Devon has two very different coasts with two national parks between them. South Devon is shaped by estuaries, sailing towns and softer green landscapes; North Devon brings bigger surf beaches, high cliffs and direct access to Exmoor. Dartmoor adds granite tors, wooded valleys and serious space inland.
For a luxury stay, geography should lead the decision. Salcombe and Dartmouth suit boating and restaurant-led days; Woolacombe and Croyde put the beach first; Dartmoor and Exmoor reward guests who want privacy, walking and a house that becomes part of the experience.
Your personal concierge will use the occasion, guest mix, preferred pace and non-negotiable details to shape the right base and a proposal from approved partners.
Best forBeaches, sailing, moorland and family houses
Plan forFour nights to a full week
Arrive byRoad or rail via Exeter and Tiverton
Signature moodRelaxed, outdoors-led and quietly polished
SIX DISTINCT WAYS TO STAY
Choose the Devon that feels like yours.
Each area changes the pace, the scenery and the way your days unfold. Compare them before choosing the property.
Salcombe sits around a sheltered estuary with beaches, coastal walks and a strong summer sailing culture. It can be busy at peak times, which makes a house with parking, water views and walkable access especially valuable. Consider whether you want the town at your feet or a quieter base across the water or further into the South Hams.
Best forBoating, beaches and polished family stays
Make it yours
Arrange a skippered boat or sailing lesson
Explore North Sands, South Sands and the coast path
Plan lunches around the estuary rather than driving every day
Dartmouth rises steeply from the River Dart, with a historic waterfront, independent shops and excellent access to the water. The river links the town to Kingswear, Greenway and Totnes, making boats and ferries part of the experience. Hillside properties can deliver superb views but require a realistic conversation about steps and parking.
Best forCouples, boat days and characterful town stays
Woolacombe is defined by its long sandy beach between Baggy Point and Morte Point. A village base keeps restaurants and the beach close; Mortehoe is smaller and gives quicker access to cliff walks. Sea-view houses rise behind the bay, so check gradients and beach access as carefully as bedroom count.
Best forFamilies, surfers and big-beach holidays
Make it yours
Take a lesson with an accredited surf school
Walk towards Morte Point or Baggy Point
Use the beach early and late when peak days are busiest
Croyde Bay is compact and energetic, with a respected surf break and Baggy Point on its western side. Saunton Sands is broader and backed by Braunton Burrows, while Braunton provides useful shops and services inland. Choose according to surf confidence, walking priorities and how much village atmosphere you want after the beach.
Best forSurfing, active families and laid-back group stays
Make it yours
Match lessons and beach choice to the day’s conditions
Walk Baggy Point with views across the bay
Explore Braunton Burrows with sensitivity to its protected habitats
Dartmoor is not simply a day trip from the coast. Its tors, river valleys, villages and open moor create a slower inland stay, particularly effective for groups who value walking, fireside evenings and room to spread out. Weather changes quickly and open moorland navigation deserves respect, so guided days can add both confidence and context.
Exmoor reaches the sea in a landscape of high cliffs, wooded combes and small settlements. Lynton and Lynmouth provide a useful coastal base, while houses inland offer quiet, land and dark skies. Roads are often narrow and distances feel longer; the reward is a part of Devon that remains genuinely removed from the mainstream.
Every idea is shaped around season, availability and your preferred pace. Nothing here is a fixed itinerary.
01
Sail the estuary
A private skipper turns the Dart or Salcombe-Kingsbridge Estuary into the day’s route, with pace set by your party and the conditions.
02
Walk the moor with context
A guide can combine landscape, archaeology and safe route-finding across Dartmoor or Exmoor.
03
Surf the north coast
Choose the beach and tuition for the group’s ability rather than assuming one break suits everyone.
04
Let the house hold the occasion
Chef service, a prepared arrival and well-planned outdoor space can make a large home the centre of the week.
THE RIGHT BASE CHANGES EVERYTHING
How would you like to stay?
Estuary houses with water viewsFor sailing, terraces and easy access to South Devon’s harbour towns.
North-coast beach housesFor surf storage, sand-underfoot days and sunset views.
Moorland estatesFor privacy, walking from the door and long evenings at home.
Small hotels with strong kitchensFor couples who want daily service and a base for exploring.
Specific properties, services, access, deposits and terms will be verified before they appear in any proposal.
WHEN TO GO
Let the season shape the stay.
March–May
Spring walking, gardens and quieter towns; allow for changeable moorland weather.
June
Long evenings and a good balance for coast and countryside before peak demand.
July–August
Best for a full beach-and-boating rhythm, with advance booking essential.
September–October
Warm colours, food-led weekends and excellent walking when conditions cooperate.
PLAN IT WELL
The details that protect the holiday.
Thoughtful planning turns an attractive address into an effortless stay.
01
Decide north or south
Cross-county drives consume holiday time. Choose one coast and add the moor that naturally fits.
02
Treat estuaries as transport
Ferries and boats can be part of the itinerary, but services are seasonal and weather-dependent.
03
Check gradients and parking
Harbour towns and sea-view homes often involve steep streets, steps or constrained parking.
04
Respect the moor
Weather, livestock and navigation require proper preparation; routes should match the group.
A STAY BUILT AROUND YOU
Private stays, chosen with care.
Tell us the setting, occasion and practical details that matter. Your concierge will verify the specific property, services, availability and terms for your dates before they appear in a personal proposal.
YOUR PERSONAL TRAVEL CONCIERGE
Closer to home. Far from ordinary.
Tell us the dates, the people travelling and the standard you have in mind. We will shape the right Devon stay around what matters to you.
