The Best Family-Friendly Hotels to Book in Devon, UK

Stay in a remote, clifftop hotel near Salcombe for an old-fashioned family break. Spend sun-soaked days on the beach, wander the South West Coastal Path, enjoy board games in the lounge or splash around in heated pools. You can even book out the 10-seat cinema room for a movie evening. Family-friendly apartments sleep up to six with open-plan kitchen and living areas. The rustic decor features exposed wooden walls, sheepskin rugs, shell prints and balconies with sea views.

Bovey Castle is perfect for active families, set over 275 acres (111ha) of Dartmoor National Park with its own 18-hole championship golf course. Activities include horse riding, swimming, tennis and croquet. Despite its grand appearance, this 1907 castle welcomes families and dogs, boasting five AA Red Stars for hospitality. The Bovey Rangers kids’ club runs in the school holidays, and there’s a crêche and babysitting service on-hand. Bovey Castle’s 22 lodges are ideal for family stays and sleep up to eight.

If you like to be beside the sea, check into this boutique hotel on South Sands Beach. This flawless stretch of sand boasts safe swimming and a tractor service to nearby coves. Two-bed suites come with kitchens, additional sofa beds and many are pet-friendly – dogs even get a welcome basket on arrival. The New England-inspired restaurant serves locally caught seafood and has a warming fireplace and floor-to-ceiling doors that open onto a terrace.

Thurlestone is a family-run luxury spa and golf hotel in South Hams. Kids will love the extensive play areas, mini golf and acclaimed school holiday clubs with sport tournaments, arts and crafts sessions and movie nights. This four-star art deco hotel is also known for its relaxing spa, sports courts and nine-hole golf course. There are multiple dining options at Thurlestone, including a children’s buffet, and family suites come with self-catering facilities.

Set on a cliff overlooking Saunton Beach, this 1930s family-friendly hotel in Devon has been extensively refurbished. Adults can make use of the new spa, gym and tennis courts, while kids enjoy the crèche and two hours of complimentary daily childcare in the playroom. There’s a large heated pool and fully inclusive activity programme in the holidays which includes falconry displays, film nights and magic shows. Other top family features include interconnecting rooms, kid-friendly dining options and free stays for children under three.