Cottages in Sidmouth

Where the cottages are

BritStays currently lists 66 cottages in and around Sidmouth, and they aren't evenly spread. Most, 39 in all, are in Sidmouth itself. Honiton has 10 and Beer and Branscombe has 7. After that the numbers thin out: 3 each in Cullompton and in Taunton and The Quantocks, 2 in Tiverton, and one apiece in Seaton and Chard. If you're happy to base yourself in Sidmouth, you'll have the widest choice. If your heart is set on one of the smaller areas, you'll have far fewer options and less room to be fussy about dates.

Coast or countryside?

If you want a seaside feel, the names of some stays give a fair hint. The Coastal Hideaway in Sidmouth sleeps 7, and Beer and Branscombe has Beachcomber Cottage and The Sail Loft. For something more rural, East Hill Pride Farm in Sidmouth has both a Shepherd's Hut and a Log Cabin, and Otter Pods Glamping Park - Willow is also listed under Sidmouth. Further inland, Taunton and The Quantocks offers Sparrow's Nest and The Shepherds's Barn. Names only tell you so much, though. Read each listing's description and photos to check the setting and views before you commit.

Matching the stay to your group

Group size narrows things down quickly. Here's how the example stays break down:

• Couples: Sparrow's Nest, The Sail Loft, East Hill Pride Farm - Shepherd's Hut and Otter Pods Glamping Park - Willow all sleep 2.
• Small families or friends: Fawns Cottage in Cullompton sleeps 3. Wonkey Donkey Cottage, Barn Owls Holiday Bungalow, East Hill Pride Farm - Log Cabin and Otters Cottage in Honiton each sleep 4.
• Larger groups: The Shepherds's Barn sleeps 5. Beachcomber Cottage, Teal Cottage and Parkfield 22 each sleep 6, and The Coastal Hideaway sleeps 7.

Dog owners: the facility information we hold for these cottages doesn't record pet policies. Before you book, ask the owner directly whether dogs are welcome, how many, whether there's an extra charge and whether any rooms are off limits. Get the answer in writing.

What the facilities tell you

The most commonly listed facility is EV charging nearby, recorded for 22 of the 66 cottages. Wonkey Donkey Cottage, Barn Owls Holiday Bungalow and Parkfield 22 in Sidmouth all have it, as do Teal Cottage in Honiton and both Beer and Branscombe examples.

Only 3 cottages are listed as near a train station: Teal Cottage, Beachcomber Cottage and The Sail Loft. If you're hoping to travel without a car, start with those. Parking and being near a bus stop are each recorded for just one cottage. That almost certainly understates what's really available, so don't assume a cottage has no parking. Don't assume it has parking either. Check with the owner, especially if you're bringing more than one car.

Things to do once you're there

There's a good mix of days out for different interests:

• Historic houses and heritage: Escot House and Blackborough House for stately homes, Hemyock Castle, and The Forge (National Trust).
• With children: Diggerland is a theme park, and Paignton Zoo suits animal lovers.
• Museums: Coldharbour Woolen Museum, Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life, Crewkerne Museum, Dulverton Heritage Centre, St. Lawrence Chapel and Church House.

Some of these will be a longer drive than others depending on where you stay, so check journey times before you plan a day around one. We don't hold opening times, so confirm those directly too. Many smaller museums and heritage sites keep shorter or seasonal hours.

When to book

We don't publish live availability here, but the numbers point to a few sensible habits:

• Larger groups should book first. Only a handful of the example stays sleep 6 or more, and they'll be the first to go in school holidays and over bank holiday weekends.
• Book early if you want a specific area. Seaton and Chard each have a single cottage, and Tiverton has two. If one of those is booked, there's no alternative in the same place.
• Be flexible with dates if you can. Outside the main holiday weeks you're more likely to find your first choice free, and you'll have more of Sidmouth's 39 cottages to pick from.
• Check the small print. Before paying a deposit, confirm the changeover day, any minimum stay, parking arrangements and the pet policy.