GUEST BLOG POST – Digital Eaters
While the UK is home to dozens of stunning countryside manors and luxurious coastal retreats, its reputation seems to suggest that you’ve got to jump on a plane overseas in order to experience real natural beauty. In Dartmouth, we completely disagree. You could enjoy a lifetime of pampered breaks away with world-class landscapes and unbeatable excursions without even needing to renew your passport.
In recent years, it does seem as though the cream is rising to the top, and there’s no doubt that Devon is a part of this resurgence of the luxury UK holiday retreat. With no shortage of picturesque villages, jaw-dropping coastal hideaways, and hundreds of miles of untouched countryside, it’s waiting to wow you with its undoubtable majesty. And the real beauty is that there’s a Devon for every type of traveller. You might be a London-based executive seeking a weekend retreat or an international traveller looking to explore England beyond the capital. Whatever your plans, read on to discover the very best of South Devon’s villages, coasts, and countryside without compromising on comfort or style.
South Devon’s Most Enchanting Villages
1. Cockington
Just outside Torquay, Cockington feels like a village lost in time. Thatched cottages, winding lanes, and a centuries-old manor house give it the atmosphere of a living museum. The village is car-free at its heart, so you don’t need to worry about traffic obstructing your way. We recommend staying in a nearby B&B and spending your days wandering the grounds of Cockington Court or joining a guided photography walk through the surrounding parkland and woodlands.
2. Dartmouth
Come down to Dartmouth for a refined mix of yachting heritage, fine dining, and boutique shopping. Private boat tours are available along the estuary, or you could dine at Michelin-listed restaurants like The Angel. Accommodation highlights include riverside mansions and countryside estates with full concierge services.
3. Chagford
Nestled in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, Chagford offers a country escape with all the trappings of luxury. The village is brimming with independent cafes and artisan boutiques, and further afield, the moorland is perfect for private guided hikes and horse riding. Gidleigh Park, a Relais & Châteaux hotel with an exceptional wine list, is an ideal base for gourmet travellers.
Coastal Stretches for the Sophisticated Explorer
1. Salcombe to Hope Cove
This stretch of the South Hams coast offers windswept cliffs and elegant coves backed by high-end homes and boutique hotels. Begin in Salcombe and charter a private yacht to cruise down the estuary, stopping at beaches only accessible by water. Continue west to Hope Cove for sunset cocktails at The Cove or private dining on the terrace of the Harbour Beach Club Hotel.
2. Exmouth to Sidmouth (Jurassic Coast)
The UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast starts just east of Exmouth and extends through to Sidmouth and beyond, showcasing 185 million years of geological history. The red sandstone cliffs and fossil-rich beaches are best appreciated on a coastal walk, where you could always hire a private guide to dig a little deeper.
3. Start Point Peninsula
Start Point Peninsula delivers untamed coastal beauty in spades. This rugged stretch of coastline, near the South Hams villages of Beesands and Hallsands, is perfect for slow exploration. You can take private photography tours along the clifftop paths, embark on birdwatch walks through hidden coves, or even take a picnic featuring South Devon’s finest produce. It’s a secluded, windswept pocket of the region that feels far removed from the everyday.
Countryside Escapes For Luxury Travellers
1. Dartmoor National Park
Dartmoor’s hauntingly beautiful landscape offers endless opportunities for luxury exploration. Think private foraging experiences followed by chef-prepared meals, stargazing tours with astronomers, or sunrise hot-air balloon rides over the tors. Stay at Bovey Castle, a five-star estate with a golf course, spa, and Land Rover experience days for adventurous guests.
2. Tamar Valley
Straddling the border between Devon and Cornwall, the Tamar Valley is a peaceful patchwork of vineyards, orchards, and riverbanks. It’s an ideal spot for exclusive wine tasting, private garden tours, and river cruises.
3. Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
While not situated solely in South Devon, Blackdown Hills offers a quieter countryside escape with a touch of refinement. Take to the skies in a hot-air balloon for a bird’s-eye view of patchwork farmland, enjoy fly-fishing with a private instructor, or unwind in a converted stone barn with a wellness spa and garden terrace.
Getting to South Devon From London: Refined Travel Options
Private Jet or Charter Flight
For those who value time and exclusivity, reliable private jet hire is the most seamless way to reach South Devon. Exeter Airport (EXT) caters to private jets and charters, offering swift access to central and South Devon. Charter operators like Flexjet, Air Charter Service, and PrivateFly arrange flights from London’s Biggin Hill, Farnborough, or London City Airport with flight times averaging around 40 minutes.
Commercial Flights
If you’re heading over from London Heathrow or London Gatwick, you can book direct flights to Exeter, though services are limited and tend to cater to regional traffic. Flight times are quick, but commercial services don’t offer the flexibility or exclusivity of a private charter.
Train Travel
Great Western Railway’s First Class service from London Paddington to Exeter St David’s or Totnes offers a scenic journey with minimal effort. Enjoy tableside service, spacious seating, and panoramic countryside views for one of the best train rides the UK has to offer. The journey is around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the destination.
Chauffeured Car or Private Drive
If you’d rather drive down, you could opt for a private chauffeur or luxury car hire. The drive from central London to South Devon takes around 4.5 hours, with Bentley, Range Rover, or Mercedes-Benz hire services providing comfort throughout. This option is ideal for those who want to stop at farm shops, vineyards, or antique dealers en route.
Travel South Devon in Style
South Devon has quietly emerged as the hotspot for discerning travellers who want more than just pretty views and quiet villages. With more upscale experiences every year, the region continues to cater to high-end tastes without losing its charm.
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