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South Devon is gently characterised by its scenic seaside villages and charming country towns. With rolling green countryside and moorlands, South Devon is a diverse and wonderful choice for those looking for a lovely holiday in the South West. With so much to see and do, South Devon is a holiday destination that you’ll want to return to year after year, making memories to treasure with your family and loved ones.
Read on to discover the highlights of this stunning part of the South West, such as the best beaches, and places to eat and drink in South Devon. Visit South Devon for your next holiday to make unforgettable memories.
South Devon cottages
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Beautiful beaches in South Devon
From powdery white sand to pretty shingle coves, South Devon has a varied offering of tempting beaches. So whether you're looking to take a dip, or hunting for the perfect sandcastle sand (it's Torquay, by the way!), you're sure to find your perfect seaside spot!
Below are a few of our favourites, or take a look at our round-up of Devon beaches which could be mistaken for destinations abroad!
Blackpool Sands
One of the purest and most iconic beaches of the English Riviera, the tree-fringed Blackpool Sands has been a favourite with those that holiday around the South Hams and South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) for over 100 years. With handy facilities and the sub-tropical Blackpool Gardens above the beach, this place is the perfect backdrop for a day of sun worship or sandcastle building.
Stay at: Topaz | Sleeps: 8 guests plus 2 dogs
Bantham Beach
Gorgeous Bantham Beach is a treat for every kind of beachgoer. With great surf, soft sand, shallow pools at low tide and views over scenic Burgh Island, it's a lovely South Devon beach for pitching up for a day of seaside fun. When stomachs start to grumble, wander off the beach and up the road to The Sloop where you'll find a warm welcome and tasty, freshly cooked meals.
Stay at: The Sea Garden | Sleeps: 4 guests plus 1 dog
Beer
If you fancy a bout of fossil hunting at a sheltered beach within a stone’s throw of a cosy pub, then Beer is the place to be. This South Devon village is a fine spot to while away a day; kids can play in the surf, you can take in the views and enjoy a pint above the beach. It’s a fun spot with something for all the family to enjoy. When the sun gets too hot, head into the Beer Quarry Caves, a man-made network of subterranean tunnels where Beer Stone was once quarried.
Stay at: The Treasure Chest | Sleeps: 2 guests
Things to do in South Devon
South Devon's scenic coastline provides plenty of outdoorsy options for things to do. But if the following few suggestions don't float your boat, take a look at our guide to the best things to do in Devon for a whole host of ideas for your holiday.
Catch a ferry from Brixham to Torquay
View the English Riviera from the sea when you catch a ferry from Brixham Harbour to Torquay marina. There are several operators that provide a regular service across Torbay between the two resorts. It’s a great way to avoid traffic and parking fees in busy Torquay, but most of all, for boat lovers, it’s a great way to spend the day. You may even catch glimpses of busy sea birds and dolphins too!
Stay at: St Pete's Nest | Sleeps: 2 plus 1 dog
Go bird spotting
The Exe Estuary is one of the best places to spot birds in Devon. There are two RSPB nature reserves - Bowling Marsh Green and Exminster Marshes - along the river where you can hole up in a hide and look out for some lesser-spotted species. Observe the many sedentary and migratory birds that spend time there, keep an eye out for the lapwings, redshanks, wigeons and warblers amongst them.
Stay at: Corfu Cottage | Sleeps: 6 guests plus 2 dogs
Ride the Burgh Island sea tractor
What’s a sea tractor? Well, you can see for yourself if you head down to Bigbury-on-Sea. Connected to the mainland by a spit of sand that gets submerged by the high tide is Burgh Island, so in order to get to and from the island, you take a ride aboard the peculiar-looking sea tractor. With huge wheels and a top-heavy appearance, the sea tractor at Burgh Island is essentially a long-wheelbase trailer with a motor and a steering wheel; such vehicles were popular in the 1930s but there are hardly any left these days. Visit the gorgeous South Sands Beach at Bigbury-on-Sea and a pub and hotel bar on Burgh Island too.
Stay at: 11 Beachdown | Sleeps: 8 guests
More things to do in Devon
Places to visit in South Devon
Try Sidmouth for traditional seaside charm; Widecombe and the surrounding moorland of Dartmoor for a quaint rural village atmosphere, Bovey Tracey for art, Totnes for quirky independent shops, Torbay for the coastal resort thrills and spills, and the villages of the South Hams for a scenic day out. With two cities and a whole host of towns and villages to explore, you'll never be short of places to visit in South Devon.
Plymouth
You'll be spoilt for choice for things to visit in the maritime city of Plymouth. Shoppers love the city, especially Drake Circus where you'll find all the high street favourites. See a play or catch some live music at the Plymouth Pavilions and the Theatre Royal or embark on a historical tour. Take in the Mayflower Steps, where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for the Americas in 1620 to establish a colony. Also check out The Barbican, Plymouth Aquarium, Tinside Lido and Smeaton’s Tower on the Hoe. It's a great city to enjoy South Devon on a large scale.
Stay at: Sea Captains Lodge | Sleeps: 5 guests
Plymouth cottages
Exeter
Exeter is a historian's dream! Begin your visit at Exeter Cathedral, which dates back to Normans. This striking building is situated at the heart of the university city and has an impressive astronomical clock which dates back to 1484. Cathedral Green is home to some great eateries, and the High Street and Princesshay Shopping Centre are both a very short walk away. Exeter is renowned for its independent arts and live music scenes. The Cavern and Exeter Phoenix regularly play host to top gigs and shows, while nearby Powderham Castle also hosts big events. The best local attractions include Crealy Adventure Park, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) and a Go Ape. The coast is a few miles away at Exmouth and Dawlish.
Stay at: Three Hares Carriage | Sleeps: 2 guests
Exeter cottages
Brixham
The jewel of the English Riviera, Brixham brims with traditional character. An ancient fishing port, visitors can buy freshly landed fish at Brixham Market or at one of the village's many local pubs or restaurants. For those who fancy a day at the beach, several sandy beaches are close by, while there are many coastal paths to explore, including the cliff-top nature reserve Berry Head which is popular with birdwatchers. Check out the Golden Hind Museum Ship, a replica of Sir Francis Drake’s ship from the Spanish Armada, while the Brixham Pirate Festival each spring is a riot.
Stay at: Nomad Retreat | Sleeps: 6 guests plus 1 dog
Brixham cottages
Places to eat and drink in South Devon
South Devon is a superb choice of holiday destination for the gastronomically intrepid. Whether it's gastropubs, cafes or fine dining options you’re looking for, there’s a diverse selection of places to try out. Find some tempting eateries below, or take a look at our blog post about the top Devon pubs for more inspiration.
Fine dining: The Galley Restaurant in Topsham
Seafood fanatics rejoice, the Galley Restaurant in Topsham offers expectant diners Brixham crab, River Exe salmon, Exmouth Mussels and more. With the focus on quality seafood, this is one of the very best establishments in the county. The wine list is impressive too, so book ahead as the Galley gets busy during peak periods.
Stay at: Wisteria Cottage - Topsham | Sleeps: 4 guests
Pub grub: The Bear and Blacksmith in Chillington
After a long walk in the countryside or a day at the beach, a well-earned pub meal with a pint of ale or a glass of wine is often all you need. Look no further than the winner of the Taste of the West gold medal in 2018, The Bear and Blacksmith in Chillington. Specialising in a very tasty blend of local foods, try out the gilthead bream or pork rillette. A sure hit if you are in the South Hams area.
Stay at: Curlew at Cotmore | Sleeps: 6 guests plus 2 dogs
Café: The Café at Seabreeze
The Café at Seabreeze has a glorious view to complement the cornucopia of pancakes, scones and incredible soups on offer. Sitting on the shore at Slapton Sands, this is the ideal café for those in love with sea views. It’s a lovely spot and well worth your time if you have come for a stroll along the seafront and the nearby nature reserve. If you're looking for more foodie inspiration in the glorious South Hams, then check out our Salcombe restaurants guide that features some of the seaside town's best and most scenic places to eat.
Stay at: No.8 Bellevue Kingsbridge | Sleeps: 5 guests
Plan your perfect South Devon holiday
Stay at a self-catering holiday cottage in South Devon. We have a collection of exceptional properties in inspiring locations all across the county, from Seaton in the east to Plymouth in the west. Whether you are looking for a sea view apartment or a large townhouse for extended family; a rural pile on the moors or a cosy bolthole in a lush woodland setting, we have a beautiful property for you in our collection. Many of our properties are dog-friendly too, so bring your four-legged pals along to join the adventure.
South Devon cottages