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.
At a glance
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
Need help choosing?
Let the occasion lead.
Tell us who is travelling and what you want the stay to feel like. We will help narrow the right part of Devon before discussing properties.
Each area changes the pace, scenery and shape of the day. Compare them before choosing the property.
SAILING WATER & SOUTH DEVON STYLE
Salcombe & the Kingsbridge Estuary
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
MARITIME HISTORY & RIVER JOURNEYS
Dartmouth & the Dart
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
Make it yours
Travel by river towards Greenway or Totnes
Walk to Dartmouth Castle and the coast
Cross to Kingswear and use the steam railway
THREE MILES OF SAND & OPEN HORIZONS
Woolacombe & Mortehoe
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
SURF CULTURE & DUNE-BACKED COAST
Croyde, Saunton & Braunton
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
GRANITE TORS, WOODED VALLEYS & BIG SKIES
Dartmoor
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.
Best forWalking, privacy and houses with land
Make it yours
Walk with a qualified local guide
Visit a moorland village and a historic inn
Balance exposed tors with wooded valley routes
HIGH COAST, DARK SKIES & DEEP VALLEYS
Exmoor & the north coast
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.
Best forSeclusion, walking and wildlife-led stays
Make it yours
Explore Lynton, Lynmouth and the Valley of Rocks
Walk a guided stretch of coast or moor
Plan an evening around Exmoor’s dark skies
Experiences
A finer way to explore
Experiences with a sense of place.
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.
Ways to stay
The right base changes everything
How would you like to stay?
No live inventory or named property relationship is implied. We will confirm the specific property, services, availability and booking terms for your dates before it appears in your proposal.
01
Estuary houses with water views
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For sailing, terraces and easy access to South Devon’s harbour towns.
