EXMOOR COTTAGE HOLIDAYS

Short & weekend breaks in Exmoor, North Devon

Short and weekend breaks at Exmoor Cottage Holidays, North Devon

Five character stone cottages within the Exmoor National Park

Large grounds with an abundance of wildlife and wild flowers

Exmoor Cottage Holidays in Exmoor National Park

Ideal central location to explore the whole coastline of North Devon & Somerset

Amazing walks in the timeless heart of Exmoor National Park

Short breaks & weekend stays in Exmoor & North Devon at Exmoor Cottage Holidays

Short breaks all year round
Charming stone-built cottages
Within the Exmoor National Park
Only 50 minutes drive from the M5
Award winning pub 300 yards
Shop and Post Office 300 yards
Beds made with fresh linen
Welcome pack provided
Free Wifi, superfast broadband
Good access to Exmoor & the coast
Only 15 miles from surfing beaches
Dogs welcome
Spa & treatment rooms 100 yards
Stargazing
Wildlife gardens
Local walks
Challacombe
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Short breaks and weekend stays are very popular in North Devon and Exmoor. The countryside is spectacular, the atmosphere peaceful and relaxed, and there is easy road access from Cornwall, the Midlands and the South of England. But many self-catering cottages don't accept short breaks and stays (especially in the summer), don't allow pets, or have few local amenities (especially those within the Exmoor National Park).

Exmoor Cottage Holidays are ideal for your weekend breaks or short stays in Exmoor or North Devon. Our self catering cottages in the quiet and peaceful village of Challacombe are less than an hours drive from the M5. We welcome dogs and short breaks, even for a few days stay in the summer. Although within the Exmoor National Park, we have excellent local amenities, and it's only five minutes' walk to a traditional pub and general stores. The five holiday rental cottages are converted from a former farm and all have a cosy log fire in the living room and a private enclosed garden.

The stone-built holiday letting cottages sleep from 1-6 people so there is sure to be one ideal for you: whether you are a looking for a short break in a spacious Farmhouse with a Rayburn cooker; a romantic weekend in front of a real log fire; a few days stay in a period cottage with an inglenook fireplace; or a short stay in an accessible cottage with only a few steps.

The self-catering cottages are all very well-equipped for short breaks and stays lasting a few days. The prices include most things you may need: all beds are made with fresh linen ready for your arrival; electricity is included for cooking, heating and lighting (no meters); there is a basket of logs and kindling for the fire; we provide tea towels, cleaning materials, eco-friendly hand-soap, and a handy welcome pack with tea, coffee, sugar, fresh milk, matches, shampoo, conditioner and toilet roll. The kitchen has everything you would expect (including wine-glasses and cafetiere!). In colder weather we will ensure that your cottage is warm and cosy when you arrive.

The cottages are surrounded by enchanting wildlife grounds, with a delightful walk up Humphrey's Hill and lovely views of Exmoor. Just 300 yards away is a handy shop and Post Office, which sells general provisions, delicious home-made cakes and take-away meals. Next to the shop is a traditional inn, with real ales and excellent food (children and dogs welcome). If you are looking for serious pampering there is a spa within 100 yards (available at limited times for holistic treatments).

The cottages are in an ideal central location to explore North Devon and Exmoor. Within half an hours drive are the wide sandy beaches of Woolacombe and Croyde; the pretty twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth; Ilfracombe harbour (with Damien Hirst's controversial sculpture of Verity) and Braunton Burrows, a UNESCO Biosphere reserve. There are lots of special places to visit within the Exmoor National Park; including the Valley of Rocks, the Doone Valley, Watersmeet, Heddons Mouth, Dunkery Beacon and Tarr Steps.

Exmoor is known for its unique wildlife, especially Exmoor ponies and Red deer, which are not found elsewhere in the wild. There are two main pony herds, usually found on Countisbury Hill and West Anstey Common. Red deer are very shy, but can be seen almost anywhere on Exmoor, especially in the early evening. There is also a herd of feral goats in the Valley of Rocks, introduced in the 1970's.

In 2011 Exmoor was the first place in Europe to be designated as an International Dark Skies Reserve, and is the best place in the UK for stargazing (considering both light pollution and cloud cover).

We have a good knowledge of Exmoor and North Devon and are happy to point out the best places to visit on an OS map (which you may borrow) and recommend local services and attractions (e.g. gardens, historic buildings, best beaches, good restaurants, etc.). We also offer (charged extra) towel hire, more logs and kindling, cottage cleaning and service wash and dry so that you can enjoy your short break or weekend stay to the full.

After a long day exploring Exmoor or the sandy beaches of North Devon, you can completely relax in the private garden outside your cottage and watch the wild birds (we feed them most days) or chill out in front of the cosy log stove. Before retiring, take a gentle stroll up Humphrey's Hill and enjoy the lovely views as the sun sets over Exmoor, or nip down to the pub for a relaxing drink and a lovely home-made meal.

If you are thinking of a few days short break or weekend stay in North Devon or Exmoor then you should consider Exmoor Cottage Holidays. We are easy to reach from the M5 and Cornwall, and in a good central location to explore the area. The self-catering cottages are all well-equipped for short breaks, each has a log-burning stove, and there is an excellent pub and handy shop within five minutes' walk. We look forward to welcoming you soon for your short break or weekend stay!