Devon Holiday Cottages

What could be better than starting each day of your holiday with a dash down to the bottom field and a splash about in the river Thrushell?

Devon self catering holidays at Devon Country Barns offers the chance to escape day-to-day life and enjoy a break where you can relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings and at the end of each day, kick back and unwind in your own private hot tub taking in the stars.

Whether you escape to the South West for the beautiful countryside or fantastic coastlines, there is plenty to do.

Devon has an outstanding natural environment with two UNESCO World Heritage Sites (link) found, both on the coast and deep within the green rolling countryside, five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty ((AONB)) and Dartmoor National Park (Link) quite literally on our doorstep! The contrasts go much further than just the landscapes, with some of the finest dining experiences only a stone’s throw from history and tradition.

A Devon holiday truly offers a fantastic array of rolling countryside, which are accessible within easy reach of our luxury Devon Cottages (link) along with the county’s glorious coastline, which combine to deliver an experience that will create long lasting memories and prove to be the perfect choice for all those hoping to make the most of time away with their family and loved ones.

Staying in one of our five luxury Devon self-catering cottages with hot tubs (link), offers you the perfect base from which to explore this wonderful county. All of our cottages are dog friendly cottages (link) and on arrival each cottage receives a welcome pack which includes a number of treats for your four-legged friend.

From a family getaway to a romantic retreat or relaxing break for a group of friends, our Devon holiday cottages (link) provide an ideal base to enjoy Devon.

Dogs are welcome in all of the barns and we also have two sets of kennels at the barns that you can to use at any time; these can all be locked and secured. The new ones up near our house have Tuffies bedding, heat and light (no, no TV yet!) and we are always happy to look after your dog if for any reason you can’t take them with you – just let us know and we’ll make sure they are watered, fed and walked. And patted too.

Walks and beaches

There lots of places to walk dogs, the closest easy walk being at Roadford Lake which is a ten minute drive from the barns. Roadford is a large reservoir and has a good path around it with access to the water most of the way for cooling off!

We know a lot of walks on Dartmoor with our favourite starting from the car park behind the Dartmoor Inn at Lydford. Its only 20 mins from the barns and dogs love splashing about in the Lyd before heading up to Widgery cross. You’ll find information in the cottages on where to walk too.

Another is up Pork Hill just past Tavistock and you’ll meet a lot of dog walkers up there. It’s very easy to get onto the moor there and you will find lots of water on the way round to keep them cool. Tavistock is very dog friendly and a nice place to stop on your way to the moor or for a cup of tea on the way back.

Five miles past Two Bridges is Badger’s Holt where the east and west tributaries of the Dart meet – stunning walks along the river and the Badgers Holt Inn is right at the start.

We know where most of the dog-friendly beaches are so ask us when you get here and we’ll point you in the right direction. One of our favourites is Daymer Bay just past Rock which is a haven for dogs and where you’re sure to meet a lot of four legged friends!

Dog friendly pubs

We like taking one or two of our dogs with us when we go out to the pub and you probably do too. So here’s some of our favourites:

Lifton – The Arundell Hotel welcomes dogs in the Courthouse Bar and also the Hotel Bar. Food in the Hotel Bar is very high quality as it comes out of their two rosette kitchen. We like the Courthouse Bar for its informal pub atmosphere and wholesome pub grub.

Tel: 01566 784666 SN PL16 0AA W www.arundellarms.com

Horndon – The Elephants Nest is a super pub on the edge of Dartmoor reached through the village of Mary Tavey. The owners dog Louis wanders freely about the pub and grounds and their food is delicious and seasonal. Can get busy during the high season at weekends so best to book ahead for evening meals.

Tel: 01822 810273 SN PL19 9NQ W www.elephantsnest.co.uk

Mary Tavy – The Mary Tavy Inn between Lydford and Tavistock on the A386 and close to a number of good places to walk your dog, the food is very good and dogs are welcome in the bar area.

Tel: 01822 810326 SN PL19 90PN W www.themarytavyinn.com

Peter Tavy – The Peter Tavy Inn is the next village to Mary Tavey and the pub is well signposted from the A386. Renowned for their good food and well-kept real ales with home-made dishes prepared from fresh local produce. Always good.

Tel: 01822 810348 SN PL19 9NN W http://www.petertavyinn.com/

Treburley – The Springer Spaniel welcomes dogs in the bar area and if you book, let them know you’re bringing a dog so you get a table in this area. Amazing food, Master Chef winner Anton Piotrowski is the new owner, you will love it.

Tel: 01579 370424 SN PL15 9NS W www.thespringerspaniel.co.uk/

Polperro – The Three Pilchards specialises in the freshest and most heartening home-made seafood you have ever eaten! All of their fish is freshly caught and will arrive at your table with barely enough time to stop flapping!

Tel: 01503 272233 SN PL13 2QZ W www.threepilchardspolperro.co.uk/

Padstow – The Harbour Inn offers freshly cooked locally sourced food and you can sit on comfy sofas in front of a glowing log burner too.

Tel: 01841 533148 SN PL28 8BL W www.staustellbrewery.co.uk/pub/padstow/harbour-inn

Padstow – The Old Ship Hotel has plenty of superb local seafood to choose from. Their specials board features the best seasonal, Cornish produce, from crab, lobster and Dover sole, to fresh vegetables and meat from local farms.

Tel: 01841 532357 SN PL28 8BD W www.oldshiphotel-padstow.co.uk/