It’s easy to see why South Devon is such a popular holiday destination with families; beautiful beaches, craggy coves, and plenty of indoor child-friendly attractions should the weather not cooperate.
A South Devon holiday involves walking along clifftops, cycling along through areas of outstanding natural beauty, jumping over the tumbling surf and bowling an over or two of sand cricket. Families tend to return here generation after generation, all drawn by the love of a good old fashioned British seaside holiday – and the best cream teas in the country!
If you’re looking for holiday cottages in South Devon for your next family holiday then take a look at the following five family-friendly properties. These can all be booked with Cottages South West and all are located on the beautiful South Devon Coast.
South Devon has long led the way in family-friendly accommodation, too. Whether you’re looking for a five-star hotel, a beach hut on the sand, or a do-it-yourself camping holiday, there are lots of options for families.
As a family of five, we usually opt for a holiday home over a hotel. And, given that my criteria for a beach holiday are a comfy bed and a sea view, I’ll always opt for a self-catering cottage over sleeping under canvas!
This post was written in partnership with Cottages SouthWest. All opinions are, as always, entirely my own. For more information, please see my disclosure policy.
South Devon Cottages
For families with dogs
It can be hard enough finding accommodation that suits parents and kids, let alone somewhere that will welcome your pet pooch. However, if you’re looking to holiday with all the family then Cherra Cottage is a great option.
This dog friendly Grade II Listed Georgian fisherman’s cottage is a lovely holiday home option for families with four-legged friends. It can sleep four people in one double bedroom and one twin.
It’s located within the village conservation area, near to the beach and a short walk to the South West Coast Path.
For spellbinding views
For families looking for something a little more modern, try The Coach House, a beautiful architecturally designed home that occupies one of the best locations in the village of Shaldon.
The house has three bedrooms, plenty of light and is close to the beach. There’s a lovely bright kitchen and dining room but I can guarantee that you will spend most of your time on the terrace.
If ever there was a moment when you thought “That’s it! I’m quitting my job, selling up and moving to Devon”, it’ll be when you’re sitting on this balcony watching the sun set with a glass of wine in hand.
For bringing along the grandparents
If you’re planning to holiday with friends or thinking about inviting the grandparents to give you a helping hand with the kids then the pet-friendly Beach Cottage in Teignmouth is a good choice.
Sleeping 8-10 people in four bedrooms with superb sea views, this really is a lovely holiday cottage. Watch the tides from the living room, listen to the waves crash while you sleep and enjoy breakfast overlooking the beach.
There’s a lovely open plan living /dining area, a well-equipped kitchen, a utility room and a downstairs day room that comes with a TV/DVD player, plenty of games and books, and a double sofa-bed if you need more space.
You’re right on Teignmouth’s seafront here near to the Lido, the pier, and the promenade. Fun local activities include sea swimming, kayaking, windsurfing, skiing, surf rescue training, sailing, rowing races, ships – and of course the birds. You may even spot the occasional seal or dolphin!
For beach and country charm
For the best of beach and country living, take a look at Rose Cottage, a seaside cottage in the village of Shaldon. This Grade II listed Georgian cottage is located in a conservation area and is perfect for a short break.
The property is filled with period features, quirky nooks and crannies, and a small patio garden. There’s a cosy sitting room, a dining room with a fire place and a galley kitchen. Upstairs you’ll find a King / twin bedroom with an en-suite and the master bedroom overlooking Fore Street.
Shaldon offers everything you need for a perfect beach holiday. Shaldon beach boasts some of the most stunning coastline in South Devon and is ideal for sailing, fishing, swimming, canoeing and more. Shaldon Zoo is nearby, which younger children will love, and in Teignmouth, kids of all ages can take part in a treasure hunt trail.
Nearby are also caves, castles, museums and much more.
For a trip down memory lane
For something completely different, book a stay at Beach Hut 1, a luxury beachside studio. Ranked as one of the best beach huts in the world, this quirky and very nostalgic holiday house is a wonderfully fun place to stay for traditional British seaside holiday.
The hut can sleep four people and has all the mod cons you could possibly need; under-floor heating, marble-tiled shower room and WiFi. Best of all, however, is the water-front location and private terrace. British beach holidays don’t get much better than this.
South Devon is a charming town with beautiful beaches.