Best Places to Stay in South Devon 2024
With its seemingly endless summers, sparkling coastline and idyllic countryside, it’s no surprise that South Devon ranks so highly on the UK’s staycation map. From sea swims at secret beaches and surf lessons on rolling well to riverside picnics, hearty country hikes and shopping sprees at famers’ markets, indie shops and galleries, not matter what is on your holiday hit-list, you’ll find it here.
So whether you’re discovering the South Hams for the very first time, or eagerly returning to your favourite holiday haunts, we’ve rounded up the best places to base yourselves for a holiday in South Devon.
Salcombe
Rarely a month goes by without the sparkling seaside resort of Salcombe grabbing the headlines. Salcombe harbour remains a popular yachtsman’s haunt and its historic Fore Street is lined with lifestyle boutiques, galleries, food parlours, traditional family pubs and stylish wharf-side restaurants. The white sands and turquoise waters of East Portlemouth are only a short ferry trip away, and the twin beaches of South and North Sands are within easy walking distance – a blissful stroll along the old Cliff Road past the ruins of Fort Charles.
Despite its growing exclusivity, the town retains much of its character and charm, with pastel painted cottages and working boat builders yards. Local enterprises such as Salcombe Dairy “home of ice cream and chocolate alchemy” and the pioneering Salcombe Distilling Company with its mixology school and world-famous gin blends, fly the flag for the town’s thriving artisan corner.
Yes, it’s fast become one of the most desirable holiday destinations in the UK, but Toad Hall’ Cottages’ list of Salcombe holiday homes gives you access to some of the town’s most admired properties, from quaint fisherman’s cottages to plush hillside apartments.
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Hope Cove
Dreamy sunset views, magnificent clifftop walks and proper golden sandy beaches await all those travelling to the coastal village of Hope Cove.
This delightful seaside village, steeped in history and found only by way of windy Devon lanes, continues to capture the hearts of all those who visit. A scattering of pubs and bistros make this location particularly popular with all those exploring the South West Coast Path, with the famous sailing town of Salcombe found nestled around the headland. The village is a charming mix of hillside homes and thatched fisherman’s cottages, the magnificent sandstone cliffs of Bolt Tale in the near distance. Historically, the village is split by the twin beaches of Inner and Outer Hope, both buzzing with family activities during the village’s annual summer festival weekend. Take your pick from our impressive portfolio of Hope Cove holiday cottages and start planning your South Devon getaways.
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Thurlestone
Pastoral Devonshire scenes and sparkling crystal clear waters encompass our next seaside location, a laid-back village that is bound to draw you back year-on-year.
Its name coined by the giant rock arch that towers off the bay, Thurlestone is a every bit the chocolate box village, with its pretty, thatched cottages and rose-adorned porticos, its classic hotel, traditional links golf course and historic lawn tennis club adding a hint of the P.G. Wodehouse. Legend has it that the local inn retains timbers salvaged from the stricken galleons of the Spanish Armada. The South West Coast Path at your doorstep and a series of the region’s most beautiful beaches are at your fingertips, equally suited to swimming, SUPing and sunbathing as they are for dog walks, family fun and sunset beach picnics.
Bantham
Our next location overlooks the sparkling shores of Bigbury Bay and arguably one of the South West’s most popular surfing breaks.
The golden shores of Bantham Sands provide one of the region’s most iconic scenes, spanning from the gsnaking wends of the Avon Estuary across to the Burgh Island “Art Deco” hotel, abridged by a tidal sandbar.. The village is an avenue of lime-washed cottages and handsome family homes, while the historic Sloop Inn is the heart of the community, serving heart pub meals and local ales. It’s the perfect setting for surfing breaks, beach holidays and all those seeking to explore the tracks and trails of the scenic South Hams.
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Bigbury on Sea
Across the mouth of the Avon River, our next destination, Bigbury-on-Sea, is Bantham’s blissful neighbour.
Here the ebbing tide reveals a sandy causeway to Burgh Island, famous for its Grade II listed hotel once a retreat for the likes of Agatha Christie and Noel Coward. The island’s Pilchard Inn is rumoured to be one of Britain’s oldest pubs, and is a welcome pitstop for explorers…and maybe the odd lingering pirate spirit if legend be true. Bigbury also has its own surf school, the ideal spot for kids (or “groms” in surfing parlance) to find their feet on the local waves. Add to that a busy beach cafe, seasonal shoreside coffee truck and traditional beach shop complete with bucket and spades, and Bigbury on Sea has all the ingredients for a seaside getaway.
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Noss Mayo & Newton Ferrers
Heading westward from Bigbury, we find the neighbouring waterside villages of Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo, set into the banks of a leafy valley on the shores of the River Yealm, a celebrated sailors’ haunt.
The streets are jammed with pretty pastel cottages and sleek architectural contemporary homes, all jostling to make the most of the views. A short stroll from Noss Mayo village through Passage Woods, you’ll arrive upon one of the loved stretches of the South West Coast Path, where you can discover a smattering of secret coves. The two villages are served by three great creekside pubs, a couple of convenient shops and delis, and are close to a handful of stunning lesser-known beaches, including Wembury, Stoke and Mothecombe. The ocean city of Plymouth is within short driving distance along with its shopping centres, award-winning aquarium, Theatre Royal and historic Barbican and Hoe.
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South Pool
The peaceful riverways, creeks and backwaters of South Devon play a prominent role in both its character and landscape, and none more so than the Kingsbridge & Salcombe Estuary. It’s here, before the waters widen into Salcombe Harbour, that South Pool Creek can be found, and the charming village of South Pool at its head.
It’s been described as “the loveliest of waterways in the district”, a sentiment echoed by our regular guests. Tucked into a quiet valley, surrounded by sleepy pastures, this hidden village remains one of South Devon’s best-kept secrets. It’s the perfect spot for those who love the idea of days spent exploring the local walks or launching dinghies and paddling kayaks down to Salcombe harbour. At the heart of the village stands The Millbrook Inn, a welcome sight for weary ramblers and sailors, and there are plenty of beautiful beaches nearby.
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East Portlemouth
Across the sparkling waters of Salcombe Harbour lies the coastal parish of East Portlemouth, an attractive hillside village perched above a series of beachy coves.
Our holiday cottages here enjoy unfettered access to the South West Coast Path as it weaves its way around the headland towards Gara Rock, conjuring dramatic views at every turn. Beneath the perch of the village, a wooded trail leads down to a succession of beautiful sandy shores which include Fisherman’s Cove, Small’s Cove and Mill Bay, often referred to as the “sunnier side” of the estuary, offering an escape from the busier Salcombe sands. For all those seeking some coastal adventures, set off along the coast path to find Lannacombe and Mattiscombe beaches ucked around the sweeping peninsula, sheltered by the rugged juts of Start Point. With the bustling streets of Salcombe only a short ferry trip away, East Portlemouth provides a happy medium between the razzle of a nearby seaside resort and the quieter side of the valley.
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Beesands
Perched along the shoreside of Start Bay and backed by sloping meadows, the historic fishing village of Beesands was once renowned for its lobster and fishing fleet, hardy traditions that were the lifeblood of this rural community.
Here, a row of characterful cottages look out towards the bay, where you can wake up to the gentle, rhythmic hush of the tide against the shingle beach in front. The South West Coast Path runs right past the doorsteps, including the threshold of the traditional village pub and the popular little seafood restaurant, serving super fresh catch of the day as well as takeaway fish and chips. Beesands beguiles all those who visit, be they honeymooners or families. It feels a little off the beaten track yet has all the holiday essentials.
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Hallsands
Set a little further round the ragged rocks and smugglers’ coves past Tinsey Head, is the village of Hallsands. At low tide this ranging, shingle bay runs uninterrupted between the two communities; Hallsands most famously known for its ghostly ruins, the legacy of the storms of 1917 that battered the former cottages that lined the rocks and left them in tatters. There’s no amenities here, but if you’re after peace, quiet, blue views and sea air, Hallsands ticks all the boxes.
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Torcross & Slapton
To the east of Beesands, past Start Point and its magnificent lighthouse which stands on the promontory of Britain’s most southerly landmark, are the neighbouring villages of Torcross and Slapton.
Characterful Torcross sits at the edges of a beautiful freshwater lagoon and nature reserve but is so often captured having its rooftops sprayed by theatrical seas, such is its proximity to the shingle beach. The beach itself runs for two miles alongside a famous bay road referred to locally as the “Slapton Line”.
This takes us nicely to another one of your most beloved South Devon holiday haunts, the picturesque parish of Slapton. This sleepy village is filled with characterful old cottages, pretty narrow lanes and friendly local pubs, while down on Torcross’ waterfront, you’ll also find a legendary pub for fish and chips and a shoreside cafe.
Dittisham
Our next South Devon holiday destination is a real peach, or should we say “plum”.
Set on the banks of the River Dart, the waterside village of Dittisham is adored for its gentle pace and scenic views. Families while away the hours on the village pontoon dangling crab lines or discovering the myriad of local countryside walks. Greenway House, former home to prodigious crime writer, Agatha Christie, is only a short ferry trip away and you’ll find several charming riverside pubs in the vicinity. The village shares its name with the locally grown prize “Ditsum Plum” which still fruits in the nearby orchards.
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Dartmouth
As the River Dart widens, following its invitation to join the channel swells, it reaches the bustling harbour waters of Dartmouth, described by many as the “jewel of the South Hams”.
This flamboyant Elizabethan town is steeped in history, one that’s intertwined with landmark events such as the voyage of the Pilgrim Fathers and great literary works such as the Canterbury Tales. No stranger to super yachts and royal visits, the town’s medieval streets lined by listed buildings and its ancient wharfs and slipways unite to create Dartmouth’s unique merchant and maritime heritage. Annual festivals and regattas all add to the town’s jostling social calendar, another reason so many people return year after year. It comes as no surprise that it takes its place among your South Devon favourites.