County · England
Where to stay in Devon
Two coasts, Dartmoor in the middle and some of England's best country houses.
Devon is England's two-coasted county: surf and cliffs to the north, soft estuaries and sailing towns to the south, with the wild heights of Dartmoor between. It is big, varied and made for a proper week away.
The places to stay are a highlight in themselves, from Michelin manor houses above the Exe to garden-to-plate country boltholes and grand Dartmoor estates.
The shortlist
Best places to stay in Devon
Lympstone Manor
Michael Caines's Georgian manor above the Exe Estuary, with a Michelin kitchen and its own vineyard.
The Pig at Combe
An Elizabethan manor in the East Devon hills with the Pig group's garden-to-plate cooking and easy charm.
Bovey Castle
A grand 1930s estate on the edge of Dartmoor, with a spa, indoor pool, golf and proper space for families.
Salcombe Harbour Hotel
A bright, nautical hotel and spa overlooking the Salcombe estuary, with a pool and sea-view rooms.
Best areas to stay in Devon
The South Hams & Salcombe. Sheltered estuaries, sailing towns and the prettiest southern beaches.
Exe Estuary & East Devon. Jurassic Coast, Exmouth and some of the county's best dining.
Dartmoor. Wild moorland, tors and grand country house hotels.
Getting there & around
Train. Main line to Exeter and beyond; branch lines and the scenic coast route serve the south.
Car & transport. A car is the most practical, though Exeter, Totnes and the coast towns are rail-served.
Car-free. Base yourself in a rail town like Exmouth or Totnes and use buses and ferries along the estuaries.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of Devon is best?
The South Hams around Salcombe for estuaries and beaches, East Devon and the Exe for food and the Jurassic Coast, Dartmoor for wild scenery.
Do you need a car in Devon?
It helps a lot for exploring, though Exeter and the main coast towns are reachable by train with onward buses and ferries.
How long should you stay?
Allow four to seven nights. Devon is bigger than it looks and the two coasts are a fair drive apart.