10 Top-Rated Specialty lodgings in Devon, England

April 24, 2023 Christa Meece

Devon Cottages - The Ultimate in Relaxing Breaks From the wilds of Dartmoor to the wooded hillsides of the Lyn Valley, Devon is undoubtedly one of England's most beautiful counties. Its overwhelmingly rural landscape means that catered accommodation is restricted to over-subscribed Bed and Breakfasts and hotels which are mostly concentrated in towns like Exeter and Barnstaple. Devon is a great location for a family holiday in the great outdoors, with everything from beach resorts at Ilfracombe to rambling in the hills of Exmoor and tors of Dartmoor. It is a large county, but whether you want to follow the Tarka Trail, or walk down the Doone Valley, you can be sure there will be cottages open for holiday rentals nearby. Devon's Cottages, All Mod Cons Most of Devon's holiday rental cottages started as farm buildings of some sort, and planning restrictions mean that many of them retain their rural charm on the outside. However, the cottages are generally renovated to 21st Century standards inside, with double glazing, TV, washing machines and fully-equipped kitchens. Families are well catered for in the higher end properties with games rooms, sometimes including full-size pool tables and large gardens for children to explore. Despite the unpredictability of Devon's weather even during the summer months, the comfort of these properties gives great peace of mind. Moreover, a week's holiday rental of a cottage in Devon can cost as little as £300 - £400. During the peak season you can spend as much as £900 a month for one of the larger or more luxurious cottages, which still works out to be cheaper than a lot of hotels, especially if you have to book several rooms to accommodate a family of four or five. Town Mouse or Country Mouse To get the best of Devon's startling countryside and its friendly communities, renting a holiday cottage near Lynton and Lynmouth can be a good start. It is a useful base from which to explore North Devon, and is within walking distance of several beauty spots, such as Watersmeet (complete with a small but impressive waterfall) and the Valley of the Rocks. Separated by a steep cliff, you can travel up a funicular railway from coastal Lynmouth to clifftop Lynton, with plenty of stunning walks, shopping opportunities and several beaches and boat trips to nearby coastal attractions. The twin villages also boast a concentration of well-equipped holiday cottages, from modest fisherman's cottages on the path to Watersmeet to grander hillside houses on the way to the Valley of the Rocks. Whatever your budget, Lynton and Lynmouth can provide some tempting accommodation options for your first Devon holiday.
Things to do in Devon

1. Holiday Inn Express Exeter - City Centre, an IHG Hotel

Tudor Street, Exeter EX4 3FL England
Excellent
64%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 157 reviews

Holiday Inn Express Exeter - City Centre, an IHG Hotel

Exeter city centre hotel with breakfast included, within walking distance of Exeter's attractions.Holiday Inn Express® Exeter - City Centre hotel is a 20-minute drive from Exeter Airport (EXT) and parking is 12 GBP per day.Immerse yourself in Exeter's history at the nearby Exeter Cathedral and Exeter's Underground Passages, a 15-minute walk away. Catch direct trains from Exeter St. David's Station, one mile away, to London and Plymouth. Princesshay shopping centre is nearby and the award-winning Royal Albert Memorial Museum is close. Walk, cycle or cruise along the beautiful Jurassic Coast, a half hour drive away, and explore the UNESCO world heritage site's golden beaches for fossils. Westpoint Exeter, six miles away, hosts exhibitions, concerts and conferences and Sandy Park stadium, home of Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club, is a short drive away.

24 hours in Exeter

Reviewed By Stan77777

Quick trip to Exeter to visit family and decided to try the Holiday Inn Express. We had a room on the 4th floor which was lovely and quiet and it was very nice that there were able to put family nearby. The room was clean, bathroom very nice and air conditioning was appreciated. Only minor issue with the room is there is so little space near the window that the person on this side has difficulty getting in and out of bed. Breakfast was much better than expected but I do wish guests were not allowed to eat while wearing pyjamas! A huge thank you to the staff who were all very helpful!

2. Mill on the Exe

Bonhay Road, Exeter EX4 3AB England
Excellent
71%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 174 reviews

Mill on the Exe

Welcome to Mill on the Exe, on the banks of the River​ Exe in the cathedral city of Exeter. Newly converted, the original mill house is over 200 years old, and now elegantly combines contemporary styling with character features in a riverside setting close to the centre of Exeter. The 11 luxuriously appointed guest rooms have all the facilities expected by 21st-century​ customers in a relaxed setting. Spread across four floors, eight rooms have views from the rear of the building across the garden to the River​ Exe, and three rooms at the front of the building look across the small private car park. Free on-site​ parking. Free Wi-Fi. 10 minutes' level walk from Exeter St. David's railway station. 10-minute​ walk to city centre. The Mill on the Exe pub next door serves food all day including breakfast.

Excellent stay in Exeter

Reviewed By Bessie442

We had a great one night stay in Exeter. Perfect location and setting (right on the river), lovely well-appointed, modern and comfortable room - and a superb meal in the really nice restaurant (I had fantastic fish and chips); but as well as all that all the staff were great from the moment we arrived - particularly Harry who looked after us from start to finish. Can only recommend Mill on the Exe in every regard

3. The Cornish Arms

15 West Street, Dartmoor National Park, Tavistock PL19 8AN England
Excellent
77%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 111 reviews

The Cornish Arms

Simply the best.

Reviewed By MarkandDiEngland

This was an outstanding experience. Where to start? Breakfast. You will sometimes see people comment on the best breakfast they have tasted. Well, we have had scores, maybe hundreds of breakfasts but never one that came close to this. Worth coming for this alone. The bedroom was beautiful, comfortable and a pleasure to sleep in. The lotions and bathroom soaps were the best in any hotel we have been in. (We are sourcing and buying some). Friendly. Great location on the high street. We did not take a meal but wish we had. (Our bus arrived late on Sunday midday).

4. 1 Elliot Terrace

1 Elliot Terrace, Plymouth PL1 2QL England 011 44 333 666 9996
Excellent
75%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
2%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 163 reviews

1 Elliot Terrace

Plumlocations offer an iconic landmark historic building with eight recently refurbished holiday apartments on the Hoe and fabulous dual aspect views from most apartments over the Hoe to Plymouth Sound.

holiday

Reviewed By Helena3306

fantastic fantastic, beautiful appartment,and the sailing boats, and the ferries coming in so close. festival on hor was amazing, we also let one of the tenants come up, she loved sitting on the balcony. thankyou both, it was heaven, didn’t want to go home. 10 plus loved it, bed amazing, can’t thankyou both enough ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

5. The Ferry House Inn

888 Wolseley Road, Plymouth PL5 1LA England
Excellent
64%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 132 reviews

The Ferry House Inn

Comfortable, friendly, local Free House and B&B on the bank of the Tamar River, with amazing sunset views. Awarded Certificate of Excellence 3 years running, The Ferry House Inn has a long history. Experience a proper country pub experience and wake up to gorgeous views along the river. The Ferry House Inn has recently undergone a large renovation project, adding 7 luxurious en-suite guest rooms to our historic riverside pub. With beautiful views of the Tamar River and Cornwall, The Ferry House Inn can now offer stylish, affordable accommodation complete with the great atmosphere and hospitality The Ferry House Inn is renowned for. Our real ales have been awarded top marks by the Cask Marque Trust for serving great quality cask ales. You can also find us in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide. Our delicious meals are made with locally sourced ingredients and are prepared the way wholesome meals should be. We offer a range of pub classics as well as British & European favourites

Great Little Place

Reviewed By NewForestTravellers

We stayed here for one night when we had to be in Plymouth. Lovely location, right by the water and Saltash Bridges. We parked on the road outside the front door and were very warmly greeted by the landlady who was charming and friendly throughout our stay. Room was very clean and comfortable and, even though it is a busy pub, we heard very little noise in the room. Food was typical pub food and the breakfast set us up well for the day. Would be happy to stay here again next time we are in the area,

6. Ilfracombe Holiday Park

Marlborough Road, Ilfracombe EX34 8PF England
Excellent
27%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
10%
Terrible
22%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 473 reviews

Ilfracombe Holiday Park

Ilfracombe Holiday Park is a family friendly resort situated in the beautiful coastal town of Ilfracombe, North Devon. On offer is daily entertainment for all members of the family in our large clubhouse as well as a heated indoor swimming pool and sauna. Younger children can enjoy our large soft play area. If you fancy a bite to eat the head to our cafe and fully licensed bar. Should you feel like cooking we have a Tesco only a few minutes walk away. We look forward to welcoming you to Ilfracombe!

Disappointed

Reviewed By mandsp2016

Disappointed, we booked accommodation as it was stated as dog friendly, then we were told 2days later we could not continue with our booking as they had no dog friendly accommodation available, why let me book then? My kids were heart broken ?

7. Ranscombe House

Ranscombe Road, Brixham TQ5 9UP England
Excellent
90%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 59 reviews

Ranscombe House

Gem in Brixham

Reviewed By sarahmE8458AN

Stayed one night,,, lovely cosy room, fab View, The Absolute best mattress I've ever slept on and fresh crisp sheets,,, Our Daughter had a bed round the corner same room but like a cosy cubby hole bit really cute,, Breakfast was delicious with the best fresh orange egg yolks I've seen in a long while, Owners defo know their stuff, Touches like extra Teabags coffee for your room on the landing if you run out,, Honesty box if you fancy a drink downstairs,,,, short walking distance to Harbour, All in all a top choice and you really can't go wrong,, We shall be staying again for sure

8. The Railway Inn

Beach Street, Dawlish EX7 9PN England
Excellent
86%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 7 reviews

The Railway Inn

Easter Sunday overnight stay

Reviewed By Neil B

My wife and I traveled from western super mare to dawlish due to a nice day in weston and overnight stay there , booked late, traveled by train We arrived early at the railway but the room was ready so we checked in and dropped our overnight bag into the room. Room was clean and comfortable and staff welcoming. close to the front and all amenities.

9. Dartmoor Inn

Princetown, Dartmoor National Park PL20 6ST England
Excellent
0%
Good
100%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 1 reviews

Dartmoor Inn

Couples stay

Reviewed By rob12185

The location is on a main route on and off the moor, main road heads towards Princeton and Tavistock. There are all lot of animals around, walking in the road so need to be careful. This property is located with a lot of moorland walks, ideal for hikers, bikers or just a relaxing time away with your partner. Breakfast is amazing, full of flavour and all the ingredients are organic. When the restaurant is open the meat is cooked on open fire by the chefs, as soon as you walk in from outside the smell is amazing! Room was comfortable and clean, bed was very comfortable so can get a good nights sleep. The downsides to the property are, the bathroom that we had was on the small side. Didn’t hinder our stay. Ideally this would not be suitable for families or with small children. No TV or Radio in the room so make sure if you want some entertainment take something with you.

10. The Cornish Arms

15 West Street, Dartmoor National Park, Tavistock PL19 8AN England
Excellent
77%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 111 reviews

The Cornish Arms

Simply the best.

Reviewed By MarkandDiEngland

This was an outstanding experience. Where to start? Breakfast. You will sometimes see people comment on the best breakfast they have tasted. Well, we have had scores, maybe hundreds of breakfasts but never one that came close to this. Worth coming for this alone. The bedroom was beautiful, comfortable and a pleasure to sleep in. The lotions and bathroom soaps were the best in any hotel we have been in. (We are sourcing and buying some). Friendly. Great location on the high street. We did not take a meal but wish we had. (Our bus arrived late on Sunday midday).

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.