From sweeping white-sand beaches and craggy coastal walks to serene moorlands and stunning National Trust sites, there are many reasons to choose Devon for your next getaway.
However, as with every trip, sometimes finding the perfect place to stay can be tricky. So, to help, we’ve pulled together 10 of our favourite hotels in Devon.
1. Lincombe Hall Hotel, Torquay
If relaxation is your top priority, why not book a spot at Torquay’s Lincombe Hall Hotel? This elegantly restored, adults-only period hotel offers everything you need for a restful recharge without scrimping on style – including a choice of pools and a sophisticated spa.
There’s plenty to explore in the surrounding area too. Lincombe Hall’s seaside location means there are Blue Flag beaches within easy reach. Plus, Torquay’s buzzing marina – with its Michelin-starred restaurants and bustling bars – is only a five-minute walk away.
2. Saunton Sands Hotel, Braunton
Perched on top of a cliff, this stunning Art Deco hotel offers unbeatable vistas of one of Devon’s most immaculate slices of coastline. When you aren’t sitting out on the manicured lawns, gazing over the rolling dunes of Braunton Burrows below, you’ll probably want to enjoy some surfing or sunbathing down at the beach.
However, at the end of the day, the opulent interior of the hotel awaits. Why not retire to the spa to immerse yourself in unique and soothing experiences, like a Finnish aroma sauna and salt inhalation room? Or enjoy an al-fresco meal on the terrace while watching the sun sink into the ocean. Saunton Sands Hotel offers a quintessential and luxurious Devon beachside experience.
3. The Cricket Inn, Beesands
For something low-key yet bursting with charm, why not check out The Cricket Inn in Beesands? Tucked away on the coast in the idyllic South Hams Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just beside the South West Coastal Path, ramblers looking for an active holiday will be especially happy here. But the inn’s proximity to a picturesque sandy beach also makes it ideal for a more conventional seaside retreat.
Quaint and unpretentious, The Cricket Inn offers guests a comforting and homely experience. Ever since it opened in 1867, fresh catches have been delivered regularly by the same fishing families, which has helped the inn establish a reputation for serving up some of the region’s best seafood. And that’s not to mention the stellar service, which travel writer Natalie Millar-Partridge describes as “warm and welcoming.”
4. Southernhay House, Exeter
For a southwestern city break, you can’t go wrong with Exeter. It’s a thriving city with chic boutiques, hip bars and restaurants, and gorgeous Georgian architecture. That’s not to mention the fascinating historical sites – including the towering cathedral and 2,000-year-old Roman wall. And, for a deluxe and conveniently located place to stay, why not consider Southernhay House?
An oasis of luxury in the heart of the city, this Georgian-era hotel is “meticulously decorated”, according to travel writer Rebecca Hallett. “Each room is filled with unique and charming details, showcasing a careful selection of hand-picked antiques and locally crafted furniture.” With its elegant dining room and sophisticated bar serving original cocktails, it’s an ideal spot to unwind after wandering the city’s cobbled streets.
5. Thurlestone Hotel, Kingsbridge
Nestled beside the stunning South Devon coast – a stone’s throw from the picturesque towns of Kingsbridge and Salcombe – the Thurlestone Hotel oozes style and sophistication. Sitting out on the regal terrace and gazing out over the balustrade at the sparkling sea, it can feel more like the French Riviera than the UK.
As travel writer Natalie Millar-Partridge says, “Whether you seek relaxation or an active getaway, The Thurlestone has something for everyone.” As well as a series of pools and a spa offering a range of treatments, you can also make the most of croquet lawns, a nine-hole golf course, and courts for tennis, squash, and badminton. With hidden coves, wide sandy beaches, and quaint fishing villages all around, there are plenty of opportunities for exploration too.
6. The Imperial Hotel, Barnstaple
For some old-school luxury, why not head to The Imperial Hotel in Barnstaple? Complete with ironwork balconies, plenty of polished dark wood, and intricately detailed carpets, this Grade-II listed Edwardian hotel embraces the comfortable delights of times gone by. Impeccable service, exquisite river views, and fine dining options (including an AA Rosette-awarded restaurant) are at the heart of this truly regal retreat.
However, opportunities for adventure also abound. Barnstaple is situated between some of the region’s finest beaches – including Woolacombe and Westward Ho! – and the vast woods and moorlands of Exmoor National Park. So it’s a top spot for experiencing all the natural wonders of North Devon.
7. The Horn of Plenty, Tavistock
While many escape to Devon for its captivating coastline, the county’s interior also provides countless opportunities for a one-of-a-kind staycation. This ivy-clad manor house near Tavistock was voted ‘Best Small Hotel’ in the 2020 Devon Tourism Awards. And, with comforting modern interiors, a double AA Rosette restaurant, and easy access to activities like fishing, canoeing, and horseriding, it’s easy to see why.
Located between Dartmoor National Park and the Tamar Valley AONB, The Horn of Plenty is a haven for active vacationers interested in exploring the region’s famous moorlands. That said, the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside – which can be enjoyed from the gardens, terraces and rooms – allow you to feel fully immersed in the Devonshire greenery without leaving the hotel.
8. Lympstone Manor, Lympstone
Situated between the village of Lympstone and the port town of Exmouth on Devon’s southeast coast, this five-star hotel invites visitors to indulge in a truly extravagant retreat. Everything about Lympstone Manor is grand – from the lavish furniture to the 28 acres of lush grounds, studded with handcrafted sculptures. There’s even a Michelin-starred restaurant run by one of the UK’s most celebrated chefs: Michael Caines.
As well as admiring the sweeping views over the Exe estuary, visitors can spend their days playing croquet on the lawn, bathing in the outdoor swimming pool, or exploring the manicured gardens. Or why not borrow a bicycle from the hotel and set off along the scenic National Cycle Route No.2, which runs along the River Exe?
9. Boringdon Hall Hotel & Spa, Plymouth
The Boringdon Hall Hotel & Spa truly has something for everyone. Its countryside location means nature lovers can lose themselves in Eden-esque spots like Cann Woods, Plymbridge Woods, and Dartmoor National Park. But it’s still a stone’s throw from Plymouth, with its vibrant waterfront and fascinating cultural attractions.
As for the hotel itself, guests can choose from various rooms – from regal chambers with four poster beds to ultra-modern wellness suites. Food and drink options abound too, so whether you’re after Michelin-starred fine dining or something more relaxed, you’ll be satisfied. However, the jewel in Boringdon Hall’s crown is definitely their deluxe spa, offering everything from body scrubs to hot stone massages.
10. The Masons Arms, Branscombe
In the storybook village of Branscombe, just off the South West Coast Path, is The Masons Arms – a popular stop-off for those exploring the Jurassic Coast by foot. As Natalie Millar-Partridge writes, “[T]his inn exudes timeless appeal with its thatched roof and inviting bar with its low beams and spacious inglenook fireplace.” Visitors can choose from charming hotel-style rooms and converted cottages.
When you aren’t relaxing by the fire or sampling the upscale, pub-style cuisine, there’s plenty to see and do nearby. The shingly and windswept Branscombe Beach is just a 10-minute walk away, and the Hooken Cliffs offer panoramic views along the coastline. History lovers won’t want to miss the Beer Quarry Caves, a complex labyrinth of man-made tunnels with vaulted ceilings, first excavated by the Romans.
Final thoughts…
From five-star luxury to old-world inns, clifftops retreats to countryside paradises, we hope this list has helped inspire your next trip to Devon.
For more ideas to satisfy your wanderlust, check out our travel section. Here, you can also find various deals – from affordable hotels to opulent around-the-world cruises.
Have you stayed in any of these hotels? Or would you like to suggest your own? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.