Discover a range of holiday cottages, farmhouses, barn conversions, and glamping pods, set on working farms in Devon. These hand-picked, self-catering farm stays are located in some of Devon’s most popular rural destinations including Honiton, South Molton, Bideford, Totnes, and Kingsbridge, ideal for families, groups of friends, or 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.
Stretching from Exmouth to Seaton, the Devon Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that tells an extraordinary geological story. 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.
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.
For a relaxing, countryside escape, with nearby opportunities for cycling, walking, wildlife watching, surfing, and other water sports choose a farm holiday in Devon for your next break.
