Our favourite places to stay in Devon with hot tubs
Wallowing and bubbling, lounging and steaming, can there be a better way to unwind than in a warm hot tub under glittering stars? Probably not. Book any of our places to stay in Devon with a hot tub and you’ll soon feel your cares float away. There’s more, of course: cosy beds and cool kitchens, treats on arrival and roaring wood-burners, scenic walks from the door and easy access to lively towns. Now all you have to decide is who gets first dibs in the tub.
The Nest at Swallow’s Flight, Kingsbridge
Sleeps 2-5
This is a winning spot for two plus two (kids get the comfy sofabed) with a decked area that gazes at stunning views of farmland and rolling hills. Wallow your cares away in the private hot tub in the courtyard: the stars on clear nights are a sight to behold and you may hear resident owls hooting. You stay in the sturdy old granary next to the owners’ house, which is a plus: Lucia and Dan are utterly charming and fun.
It’s a friendly open space you walk right into with a wood burner and a chunky dining table. The bed, beneath the rafters, is perfectly dressed; the bathroom (a lovely roll top tub, a retro sink) is private. Help yourself to games in the trunk, logs in the basket – and, if you run out of the basics, there’s a shop a mile away.
“We had a wonderful 3-night stay in this stunning, tranquil location. We loved the private hot tub and all of the local recommendations.” – Guest, Jenny
Stay at The Nest at Swallow’s Flight >
Foxes Walk Cottage, Torquay
Sleeps 9
Soak up the light, bright modern feel with plenty of nods to the nautical in this seaside cottage for big gatherings, with two decked areas for lounging in summer, a hot tub and a games room with TV. You get your own parking and a spacious open-plan dining and sitting room, with a wood burner serving both. And there are books and games for rainy days and a lovely warm conservatory for a quiet read with panoramic sea views.
Walks on the South West Coast Path start from outside the door in either direction – walk all the way to Brixham if you’ve enough puff, but you may want to get the bus back. Cook in the sociable kitchen but if you don’t feel like it then wander down the road to the Cary Arms for a slap up meal.
“Gather the family or a group of friends and head on down to Babbacombe Bay to this fresh, comfortable and roomy cottage.” – Inspector, Nicola
Willows Rest, Totnes
Sleeps 12
Round up family and friends and head for the glorious South Hams and this eco-friendly barn conversion for ten, plus an extra cottage for those wishing to flee the general throng. With so much space inside and out, you couldn’t fail to feel happy here. Snuggled within the grounds you will find pretty gardens, an indoor heated swimming pool (book a 2-hour private slot), a luxury cedar hot tub with fire pit, outdoor barbecue area and a wooden play-area for little ones.
The five good-sized bedrooms in the barn are downstairs. Upstairs to an enormous, beamed living room with a sleek kitchen at one end – soft sofas, good books and a wood-burner at the other. Another sitting room has a strapping TV and a corner sofa which teenagers will hog.
“We had a wonderful week with family in this warm and comfortable holiday home. Everything you could possibly need with children on holiday is provided and the swimming pool is an added bonus.” – Guest, Sue
The Recording Studios, Salcombe
Sleeps 12
Gaze at the stars from the hot tub with a bottle of bubbly at this big sociable barn, once a recording studio for Led Zeppelin. It’s a superb escape for groups of friends or families, just a short walk from Salcombe for beaches, bars and boats. It’s well set up for children with books, games, highchairs, dogs, ponies and hens so bring everyone and take the Stables below – together they sleep 18 and there’s room for all in the huge dining kitchen at a great big table.
It’s a 15-minute walk down the lane for excellent seafood at the Crab Shed, and drinks at the stylish Gin Bar; ten more to the boutiques and boats of Salcombe. If you return in the dark – bring torches!
“What a fab place to stay! Perfect for a family get-together, beautifully done up and so close to Salcombe but out of the hustle and bustle too so you can really relax.” – Guest, Lucy
Stay at The Recording Studios >
Meadow Barn at Bottle Farm, Axminster
Sleeps 2
This light, airy and comfortable barn conversion sits on a farm with stunning views over the Dorset/Devon border just five miles to the sea. A gravelled garden round the back has a table and chairs, wood-fired hot tub and a firepit with logs (and marshmallows) provided. You walk straight into an open-plan space with a double bed at one end, a sofa in the middle and the kitchen along one wall.
It’s not huge but exceptionally high ceilings make it feel spacious and big bi-folding doors and windows let the light flood in. You’ll find eggs from the farm hens, biscuits from Moores Biscuits down the road (makers of the famous Dorset Knob), a loaf of homemade sourdough and all the basics. Ask Alice about buying their homegrown meat and charcuterie.
“Our third visit to Bottle Farm. We love the location and the stunning views across the fields, you really do feel a long way from urban life.” – Guest, May
Stay at Meadow Barn at Bottle Farm >
Cheristow Farm Cottages, Hartland
Sleeps 4-6
Unwind in this secluded spot close to Hartland Abbey and a superb stretch of the South West Coast Path. Come for silence and hooting owls, for fresh Atlantic air and starry skies. Wander through ancient woodland to Hartland, head for Hartland Quay, for a high-tide swim below gigantic cliffs and a pint at The Wreckers Retreat.
Return to gaze out to the sea beyond the tower of St Nectan’s church, soak and steam in the spa room (available to book by the hour) or hunker down by the wood burner. You stay in two cosy old cottages and a bright, modern renovation in a cluster with others. Children will love free ranging in the play area and helping to feed the chickens and ducks.
“We enjoyed a wonderful stay with our kids at Cheristow Cottages — peaceful, lovely, cosy, calm and extremely well equipped. There’s even a sauna and a hot tub.” – Guest, Martina
Stay at Cheristow Farm Cottages >
