Devon Staycation Experiences to Make You Feel Like Royalty

Devon Staycation Experiences to Make You Feel Like Royalty

Living in Devon sometimes feels like living in a storybook. We’re lucky to have gorgeous, rolling green countryside and golden coastlines. Our national parks provide opportunities to get up close and personal with nature, and our charming cities, towns and villages give locals and visitors somewhere to explore and enjoy top-notch entertainment, cuisine, shopping and more. There’s a lot of history here in our county and much to appreciate, which brings me to today’s chat: why leave Devon for a holiday when a staycation here can be so much fun? If you’re looking for a local getaway or “staycation” that will give you a little rest and relaxation, or excitement without going too far from home, here are all the spots to stay in Devon that treat you like absolute royalty.

Some Things to Consider

1. The Climate. Devon’s mild climate makes it an excellent choice for a trip or, in this case, a staycation. Parts of Devon are some of the sunniest places in the UK, making a weekend beach escape an even more exciting prospect.
2. Access to Historical Sites. History buffs can have a wonderful time exploring Devon. From the Dummoni Celts who flourished here for more than five centuries to King William the Conqueror’s invasion and the Civil War of King Steven, there are sites and relics aplenty.
3. It’s Time to Treat Yourself! Add private jet hire to your list of “must-dos” for your staycation. This form of travel is something that everyone should experience at least once in their life, trust me! Not only can you schedule the flights to suit you (not an airline), but the incredible cabin crews that look after private jet travellers will make you feel like the king or queen that you are. 
4. Delicious, Fresh  Cuisine. Devon is known throughout the UK for its incredibly high-quality produce, dairy, meat and fish. The cream tea in Devon is second to none, so prepare to have second helpings of everything!

Devon Staycation Spots

Glebe House, Southleigh

If you love a countryside stay, then Glebe House is your place. The hotel’s modernised take on classic, wholesome country living puts the excellent food they serve and the level of comfort they provide their guests in the spotlight. This working smallholding offers a rural “get away from it all” feeling while including amenities that would make you think you were at a boutique spot in London. Vintage furniture and bric-a-brac pepper the rooms and common spaces and give the hotel real character. Gorgeous Blackdown Hills bracket the stunning 15 acres of farmland that the property sits on on one side and the Jurassic Coast’s imposing red cliffs on the other, so you won’t want for views or long, winding walks. Delicious, comforting locally grown food is a massive part of the experience here, and much of what’s made into meals in the Glebe House kitchen is grown on the property itself. Think hearty Italian suppers and classically English Sunday roasts that will have youwishing for seconds every time.

Woolacombe Bay Hotel, Woolacombe.

Since Victorian times, the Woolacombe Bay Hotel has watched over its gloriously fresh and green surroundings (which include what many publications call the UK’s best beach- Woolacombe Beach). It’s a stately, sprawling affair with a lovely outdoor pool for summer swims (and an indoor one for the colder months) and access to a private track that leads to the beach and gorgeous views no matter the time of year. The rooms are simply splendid, as are all the common spaces, and the “contemporary chintz” style of design gives it all a glamorous edge: an international standard of amenities, furniture, bedding and the like has certainly been met and exceeded. Enjoy your meals at the  Bay Brasseries, which has a unique dining space, and Doyle’s Restaurant, which offers floor-to-ceiling views of the ocean and Lundy’s Island. The activities here are ocean-oriented: paddle boarding, hang gliding, hiking, and horse riding, among others, as well as Exmoor Zoo and Watermouth Castle for colder days.

Highcliffe House, Lynton, Exmoor National Park.

Highcliffe House is something of a welcome surprise. From the outside, the home looks manicured: classically English with a conservatory on the front, bare brick and slim, climbing design and sharp gables. Once you step inside, you see a different side to the property: the accommodations are contemporary but warm (the beds in particular are incredible in their beautiful design and unbelievable cosiness), quirky but not loud and the views…oh the views! This is not a place to come with the family, as this (technically) bed and breakfast does not allow children, but it does make for a very peaceful getaway for the grownups. The town of Lynton is a wonderful place to take a short (but steep- wear comfortable shoes) trot down to: mouthwatering fudge shops and cosy tearooms begging you to come inside and sample their wares. Lynmouth is also nearby (take the cable car, trust me), and Exmoor National Park’s Dark Sky Reserve status means that stargazing is a must every evening.

The Mole Resort, Chittlehamholt

Choose between a classic hotel experience in the expansive manor house (the original part of the hotel) or self-catering privacy and seclusion in the newly built lodges that sit beside it. Whichever your preference, The Mole Resort will take your breath away. Yes, the styles of the hotel and lodges are very different, but hear me out: I like the contrast! It brings a unique air to the place, which is perfectly complemented by the fact that the lodges run “energy positive”, which is a first for the UK. The Mole focuses on sustainability in other aspects too: the two restaurants, Cellars and Devon View, only source local produce and even offer those staying in the lodge a breakfast parcel that they can cook when they’re hungry, which minimises food waste. The property is located within a UNESCO Biosphere, so this focus on sustainability is essential to keeping the balance and biodiversity of the area whole and functioning. Enjoy axe throwing, archery, gold or just a soak in the hot tub.

Staycation Incoming

If you pick the right spot, your Devon staycation will be a magical, replenishing, relaxing, and rejuvenating experience. These locations have it all…you just need to book your room.