Self Catering Holiday Cottages Topsham

Topsham offers a distinctive collection of holiday cottages, perfect for a historic riverside escape just a few miles from Exeter.

Set on the banks of the River Exe, this former port town is full of character — from elegant Georgian and Dutch-gabled properties with river views to charming homes tucked away down narrow cobbled streets. Many of our cottages sit within a short walk of the quay, so you can step straight out into the heart of the town.

With its rich maritime history and picturesque setting, Topsham provides a rare blend of heritage and comfort. Independent shops, galleries, traditional pubs and one of Devon’s finest estuary birdwatching sites are all within easy reach, and the estuary path makes it simple to explore on foot or by bike.

Whether you’re after a peaceful riverside retreat or a characterful base for exploring East Devon, our Topsham cottages offer the ideal home base for your stay.

All About Our Self-Catering Holiday Cottages in Topsham

Having spent 35 years working closely with property owners across East Devon, we pride ourselves on offering a carefully curated selection of self-catering cottages in Topsham that cater to every type of traveller. Whether you’re looking for a quiet couples’ getaway in a period property, a family base close to the river, or a characterful home with easy access to Exeter, we have cottages in this historic town to suit. Our deep knowledge of the area ensures that each cottage we offer provides the ideal base to explore and enjoy everything Topsham has to offer.

Types of Cottages Available in Topsham

• Family Cottages: These spacious properties are ideal for family holidays, offering plenty of room for everyone to spread out. Within easy reach of Topsham’s town centre and the riverside, they’re a comfortable base for exploring the estuary and the wider Devon coast.
• Romantic Cottages: For couples, our romantic Topsham cottages offer a quiet and intimate setting — period homes full of historic character, many with river views or secluded courtyard gardens.
• Luxury Cottages: If you’re after a more indulgent stay, our luxury cottages combine exceptional comfort and style with Topsham’s handsome architecture and riverside setting. Perfect for a special occasion.
• Short Break Cottages: Many of our Topsham cottages are available for short stays, especially during the quieter months — ideal for a long weekend of good food, independent shops and riverside walks.
• Pet-Friendly Cottages: A good number of our Topsham cottages are dog-friendly. With the estuary path, Goat Walk and surrounding countryside close by — plus plenty of dog-welcoming pubs — it’s a great town for walkers with dogs.
• Accessible Cottages: We offer a selection of accessible cottages, perfect for guests who require lift access or ground-floor facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay whatever your needs.

Things to Do in Topsham

Topsham rewards a slower pace. Wander the cobbled streets and admire the Dutch-influenced merchant houses along The Strand, browse the town’s independent shops, galleries and delis, or visit Topsham Museum to learn about its shipbuilding past. The Goat Walk offers a lovely short stroll along the water’s edge, and Bowling Green Marsh nature reserve is one of the best birdwatching sites on the Exe — particularly rewarding in autumn and winter. Cyclists can join the Exe Estuary Trail, which runs traffic-free in both directions along the water. In the warmer months, the seasonal ferry across the river opens up walks on the far bank, and Exeter’s cathedral and quayside are only a few minutes away by train.

For more detailed information on what to do in Topsham, be sure to check out our blog section for in-depth guides.

Places to Eat in Topsham

For a small town, Topsham punches well above its weight for food and drink. Try Denley’s for delicious Indian dishes, or South West Pizza for a great selection of locally sourced ingredients and wood-fired pizza. The Cafe is a favourite for tasty lunches and cakes, and the town’s historic riverside pubs are hard to beat for a slow afternoon by the water. Add in a handful of independent delis, bakeries and coffee shops, and you’ll find plenty to keep you fed without straying far from your cottage door.

Explore our blog section for more in-depth dining recommendations and hidden gems in Topsham.

Book Your Topsham Holiday Cottage

With our extensive portfolio of properties and local knowledge, we’re confident we can help you find the perfect self-catering holiday cottage in Topsham. Whether you’re looking for a riverside retreat, a period property full of character, or a comfortable base for exploring East Devon, our friendly team is always on hand to provide personalised recommendations.

Browse our selection of cottages in Topsham and book your ideal holiday home today.