The urban guide to the countryside -
Little Black Book
Travel
Saunton Sands Hotel
Muddy says: Everything a tired mumma and papa might want from a family-friendly hotel: fab food, a contemporary spa, the natural playground of beach and dunes on your doorstep, and did I mention the FREE childcare?
The Pig at Combe
Muddy says: Laid-back, classy, glamorous, likes kids (most of the time) - not me, silly! I'm talking about The Pig at Combe! You know a hotel is gonna be good when a cocktail bar is the first thing you clock as you walk in the door.
Broomhill Art Hotel
Muddy says: Like Tracey Emin's My Bed? You'll love bedding down at Devon's unique art hotel and waking up surrounded by sculpture, paintings and chic objet d'art. And that delicious slow food menu deserves a Turner Prize too.
Luxury Coastal
Muddy says: Wishing for a seaside getaway in Devon? Let me be your fairy godmother! Meet holiday rental gurus, Luxury Coastal and their curated collection of properties across the south west.
Ilsington Country House Hotel & Spa
Muddy says: You heard it from Taylor: you need to calm down! And here's a chilled-out country house hotel on Dartmoor with a spa, sauna, steam room, hydrotherapy pool and two treatment rooms to do it in. Go get pampered!
Deer Park Country House
Muddy says: OMG I love it this Georgian wedding and party venue. Hurry up and get married please and invite me PRONTO or else I'm moving in. And never leaving.
The Beach Hut
Muddy says: Robinson Crusoe, I've pinched your island! Fancy an off-grid beach bolthole made just for two?
The Lamb Inn, Sandford
Muddy says: I'm planning to steal this wonderful village pub with rooms - or start a campaign to bring it my manor as every village should have one! In the meantime you'll just have to go Sandford.
Dreamcatchers, St Mawes
Muddy says: Give us more, more, more of Dreamcatchers in St Mawes! Luxury self-catering with 180-degree estuary views, concierge service and beds fit for a queen.
Bearslake Inn, Sourton
Muddy says: Historic and moorsy, this 13th century inn off Dartmoor's Granite Way is THE spot for jaw-dropping views and slap-up Sunday lunches and pub classics; plus six cottage-style rooms.
Gitcombe House Country Cottages & Spa
Muddy says: Want an easy getaway for all the family, without compromising on the luxuries? We've found the perfect cluster of cottages for your consideration, with a brand new baby on the block - and it's a beauty!
Beyond Escapes, Berry Pomeroy
Muddy Says: A gorgeously secluded selection of luxury lodges, suites and apartments just outside Totnes, close to Torbay coastline, with a rather spanky spa and gym on-site, plus a relaxed restaurant, with views.
Lower Keats Glamping, Tytherleigh
Muddy says: 6 safari tents decadently decked out, panoramic countryside views, minutes from the Jurassic Coast, farmland fun for kids. With every single detail taken care of, can (posh) camping be any more of a doddle?
Cliff House, Torcross
Muddy says: Well hello Cliff House, you South Devon beauty! Need a view of the sea from your family-friendly holiday rental? Try panoramic views on three sides in this one.
Sunridge Treehouse, Lodge & Glamping, nr Yealmpton
Muddy says: is this the coolest spot to glamp it up in Devon? With a lodge, a treehouse, luxury bell tents and a cute ecopod all in residence hidden amidst the woodland, well, quite possibly, yes.
Thurlestone Hotel, Kingsbridge
Muddy says: A super-pretty playground with a timeless charm, this family-friendly hotel will have you yearning for a staycation (not least because of *that* spa).
The Old Kennels
Muddy says: we're totally on board with the idea of a little creative indulgence, but wouldn't it be lovely if there were a place that took you out of the everyday and into a pretty, peaceful and relaxing space to focus on learning something new? Oh, hello The Old Kennels, the pleasure is all ours.
Longlands Luxury Glamping, Combe Martin
Muddy says: After a stay at this pretty damn idyllic spot near the North Devon coast, you'll never, ever want to camp without a Chesterfield sofa again. This is every glamper's dream, basically a boutique hotel under canvas.
Southernhay House, Exeter
Muddy Says: In a city where bland chain hotels dominate, what a relief to discover a small, indie, boutique hotel that should be on everyone's 'must-stay' list. Exeter's best-kept secret.
Orbis Expeditions
Muddy says: Ahhh, finally a travel company offering so much more than a bog standard package holiday! If it's the year for experiential travel, or a really immersive cultural experience and Malawi is top of your list of must-visit places, then you, my friend, can stop the search now.
Coast & Country Cottages
Muddy says: award-winning? Yep; decent selection of gorgeous properties to choose from? Massive, actually; Super-knowledgeable? When it comes to South Devon, definitely. Need any more reasons to look up Coast & Country Cottages when you plan your next trip this way? I could go on...
Paschoe House, Bow
Muddy says: Romantic, relaxed, super-stylish and the ultimate in fun and luxury. As Devon's destination hotels go, Paschoe House, the newest bolthole on the block, takes some beating.
Holiday Accommodation Devon
Muddy says: two cracking holiday rentals in great locations around Teignmouth for all the family. All you have to do is decide if you want contemporary luxury, or characterful cosiness. What a dilemma.
Burgh Island Hotel, Bigbury-on-Sea
Muddy says: An iconic, glamorous, superluxe Art Deco hotel standing majestically on its own island off the south Devon coast; a secluded retreat, surrounded by natural drama.
West Charleton Grange, nr Kingsbridge
Muddy says: With six super-luxe self-catering cottages nestled in one of the prettiest parts of Devon, is there anywhere more geared up for family-friendly holidays and group shindigs? Err, we think not.
Beach Retreats
Muddy says: what makes the perfect, luxurious beach escape? The right beach? Tick. The right surroundings? Tick. And most importantly, the right place. Tick tick tick!
Braunton Holiday Cottage
Muddy says: this rather handsome Georgian home, with a relaxed family-friendly vibe is right in the centre of one of North Devon's loveliest villages, putting you a hop, skip and a surf away from the coast's most magnificent beaches.
