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.
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.
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.
5.0 based on 6 reviews
5.0 based on 2 reviews
We are a small boutique vineyard set in the beautiful rolling countryside of North Devon. We produce a range of exquisite still wines and are open to the public for tours and tastings, by appointment from April through to September. Please contact us and we would love to see you.
5.0 based on 30 reviews
Grow your love of wine far beyond the bottle. From the muddy boots of winter pruning to the glimmering sunshine across our Devon vineyard at harvest, our love of wine has grown far beyond the bottle. The only thing we love more, is sharing it with you. So what are you waiting for? Join us for a tour, lunch in our kitchen or browse our local bottle + gift shop.
We booked the Vineyard Tour & lunch online (a Christmas present to ourselves!). Very easy to book. Tom showed us around the vines and was easy to chat to and knowledgeable. We had a taster session (really lovely Rose & white wine) followed by a delicious lunch in the new cafe. It is obvious that much time, energy and love have been invested into this family business and Alder Vineyard thoroughly deserve their success. We look forward to returning in the near future to see how things have developed.
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Set in the rolling hills of mid Devon, Wellhayes Vineyard produces quality sparkling wine on site from grapes grown solely in the vineyard. Visits to the vineyard, including wine tasting, are available by appointment on Wednesdays and Sundays at 3pm from May to September. From £8pp (£12 with cream tea).
Spent a wonderful afternoon on a tour of the vineyard with Simon. We were all thoroughly engrossed in the process and Simon was a very informative, knowledgeable and animated host. A very impressive set up and the wine was delicious! Thank you, a real highlight of our holiday.
5.0 based on 19 reviews
A small, artisan vineyard owned and operated by four villagers in the same skittle team! Award winning Sparkling and Still white wines. Walk, talk and tastings in the vines available. No entry fee just pay for the wines you drink! Just ring us to book.
Dalwood vineyard is a hidden gem in the Devon countryside. Our tour was hosted by Mike, with entertainment by Pinot the Collie. We enjoyed a great afternoon tasting award winning wines whilst Mike shared his considerable knowledge of the different grapes, vines and the story of how it all started. Most definitely a great way to spend a few hours and we will be sure to return, next year.
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Wines lovingly crafted from grapes exclusively grown on the Estate
5.0 based on 3 reviews
We went as part of River Cottages wine and dine experience. Rob was a really great host and despite the low mist and rain we had a fab time and learnt a thing or two in the process. We are looking forward to coming back - hopefully to the festival next year!! We have sampled a few vineyards and can honestly say castlewoods vintage sparkling white wine is the best we have ever tasted. We managed to purchase some bottles to take home to enjoy...they didn’t last the evening ;)
5.0 based on 5 reviews
We offer a walking tour of the vineyard and winery for £12 a head - under 16s (accompanied by an adult) are free. Minimum charges may apply if you are a small group (less than 4 adults), but we will endeavour to combine smaller groups. The tour takes approximately 90 minutes and includes a free tasting. Tour attendees also receive exclusive discounts on any wine purchases made on the day.
We are so glad we did a wine tour and tasting of Huxbear winery. Lucy gave us an excellent tour and we enjoyed learning so much about the wine making process, from planting the vines to making the wine. We learned so many new things, I wish I had taken the kids! The tasting was excellent and we can't wait to share the wines we bought with our friends and family.
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Independent Wine Shop with Events. We sell wines from all over the world, hand-picked by us. Plenty of varieties to choose from, all with helpful tasting notes. Prices from £7.75. We also run events throughout the year including Private WineTastings, Pop-up Lunches & suppers with local chefs and Wine Courses. Brilliant fun in stunning surroundings.
4.5 based on 183 reviews
We are a vineyard and winery, offering breakfast, coffees, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner in Bistro. We now also have 2 bedroom luxury holiday lodges available for hire. Pre-booked tours of the vineyard are available throughout the year. You can taste our wines and purchase to take away. Vines can be rented on an annual basis and although the wine yield can vary year to year makes a wonderful gift. Finished in July of 2019, the Teign View function room can seat up to 60 guests and available for private hire.
The title sums it up! We booked after having to cancel a holiday in Brittany - first lucky ‘break’ this year! Very good accommodation and on site cafe/restaurant also very good - especially the Tapas on Friday nights! Met one of the owners - Justin, very nice chap who gave us valuable and interesting info about the vineyard. All the other staff so friendly too. Highly recommended.
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