Mid Devon

Mid Devon sits inland, away from the county's better-known coastline, and its character comes instead from soft hills, patchwork farmland and the river valleys of the Exe and Culm. This is a landscape of hedgerows, quiet lanes and small market towns rather than dramatic cliffs, and it rewards visitors happy to slow down and take in gently rolling countryside that changes colour with the seasons.

Days here are shaped by the outdoors: walking the network of footpaths that cross the hills and follow the river valleys, cycling quiet lanes between villages, or simply enjoying the views from a garden or terrace. The pace is unhurried, and much of the appeal lies in the countryside itself rather than any single attraction, making it well suited to those wanting a restful break rather than a packed itinerary.

Market towns dotted through the area provide the practical heart of Mid Devon, with local shops, pubs and places to eat that draw on the surrounding farmland. Evenings tend to be spent close to where you're staying, whether that's a pub meal in a nearby village or cooking with produce picked up locally, making the most of the self-catering kitchens that come with most of these cottages and lodges.

With over seventy cottages across the area, Mid Devon suits couples, families and groups looking for a quiet, green base in the heart of the county, close enough to explore further afield but happy to spend time simply enjoying the rural setting on the doorstep.