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Our guide to luxury Devon holidays

With wild surf and weather-beaten moorland, peaceful harbours and verdant valleys, and chocolate-box villages in abundance, there’s much to explore and no time to waste. Here's the Unique guide to luxury Devon holidays.

An adventure in Devon is never long enough. Vast in size and pinpricked by cosy villages throughout, this is a county with a kaleidoscopic array of natural beauty; life in the South Hams is a peaceful affair, where green cliffs bleed into the sea, yachts dot the estuaries, and lazy rivers wind past vineyards and castles. On Devon’s northern coastline, wind-lashed cliffs drop into the ocean, whilst carpets of pink sea thrift cling above surfers chasing breaks. The guide to luxury holidays in Devon cover the lush and peaceful Teign Valley, guardian to England’s highest waterfall, and the rugged expanse of Dartmoor, scattered with Neolithic stone circles, ancient forests, and even freshwater pools for exhilarating wild swimming.

From the Saxon village of Ashburton to the coastal frontage of Appledore, once a vital shipbuilding centre, you'll find tiny tearooms serving brownies and focaccia behind fogged windows, thatched pubs where dogs can laze in front of crackling fires, and coves made for soaking up the sun as water laps against your SUP board. Quince honey farms and private, sandy beaches await, whilst antique shops hide treasures from times past. Whether residing in a miniature castle in Exmoor, a luxury estate with a pool near Totnes, or a designer beach house on the coast in Ilfracombe, these are luxury Devon holidays with a distinct difference. From Newton Ferrers to Noss Mayo, we’ve left no scone unturned.

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Inspiration on where to stay

Where to eat in Devon

Devonshire cream teas are simply the beginning. Try small plates in Michelin-starred 16th-century inns, bundts in former banks turned Italian cafes, oysters in rustic breach shacks, and pale ales in moorland beer gardens.

Things to do in Devon

Devon delivers at every level; haul your board to one of its world-class surf spots, hack across the sand dunes on horseback, wild swim in secluded woodland rivers, or taste small-batch gin as the sun sets.

Things to see in Devon

Devon is raw with beauty. Be it fungi-covered rocks in Wistman’s Wood, herds of rare wild ponies on remote Lundy Island, or strange antique treasures from eras gone by in the tiny town of Ashburton.

Locations in Devon

From the rugged cliffs and wild swells of Ilfracombe to the gentle rhythm of harbour life in yachty Newton Ferrers, with spartan and windswept moors in between, life in Devon is one grand expedition fuelled by cream tea.

Collections in Devon

Whether it’s a woodland treehouse with a hot tub, a stately home for the whole family, or a former bootlegger’s hideout turned surf retreat, you’ll find a luxury homestay that ticks all the boxes in our curated collections.

Journals About Devon

Tales of starlit memories in stone cottages set in Dark Sky Reserves, round-ups of the best spots for secret wild swimming, and tips on how to uncover the English Riviera like a true local; get to know Devon like never before.

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FAQ´s About Devon

Whether you’re curious about the English Riviera or keen to know where to find the best beaches in the county, if you have a Devon-specific query, you might find the answer here. For anything else, try our general FAQs.

How far is Devon from London?

Although parts are remote, Devon is highly accessible from London. If you’re driving, plan for three and a half hours on the road or up to four hours by train, depending on which station you travel from. By bus or commercial air travel, you’ll easily double this but don’t let that stop you; Devon is well worth the wait.

Which area of Devon is known as the English Riviera?

Stretching 22 miles down the coast in South Devon, The English Riviera has long been known as the archetypal British holiday destination. Rooted in Torbay, the Victorians compared the area to the French Riviera, for its balmy climate, sub-tropical plants, ocean vistas and ‘bracing’ sea air. Head to one of four Riviera towns to get your fix: Torquay, Babbacombe, Paignton or Brixham.

Where are the best beaches in Devon?

There are over 120 sandy beaches in Devon to lust over but there are some that feel that much more special than the others. Woolacombe Beach is widely regarded as one of the best in the UK, with three miles of golden sand to play frisbee on, and gentle, easy rollers for beginner surfers. Nearby Croyde Beach is also blissful, and extremely popular with more experienced wave riders searching for big breaks and long barrels. In the South Hams, the half-moon of Blackpool Sands beach lies nestled between the pines and, although technically a coarse shingle beach, makes a great spot for summer picnics. If you’re after a secret spot away from the crowds, try Lannacombe Beach, Barricane Bay and Soar Mill Cove; all rural seaside idylls calling out for sundowners by the sea.

Why is Clovelly famous (and what is it)?

Once owned by The Queen of England, Clovelly is a tiny, ancient but working fishing village in North Devon renowned for its herring and mackerel. Having been privately owned since Elizabethan times, its historic charm has been preserved, from the 14th century quay to its famous cobbled street, known as ‘up-a-long’ or ‘down-a-long’. No cars are allowed in, so villagers use donkeys and sledges to bring food and goods in and out. There are two hotels, both centuries old, open for lunch, dinner and oh-so-delicious cream teas. In times gone by, this part of the coast was infamous for smuggling and piracy, with shipwrecks often washed ashore. As a result, the village still has its own lifeboat.

What food is Devon famous for?

Devon is famous for the Devonshire cream tea: scones indulgently layered with thick cream and sweet jam or butter, and served with a pot of English Breakfast tea. However, for those in the know there are more Devonshire delights to uncover. Brixham crab sandwiches are a local favourite, delicately wedged between two slices of granary bread and butter. If popping fizz or a bottle of crisp white by the pool, perhaps prepare a lunchtime cheese board with a creamy Sharpham Brie and crumbly Beenleigh Blue, also local favourites. If in Dartmoor, an often overlooked delicacy is ‘hog’s pudding’, a large pork sausage fried in slices for breakfast, spiced with black pepper, cumin, basil, and garlic.

Own a property in Devon?

Are you the keeper of a sweet cottage in Clovelly? Or the custodian of a townhouse in Torquay? From Salcombe to Sidmouth to the sparkling English Riviera, we´re seeking Devon´s most unique homes to join our growing portfolio.

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