Romantic Breaks in Devon: Where to Stay, What to Do and How to Avoid the Crowds

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Written By Suzy Bennett
 

Devon is one of England’s most romantic destinations for couples — but the key to a truly special break is knowing where to stay, when to go and how to avoid the crowds. From thatched cottages with cosy fires to quiet villages and epic walks, this guide shares the most romantic things to do in Devon, plus insider ways to enjoy it calmly and beautifully.

 
 
 

Where To Stay on a Romantic Devon Break

Voted one of Devon’s best places to stay on a romantic break by The Times, Tatler AND Conde Nast Traveller, Moorland View Cottage places you in the heart of Dartmoor, where many of Devon’s most memorable experiences begin at the door.

This luxury thatched cottage on Dartmoor is for couples who want quiet surroundings, beautiful walks from the door, cosy fires and time together — without busy resorts or crowds. With a crackling log fire, a huge bath for two, dreamy Dartmoor views and a rose garden, Moorland View is the perfect destination for relaxing and easy romantic breaks, honeymoons and mini-moons. If you want your holiday to feel calm and unrushed, choosing the right accommodation makes all the difference.

 

Moorland View in Dartmoor, Devon

Is Moorland View the best place for your romantic break?

✔️ A peaceful, romantic cottage for couples
✔️ A luxury break that feels relaxed rather than formal
✔️ Easy access to Dartmoor walks, scenery and villages
✔️ A calm, adult-focused atmosphere with no shared facilities
✔️ An ideal base for anniversaries, mini-moons and meaningful time away
❌ Large group or family-focused stays
❌ Busy nightlife, resorts or on-site entertainment

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Best Things for Couples to do on a Romantic Devon Break

Star-gazing on Hound Tor

Here are some of our favourite date ideas for couples — the kinds of days that shape an unforgettable romantic break in Devon. Some of are well known — and deservedly so. But some of the most authentic, memorable travel experiences often happen off the beaten track. Guests who book a stay at Moorland View receive access to our private, guest-only guides, where we share all our very best insider secrets. It’s our way of helping you experience Devon at its most romantic — and least rushed.

 


 

  • Stroll around picture-perfect thatched villages
    North Bovey is our favourite places because of its local walks and hidden gems close to the cottage, but Lustleigh, tucked away in a wooded cleave, comes a close second. It’s a rural idyll with a 13th-century church, cricket pitch, communal orchard, tea room, village shop and a friendly pub. The walk there from the cottage is one of our favourites.

    Climb a Dartmoor tor
    For a heady shot of country air and instant perspective, take the walk up Easdon Tor — the hill you see from the main bedroom window at Moorland View. At the top you’ll get 360-degree views and likely company from grazing Dartmoor ponies.

    Walk to Lustleigh
    The walk from North Bovey to Lustleigh is a classic: gorgeous views, a Roman fort and the magical woodland glen of Lustleigh Cleave. There’s a pub at the end. Book a taxi back if you don’t fancy returning on foot.

    Walk a Dartmoor gorge
    Taking in a fairy-tale castle, an oak-lined gorge, an ancient stone bridge and a traditional pub, this two-hour walk along the River Teign is one of Dartmoor’s most romantic routes. Woodland paths, shaded pools and tiny rocky beaches make it perfect for picnics and toe-dipping. Finish with cream tea at Fingle Bridge Inn.

    Take in a view
    Haytor is one of Devon’s most famous viewpoints. On a clear day you can see the coast, estuary, moors and rolling countryside. The Rock Inn in Haytor Vale is a good food stop afterwards.

    Visit an ancient oak forest
    Wistman’s Wood is a rare remnant of Dartmoor’s prehistoric dwarf oak woodland. Moss-furred oaks and boulder-strewn ground make it feel otherworldly. The easy walk starts near Two Bridges.

    Visit the White Lady Gorge
    Lydford Gorge is one of Devon’s most romantic natural landscapes: deep oak woodland, tumbling water and the dramatic White Lady Waterfall. Go early for the quietest experience.

    Climb to a 12th-century hilltop church
    Dartmoor’s rugged landscape offers endless opportunities for private walks. One of the most romantic places to visit in Devon is the tiny parish church of St Michel de Rupe on Brent Tor, with spectacular views across the moor.

  • Dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant
    Gidleigh Park is a grand Tudor-style manor set in woodland near Chagford, known for its refined cooking and extensive wine list. Make an occasion of it and walk the grounds beforehand.

    Drink Dartmoor ale straight from the cask
    The Rugglestone Inn in Widecombe-in-the-Moor is a moorland classic: flagstone floors, open fires and ale poured straight from the barrel, with a sheltered garden and wide views.

    Dine at a country inn on the edge of the moor
    The Dartmoor Inn near Lydford blends old-world charm with modern cooking and is perfectly placed for a walk beforehand. Booking ahead is wise.

    Have lunch at a floating river café
    The River Exe Café off Exmouth is a floating pontoon serving ultra-fresh seafood. Closed in winter and booking is essential in summer.

    Eat crispy squid by the sea
    The Beach House at South Milton Sands is a weather-beaten shack right on the sand — ideal for a relaxed, romantic coastal stop.

    Shuck oysters by the estuary
    The Oyster Shack near Bigbury is famed for its freshness, serving oysters pulled from the nearby River Avon.

    Eat at a cosy pub with French flair
    The Millbrook Inn at South Pool mixes Devon comfort with French touches, live gypsy jazz and summer fish barbecues.

    Eat fish and chips by the harbour
    Rockfish in Dartmouth serves excellent fish and chips alongside locally landed seafood in a relaxed waterside setting.

    Indulge in a traditional Devon cream tea
    The Endsleigh near Tavistock is known for its generous scones, thick clotted cream and elegant, fireside surroundings.

  • See how the other half live
    Powderham Castle near Topsham is one of Devon’s oldest family seats, set in a deer park and open for tours through its medieval, neo-classical and Victorian rooms.

    Take a tour of Britain’s last castle
    Castle Drogo near Drewsteignton, designed by Lutyens, offers sweeping views over the Teign Gorge and a fine walk nearby. Check restoration updates before visiting.

    Have Sunday lunch on a tidal island
    Burgh Island’s art-deco hotel is gloriously atmospheric. Non-residents can dine on Sundays when tides allow. Booking is essential.

    Visit a grand Georgian house
    Saltram House near Plymouth has a refined Robert Adam interior and a setting familiar to fans of period drama.

    Visit Agatha Christie’s holiday home
    Greenway, near Dartmouth, remains wonderfully intact, with beautiful gardens overlooking the River Dart. Arriving by ferry is especially scenic.


  • Swim in a stream-fed pool
    The outdoor pool at Chagford sits beside the River Teign and feels as close to nature as swimming gets. It’s bracing but unforgettable.

    Swim in the River Dart
    Spitchwick offers clean water, leafy surroundings and natural swimming pools. Go early on warm days to avoid crowds.

    Boat up the River Dart
    From Dartmoor to Dartmouth, the River Dart is perfect for gentle boat trips or private picnic cruises, with opportunities to stop off along the way.

    Go sea kayaking
    Guided sea-kayak trips along the south coast reveal caves and coves inaccessible on foot, with seals often close by.

    Go canoeing or kayaking on the moor
    The River Dart offers some of Dartmoor’s best paddling routes, with guided excursions available for different abilities.

    Fish for your supper
    Dartmoor’s rivers and reservoirs are renowned for wild trout and salmon, offering wonderfully peaceful fishing spots for licensed anglers.

  • We could list every secret here… but then they wouldn’t be secrets!

    We’ve spent years discovering Devon’s most magical, uncrowded spots — and we don’t give them away lightly!

    Book a stay at Moorland View and we’ll quietly pass on the insider tips that make all the difference. Our most precious Devon discoveries are reserved for Moorland View guests, shared once you’ve booked — just between us.

    🗝️ Unlock our guest-only Devon guide

  • Take a road trip across the high moor
    A drive across Dartmoor takes in ancient bridges, granite tors, thatched villages and 14th-century churches — one of Devon’s most romantic ways to explore.

    Stargaze under dark skies
    With little light pollution, Dartmoor is perfect for stargazing. Hound Tor is an easy, romantic spot for watching the Milky Way on clear nights.

    Take to the skies in a hot-air balloon
    A balloon flight over Dartmoor or towards the coast is a breathtakingly romantic way to see Devon from above.

  • Bask on a beautiful beach
    From sheltered coves near Salcombe to wide sandy bays further west, Devon’s south coast offers romance year-round. Go early in summer for the quietest experience.

    Walk the South West Coast Path
    Clifftop paths between Bolt Tail and Bolt Head offer big views, hidden coves and a sense of wildness that’s hard to beat.

    Visit Salcombe
    Pretty in every season, Salcombe is ideal for wandering, sandy coves and lingering harbour-side lunches.

    Drink in a pirate’s island haunt
    The Pilchard Inn on Burgh Island is rich in history and drama — and reaching it at low tide or by sea tractor adds to the romance.

    Watch the sun set on a west-facing bay
    Croyde Bay is one of Devon’s best sunset spots, with sweeping sands and dramatic cliffs glowing at dusk.

  • Stock up in Chagford
    A charming stannary town with good cafés, delis and independent shops, perfect for a slow afternoon. Note the half-day closing on Wednesdays.

    Hunt for antiques in Ashburton
    Elegant and full of character, Ashburton is known for antiques, good food and a relaxed, grown-up atmosphere.

    Take a city stroll in Exeter
    Historic streets, a Norman cathedral and a lively quayside make Exeter ideal for a gentle cultural day out.

    Visit Topsham
    This estuary town is full of narrow lanes, waterside pubs and antique shops, with a wonderfully relaxed feel.

 
 

  • Yes — especially for couples who enjoy nature, good food, beautiful places and privacy rather than busy resorts.

  • Devon is romantic in every season, but many couples prefer:

    • Autumn for colour, calm and fireside evenings

    • Winter for moorland walks, starry skies and cosy pubs

    • Spring for blossom, birdsong and fresh light

    • Early summer for long evenings before peak crowds arrive

    Some of the most magical stays happen outside school holidays, when Devon feels slower and more intimate.

    Visit our FAQ page for more romantic break booking tips

  • The simplest way to avoid crowds in Devon is to choose the right location and timing. Staying inland on Dartmoor, rather than in busy coastal resorts, gives you immediate access to quiet walks, peaceful villages and open landscapes — even during peak season.

    Travelling in spring or autumn, visiting popular places early or later in the day, and choosing a well-located base so you’re not constantly driving between hotspots all make a big difference. Many of Devon’s most romantic experiences happen away from the main tourist centres, where the pace is slower and the atmosphere more intimate.

    When couples book a stay with us, we also share our detailed insider tips — including the quietest times to visit, lesser-known walks and uncrowded places that aren’t obvious from guidebooks — so guests can enjoy Devon at its most relaxed and unspoilt.

  • Both are romantic, but they offer very different experiences.

    Dartmoor is ideal for couples who want privacy, space and atmosphere. Expect wild moorland walks, misty sunsets, crackling fires, dark skies and peaceful villages where you can spend whole days without seeing crowds. It’s especially romantic outside peak summer and perfect for slowing down and reconnecting.

    The Devon coast suits couples who love sea views, beach walks and lively harbour towns. It’s beautiful, but often busier, particularly during school holidays, and usually involves more driving between places.

    For many couples, the best choice is Dartmoor as a romantic base, with the coast enjoyed as a day trip. This gives you calm, seclusion and cosy evenings, while still having Devon’s beaches within easy reach — without the crowds or constant travelling.

  • Yes — there are dog-friendly romantic breaks in Devon, especially if you choose a private cottage like Moorland View rather than a hotel.

    Many couples want to bring their dog without sacrificing peace, privacy or atmosphere, and rural Devon is ideal for this. Areas like Dartmoor are particularly popular, offering quiet walks, open landscapes and dog-friendly pubs — perfect for relaxed days out together.

    Moorland View Cottage offers a dog-friendly romantic break for couples who want both comfort and character. One well-behaved adult dog is welcome, and the cottage’s peaceful village setting, moorland walks from the door and cosy interiors mean you don’t have to compromise on romance to bring your dog along.

    For couples, the most romantic dog-friendly breaks in Devon are those that combine seclusion, beautiful scenery and a stay designed around adults, rather than busy, multi-dog holiday parks or large hotels.

    Many couples choose Dartmoor for a romantic escape with their dog, thanks to its peaceful walks, open landscapes and relaxed, dog-friendly pubs. Moorland View Cottage welcomes one well-behaved adult dog, offering couples a secluded, characterful base where they can enjoy privacy, cosy interiors and moorland walks straight from the door — without compromising on romance.

  • The most romantic places to stay in Devon are peaceful, secluded locations rather than busy resorts. Many couples find Dartmoor especially romantic, thanks to its wild landscapes, ancient villages and sense of escape.

    Set in the historic Dartmoor village of North Bovey, Moorland View Cottage is designed specifically for romantic breaks. This thatched, Grade II-listed cottage offers privacy, a wood-burning stove, a copper bath for two and easy access to Devon’s most beautiful walks, restaurants and spas — making it an ideal base for a truly romantic stay.

 
 

Shhh! Devon’s best beaches are too good to share on the internet!

Brent Tor is one of Devon’s most romantic destinations

Brent Tor is one of Devon’s most romantic destinations

 


Along with our recommendations below, Moorland View guests receive access to top secret spots which are too special to put on the internet! We include:

  • Quieter walks and alternative routes

  • Uncrowded viewpoints and swimming spots

  • Lesser-known cafés, pubs and picnic places

  • Tips on timing popular sights to avoid crowds

Check availability for your Dates
 
 
 
 
 
 

About the author

This blog is written by Suzy Bennett, The Telegraph’s Devon travel expert and owner of Moorland View Cottage. Suzy has been welcoming couples to Devon’s most romantic corners for over 20 years — combining first-hand local knowledge with real hosting experience to help guests plan unforgettable romantic breaks.

 
 
 
Suzy Bennett
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