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If you’re dreaming of a Devon beach holiday filled with long coastal walks, golden sands, and charming seaside villages, you’re in the right place. Devon is home to some of the UK’s most spectacular coastline, offering everything from serene estuary escapes to lively surf beaches. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a relaxing retreat, choosing one of the many Devon cottages by the sea puts the coastline right on your doorstep.
In this guide, we explore seven beautiful locations – Appledore, Brixham, Croyde, Dartmouth, Ilfracombe, Westward Ho! and Woolacombe – and reveal why each offers something truly special for anyone planning beach holidays along the Devonshire coast.
Appledore: Estuary Views & Nautical Charm
If your ideal Devon beach holiday involves calm waters, colourful cottages, and peaceful coastal walks, Appledore is perfect. This pretty estuary village sits where the rivers Torridge and Taw meet the sea, offering tranquil scenery and incredible light that changes with the tide.
Appledore is known for its winding lanes, art galleries, and quayside pubs – an idyllic setting for couples, walkers, and families alike. Many of the Appledore cottages by the sea listed with us offer sweeping estuary views, where you can watch boats drift past or enjoy sunsets across the water. With easy access to the South West Coast Path and Instow Beach just a short ferry ride away in summer, Appledore makes an excellent base for a peaceful coastal retreat.
Brixham: Fishing Heritage & Harbourside Living
For visitors who love vibrant harbours, seafood restaurants, and authentic maritime charm, Brixham on Devon’s English Riviera is a must. This bustling fishing town is full of character, with colourful houses stacked up the hillside and one of the busiest fishing ports in the UK.
Choosing one of the Devon seaside cottages in Brixham listed on Beach Stays means waking up to sea views, harbour sounds, and the smell of fresh sea air. Guests can enjoy coastal walks around Berry Head, boat trips across Torbay, and some of the freshest seafood in the county. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want coastal scenery mixed with lively local atmosphere.
Croyde: The Ultimate Surf & Beach Escape
When it comes to Devon cottages by the sea, few places capture the county’s coastal spirit like Croyde. This world-renowned surf village sits between spectacular headlands and offers one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Devon.
A Devon beach holiday in Croyde usually includes surf lessons, swims in turquoise water, and evenings spent watching dramatic sunsets from the dunes. The coastal cottages in Croyde listed with us range from stylish beach apartments to traditional thatched cottages. Many offer direct access to the sand or elevated sea views – perfect for surfers, families, and anyone who wants a classic British beach escape.
With nearby spots like Saunton Sands and Putsborough right on your doorstep, Croyde is heaven for beach lovers.
Dartmouth: Riverside Luxury Meets Coastal Scenery
For those looking for a more refined coastal getaway, Dartmouth delivers elegance, history, and breathtaking river meets sea scenery. Perched along the Dart Estuary, this picturesque town boasts boutique shops, waterside cafés, and enchanting narrow streets.
Staying in Dartmouth seaside cottages means enjoying river views, scenic ferry crossings, and access to some of the area’s best walks—from Dartmouth Castle to the South West Coast Path. Dartmouth appeals especially to couples and families seeking a relaxing, stylish retreat with excellent food, history, and scenery at every turn.
Ilfracombe: Dramatic Cliffs & Artistic Soul
On the rugged north coast, Ilfracombe offers a dramatic meeting of sea and cliffs. With its Victorian architecture, working harbour, and creative community, the town has a distinct personality that blends old-world charm with modern culture.
A stay in Ilfracombe puts you close to dramatic coastal scenery, including the famous Torrs Walk and the rugged headlands toward Mortehoe. Many of these Ilfracombe cottages by the sea are perched on hillsides or tucked into historic streets, offering glimpses of the Atlantic or views over the harbour. It’s a wonderful choice for walkers, art lovers, and anyone keen to explore a wilder side of Devon.
Westward Ho!: Endless Sands & Ocean Views
With a unique name and an unforgettable beach, Westward Ho! is one of the most distinctive destinations for a Devon beach holiday. Its sweeping sandy bay is ideal for surfing, swimming, kiteboarding, and long coastal strolls. Backed by dunes and the famous pebble ridge, the beach feels expansive and liberating.
Coastal retreats here often sit high on the cliffs or close to the shoreline, offering uninterrupted sea views. The South West Coast Path runs right through the village, providing doorstep access to scenic walks across Northam Burrows and beyond. If you’re looking for Westward Ho! seafront cottages with big skies, big waves, and big sunsets, you’ll find them on Beach Stays.
Woolacombe: Award-Winning Beach & Coastal Bliss
Regularly voted one of the UK’s best beaches, Woolacombe is a dream location for anyone searching for Devon cottages by the sea. With three miles of golden sand, rolling surf, and spectacular coastal trails, it appeals to families, couples, surfers, and walkers alike.
Many of the most sought-after Woolacombe seaside cottages overlook the bay, offering picture-perfect views of the Atlantic. Whether you’re relaxing on a terrace, strolling down to the beach, or exploring nearby Mortehoe and Putsborough, Woolacombe promises a coastal stay filled with scenery, adventure, and tranquillity.
Why Devon Seaside Cottages Offer the Perfect Coastal Escape
Choosing one of the many Devon beach cottages listed with us means immersing yourself in breathtaking landscapes, rich coastal heritage, and a lifestyle shaped by tides and sunsets. Each village brings its own charm, from Appledore’s estuary calm to Croyde’s surf culture and Dartmouth’s riverfront beauty.
A Devon beach holiday is about more than just a place to stay — it’s about waking to sea air, walking routes lined with cliffs and coves, and ending each day with waves crashing below your window. Whether you’re seeking adventure, romance, or rest, Devon’s coastline delivers it effortlessly.
If you are travelling with your faithful hound, then spend a few moments browsing all of the Devon dog friendly cottages listed with us, many that are located next to beaches with dogs allowed all year round.