Devon is a fantastic destination for a holiday on a farm with over 500 miles of coastline, upland moors, secluded river valleys, and rolling pasture. Our collection of farm stays includes cosy cottages, traditional farmhouses, stylish barn conversions, and glamping pods on working farms and smallholdings across the county, from the Exe Estuary to the Hartland Peninsula, perfect for families, groups of friends, and couples looking for an unforgettable getaway.
Visitors to Devon are spoilt for choice with not one but two National Parks. In the north of the county, Exmoor extends into Somerset and is known for its rolling hills, wooded combes, herds of red deer, dramatic coastline, and chocolate-box villages. Its exceptionally clear skies earned it the title of Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, making it a superb destination for stargazing.
Dartmoor, by contrast, feels far more rugged and untamed, with vast expanses of open moorland, granite tors, ancient stone monuments, and rivers where salmon return to spawn. Both parks are famous for their hardy, free-roaming ponies, perfectly adapted to the challenging conditions of their landscapes. We have several farms in our collection that offer stables and livery, if you want to explore the moors on horseback.
Stretching from Exmouth to Seaton, the Devon Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that tells an extraordinary geological story and a coastal farm stay puts you right in the heart of it. Red sandstone cliffs, hidden caves, sea stacks, and sweeping barrier beaches offer a glimpse into the Earth’s ancient past. The coastline also forms part of the South West Coast Path, with miles of footpaths linking pretty coastal villages and beaches to explore along the way. For a different perspective, take to the water by kayak, paddleboard, or boat and enjoy the scenery from the sea.
The North Devon coast is equally enticing, with a diverse range of beaches. Woolacombe has a vast sweep of golden sand and clear waters, alongside family-friendly amenities and amusements, while Croyde is famed for its powerful waves and lively culture, attracting both novice and experienced surfers.
With no shortage of attractions for memorable days out, a family holiday on a working farm in Devon is a fantastic choice. After a day exploring, little ones will delight in returning to the farm to greet the animals, and with many farms providing games rooms, barbecues, and hot tubs, families will find plenty to enjoy in the evenings. Or take advantage of the county’s temperate climate and choose a farm stay in Devon with a swimming pool.
The county town of Exeter is well worth a visit. Exeter Cathedral is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the country, while guided tours of the city’s underground passages, built to carry fresh drinking water into medieval Exeter, offer a fascinating insight into the city’s history. Down by the historic quayside, you’ll find independent shops, interesting old buildings, and a choice of pubs and restaurants where you can relax and watch the world go by.
Just south of the city lies the Exe Estuary, one of Britain’s premier birdwatching destinations, that attracts thousands of migratory birds, particularly in autumn and winter. The RSPB reserves at Bowling Green Marsh and Exminster Marshes have well-maintained trails and viewing platforms, providing excellent opportunities to spot species such as avocets, black-tailed godwits, brent geese, and wigeons.
A little further along the coast, on the banks of the River Dart, stands Greenway, a handsome Georgian house with 1950s interiors that was once the holiday home of Agatha Christie. The house is filled with the author’s personal possessions and her family’s eclectic collections. Explore the boathouse, the setting for the murder in Dead Man’s Folly, look out for the gun battery on the river, built as a Napoleonic defence in the 1790s, wander through the walled gardens and woodland, or simply relax in a deckchair and enjoy the beautiful views across the water.
Devon is a great destination for dog owners with hundreds of miles of footpaths, bridleways, and green lanes, as well as dog-friendly pubs and restaurants. Many of our collection of farm stays welcome dogs with enclosed gardens and acres of fields to explore.
Food lovers will be spoilt for choice, with everything from boat-to-plate fish restaurants to cosy gastropubs. And no visit would be complete without a traditional cream tea – cream first, of course!
Whether you’re after a stylish barn conversion set in acres of meadows, a secluded shepherd’s hut for an off-grid glamping experience, or a period farmhouse with space for the whole family, a farm stay in Devon is the perfect destination for your next break at any time of year.
