Romantic Breaks in Devon: What to Do, Where to Stay & How to Avoid the Crowds
How to find space to truly relax and enjoy unhurried days and cosy evenings
Devon is one of England’s most appealing destinations for romantic escapes for couples – but a truly memorable break isn’t about trying to pack everything in. It’s about slowing down and choosing less, but choosing well.
Where you stay, when you visit and what you do all shape whether a romantic getaway feels calm and restorative, or busy and diluted. From historic thatched cottages with fires lit in the evening, to quiet villages, unspoilt moorland and coastal paths that reward lingering rather than rushing, Devon offers countless ways to slow down as a couple.
This guide brings together some of the most romantic things to do on a couples’ getaway in Devon, along with advice on avoiding the crowds – so your time away feels indulgent, unhurried and genuinely special.
Guests staying at Moorland View also receive access to our private, guest-only guides, where we share our most personal recommendations and local gems that we prefer to keep quiet. It’s our way of helping couples experience Devon at its most romantic – and its most relaxed – with quality, intimacy and ease built in from the start.
The Best Things for Couples to Do on a Romantic Getaway in Devon
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Stroll around picture-perfect thatched villages
North Bovey is our favourite places because of its local walks and hidden gems close to the cottage, but Lustleigh, tucked away in a wooded cleave, comes a close second. It’s a rural idyll with a 13th-century church, cricket pitch, communal orchard, tea room, village shop and a friendly pub. The walk there from the cottage is one of our favourites.Climb a Dartmoor tor
For a heady shot of country air and instant perspective, take the walk up Easdon Tor — the hill you see from the main bedroom window at Moorland View. At the top you’ll get 360-degree views and likely company from grazing Dartmoor ponies.Walk to Lustleigh
The walk from North Bovey to Lustleigh is a classic: gorgeous views, a Roman fort and the magical woodland glen of Lustleigh Cleave. There’s a pub at the end. Book a taxi back if you don’t fancy returning on foot.Walk a Dartmoor gorge
Taking in a fairy-tale castle, an oak-lined gorge, an ancient stone bridge and a traditional pub, this two-hour walk along the River Teign is one of Dartmoor’s most romantic routes. Woodland paths, shaded pools and tiny rocky beaches make it perfect for picnics and toe-dipping. Finish with cream tea at Fingle Bridge Inn.Take in a view
Haytor is one of Devon’s most famous viewpoints. On a clear day you can see the coast, estuary, moors and rolling countryside. The Rock Inn in Haytor Vale is a good food stop afterwards.Visit an ancient oak forest
Wistman’s Wood is a rare remnant of Dartmoor’s prehistoric dwarf oak woodland. Moss-furred oaks and boulder-strewn ground make it feel otherworldly. The easy walk starts near Two Bridges.Visit the White Lady Gorge
Lydford Gorge is one of Devon’s most romantic natural landscapes: deep oak woodland, tumbling water and the dramatic White Lady Waterfall. Go early for the quietest experience.Climb to a 12th-century hilltop church
Dartmoor’s rugged landscape offers endless opportunities for private walks. One of the most romantic places to visit in Devon is the tiny parish church of St Michel de Rupe on Brent Tor, with spectacular views across the moor. -
Dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant
Gidleigh Park is a grand Tudor-style manor set in woodland near Chagford, known for its refined cooking and extensive wine list. Make an occasion of it and walk the grounds beforehand.Drink Dartmoor ale straight from the cask
The Rugglestone Inn in Widecombe-in-the-Moor is a moorland classic: flagstone floors, open fires and ale poured straight from the barrel, with a sheltered garden and wide views.Dine at a country inn on the edge of the moor
The Dartmoor Inn near Lydford blends old-world charm with modern cooking and is perfectly placed for a walk beforehand. Booking ahead is wise.Have lunch at a floating river café
The River Exe Café off Exmouth is a floating pontoon serving ultra-fresh seafood. Closed in winter and booking is essential in summer.Eat crispy squid by the sea
The Beach House at South Milton Sands is a weather-beaten shack right on the sand — ideal for a relaxed, romantic coastal stop.Shuck oysters by the estuary
The Oyster Shack near Bigbury is famed for its freshness, serving oysters pulled from the nearby River Avon.Eat at a cosy pub with French flair
The Millbrook Inn at South Pool mixes Devon comfort with French touches, live gypsy jazz and summer fish barbecues.Eat fish and chips by the harbour
Rockfish in Dartmouth serves excellent fish and chips alongside locally landed seafood in a relaxed waterside setting.Indulge in a traditional Devon cream tea
The Endsleigh near Tavistock is known for its generous scones, thick clotted cream and elegant, fireside surroundings. -
See how the other half live
Powderham Castle near Topsham is one of Devon’s oldest family seats, set in a deer park and open for tours through its medieval, neo-classical and Victorian rooms.Take a tour of Britain’s last castle
Castle Drogo near Drewsteignton, designed by Lutyens, offers sweeping views over the Teign Gorge and a fine walk nearby. Check restoration updates before visiting.Have Sunday lunch on a tidal island
Burgh Island’s art-deco hotel is gloriously atmospheric. Non-residents can dine on Sundays when tides allow. Booking is essential.Visit a grand Georgian house
Saltram House near Plymouth has a refined Robert Adam interior and a setting familiar to fans of period drama.Visit Agatha Christie’s holiday home
Greenway, near Dartmouth, remains wonderfully intact, with beautiful gardens overlooking the River Dart. Arriving by ferry is especially scenic. -
Swim in a stream-fed pool
The outdoor pool at Chagford sits beside the River Teign and feels as close to nature as swimming gets. It’s bracing but unforgettable.Swim in the River Dart
Spitchwick offers clean water, leafy surroundings and natural swimming pools. Go early on warm days to avoid crowds.Boat up the River Dart
From Dartmoor to Dartmouth, the River Dart is perfect for gentle boat trips or private picnic cruises, with opportunities to stop off along the way.Go sea kayaking
Guided sea-kayak trips along the south coast reveal caves and coves inaccessible on foot, with seals often close by.Go canoeing or kayaking on the moor
The River Dart offers some of Dartmoor’s best paddling routes, with guided excursions available for different abilities.Fish for your supper
Dartmoor’s rivers and reservoirs are renowned for wild trout and salmon, offering wonderfully peaceful fishing spots for licensed anglers. -
Take a road trip across the high moor
A drive across Dartmoor takes in ancient bridges, granite tors, thatched villages and 14th-century churches — one of Devon’s most romantic ways to explore.Stargaze under dark skies
With little light pollution, Dartmoor is perfect for stargazing. Hound Tor is an easy, romantic spot for watching the Milky Way on clear nights.Take to the skies in a hot-air balloon
A balloon flight over Dartmoor or towards the coast is a breathtakingly romantic way to see Devon from above. -
Bask on a beautiful beach
From sheltered coves near Salcombe to wide sandy bays further west, Devon’s south coast offers romance year-round. Go early in summer for the quietest experience.Walk the South West Coast Path
Clifftop paths between Bolt Tail and Bolt Head offer big views, hidden coves and a sense of wildness that’s hard to beat.Visit Salcombe
Pretty in every season, Salcombe is ideal for wandering, sandy coves and lingering harbour-side lunches.Drink in a pirate’s island haunt
The Pilchard Inn on Burgh Island is rich in history and drama — and reaching it at low tide or by sea tractor adds to the romance.Watch the sun set on a west-facing bay
Croyde Bay is one of Devon’s best sunset spots, with sweeping sands and dramatic cliffs glowing at dusk. -
Stock up in Chagford
A charming stannary town with good cafés, delis and independent shops, perfect for a slow afternoon. Note the half-day closing on Wednesdays.Hunt for antiques in Ashburton
Elegant and full of character, Ashburton is known for antiques, good food and a relaxed, grown-up atmosphere.Take a city stroll in Exeter
Historic streets, a Norman cathedral and a lively quayside make Exeter ideal for a gentle cultural day out.Visit Topsham
This estuary town is full of narrow lanes, waterside pubs and antique shops, with a wonderfully relaxed feel. -
We could list every secret here… but then they wouldn’t be secrets!
We’ve spent years discovering Devon’s most magical, uncrowded spots — and we don’t give them away lightly!
Book a stay at Moorland View and we’ll quietly pass on the insider tips that make all the difference. Our most precious Devon discoveries are reserved for Moorland View guests, shared once you’ve booked — just between us.
🗝️ Unlock our guest-only Devon guide
When Is The Best Season For A Romantic Holiday In Devon?
There’s no single “best” time – the most romantic season is the one that matches the pace and mood you’re looking for.
Spring (April–May) feels light and restorative. The countryside softens, days lengthen, and Devon is noticeably quieter than summer – ideal for couples who value space, gentle walks and a sense of renewal.
Summer (June–August) offers long days and warmth, but also the highest visitor numbers, especially on the coast. For a calmer experience, inland areas such as Dartmoor tend to retain more space and privacy, even at peak times.
Early autumn (September–October) is a favourite for many couples. The pace slows, colours deepen, and crowds thin. It’s particularly well suited to romantic escapes that prioritise atmosphere, comfort and unhurried time together.
Winter (November–February) is Devon at its most intimate. Dark skies, quiet landscapes and fireside evenings suit couples seeking retreat rather than activity – a quieter, more cocooning kind of romance.
For many couples, the most memorable romantic getaways happen outside peak summer, when expectations are simpler and Devon has the space to reveal itself at a slower pace.
How to Avoid the Crowds on a Romantic Devon Getaway
Avoiding crowds is one of the biggest factors in whether a romantic break in Devon feels restorative or frustrating. The good news is that Devon makes this relatively easy – if you approach it with the right mindset.
Stay in one place and do less
One of the simplest ways to avoid crowds is to resist over-planning. Couples get to know one particular area on a deeper level tend to discover quieter walks, lesser-known viewpoints and authentic travel experiences others miss. Staying somewhere that encourages slower days naturally reduces the pressure to chase highlights.
Look for experiences that have subtle charms
The most romantic things to do in Devon often aren’t headline attractions. Long walks, unhurried meals, scenic drives and evenings without plans naturally sidestep crowds while creating deeper, more personal memories.
Favour inland over coastal bases
While Devon’s coastline is beautiful, it also attracts the highest concentration of visitors, particularly in school holidays and summer weekends. Inland areas – especially places like Dartmoor National Park – feel calm year-round, with space to walk, think and explore without competing for room.
Visit well-known places at quieter times
Early mornings, late afternoons and shoulder seasons often reveal a completely different atmosphere. A well-timed, off-peak visit can turn what’s usually a busy landmark into a quietly memorable experience.
Avoid school holidays and changeover days if you can
If flexibility allows, travelling outside UK school holidays and changeover days (usually Fridays) makes an enormous difference. The same places feel calmer, more spacious and easier to enjoy as a couple.
Choosing the Right Base for a Romantic Escape
For couples planning a romantic getaway in Devon, where you stay shapes the entire experience. One of the most important choices on a romantic getaway is how you want your stay to feel day to day – whether that’s the privacy of a cottage or the structure of a hotel.
On a break for two, privacy, peace and a sense of place tend to matter far more than facilities or entertainment – particularly when the aim is to slow down, spend time together and feel genuinely removed from everyday life.
Devon offers enormous variety, from lively coastal towns and large hotels to quiet villages and rural hideaways. For many couples, the most rewarding romantic retreats are those that feel calm and personal, with space to unwind and direct access to the landscape rather than schedules, crowds or constant decision-making.
Much of Devon’s appeal for couples lies inland, where space, silence and unhurried time together shape a quieter kind of romance. In this awe-inspiring national park, the sense of retreat is especially strong. Walks begin at the door, evenings feel unstructured, and days fall into a natural rhythm without effort – a style of escape that feels quietly indulgent rather than busy.
For couples planning further ahead, our guide to honeymoons in Devon explores how Dartmoor lends itself to low-key, quietly romantic stays for newlyweds.
A quieter, more considered kind of couples’ escape
One example of this slower, more inward-focused approach is Moorland View, a boutique thatched cottage designed for couples, set within Dartmoor National Park.
Designed specifically for couples, it offers privacy and space without shared facilities or the formality of a hotel stay. Days tend to shape themselves around walks from the door, wide views and peaceful lanes, while evenings are more often spent by the fire or soaking in a deep bath than rushing out to meet reservations.
The emphasis is on comfort, calm and understated quality – a place that allows couples to settle in rather than move on. It’s a form of luxury defined by ease and atmosphere, rather than excess.
Many guests choose this style of stay for anniversaries, mini-moons and romantic escapes for two where meaningful time together matters more than ticking off attractions. Often, it’s the quiet – and the ease of stepping straight into the landscape – that makes the difference.
The cottage has been recognised by The Times, Tatler and Condé Nast Traveller for its setting and guest experience.
Is this style of romantic retreat right for you?
This kind of Devon escape tends to suit couples who value:
✓ Privacy, peace and discretion
✓ A relaxed, adult-focused atmosphere
✓ Time together without interruption
✓ Easy access to walking, scenery and villages
✓ Romance that feels calm, natural and unforced
It may not suit couples looking for:
✕ Busy nightlife or resort-style energy
✕ Large group or family-focused stays
✕ On-site entertainment or tightly packed itineraries
Often, it’s quiet, well-judged settings that allow a romantic getaway to feel truly indulgent.
If your idea of a romantic break includes bringing your dog along, you may also like our dog-friendly romantic breaks in Devon page, which explains how we keep stays calm and considered for everyone.
Luxury Romantic Breaks in Devon – Final Thoughts
When you allow time to settle, choose a base that supports calm, and resist the urge to over-plan, romantic breaks here often feel deeper and more nourishing than expected. Sleep improves. Conversations linger. Days soften at the edges.
A successful romantic break in Devon isn’t about doing more – it’s about choosing a place that lets you do less, together.
If this quieter, more restorative style of romantic break feels right, you can read more about our Dartmoor hideaway here.
ROMANTIC DEVON BREAKS - Q&A
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Yes — especially for couples who enjoy nature, good food, beautiful places and privacy rather than busy resorts.
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Devon is romantic in every season, but many couples prefer:
Autumn for colour, calm and fireside evenings
Winter for moorland walks, starry skies and cosy pubs
Spring for blossom, birdsong and fresh light
Early summer for long evenings before peak crowds arrive
Some of the most magical stays happen outside school holidays, when Devon feels slower and more intimate.
Visit our FAQ page for more romantic break booking tips
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The simplest way to avoid crowds in Devon is to choose the right location and timing. Staying inland on Dartmoor, rather than in busy coastal resorts, gives you immediate access to quiet walks, peaceful villages and open landscapes — even during peak season.
Travelling in spring or autumn, visiting popular places early or later in the day, and choosing a well-located base so you’re not constantly driving between hotspots all make a big difference. Many of Devon’s most romantic experiences happen away from the main tourist centres, where the pace is slower and the atmosphere more intimate.
When couples book a stay with us, we also share our detailed insider tips — including the quietest times to visit, lesser-known walks and uncrowded places that aren’t obvious from guidebooks — so guests can enjoy Devon at its most relaxed and unspoilt.
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Both are romantic, but they offer very different experiences.
Dartmoor is ideal for couples who want privacy, space and atmosphere. Expect wild moorland walks, misty sunsets, crackling fires, dark skies and peaceful villages where you can spend whole days without seeing crowds. It’s especially romantic outside peak summer and perfect for slowing down and reconnecting.
The Devon coast suits couples who love sea views, beach walks and lively harbour towns. It’s beautiful, but often busier, particularly during school holidays, and usually involves more driving between places.
For many couples, the best choice is Dartmoor as a romantic base, with the coast enjoyed as a day trip. This gives you calm, seclusion and cosy evenings, while still having Devon’s beaches within easy reach — without the crowds or constant travelling.
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Yes — there are dog-friendly romantic breaks in Devon, especially if you choose a private cottage like Moorland View rather than a hotel.
Many couples want to bring their dog without sacrificing peace, privacy or atmosphere, and rural Devon is ideal for this. Areas like Dartmoor are particularly popular, offering quiet walks, open landscapes and dog-friendly pubs — perfect for relaxed days out together.
Moorland View Cottage offers a dog-friendly romantic break for couples who want both comfort and character. One well-behaved adult dog is welcome, and the cottage’s peaceful village setting, moorland walks from the door and cosy interiors mean you don’t have to compromise on romance to bring your dog along.
For couples, the most romantic dog-friendly breaks in Devon are those that combine seclusion, beautiful scenery and a stay designed around adults, rather than busy, multi-dog holiday parks or large hotels.
Many couples choose Dartmoor for a romantic escape with their dog, thanks to its peaceful walks, open landscapes and relaxed, dog-friendly pubs. Moorland View Cottage welcomes one well-behaved adult dog, offering couples a secluded, characterful base where they can enjoy privacy, cosy interiors and moorland walks straight from the door — without compromising on romance.
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The most romantic places to stay in Devon are peaceful, secluded locations rather than busy resorts. Many couples find Dartmoor especially romantic, thanks to its wild landscapes, ancient villages and sense of escape.
Set in the historic Dartmoor village of North Bovey, Moorland View Cottage is designed specifically for romantic breaks. This thatched, Grade II-listed cottage offers privacy, a wood-burning stove, a copper bath for two and easy access to Devon’s most beautiful walks, restaurants and spas — making it an ideal base for a truly romantic stay.
For couples considering different styles of romantic escape, we’ve explored a handful of themes in more depth below.
Looking for a romantic break in Dartmoor? Discover why couples are drawn to its quiet landscapes, cosy evenings and relaxed pace – far from busy tourist hotspots.