On the Map

On the Map: Unusual Places to Stay in Devon

25 August 2020

“An abundance of natural beauty” is how the great film director Steven Spielberg once described Devon, and we can’t disagree.

With two glorious coastlines, water babies are completely spoilt for choice (try the vast beaches at Croyde or Woolacombe for epic surfing and family-friendly seaside fun alike). Meanwhile, the windswept South West Coast Path is the perfect setting for a romantic stroll.

As if that wasn’t enough, Devon also boasts two National Parks (Exmoor and Dartmoor), with no less than five designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to revel in.

Oh, and did we mention those Devon cream teas?

We recommend a trip to Devon at least once in every lifetime, so we’ve picked out some of our favourite unusual getaways below (and lots more can be found in our dedicated Devon destination page!)
Author: Nina Jervis
Image: Siren | Woolacombe

Treetops Treehouse

Chulmleigh, Devon

A romantic luxury treehouse built in a 200 year old oak tree, overlooking a forest and lake in the grounds of a country hotel.

Bedrooms: 2

Sleeps: 4

From

£250 / night

Kaywana Hall Luxury B&B

Kingswear, Devon

Hidden in 12 acres of private Devon woodland, this striking 1960s architect-designed butterfly roof house has been modernised as a luxury B&B.

Bedrooms: 4

Sleeps: 2 per room

From

£210 / night

Longlands

Coulsworthy, North Devon

Reconnect with nature and revive your senses with sumptuously sustainable camping at its finest, set in a North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty where everyone is welcome, including the dog.

Bedrooms: 3

Sleeps: 6

From

£177.50 /night

Seacombe

East Portlemouth, Devon

Welcome to the seaside and an award-winning designer escape on the beautiful South Devon coast.

Bedrooms: 3

Sleeps: 7 (+2)

From

£1,200 / week

Fisherton Farm's Vintage Vardos

Atherington, Devon

A beautifully wistful collection of off-grid, bow-top wagons nestled in the North Devon countryside.

Bedrooms: 4

Sleeps: 8 adults (+ 6 children)

From

£230 / night

Dimmet

Braunton, Devon

A groovy Devon welcome awaits you in this unique 70s-styled designer seaside bungalow, for a luxury family stay with a retro difference.

Bedrooms: 2

Sleeps: 4-5

From

£125 / night

The Orchard Retreat

Cheriton Fitzpaine, Devon

Experience a refreshingly rural Devon hideaway that's uncommonly good for mind, body and soul.

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 4

From

£390 /3 nts

Lower Keats Glamping

Axminster, Devon

Things to note

Bedrooms: 3

Sleeps: 6 per lodge

From

£685 (3 nights)

Brownscombe Luxury Glamping

Compton, Devon

Hidden in the heart of Devon's South Hams, Brownscombe Luxury Glamping offers the perfect escape, with the most luxurious cabin you've ever seen, superb safari tents and a unique Tabernacle.

Bedrooms: Varies

Sleeps: Varies

From

£455 (3 nights Tabernacle)

Cary Arms & Spa Beach Huts

Babbacombe Beach, Devon

A characterful selection of huts and suites on the South Devon coast, complete with luxury spa and outstanding views.

Bedrooms: 1 per hut

Sleeps: 2 per hut

From

£195 / night (De Luxe w/breakfast)

Wolf Wood Treehouses

Bratton Clovelly, Devon

Come and live the high life, in a luxury hand-built treehouse, beautifully nestled amongst soothing Devon woodland.

Bedrooms: 1 per treehouse

Sleeps: 2 per treehouse

From

£285 / night

Pickwell Manor Tree Houses

Georgeham, Devon

A romantic, bespoke-crafted Devon treetop retreat, with soothing views from the comfort of your pillow.

Bedrooms: 1 per treehouse

Sleeps: 2 per treehouse

From

£190 / night

Huxham Hideaway

Poltimore, Devon

A charmingly converted shipping container, set in a private meadow with panoramic views of rolling East Devon countryside.

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 2 (+2)

From

£90 / night

Beach Hut No.1 at Shaldon

Shaldon, South Devon

An Amazing Space beachside studio packed with style, beautifully nestled in an unspoilt South Devon village.

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 4

From

£150 / night

Vane Tower Penthouse

Torquay, Devon

A sumptuous apartment at the top of an iconic Torquay villa, featuring outstanding coast and country views.

Bedrooms: 2

Sleeps: 4

From

£318 (3 nights)

The Linhay

Braunton, Devon

A sublime and secluded off-grid Devon retreat that brings you blissfully back to nature, batteries fully recharged.

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 2 (+2)

From

£125 / night

Exe Valley Glamping

Tiverton, Devon

A charming Devon family farm, rich in traditional luxury, cosy creature comforts, and pure back-to-nature loveliness.

Bedrooms: 2 per lodge

Sleeps: 6 per lodge

From

£114 / night

Sunridge Geodome

Yealmpton, Devon

A tranquil South Devon country paradise, packed with cutting-edge creature comforts and surrounded by a rippling lake.

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 4

From

£200 / night

Oyster

Salcombe, Devon

A dreamily romantic, grown-ups-only glamping boat, moored in South Devon's idyllic Salcombe-Kingsbridge Estuary.

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 2

From

£129 / night

The Inspiration

Brixham, Devon

An impossibly charming 'glam-boat' with picture-postcard sea-and-harbour views of the colourful Brixham harbour on The English Riviera.

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 3

From

£65 / night

Coastal Cabins

Bideford, Devon

A selection of luxurious, award-winning hideaways for couples and families, with indulgent on-site facilities and surrounded by North Devon countryside.

Bedrooms: Open plan

Sleeps: Varies

From

£78 / night

The Hidden Chapel

Zeal Monachorum, Devon

A luxurious TV-featured conversion of a 19th century congregational chapel, peacefully secluded in an ancient, rural Devon village.

Bedrooms: 3

Sleeps: 6

From

£170/night

The Lazy Mare

Ilfracombe, Devon

A quirky and luxurious North Devon glamping escape for two, in the form of a lovingly converted horse truck with magnificent views towards Exmoor.

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 2

From

£85 / night

Yeworthy Eco Treehouse

Eworthy, Devon

An off-grid, dog-friendly hideaway that's privately secluded amongst the treetops, above a sparkling lake in a sleepy Devon hamlet.

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 2

From

£95 / night

Blackbird

Blagdon Water, Devon

Let your cares sail dreamily away, aboard a romantic ‘floating suite' secluded on a freshwater lake (ideal for trout fishing) in North Devon, close to the moors and beaches.

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 2

From

£400 (4 nights)

Wildwood Spa

Ifracombe, Devon

A Zen-inspired TV-featured nature escape with a cedar sauna and heated infinity pool, nestled amongst 12 blissful acres of woodland in a North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 2

From

£375 / night

Brackenhill Glamping

Ugborough, Devon

Cosily furnished, family-sized safari tents with hot tubs, dog-friendly and secluded amongst 1,5 acres of Devon nature that's close to both Dartmoor National Park and unspoilt South Hams beaches.

Bedrooms: 2 or 3 per tent

Sleeps: 5 or 6 per tent

From

£300 (2 nights)

Dittisham Hideaway

Dittisham, Devon

An exquisite collection of luxury treehouses, a gleaming American airstream, and artisan shepherd's lodges, all with al fresco hot tubs and beautifully nestled in the scenic heart of Devonshire countryside.

Bedrooms: Varies

Sleeps: 1-5

From

£195/night

Nymetwood Treehouses

Crediton, Devon

Sumptuous Scandi-inspired hideaways with al fresco copper bathtubs, secluded amongst acres of Devon woodland, meadow, and apple orchard, with idyllic views over Dartmoor.

Bedrooms: 1 per treehouse

Sleeps: 2 per treehouse

From

£250 / night

North Thorne Cottages and Glamping

Bratton Fleming, Devon

A welcoming, family-run retreat featuring delightfully eclectic accommodation, in an idyllic rural setting that's close to both the North Devon coast and Exmoor National Park.

Bedrooms: Varies

Sleeps: Varies

From

195

Praktyka

Bideford, Devon

Rediscover your creative spirit in a heavenly slice of North Devon, complete with wildflower meadows, artists' workshops, and lovingly-crafted retreats.

Bedrooms: 1 or 2 per unit

Sleeps: 2-4 guests per unit

From

£120 / night

The Big Hoot Caravan

Cullompton, Devon

A retro, TV-featured showman's living van, vibrantly restored with authentic 1970s style, and secluded on peaceful a Devon farm that's surrounded by wildflower meadows.

Bedrooms: 3

Sleeps: 4

From

£86 / night