Discover the UK's best-kept secret – roam free in natural North Devon

Be crowd-free as much as carefree in the expanse of unspoilt coast and countryside that is North Devon.

This spacious chunk of the West Country offers shores lined with broad, far-reaching beaches, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve dune system of Braunton Burrows. The Taw and Torridge estuaries stretch inland towards the greenery of Tarka Country while Exmoor National Park provides a wilderness rich in both natural beauty and cultural heritage.


Dotted around and within these areas are traditional market towns, rural hamlets, fishing villages and secluded properties in which to base yourself for a break. Classic Cottages, the UK’s leading independent cottage holiday company, has over 600 properties in the West Country and more than 50 in North Devon.

“The West Country is one of the most popular parts of the country in which to holiday and yet North Devon is still relatively undiscovered,” comments Simon Tregoning, Managing Director of Classic Cottages. “The area’s natural attractions are outstanding and developments such as Damien Hirst’s restaurant in Illfracombe are helping to put North Devon on the map.”

Try one of these country cottages in Devon from Classic Holiday Cottages (prices are for one week):

Orchard – situated in a hidden dell less than a mile from the beach and surf of Westward Ho!. Spacious, tastefully furnished and with a touch of glamour, the enormous kitchen-dining room forms the centre of the house. Sleeps ten – from £83 pp.
Swallow Cottage – close to Tunnels Beaches at Ilfracombe: four tunnels hand-carved in the 1820s which lead through to sheltered beaches and a tidal Victorian bathing pool. Formerly a barn, Swallow Cottage now provides reversed-level accommodation, with bedrooms on the ground floor and a spacious living area above. Sleeps six – from £74 pp.

Dipple Cottage – originally a watermill, it takes its name from the river bordering the farm in which this cottage is located. An open-plan living room opens out on to a patio with views over meadows. The historic fishing village of Clovelly, with cobbled streets and a 14th century harbour, is a few miles away, as is the town of Bideford, rich in maritime history. Sleeps four – from £80 pp.

Taw Valley Cottage – a renovated farm worker’s cottage, this spacious, detached property is set in a large garden with views over the Taw Valley. Visit Barnstaple, whose Pannier Market dates from Saxon times, and sells local produce. Taw Valley Cottage is conveniently located for outdoor activities in Exmoor National Park. Sleeps six – from £56 pp.
Larkworthy Cottage – on three levels with slate and oak floors, oak fittings, a garden with grassy terraces plus a patio with country views. Deep in rural Devon, Larkworthy Cottage is handily placed for cycle rides and walks along the Tarka Trail near the River Torridge. Sleeps four – from £83 pp.

North Beer Byre – located on a 350 acre dairy farm, this attractive detached cottage is comfortably furnished and a delightful getaway for a family. The beaches of Bude and Sandymouth Bay are a short drive away. Sleeps four – from £83 pp.

For a copy of the Classic Cottages brochure or for more information on North Devon and other luxurious West Country getaways, contact 01326 555 555, or visit www.classic.co.uk.