Explore Devon

With sprawling countryside and a thriving farming community, Devon is the essence of rural life. Its idyllic blend of remote countryside and rugged coastline, makes it a perfect choice for farm holidays!

Everything in this beautiful region goes at its own pace. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Devon offers people the opportunity to slow down and reconnect with nature.

Our collection of working farm cottages throughout Devon and the UK offer ample opportunities to enjoy every aspect of country life, from helping with the animals to roaming the fields!

Top 5 Devon farm shops

Lifton Farm Shop, West Devon

After starting out as a rural roadside stall, Lifton Farm Shop has grown to become one of Devon’s best-loved farm retailers. With an abundance of fresh fruit, vegetables, meats, cheese and preserves on offer, you’ll be spoiled for choice. The family has been growing its own produce for over 20 years, with fresh, seasonal stock ready to buy each day, you’re guaranteed to find some delicious ingredients to cook up in your farm cottage. Try the South Devon beef, home reared lamb and local pork for a tasty Sunday lunch.

Darts Farm, Mid Devon

Darts Farm are the proud winners of the Best Farm Shop in the UK title from the National FARMA Awards 2015, so it’s little wonder why they’ve made our list! With over 40 years’ experience in growing delicious fresh produce, you can rest assured you’re picking up some authentic West Country ingredients. Darts Farm also works with artisan producers from the South West. Don’t forget to pick up some delicious cheese from the deli.

Lang’s Farm Shop, North Devon

Famous for its award-winning Ruby Red Devon beef and rare breed pork, Lang’s Farm Shop is the perfect place to pick up local produce in North Devon. The shop also sells home-made pies, chutneys and cheese as well as a mouth-watering selection of local ales and ciders. Set on a 300-acre family run farm, visiting Lang’s Farm Shop is a delightful and unforgettable farm holiday experience.

Lizzy’s Larder, North Devon

Set within the idyllically named Blackberry Farm, Lizzy’s Larder is a quaint farm shop in North Devon. Home to Mike, Lizzy and their three children, the farm specialises in breeding and showing pedigree Aberdeen Angus cattle. Lizzy’s award-winning farm shop opened in 2002 and offers beautiful produce grown on the farm. If you’d like a snack for your day out, why not pick up a freshly baked sausage roll, Scotch egg or pie? There’s even a tea room on site if you feel like indulging in a traditional Devon cream tea.

Dean Court Farm Shop, South Devon

Looking for delicious farm produce from the South Hams? Dean Court Farm Shop offers an outstanding selection of food and drink, some of which is grown on their own family farm. With fresh bread, meats, Devon clotted cream, preserves, locally made wine, beers and cider to choose from, we’re sure you’ll find everything you need to whip up a traditional Devon dish in your cottage.

Top 5 rural Devon walks

Watersmeet, North Devon

Watersmeet is one of Britain’s deepest river gorges, where the valleys of the East Lyn and Hoar Oak Water meet. Wander through ancient woodland before stopping for traditional Devon cream tea at the National Trust tea room. Wildlife spotters should look out for red deer, herons and wood warblers!

Heddon Valley, North Devon

This spectacular walk offers the best of both countryside and coast. This circular route through woodland leads out to the rugged North Devon coast with some of the finest views in the region. After your walk, stop at local pub The Hunters Inn for lunch and a pint of refreshing local ale or cider.

The Ernest Bassett Walk, Dartmoor

Starting in Okehampton, this magical walk takes in the town’s historic architecture before leading you to rural Dartmoor. Wander over paths, fields and woodland alongside the East Okement river. This scenic valley walk is a great way to explore the area and ends back in Okehampton.

Aveton Gifford

For anyone wishing to get a taste of the South Hams countryside, this walk is for you! This inland route crosses paths, hills and gentle pasture with views over moorland. After your walk, enjoy a meal at local pub The Fisherman’s Rest.

The Exe Valley Way

The Exe Valley Way stretches along the pretty River Exe. At almost 50 miles, the route is great for long distance walks or shorter jaunts. The Exe Valley walk can be split into sections and is waymarked, making it a comfortable and beautiful route to explore. Enjoy wandering through some of Devon’s most spectacular countryside!

Top 5 farm attractions

The Big Sheep

The Big Sheep is one of Devon’s biggest and quirkiest attractions. With sheep racing, sheep-dog training and sheep shearing on offer, alongside its fantastic indoor adventure centre and rides, this is an unmissable attraction for families.

Pennywell Farm

Pennywell Farm is the ultimate farm experience in South Devon. With opportunities to feed the resident lambs, collect eggs and help with the miniature ponies, families will love this glimpse of rural life at Pennywell Farm.

The Donkey Sanctuary

Founded in 1969, The Donkey Sanctuary is a haven for these beautiful animals. The sanctuary is renowned for its wonderful centre aiming to transform the quality of life for donkeys. Visit 500 of the 3,000 donkeys living at the centre in Sidmouth and even enjoy a cuddle with these adorable animals!

World of Country Life

World of Country Life is a fantastic family attraction in Exmouth. With quirky activities on offer including goat walking and a deer train safari, you’re guaranteed a unique experience. Don’t miss the petting farm and Hawkridge Birds of Prey display!

Dartmoor Llama Walks

Set in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, Dartmoor Llama Walks offers a truly unique experience. Offering a range of guided alpaca and llama walks in this beautiful landscape, this is one day out you’ll never forget! Enjoy trekking with these remarkable creatures.

Beautiful Devon farm cottages

Lympscott Barn, North Devon

Lympscott Barn can be found amid 300 acres of an organic dairy farm, with spectacular countryside surrounding it. Wander freely over open farmland or explore nearby Tamar Lakes, just 10 minutes away. As well as being in a prime location to explore everything North Devon has to offer, Lympscott Barn is also moments from the Cornwall border. With room for 14 people, this cottage is perfect for large family gatherings.

Lower Chapeltown, Tiverton

Lower Chapeltown is a rural yet stylish cottage set on a large dairy farm near Tiverton. Surrounded by the magnificent mid-Devon countryside, the property is perfect for exploring both Devon’s most rural areas and the bustling city of Exeter, should you fancy a day back in civilisation! If you’d prefer to switch off and enjoy the great outdoors, head out for a wander within the grounds. The quaint village of Bickleigh is just moments away, with a charming thatched inn, while the canal town of Tiverton is four miles from the cottage. Lower Chapeltown sleeps 4, making it perfect for small family getaways.

Burscombe Farm, South Devon

With delightful farm animals grazing in the surrounding fields, Burscombe Farm is a tranquil farm cottage in South Devon. Tucked away in a valley on a family-run dairy farm, spanning 400 acres, Burscombe Farm offers a unique opportunity to see milking, feeding and other work take place on the farm. Wildlife enthusiasts can look out for pheasants, buzzards and badgers while roaming through the open countryside. The farm is perfectly situated close to the coastal town of Sidmouth and sleeps 4.

The 1450 Barn, Mid and East Devon

Surrounded by 200 acres of an organic, working farm in Winkleigh, The 1450 Barn is a truly idyllic retreat. Families will love the pets’ corner and play area and any visit during March and April offers a unique opportunity to witness lambing at the farm. Explore woodland walks and visit the local village of Iddesleigh just two miles away. Local pub, The Duke of York, is where author Michael Morpurgo penned War Horse.

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.