The word is out: Devon is the place to be. With beautiful coastlines dotted with Blue Flag beaches, plus acres of rolling countryside to explore – including the added bonus of Dartmoor and Exmoor national parks – this area of South West England is a staycationer’s dream.
If stately architecture, Michelin-starred cuisine, cool bars and shopping sprees is what you’re after, Exeter, Devon’s coastal capital, won’t disappoint. You’ll also find plenty of indie shops and eateries sprinkled throughout the county, along with countless cute tea rooms and cosy old pubs.
As for where to stay, gone are the days when time spent on the English Riviera would have entailed lodgings in some generic, overpriced seaside hotel. Nowadays, your options are virtually limitless – choose between bedding down in a listed manor house, cosy cottage, woodland spa retreat or a budget boutique hotel. If you’re travelling with kids or a four-legged friend, you’ll also find a host of family- and dog-friendly places to pitch up.
But if you really want to get away from it all, you can opt to stay on a private island, exploring the rugged countryside from a centuries-old castle and getting your wellies muddy during the day. Come the evening, you can return to your stargazey shepherd’s hut before heading out for a sundowner overlooking an estuary, or getting blissfully pummelled in an award-winning spa.
Whatever you’re after, you’re sure to find the perfect place to rest your head, with our hand-picked round-up of the best hotels in Devon.
Location: Dartmoor
Stargaze to your heart’s content through the glass roof of this homey hut
(StarBed Hideaways)
The floor-to-ceiling window frames views of the Buckland Abbey Estate on Dartmoor, while the skylight above your bed enables you and your other half to stargaze without setting foot outside your shepherd’s hut. And stargaze you shall – StarBeds Hideaways is as off grid and remote as it gets. Getting here is an adventure in itself, with a Supacat multi-terrain vehicle whisking you up the hill to your abode.
Shepherd’s hut needn’t mean rustic, either. Here, you’ll find homey comforts, such as roll-top tubs with rain showers, plus wood-burning stoves. You’ll also find birding binoculars, nature identification books and fire pits for cosy evenings.
Price: Doubles from £164
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