A Guide to Buying a Holiday Home in Devon

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Holiday homes

Devon is a southwest England county renowned for golden sandy beaches, seaside villages, two National Parks and cream teas. The ideal place for your holiday home.

Regular visits to Devon reveal a landscape of unspoilt natural beauty, from miles of stunning coastline to countless hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Claire Tupholme Content Editor: Travel/Campsites

As well as being the Content Editor for Travel and Campsites, Claire also looks after Premier Parks, which means she has seen her fair share of campsites and knows her way around Great Britain. Claire now loves to share her wealth of travel knowledge with other intrepid explorers.

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Why buy a holiday home in Devon?

Devon offers holiday home owners two strikingly different coastlines to explore. The south coast is more sheltered, dotted with charming seaside towns along the English Riviera, and includes part of the historic Jurassic Coast. In contrast, north Devon’s coastline is wilder and more rugged – perfect for wave-seeking surfers and adventurous hikers ready to take on the South West Coast Path.

For those drawn to the countryside, Devon is equally impressive. It is home to two National Parks, Dartmoor and Exmoor, both rich in wildlife and walking opportunities. Exmoor features a mix of woodland, rolling hills and dramatic cliffs, while Dartmoor feels more untamed, with its iconic tors offering rewarding climbs and breathtaking views. Both parks are also designated Dark Sky Reserves, making them ideal for stargazing on clear nights.

Tempted to make Devon your regular holiday destination? Our Complete Guide to Buying a Holiday Home walks you through all the key information you need before you buy a holiday home in this beautiful county.

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What to do in Devon

Hit the beaches! Devon is a coastal paradise, with far too many to mention here. But as a starting guide, here are a few of the most notable...

Bigbury-on-Sea – a vast sandy beach, lapped by shallow waters, and dotted with rock pools. At low tide you can walk the causeway to Burgh Island, or take a ride across the water on the 'sea tractor'.
Saunton Sands – a long, straight, sandy beach, backed by the Braunton Burrows UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This dune system is one of the most unique and impressive in the country.
Blackpool Sands – this is a sheltered bay close to Dartmouth with a Blue Flag award and privately managed. The beach is backed by evergreens and scented pines, giving a Mediterranean feel and is fine shingle. For those who enjoy walking, the beach is on the South West Coast Path, too.
Woolacombe Bay – one of the finest beaches in the West Country, having won numerous awards. A big favourite with surfers, this three-mile stretch of golden sand, backed by dunes, has plenty of space.

Away from the countryside and the coast, you could head to the city for a great day out, as a wet-weather option, or to sample the local cuisine in one of the many cafés and restaurants. Both Exeter and Plymouth come highly recommended, the former having a magnificent historic cathedral.

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Must-visit places in Devon

Owning a holiday home in Devon is not just about days spent on the golden sandy beaches. There are plenty of other places to explore in your leisure time, too!

Dartmooor – one of Devon’s most famous assets, Dartmoor National Park combines wild open moorlands and deep river valleys, all with rare wildlife and a rich history. There’s plenty to do and see here, from the iconic sight of ponies grazing freely on the moors, to low levels of light pollution meaning dark night skies perfect for stargazing.
Exeter – as well as having a magnificent medieval cathedral, good shops, restaurants and a memorial museum, the bustling city of Exeter also has a historic quayside from where you can take a relaxing boat trip and also cycle alongside the canal.
Lynton & Lynmouth – known as ‘little Switzerland’, the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth are situated on the northern edge of the Exmoor coast. Lynton resides 137m above its sister village of Lynmouth, connected by the famous water-powered Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway.
Plymouth – this Devon port city is known for its maritime heritage and also the Hoe – a green, open space with views across Plymouth Sound’s bay, and topped by an iconic striped lighthouse.
Tarka Trail – perfect for those with a walking or cycling hobby, the Tarka Trail is a 180-mile, mainly traffic-free route spanning across north Devon and Exmoor, inspired by the route taken by Tarka the otter in Henry Williamson’s famous novel. Along the route you will encounter unspoiled countryside, coastal cliffs and stunning beaches.
Clovelly – north Devon’s unique traffic-free, cobble-paved fishing village, Clovelly, is privately owned but tourists can visit for a small charge. Clovelly has one steep main street, and no cars are allowed, so the residents use sledges to drag everything from the top of the hill where they park their cars. It’s a fascinating place!

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FAQs

How to buy a holiday home in Devon?

Buying a holiday home may seem like a major step, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to create lasting memories and enjoy impromptu breaks whenever you like. Our Complete Guide to Buying a Holiday Home walks you through every stage, from initial planning and selecting the perfect park, to navigating key costs and insurance considerations.
Where is best to buy a holiday home in Devon?

You’ll find the best Devon holiday parks nestled in the rolling countryside and also plenty of Devon holiday homes near the beach. So, whether you’re after a relaxing retreat in Devon’s Dartmoor National Park, or to be situated right beside the sea in the English Riviera of south Devon, you’ll easily find a Devon holiday park to suit you. Explore the parks featured here, all offering a variety of holiday homes for sale.
Where to stay in Devon

There are a host of holiday home parks to choose from in Devon, some with lots of facilities and entertainment, and others with a more laid-back feel.
If you're still unsure where you might like to buy your new holiday home in Devon, use our Campsite Finder search tool. You'll be able to easily find holiday parks in Devon where you can hire a holiday home in order to find your ideal location before purchasing a holiday home of your own.