The Web’s Premiere Guide to Historic Hotels and Accommodation in the UK & Western Europe
Beautiful Villages: Devon and Cornwall
Ashprington, Devon
This South Hams village close to the town of Totnes possesses in excess of 70 listed buildings, including the Church of St David which is thought to date back in parts to the 14th century. Nearby Bow Creek (a tributary of the River Dart) is renowned for its extraordinary natural beauty. Map
Places to stay: If it’s a case of location-
Brendon, Devon
Devon is famed for its villages of thatched and limewashed cob cottages, and Brendon epitomises them on a tiny scale (its population is little more than 150).
Close to the border with Somerset, it is also within easy reach of Lynmouth (see below).
See where Brendon is on a map
Close to the border with Somerset, it is also within easy reach of Lynmouth (see below).
See where Brendon is on a map
Places to stay: Set above the East Lyn River, The Rockford Inn (above) is a pretty little 17th century inn offering both full and half board. Brendon House, meanwhile, operates as a guest house and offers five en-suite rooms. Other local options include Millslade Country House and the Blue Ball Inn at nearby Countisbury whose origins are reputed to be 13th century. Those seeking holiday cottage accommodation on a self-catering basis around Brendon might find what they’re looking for with Helpful Holidays
Chittlehampton, Devon
This classic North Devon village was once a place of pilgrimage to the holy well of the 7th century Saxon St Hieritha (or St. Urith). Indeed, her burial place is thought to be under the present day church.
Chittlehampton is approximately seven miles to the south east of Barnstaple, and within easy reach of South Molton and Umberleigh. Map
Chittlehampton is approximately seven miles to the south east of Barnstaple, and within easy reach of South Molton and Umberleigh. Map
Places to stay: Anyone seeking accommodation of heritage around Chittlehampton will find the closest option other than The Bell pub to be the Traveller’s Rest Old Church B&B which is located in the neighbouring village of Cobbaton. However, the Grade-II listed Thatch Cottage (above) offers self-catering accommodation within Chittlehampton itself.
Clovelly, Devon
Few realise that this famous fishing village is actually privately owned, having been the estate of the Rous family since the mid 18th century. With the steep and narrow lanes running down to the sea inaccessible to cars and an ethos of maintaining the cottages and houses using traditional skills and materials, Clovelly retains much of its centuries-
Places to stay: For those preferring to stay only in Clovelly itself, both the 18th century Red Lion and the New Inn offer accommodation within period surroundings. Details for both can be found at the Clovelly page at Booking.com. Those keen on self-
Cockington, Devon
While one tends to associate Torbay with 20th century development, Cockington is an ancient village boasting numerous thatched cottages and historic buildings. Indeed, its forge is said to date from the 14th century while the Church of St. George and St. Mary has Norman origins. Although reluctant to use the term “quaint” it is perhaps the most accurate description in the best sense of the word. Map
Places to stay: Lanscombe House Hotel is a former Dowager’s house which offers four-
Dittisham, Devon
There’s plenty of bucolic charm to be found in this part of South Devon, and Dittisham pretty much encapsulates why so many people consider it one of the loveliest places in the whole of the UK. Map
Places to stay: There are a number of inns and bed & breakfast establishments in and around the village, with most being of a period nature to a greater-
Holbeton, Devon
Situated in the South Hams district of Devon and less than ten miles from the famous port of Plymouth, Holbeton is a sizeable village of some 1500 residents. It has been used as a film location for several productions, including Sense & Sensibility and International Velvet. Map
Places to stay: Holbeton itself lacks any hotels or inns specifically offering actual accommodation (though we have previously enjoyed a splendid Sunday lunch at The Mildmay Colours Inn), but there are a few historic and period places to stay within easy reach. Kitley House in Yealmpton is a property of exceptional heritage, while those fond of boutique hotels might be interested in the Plantation House Hotel in Ermington. Also see our page for Langdon Court – a fine Tudor house a short distance to the west of Holbeton
Lustleigh, Devon
The land around this Dartmoor village has been inhabited since prehistoric times with evidence of settlements to be found locally. Enthusiasts of the art of thatching will discover a wealth of delightful cottages, while there is no shortage of rural walks for those keen on the great outdoors. Map
Places to stay: Lustleigh boasts a very fine 5-
Lynmouth, Devon
Where Exmoor National Park meets the sea, both Lymouth and Lynton are renowned for their olde-
Noss Mayo, Devon
Situated across from the equally delightful Newton Ferrers on the Yealm Estuary, Noss Mayo is regularly referred to as one of the most picturesque places to be found anywhere in south west England.
Places to stay: Those only interested in hotel accommodation will find little in Noss Mayo and Newton Ferrers themselves, but there are several fine period properties offering accommodation within easy reach. Langdon Court close to Plymouth is a country house of extraordinary historic pedigree. However, travellers who favour self-
Cadgwith, Cornwall
Although tourism is one of the area’s main industries, Cadgwith continues to be as it has been for centuries: a genuine fishing village sustained primarily by those who harvest the sea. And long may that continue.
Its centre – full of limewashed and thatched cottages – is a true delight at any time of the year.
Its centre – full of limewashed and thatched cottages – is a true delight at any time of the year.
See where Cadgwith is on a Map
Places to stay: The traditional village pub, the Cadgwith Cove Inn (above) offers accommodation right at the heart of the village, while the famous Housel Bay Hotel is little over a mile away close to the Lizard.
Helford, Cornwall
On a rising tide on a summer’s evening there are few places as beautiful as Helford. Indeed, the whole river of the same name is magnificent during all seasons and as different to the rugged North Cornwall coast as it is possible to be.
Both Port Navas and Durgan (a tiny hamlet within the Parish of Mawnan) on the north bank are also very worthy of note. Map
Both Port Navas and Durgan (a tiny hamlet within the Parish of Mawnan) on the north bank are also very worthy of note. Map
Places to stay: Self-catering accommodation within Helford is available at Rosemullion Cottage (above) - a romantic 17th century thatched property that can accommodate up to 6 people. Moreover, the National Trust operates a number of self-catering properties in and around Durgan village. For those preferring to stay in hotels or bed and breakfast accommodation, the Budock Vean Hotel is situated across the river from Helford, while the delightful Trerose Manor offers first rate B&B at Mawnan. See Helford Hotels for information on the above and other accommodation options.
Lerryn, Cornwall
The village lies upon the river of the same name (a tributary of the Fowey) and some say that its surroundings were partly the inspiration of the classic children’s book, The Wind in the Willows. Map
Places to Stay: The 16th century Ship Inn offers bed & breakfast accommodation, and is situated within the village itself. Self catering holiday cottages in Lerryn can be found via Helpful Holidays while Puddleduck Cottage is available to book with LateRooms
Mousehole, Cornwall
Dylan Thomas once described the fishing village of Mousehole as the prettiest in all of England. Of course, there are many other candidates for such a hypothetical honour, but no one will deny the place has a unique charm (and especially out-
Places to stay: Those seeking period hotels or traditional inns might like to consider The Old Coastguard Hotel and the Ship Inn. Slightly further afield, Trereife House offers bed & breakfast accommodation and should certainly interest the heritage-
Portloe, Cornwall
A location favoured by many film-
Places to stay: Within Portloe itself, The Lugger is a famous 17th century inn which was once a favoured haunt of smugglers (including a former landlord who was executed in the 1890’s). Also worthy of note is the highly-
Veryan, Cornwall
Another village within Cornwall’s beautiful Roseland Peninsula, Veryan is most famous for its five unusual thatched round houses. Built during the early 1800’s by the local Reverend, they originally acted as workers’ cottages -
Places to stay: Those seeking hotel or inn accommodation of period character should see those options for Portloe, above.
