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North Devon vs South Devon — Which is Right for You?
North Devon faces the Atlantic — Croyde, Saunton, Westward Ho!, Clovelly. Big surf, dramatic cliffs, fewer tourists. Better for families who want to surf. Croyde is the UK's top surf destination outside of Cornwall.
South Devon faces the English Channel — Salcombe, Dartmouth, Kingsbridge, Hope Cove. Calmer seas, sailing estuary culture, the most beautiful fishing villages in England. The South Hams is gorgeous but bookings fill fast.
Dartmoor: The Third Option
Many Devon holidays ignore Dartmoor entirely — which is a mistake. The moor is extraordinary: wild ponies, Bronze Age stone circles, tor walking, rivers for wild swimming and some of the best pubs in England. A Dartmoor VRBO farmhouse is perfect for a walking holiday or a complete digital detox.
Best South Devon Locations on VRBO
- Salcombe: The most prestigious address in south Devon — a Caribbean-blue estuary, excellent sailing, brilliant restaurants. Very expensive but worth every penny.
- Dartmouth: Naval college town, spectacular castle, river ferry, excellent food.
- Hope Cove: Tiny, beautiful, unspoilt. Two beaches, one pub. Perfect.
- Slapton Sands: Long barrier beach lagoon — birdwatching, swimming, totally different to everywhere else.
North Devon Must-Visits
- Croyde Beach — the UK's top surf spot outside of Cornwall, lessons available
- Saunton Sands — 3 miles of Atlantic beach, one of England's finest
- Clovelly — the village that was built vertically. No cars, donkeys, utterly charming.
- Valley of the Rocks, Lynton — wild goats, dramatic sea cliffs, Exmoor on the doorstep
Find Devon Holiday Rentals on VRBO
Beach houses, Dartmoor farmhouses and South Hams cottages across Devon. Filter by coast, moor or countryside.
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Flights, hotels, transfers, car hire & more — all compared in one place.