As a cottage holiday destination, Parracombe in north Devon offers you the best of both worlds. It is located near to the coast within a few miles of Lynton and Lynmouth and it is also inside Exmoor National Park.  Parracombe also has good road links which allow easy access to the large, busy river town of Barnstaple. Although a quiet little village, Parracombe includes a shop, a pub, two churches and a school.   Nestled amongst the greenery of Exmoor National Park, Parracombe could be an excellent choice for a country cottage holiday or rural retreat break.

Facts about what Parracombe offers for Self-Catering Holidays

The village has a good deal of history behind it, dating back to the Bronze Age. There once was a Norman castle in its vicinity, presumably to protect trade and residents, or to collect taxes from bridging over the river Heddon that runs through the village. St. Petrock’s church is a grade I listed building that is no longer operational but is cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust. Parts of St. Petrocks have their origins in the 13th century, while a new church was erected in Parracombe in the late 19th century.  You can enjoy discovering plenty of historical buildings during a self-catering break in this part of Devon.

To the north of Parracombe the coast provides holidaymakers with a number of excellent beach locations.  Lynmouth, Lee Bay and Sillery Sands are close to Lynton and Lynmouth while further afield are Combe Martin, Croyde and Woolacombe. The cliff railway is a feature of the two Lyn villages. It climbs up 862 feet from Lynmouth at the bottom of the cliffs to Lynton at the top, providing you with stunning views on the way. The cliffs above this stretch of coast are the highest in England and can be best seen by taking the daily boat trip from Lynmouth along Exmoor’s heritage coast. A short walk from Lynmouth along the east Lyn river path brings you to Middleham Gardens. The hamlet with its array of cottages was washed away in the flood of 1952. The gardens were planted as a memorial to all those who perished.

Inland there are miles of Exmoor National Park to explore from your base in Parracombe. You can be as energetic as you wish and go for leisurely walks or drives around the vast, pictorial landscape, or take part in some of numerous activities and sports that are on offer. Other picturesque villages are waiting to be discovered on the moor and the wildlife is ready to put on a show for you.

We trust that you have found our hints and tips on the West Country helpful and may be even inspirational. If you have personal recommendations about this area of Devon that you want to share with us, feel free to get in touch.  From romantic cottages to pet friendly properties and country cottages, we hope you find our collection truly inspirational.