South Devon boasts 125 miles of beautiful coastline comprising picturesque coves, dramatic cliffs, and charming seaside villages and towns. For visitors wanting to experience a quintessential British coastal town Dartmouth, Salcombe, and Newton Abbot are all great options. Our collection of the best South Devon hotels by the sea range from luxury properties selected for their wonderful seaviews to family friendly options ideal for a bucket-and-spade summer break. Whether it be a romantic weekend away or an action packed holiday you are planning, why not browse through our collection to start organising your trip?
For coastal walking country
- Soar Mill Cove Hotel is a relaxed family friendly hotel a couple of miles from Salcombe. Spacious rooms and suites offer stunning sea views. Explore the wonderful walking country right on the doorstep and don't forget your four legged friend - there's a warm welcome for canine guests too!
- Masons Arms is a charming traditional inn set in a quaint coastal village. Rooms perfectly blend the building's original features with fresh contemporary style, and the restaurant serves hearty pub fare and traditional ales. A cosy base to return to after a spent walking on along the Jurrassic coastline.
- Sidmouth Harbour Hotel provides smart, nautically inspired accommodation (with fabulous sea views) right on the Jurrassic Coast, plus a spa and an excellent restaurant serving British classics. A wonderful base from which to discover Devon's famed coastal path.
- Lympstone Manor is an elegant hotel set in beautiful gardens which lead down to the foreshore of the Exe estuary. The cuisine is hard to beat while the surrounding countryside provides lovely walks and Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks are just a short drive away.
For a boutique stay
- Salcombe Harbour Hotel is set on the edge of pretty Salcombe. Uniformly smart, the décor has a nod towards its location in the soft nautical theme and the best rooms have free standing baths with sea views. Boasting an in-house cinema, spa, and indoor pool this is an indulgent coastal stay.
- Cary Arms offers all the trappings of a boutique hotel with the addition of a traditional pub which serves hearty gastro-pub fare. Chic white washed rooms mix traditional features with modern simplicity while the spoiling spa is a real bonus.
For a family friendly option
- Gara Rock is a coastal chic property with bohemian inspired interiors and breath-taking coastal views. Loft suites are perfect for couples while the self-catering cottages are a great choice for those travelling with children. The gourmet restaurant and spa make this a spoiling choice.
- Thurlestone Hotel offers that quintessential British family holiday. Just a short stroll from the beach and offering a multitude of activities from golf to tennis. The indulgent spa will please adults while the swimming pool will provide hours of fun for little ones.
For a romantic break
- Burgh Island is a unique property offering all the elegance and glamour of the 1930s (think seductive cocktails and period-style rooms). Better yet, as evening draws in, along with the tide, the hotel is cut off from the mainland making this a romantic secluded stay.
For a traditional inn
- The Cricket Inn has a handful of chic nautically inspired rooms placed ontop of an award-winning pub. Expect superlative British fare specialising in seafood. Best yet, the hotel sits directly on a lovely stretch of beach.
For fabulous sea views
- The Hope and Anchor is a quaint inn boasting an enviable location on Devon's beautiful Hope Cove. Simply dressed rooms boast glorious sea views while quintessentially British dishes are served in the atmospheric restaurant with particular emphasis on seafood.
- The Henley is a charming family-run hotel comprising of just 5 rooms all boasting wonderful sea views. The restaurant serves superb cuisine using the best local produce and there is also private beach access.
- Strete Barton House is a charming B&B set in a 16th century cottage. A pretty terrace lends wonderful sea views and a picturesque beach is just a short walk away.
For watersports enthusiasts
- South Sands boasts an unbeatable location right on the beach and next to a renowned sailing and watersports centre. Spacious suites are ideal for families and the brasserie turns out great seafood.
For a luxury B&B
- Hooppells Torr is a luxurious B&B set in a lovely mature gardens. The two rooms are effortlessly stylish and the hosts provide indulgent Aga-cooked breakfasts. Wonwell Beach is a short walk away and there's a gorgeous indoor salt walter pool.
Still not sure? You could:
