South Devon hotels by the sea

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:

Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Devon?
Refine your search to our Guru's recommendations for Devon's most romantic hotels? Or the best boutique hotels in Devon? Or the best hotels in Dartmoor National Park? Or the best hotels in Devon by the sea?
Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

16 South Devon hotels by the sea

Cary Arms

Torquay

A boutique hotel with the charm of a British pub. The cliff top position makes for stunning views. Chic white washed rooms mix traditional features with modern simplicity. Hearty gastro-pub styled food is served at the restaurant. A glorious spa. An excellent choice for a family holiday.

Total relaxation - Lazy days eating seafood on the terrace, followed by customised holistic treatments in the spa using Yon-Ka products.
Families - Three cottages with three, four or five rooms are ideal for families.
Great walks - Jump onto the South West Coast Path National Trail spanning for 630 miles through stunning landscapes.
Fishing - The Inn provides rods for the pier and nets for fishing in rock pools.

from £163 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

South Sands

Devon

Paradise for watersport addicts - a comfortable haven, right on the beach. Rooms are designed in a contemporary New England style - creams and soft pastel colours. The spacious suites are perfect for families. Enjoy the sea air and great brasserie food at the beach side restaurant and terrace.

Great walks - Walk up behind the hotel and look around the National Trust's Overbeck's House and Garden a treasure trove of tropical plants.
Local markets - Walk to Salcombe and check out the various art galleries and boutiques including Bibi & Mac, Quba Sails and Jack Wills.
Sailing - South Sands Sailing school is right next to the hotel offering sailing, kayaking and other watersports.
Fishing - The hotel can arrange deep-sea fishing trips with a little notice.

from £195 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Burgh Island

Devon

Full of character, this seaside art deco hotel on a tidal island is a true 'experience' hotel, where time has stood still in the 1930s. Comfortable period-style rooms. Locally sourced food and classic pre-war cocktails are on the menu. Half board only, because the tide locks you in at night.

Beach Life - Located along a rugged stretch of British coastline
Retro/Vintage - Decorated in an authentic 1930s style
Sights nearby - There are a number of day excursions from Burgh Island, to historical houses and castles.
Restaurant - Seasonal menu with classic dishes, locally sourced.

from £310 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Masons Arms, Devon

Devon

Traditional country pub in a pretty coastal village. Cosy and stylish rooms - muted tones with real wood accents and antique touches. Fine ales and classic dishes, with the beach only a short walk away. A great place to rest your head whilst discovering East Devon’s Jurassic coastline.

Local exploring - A lovely low key base from which to explore the delights of South Devon
Beach nearby - Branscombe Beach a 10 minute walk
Sights nearby - Branscombe is full of lovingly restored historic buildings and the Jurassic Coast is on the doorstep.
Great walks - Explore the Jurassic coast on the South West Coastal path

from £105 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Salcombe Harbour Hotel

Devon (Salcombe)

On the edge of bustling and picture postcard Salcombe this stunning newly refurbished boutique hotel has everything one could wish for. Magnificently situated, overlooking the estuary with its sailing boats, sandy beaches and a short walk into town. Wonderful terraces, spa and pool, cinema. Bliss

Suites - All rooms come with 'balcony baskets' with binoculars throws and books, complimentary gin and sherry
Sit-out Terrace - Wonderful terraces with sunloungers and glorious views of the harbour, estuary and out to sea.
Restaurant - The Jetty Restaurant is both chic and family friendly with mouthwatering seafood lunch bar
Parking - Cars are left on the hotel state of the art turntable and valet parked!

from £295 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Soar Mill Cove Hotel

Devon (Nr Salcombe)

Relaxed family friendly hotel a couple of miles from Salcombe. Spacious rooms and suites, some with private patios and stunning sea views. Delicious food with an emphasis on local specialities. Wonderful walking on the doorstep and a warm welcome for canine guests too!

Great walks - The Devon Coastal path is on the doorstep
Families
Restaurant - Delicious 2 AA Rosette standard dining, with menus featuring plenty of local seafood.
Private Hot Tub - Book one of the Ocean View self catering units for your own outdoor hot tub.

from £159 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Lympstone Manor

Devon (Devon)

On a hill surrounded by gorgeous countryside on the coast of Exmouth sits the stunning Lympstone Manor. This Grade II listed Georgian country house hotel offers elegant accommodation and absolutely unbeatable cuisine. The ideal luxury getaway

Golf - If you fancy a round then you have the option of playing at the Budleigh Salterron, Woodbury Park or Exeter Golf & Country Club
Foodies - The acclaimed chef Michael Caines is in charge of the cuisine at Lympstone Manor and produces absolutely splendid dishes
Wine tasting - Discover the art of wine at their cellar, with over 600 bins and exclusive tasting sessions in a setting of rustic charm
Hotel Entertainment - Unwind in the Georgian splendor with afternoon tea, surrounded by contemporary comfort and historic elegance

from £495 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Sidmouth Harbour Hotel

Sidmouth (Devon)

A nautically inspired hotel set on the famed Jurassic Coast. Light and airy rooms are decorated with soft hues and have floor to ceiling windows (the best are sea facing). Boasting both a spoiling spa and an excellent restaurant serving British classics. A fabulous spot for a weekend getaway.

Country Escape - A country house boasting a location on the spectacular Jurassic Coast, ideal for a rural getaway.
Sights nearby - Visit Sidmouth's interesting Norman Lockyer observatory.
Great walks - Take long walks along the Jurassic Coast.
Kayaking - Explore the coast from the sea by kayak.

from £205 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

The Cricket Inn

Devon

A charming inn boasting a fabulous spot on the pristine Devon coast. Nautically themed rooms are bright and white with pops of blue coming from the soft furnishings. An award winning restaurant serves up quintessential British fare and specialises in seafood. A delightful rural escape.

Country Escape - A remote setting offering breathtaking sea views, ideal for total escapism.
Great walks - Take long walks along the stunning South West Coast Path.
Surfing - Hit the waves on the popular surf spot, Bantham Beach.
Seaside

from £140 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

The Hope and Anchor

Devon (Kingsbridge)

A quaint inn boasting an enviable location on Devon's beautiful Hope Cove. Simply dressed rooms boast glorious sea views, soft hues and soothing sounds of the ocean. Quintessentially British dishes are served in the atmospheric restaurant with particularly good seafood.

Country Escape - Boasting a fabulous location in one of Devon's prettiest coves and surrounded by glorious walking country.
Great walks - Discover fantastic South Devon AONB, with endless peaceful countryside, rolling hills, stunning coastline and hidden coves.
Fishing - Deep-sea fishing expeditions leave from nearby Salcombe.
Seaside

from £115 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Thurlestone Hotel

Devon (Devon)

A charming family friendly property on the South Devon coast with superb facilities for all ages. There's a wide range of rooms with a traditional yet contemporary feel - many with a private balcony and sea view, plus award winning fine dining, superb spa, golf course and much more.

Local exploring - From hidden beaches to National Trust Properties and pretty seaside villages, there's masses to see and do.
Sights nearby - Within a short drive there is a wide range of museums, castles, National Trust properties and pretty seaside towns to explore
Tennis - Thurlestone has two all weather courts with racquets and balls to borrow if required.
Spa - The Voyage Spa offers a good range of beauty therapies, plus pool and hot tub

from £150 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Gara Rock

Devon (Salcombe TQ8 8FA )

This clifftop hotel is located in East Portlemouth, Devon. Choose from loft suites with excellent views or family-friendly self-catering cottages. All feature large windows and a bohemian feel, with jute rugs and block-prints. Sample the gourmet restaurant before booking into the spa; a chic hotel.

Country Escape - This cosy, stylish retreat is set on the beautiful Devon cliffs, ideal for refreshing windswept walks and coastal exploration
Families - The self-contained cottages are perfect for a family holiday, with self-catering facilities available
Romantic Break - Book a loft suite for romantic views over the dramatic Devon coastline
Great walks - There are a host of picturesque coastal trails to explore; ask your hosts for recommendations for your itinerary

from £168 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

16 South Devon hotels by the sea

For coastal walking country

For a boutique stay

For a family friendly option

For a romantic break

For a traditional inn

For fabulous sea views

For watersports enthusiasts

For a luxury B&B

Still not sure? You could:

16 South Devon hotels by the sea

Sign up to our weekly newsletter