Discover a collection of holiday cottages, farmhouses, barn conversions, and glamping pods, set on working farms within 10 miles of the coast in Devon. A farm stay by the coast gives you the best of both worlds – laid-back rural charm and beautiful countryside with easy access to coastal walks, beach days, watersports, and stunning sea views.
Devon is blessed with two spectacular coastlines, each with a distinct character. To the north, the coast faces the Atlantic, where long golden beaches, powerful surf, dramatic cliffs, and a sense of untamed wilderness create some of the finest waves in Britain. To the south, the English Channel shapes a gentler landscape of sheltered estuaries, picturesque fishing villages, crystal-clear waters, and the start of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site at Exmouth. A farm stay in Devon could place you beside either coastline, and the choice depends entirely on the kind of holiday you’re after.
On the north coast, Woolacombe is Devon’s flagship surfing beach, a broad sweep of golden sand stretching for more than a mile and exposed to the full force of Atlantic swells. Just around the headland, Croyde Bay is smaller and more sheltered, yet many experienced surfers regard it as home to some of the county’s best waves. Nearby, Saunton Sands extends for three uninterrupted miles, backed by the vast Braunton Burrows National Nature Reserve, one of the largest dune systems in Britain and a wonderful place for long coastal walks.
The south coast offers a very different experience. Around Salcombe and the South Hams lie some of England’s most beautiful sheltered beaches. Bantham, Bigbury-on-Sea, and the beaches of the Kingsbridge Estuary are renowned for their clear waters and excellent swimming conditions. Further east, Beer remains a working fishing village where colourful boats are dotted along a pebble beach beneath towering white cliffs, creating one of the most picturesque coastal scenes in Devon.
North Devon is nationally recognised as one of Britain’s premier destinations for surfing, bodyboarding, and kitesurfing, with surf schools at Woolacombe, Croyde, and Saunton catering for all abilities. On the south coast, Exmouth sits at the mouth of the Exe Estuary and is widely regarded as one of the best kitesurfing locations in southern England. The combination of reliable winds and sheltered, flat water makes it ideal for both beginners and experienced riders. Devon’s sheltered estuaries are also perfect for sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, offering calm waters, beautiful scenery, and abundant wildlife. Meanwhile, Ilfracombe Harbour operates boat trips throughout the season for mackerel, reef, and deep-sea fishing.
Devon’s coastline is exceptionally rich in wildlife. Dolphins are regularly spotted from coastal headlands and on boat excursions, while seals can often be seen hauled out on rocky shores. The clear waters of South Devon provide some of England’s best opportunities for snorkelling. Wembury Bay, a voluntary marine conservation area near Plymouth, is particularly renowned for its rock pools and underwater wildlife, with guided snorkelling and rock-pooling sessions available through the Marine Conservation Society and the National Trust. Around the Exe Estuary, internationally important wetlands attract large numbers of birds, including avocets, lapwings, redshanks, and a variety of other wading species.
The South West Coast Path follows the entire length of Devon’s coastline, covering around 175 miles and providing some of the finest coastal walking in Britain. From many farm stay locations, walkers can easily access spectacular sections of the trail, accompanied by sightings of seabirds such as fulmars, razorbills, and guillemots. Highlights include the clifftop route from Croyde to Baggy Point, the circular walk around Bolt Head and Bolt Tail in the South Hams, and the dramatic approach to Hartland Quay along the rugged Heritage Coast in the far north-west. The path also connects easily with routes across Exmoor, making it easy to combine coast and moorland in a single holiday.
One of Devon’s most distinctive landmarks is Burgh Island, reached from Bigbury-on-Sea by walking across the sands at low tide or by travelling on the island’s sea tractor when the tide is in. The island is home to the Burgh Island Hotel, an Art Deco masterpiece dating from 1929 and famously associated with Agatha Christie, who wrote two of her best-known novels, Evil Under the Sun and And Then There Were None, while staying here. Today, visitors can enjoy spectacular views across the South Hams, watch the island’s resident seal colony, and visit the historic Pilchard Inn, which dates back to the 14th century. Timed with the tides, a walk to Burgh Island and back is one of Devon’s most memorable experiences, combining coastal scenery, wildlife, history, and literary heritage in a single outing.
