Famous for its spectacular coastline, quaint villages, and endless beaches, Devon is a hugely popular UK holiday destination.
With over 40 towns to explore, each with a distinctive character, it’s no surprise this southern county is home to some truly quirky places to stay, offering something a little different from your usual bed and breakfast.
To get some inspiration to explore these seven eccentric places to stay in Devon:
Hill Rise Shepherds Hut
Turn off your phone and immerse yourself in nature with this private wooden hut hidden in the bottom of a private garden accessed through a flowered arch.
With a sunken garden area, a 2-person hot tub, and sea views, a long weekend here is the epitome of relaxation.
Set just a 5-minute walk from the beaches of East Devon, a wander to the sea isn’t far away either.
Stay in the Hill Rise Hut for £918 for 7 nights.
Halton Belvedere
Halton Belvedere is a Grade II listed building, also known as Lawrence Castle, and is nothing short of a spectacular Georgian dream.
The incredible building includes a spiral stone staircase, a living area with enchanting 360-degree views over Devon, and a kitchen built into two turrets.
The penthouse apartment on the top floor can host 2 people, perfect for a weekend away.
Stay in Halton Belvedere for £525 for 7 nights.
Gannet Chalet
Who doesn’t want to stay right on the beach? This charming cedar wood chalet from Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays boasts views of the Jurassic Coast – an internationally recognised World Heritage Site.
With 2 bedrooms and a living area, this property is perfect for a remote, peaceful getaway for the family to enjoy some downtime.
Located on Branscombe Beach, spend some time on the outside admiring the uninterrupted views of the beach and Lyme Bay.
Stay in the Gannet Chalet for £962 for 7 nights.
Treetops Treehouse
A multi-story treehouse nestled in the North Devon Biosphere Reserve, this is perfect for those looking for an adventure in the woods, and to share your space with surrounding nature and wildlife.
This house boasts 2 bedrooms, a full kitchen, a living room, and a bathroom – including a stunning copper bathtub, and a woodburning fire.
Enjoy a magnitude of walks nearby including the Tarka Trail that will take you through charming villages before you end up at one of the many pubs en route.
Stay in the Treetops Treehouse for £2073 for 7 nights.
The Island of Xanadu
Stay on your own island for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, in a handmade, modified, geodesic building that hovers just one foot above a lake.
Take a romantic boat trip around your own private lake before walking over the bridge and returning inside to relax amongst the minimalistic, artisan décor.
When the sun is setting, venture outside onto the balcony and immerse yourself in the surrounding nature and wildlife nearby.
Stay at The Island of Xanadu for £1357 for 7 nights.
Oyster The Boat
Definitely one of the most unusual places to stay in Devon, Oyster the Boat is a Tholense Schow boat from Holland and is built from steel. Perfect for those looking for an idyllic, off-the-grid spot surrounded by nature, life on board is an escape from the hustle and bustle of back home.
Permanently moored, the boat floats on a high tide for guests to get a feel of living at sea without actually having to set sail.
Housing two cabins, one in the main cabin and one in the bow, Oyster the Boat is equipped with lights, torches, and an alcohol stove, whilst more luxury amenities such as hot showers, tap water, and electricity can be found in a nearby field shelter.
Stay at Oyster the Boat from £910 for 7 nights.
Long Barrow Windmill
Set in the heart of the South Harms countryside in Devon is the beautifully renovated Long Barrow Windmill, a unique windmill tower you can house up to 4 people in.
Found in its own 5-acre field, the unique home is ideal for those looking for complete privacy in a rural setting. Get away for a romantic, secluded weekend with no neighbours in sight, or use it as an explorer’s base, delving into the 360-degree views you can admire from the top floor.
Complete with features including curved staircases, a Victorian bed, and circular rooms, this property is a one-of-a-kind experience not many have had before.
Stay at Long Barrow Windmill from £800 for 7 nights.
