If you’re looking to escape the crowds on your next getaway, you don’t have to miss out on popular destinations like Devon and Cornwall. In fact, there are plenty of holiday cottages in Devon and Cornwall where you can enjoy a more private getaway and relaxed pace, even in the height of the summer season.
Why Choose a Quiet Corner of Devon or Cornwall?
Choosing a quieter corner of Devon or Cornwall to explore offers you a more peaceful getaway. You can still enjoy many of the things the counties have to offer, from stunning scenery and impressive coastline to the local food and rural charm, just without the crowds.
Hidden Gems in Devon
One of the benefits of choosing holiday cottages in Devon and Cornwall is that there are still plenty of destinations tucked away from the usual tourist hotspots. These hidden gems make the ideal base for your getaway:
Hartland Peninsula: An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, North Devon’s Hartland Peninsula has it all - dramatic cliffs, secluded coves and crystal-clear waters. A world away from the sandy beaches Devon may be best known for, here rugged beauty, tranquility and nature make it the perfect choice if you’re looking for quiet places in Devon.
South Hams villages: For countryside charm without the crowd, South Hams is hard to beat. Think relaxing morning strolls along the River Dart, jaunts out into quaint country villages and evenings relaxing in the local pub.
Exmoor valleys: Heading inland into Exmoor and escaping the crowded coast is one of our favourite South West England escapes. With an abundance of wildlife at every turn, Exmoor delights with its stunning scenery and dramatic wooded coombes, as well as its impressive dark skies, which make it a must-visit for any keen stargazers.
Far From the Tourist Trail
If you’re keen to enjoy popular holiday activities, but without the crowds, there are plenty of options to choose from:
Roseland Peninsula: One of the best hidden gems in Cornwall, the Roseland Peninsula promises unspoilt beaches, idyllic fishing villages like St Mawes and Portloe and lush botanical gardens.
Helford River: Despite being immortalised in Daphne Du Maurier’s Frenchman’s Creek, Helford River offers an oasis of calm. The perfect destination for avid sailors, you can set sail and discover the many creeks. While for those who prefer to keep their feet on firm ground, the area’s extensive footpaths let you explore across a wild and untouched part of Cornwall.
North Cornwall hidden beaches: Enjoy the coast without the crowds at Sandymouth or Duckpool when staying in holiday cottages in Devon and Cornwall. Backed by twisted cliffs, it may not be the most accessible, but the tidal beach of Sandymouth is ideal for surfers, walkers and families. Another great option is Duckpool beach, which sits at the mouth of the Coombe Valley. Surrounded by coastal grasslands and ancient woodlands, you can take a stroll along the South West Coast Path or enjoy playing on the sand at low tide.
Outdoor Adventures Without the Crowds
Quiet stretches of the South West Coast Path
One of the UK’s most spectacular walking trails, the South West Coast Path stretches 630 miles along the coastlines of Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset.
And while the path crosses through some of the most popular towns and villages in the South West, there are plenty of quieter sections where you can walk for miles without seeing anyone.
Some of our favorite quieter stretches include Westward Ho! To Hartland Quay for high cliffs and stunning waterfalls, Perranporth to Portreath for dramatic Cornish scenery and mining heritage and Porlock to Culbone for wooded hills and Culbone Church, said to be the smallest parish church in England.
Wild swimming, cycling, birdwatching, nature reserves
South West England escapes offer plenty of other outdoor activities, so whether you’re a keen cyclist, regular wild swimmer or avid twitcher, there’s something for everyone when you book holiday cottages in Devon and Cornwall.
With many people heading straight to the coast to take a dip, there are plenty of great destinations inland where you can swim in peace. The Helford River has many quiet creeks, while Golitha Falls on the River Fowey offers a series of shallow pools for a quick dip. In Devon, Shilley Pool in Dartmoor or Henbury Woods on the River Dart are two of our top quieter swimming options.
Cyclists are spoilt for choice with the Camel Trail running from Padstow to Wenford Bridge, the Tarka Trail in North Devon or the Granite Way through Dartmoor. To steer clear of crowds, avoid busier sections near main tourist spots, like Padstow.
Nature lovers and keen bird watchers can enjoy exploring the many nature reserves dotted across the two counties. Often passed over in favour of some of the more obvious tourist attractions, they can also be a great option if you’re just looking for somewhere to explore off‑the‑beaten‑path in the South West. As well as Natural England reserves, Devon and Cornwall Wildlife Trust has lots of sites to explore.
Local Food & Culture in the South West’s Quieter Spots
One of the best things about Devon and Cornwall is the abundance of incredible local food and artisan producers. Many of which are scattered in quieter market towns or small villages, so there’s no need to battle the crowds in top tourist spots like Padstow and Salcombe.
In Bovey Tracey, on the edge of Dartmoor, you’ll find The Cheese Shed, a small supplier of West Country cheese as well as plenty of local bakeries and delicatessens. Sandford Orchards in Crediton offers award-winning ciders, and in the surrounding villages, you’ll find many honest-box farm schemes offering local produce from eggs to honey.
In Cornwall, the Norton Barton Artisan Food Village brings together several producers into one site, so you’ll find everything from charcuterie to crackers, local spirits and cheese makers. Other local delicacies widely available in local farm shops include Cornish yarg, fresh seafood and handmade preserves.
Why a Premier Cottage Is Perfect for a Peaceful Escape
Our luxury cottages Devon and Cornwall are perfect if you’re looking for rural and coastal hidden gems. We handpick each cottage to ensure it not only meets our high standards but that it is perfectly located to offer you the peaceful retreat you’re seeking.
From rural retreats in Cornwall to quiet places in Devon, discover exquisite cottages equipped with everything you need to relax and recharge.
Photo: Boscrowan Farm, Cornwall
Planning Your Quiet South West Getaway
If you’re seeking South West England escapes where you can get away from it all, it’s best to plan ahead. While the autumn and winter months are typically quieter, there are still plenty of places you can escape the crowds in the busier spring and summer months.
It’s also important to think about the location of your escape. The coast is the main draw for most people visiting Devon and Cornwall, so more inland destinations tend to be less busy. And even if you do choose a quieter spot, you’re never far from the beach, should you want to enjoy a day out by the sea.
Finally, it’s important to make sure you pack everything you need for your trip. To make the most of the country and the coast, we recommend packing plenty of layers for changeable conditions, waterproofs, swimming kit, stout walking boots and coastal shoes.
Discover Your Peaceful Devon or Cornwall Escape
Explore our luxury holiday cottages in Devon and Cornwall and book your South West escape today.