely selection of independent shops & restaurants, many of which serving local seafood which is brought ashore by the fishermen and can be bought fresh from the beach on a Sunday (weather dependant).

East Budleigh, known for the birth place of Sir Walter Raleigh, is a 5-minute drive. We have many lovely cottages here where visitors can live like a local enjoying the quiet village life with its 2 pubs and general store. The nearby Bicton Gardens are well worth a visit.

Exmouth & Topsham

Exmouth has a 2-mile sandy beach and is a hub for water sports, the new Edge water sports centre offers a range of sports from kite surfing to paddle boarding whist Exe wake offers wake boarding and inflatable rides to yoga on the barge.

You can walk, cycle or catch the train along the beautiful estuary to the quiet village of Lympstone with its lovely pubs whilst watching an abundance of wild life. Further down the estuary, you will reach the historic yet cosmopolitan town of Topsham and find the loveliest boutique shops, cafes and award-winning restaurants. With a train line directly in to Exeter, you can be as active or as quiet as you wish during your holiday in one of our Topsham self-catering cottages with plenty of activities available for those wishing to seek them out, and lots to watch and absorb if you prefer the quiet life; an ideal choice offering something for every member of the family.

East Devon remains a somewhat hidden gem of the South West, so beat the crowds and explore all the beauty it has to offer. Our local team are more than happy to recommend some of our favourite places and advise the best properties to suit your requirements, just contact us!