Which of North Devon's Coastal Towns and Villages Are Right for Your Staycation?

North Devon’s coastline is one of the UK’s most varied, with a mix of charming villages and lively seaside towns. Choosing the right place for your staycation depends on what you want: surfing beaches, scenic walks, historic harbours, or traditional seaside fun.

Our guide compares North Devon’s top coastal villages and towns to help you decide where to stay.

Quick guide: best North Devon villages and towns by holiday type

• Best for surfing: Croyde

• Best for families: Woolacombe and Westward Ho!

• Best for beach walks and sand dunes: Saunton

• Best for food and estuary walks: Instow

• Best for dramatic scenery and walking: Lynton & Lynmouth

• Best for traditional harbour town: Ilfracombe

• Best for a quaint fishing village: Appledore

• Best for a small coastal village with charm: Combe Martin

Croyde – Best North Devon village for surfing

Croyde is a small coastal village renowned for its surf. Its large sandy bay and reliable Atlantic waves attract surfers year-round, while surrounding dunes and headlands offer excellent walking routes.

Staying in one of our holiday cottages in Croyde keeps the beach and village amenities within easy reach.

Why stay in Croyde?

• Top surf beach in the UK

• Wide sandy bay ideal for families and surfers

• Direct access to the South West Coast Path

Woolacombe – Best North Devon village for families

Woolacombe is a popular family-friendly coastal village. Its three-mile sandy beach is safe, clean, and spacious, with seasonal lifeguard cover.

Woolacombe holiday cottages put you close to cafés, shops, and the beach, making it ideal for family staycations.

Why stay in Woolacombe?

• Long, flat sandy beach

• Family-friendly facilities

• Access to coastal walks

Saunton – Best North Devon village for beach walks and dunes

Saunton is famous for its wide, unspoilt beach backed by Braunton Burrows, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The nearby village of Braunton provides shops, pubs, and cafés.

Staying in a holiday cottage in Saunton is perfect for long walks, quiet beach days, and nature-focused breaks.

Why stay in Saunton?

• Expansive sandy beach and dunes

• Excellent for walking, surfing, and dog-friendly stays

• Close to Braunton for shopping and dining out

Instow – Best North Devon village for food and estuary walks

Instow is a peaceful estuary village with a sandy, dog-friendly beach. It is perfect for gentle walks, paddleboarding, and exploring waterside pubs and cafés.

Instow holiday cottages provide a calm base for food lovers and dog-friendly holidays.

Why stay in Instow?

• Estuary views and calm waters

• Dog-friendly beach and coastal walks

• Direct access to the Tarka Trail

Lynton & Lynmouth – Best North Devon villages for dramatic scenery

These neighbouring villages sit where Exmoor meets the sea, offering cliffs, woodland valleys, waterfalls, and sweeping coastal views.

Staying in one of our holiday cottages in Lynton & Lynmouth puts you close to walking trails and the historic cliff railway linking the villages.

Why stay in Lynton & Lynmouth?

• Dramatic coastal scenery

• Excellent walking and hiking routes

• Access to Exmoor National Park

Westward Ho! – Best North Devon town for a classic seaside stay

Westward Ho! is a lively seaside town with a long sandy beach, promenade, and plenty of shops and cafés. It’s ideal for families and those who enjoy traditional seaside attractions.

Holiday cottages in Westward Ho! offer easy access to the beach and town centre.

Why stay in Westward Ho?

• Classic seaside atmosphere

• Long sandy beach with facilities

• Compact, walkable town

Ilfracombe – Best North Devon town for a traditional harbour experience

Ilfracombe is a historic coastal town with a working harbour, Victorian pier, and cliff-top walks. It’s perfect for visitors who want a mix of seaside attractions and historic charm.

Our Ilfracombe holiday cottages give easy access to the harbour, shops, and cliff walks.

Why stay in Ilfracombe?

• Picturesque harbour and pier

• Variety of shops, cafés, and galleries

• Coastal walks with sea views

Appledore – Best North Devon village for a laid-back stay

Appledore is a colourful fishing village with narrow streets, estuary views, and a creative atmosphere.

Holiday cottages in Appledore make it easy to explore nearby coastal villages and enjoy a peaceful stay.

Why stay in Appledore?

• Calm, characterful setting

• Maritime heritage and estuary views

• Close to Instow and Westward Ho!

Combe Martin – Best North Devon village for a quaint harbour

Combe Martin is a small coastal village with a charming harbour and scenic cliff-top paths. It’s ideal for those seeking a quieter base for walking and coastal exploration.

A holiday cottage in Combe Martin offers a peaceful seaside experience with easy access to the South West Coast Path.

Why stay in Combe Martin?

• Small, picturesque harbour

• Coastal walks and cliff-top scenery

• Quaint village atmosphere

How to choose the best North Devon coastal village or town

Consider what you want to get out of your North Devon staycation. Would you like…

• Surfing or gentle beach walks?

• Family-friendly facilities or peaceful retreats?

• Historic harbours, seaside towns, or quiet villages?

Of course, many visitors choose one base and explore multiple coastal villages and towns during their stay.

Find your ideal North Devon coastal cottage

At Cottages on the Coast, you’ll find a wide range of North Devon coastal cottages in villages and towns across the region. From family-friendly beach cottages to tranquil estuary retreats, there are holiday cottages in North Devon for every staycation style.

FAQs: North Devon Coastal Villages and Towns