As one of the UK’s premier fishing destinations, Devon is a beautiful bolt-hole packed with fantastic fishing cottages, glamping sites and holiday homes ripe for the picking. One of our favourite places to fish, Devon’s sea fishing locations are some of the best in the country and the surrounding scenery is jaw-dropping. And the fishing’s not bad either.
When it comes to fishing holidays, Devon has some absolutely fantastic coarse and sea-fishing options. From award-winning campsites to private lakeside holiday cottages, there are some fantastic family-friendly fishing holidays alongside more rugged, angler-friendly places to get your teeth into.
So find some of the country’s best fishing holiday options inland and along the Devon coast here. You can also see the best fishing holidays in Dorset and the best fishing holidays in Cornwall here.
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What’s on this page?
How did we pick the best fishing holidays in Devon?
Devon is one of the best places to fish in the country. With warmer sea temperatures and an abundance of fantastic fishing marks, the county isn’t short of a few squid. In order to refine the best fishing holidays we Devon we considered;
- Location: We have a number of favourite fishing locations in Devon and these properties traverse those locations. From the more rugged Bideford on Devon’s north coast to the more touristy Teignmouth, we aren’t short of options.
- Access: This is particularly important if you’re sea or kayak fishing. For most properties, you want to be able to start fishing within 15 minutes of leaving the door. But ideally in less than five.
- Amenities: Not essential, but for us we always like a pub and restaurant on the doorstep. Particularly if you’re planning on spending long days out on the bank, boat or rocks.
- Coarse and saltwater options: Ideally a property would have both, but we have balanced the two.
- Storage: Particularly important for families, kayakers and outdoor sports enthusiasts.
What is the best fishing holiday in Devon?
Riverside House is our favourite fishing getaway in one of our favourite fishing counties – Devon. With stunning views over Frogmore Creek – an estuary that joins the Kingsbridge Estuary – joining the sea at Salcombe.
With three kayaks readily available to use the estuary fishing is superb and its proximity to an area of the south coast that is one of our favourite fishing spots in the entire country, particularly the stretch of coastline from Prawle Point to Start Point Lighthouse.
If it’s a relaxing coarse fishing getaway you’re after, we recommend Clawford Lakes as a relaxing, lakeside getaway with over 80 acres of land and lakes for you to enjoy.
The best coarse fishing holidays and holiday cottages in Devon
Below are the best coarse fishing holidays available in Devon. From large family-friendly lakes to beautiful little cottages and the banks of a river, coarse fishing getaways in Devon have something to suit every coarse fishing fan.
Clawford Lakes
Clawford Lakes is one of Devon’s most impressive lakeside fishing holidays. The 80-acre wildlife haven is famous for its coarse fishing and has a number of accommodation options for avid anglers, including floating lodges, lake pods and holiday lodges.
The lakes themselves are well stocked, with roach, tench, rudd, perch and carp up to 30lb not uncommon. Thanks to the resort’s proximity to Bude and the Cornish coastline, some quality sea fishing is only half an hour’s drive away.
What really sets Clawford Lakes apart is the quality of its facilities and the family and couple-friendly options. The estate itself is stunning and on-site facilities (lakes, kayaks, spa, bar and restaurant and paddleboarding) are fantastic for fishermen, families and couples alike.
Lakeview Manor Hotel
Lakeview Manor Hotel is a sister hotel to Clawford Lakes and part of the Lakeshore Leisure Group. Situated in the Claw Valley and in between a couple of national parks, this manor house and suite Devonian lakeside lodges is another stunning fishing location. For those on the lookout for some sea fishing, its proximity to the South West Coastal Path and famous fishing locations like Beer and Exmouth makes for a fantastic break.
You can fish for carp up to 30lb, tench, rudd and perch on two private spring-fed lakes and for brown trout on the nearby River Otter. Those on the lookout for some saltwater fishing can travel to Beer, Exmouth or Lyme Regis for mackerel or bass. Otherwise, just sit back and unwind in a serene location.
Whilst Lakeview Manor isn’t as famed for its fishing or watersports activities when compared to Clawford Lakes, it’s a slightly more mature environment. Slightly less family-friendly, but arguably calmer.
Anglers Paradise
The aptly named Anglers Paradise is arguably the most impressive coarse fishing location in Devon. With over 30 lakes to choose from – including 12 exclusive ones and four miles of bank to fish – there are carp to mid 30lb, Wels Catfish now over 100lb, double figure koi, golden orfe and Tench well over 5lb, the main fishing lakes are home to some serious coarse fishing.
The resort is set on over 250 acres of land, rich in wildlife and has a host of excellent, family-friendly facilities (spa, sauna, games room et al), it’s a fantastic family-friendly break. The family villas can accommodate anywhere from up to nine people.
For those in the market for a little sea fishing, Anglers Paradise is a 25-minute drive to Bude, where some mackerel fishing and South West Coast Path walks are commonplace.
Peace Cottage
Peace Cottage is a beautiful cottage situated just over the Tamar River, straddling the border of Cornwall and Devon. This AONB is absolutely picturesque and – outside of the fishing – makes for some stunning walking. The house itself is really nicely laid out with high-quality fixtures and fittings. The hot tub and shared swimming pool are a fantastic touch, of course. But that doesn’t have an impact on the fishing. And if you’re down in the darker, colder months, make sure you crack the wood burner on.
Just 13 miles from the nearest beach, and very close to the point where two rivers cross (Tamar and Tavy) and head towards the sea at Plymouth. A superb spot for some kayak fishing, so make sure you pack your best kayak fishing rods and accessories. In fact, these tributaries join up with the Lymher River, so the kayak exploration and estuary fishing you could do is some of the best in the country.
If you’re an estuary bass hunter, a mullet fanatic or a kayak fishing living this spot is up there for you.
River Cottage
River Cottage is a beautiful three-bedroomed cottage nestled just outside Lynmouth on the North Devon coast. This gives you excellent access to both coarse and sea fishing, with some fantastic saltwater action on Exmoor’s north coast for bass, skate, conger and cod to name a few. The East Lyn River itself was (like many British estuaries) famed for its salmon fishing. Unfortunately, the population of Atlantic salmon has dropped dramatically over the last few decades. But the river still provides some high-quality game fishing.
So if you’re looking for self-sufficient accommodation with stunning views and access to both salt and freshwater fishing, this pet-friendly holiday home is a beautiful option.
As the East Lyn River is in Exmoor National Park a permit is required for fishing there. You can find the type of permit required and who owns the fisheries in the southwest on Get Hooked’s website.
Riverside House
Riverside House is a stunning holiday cottage with exceptional views of Frogmore Creek – an estuary that joins the Kingsbridge Estuary and joins the sea at Salcombe. With three kayaks readily available to use the estuary fishing is superb. Even if they aren’t fishing-specific kayaks, this is a fantastic touch for the keen angler. Of course, you can bring your own sea fishing kayak or inflatable fishing kayak if you’re looking for a true kayak fishing experience. But if you don’t have access to one these kayaks will work fine.
This area of the south coast is one of our favourite fishing marks in Devon, particularly the stretch of coastline from Prawle Point to Start Point lighthouse. The further east you go you’ll find Hallsands and Beesands are themselves renowned for beach fishing, throwing up some super quality skate over the years.
One of the very best options for fishing holidays in Devon Riverside House has something for everyone and is close to some fantastic, family-friendly towns and walking options.
Points like Prawle and Start are usually fantastic places to start doing some shore fishing for bass, mackerel and pollock depending on the prevailing conditions. Particularly when the area is as accessible as it is here.
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The best sea fishing holiday cottages in Devon
With some of the best sea fishing in the country, it’s no surprise that Devon is packed with some incredible saltwater angling breaks and holiday homes. There are beautiful old barns, brand-new apartments and incredibly unique boathouses and beach huts that you don’t want to miss.
The Old Cider Barn
The Old Cider Barn is a beautiful old thatched building with easy access to the beach at Hope Cove, one of South Devon’s most sought-after destinations. Nestled in the small village of Galmpton, a quant little place a couple of miles from Salcombe.
Hope Cove itself offers some very decent beach fishing, but the marks both north and south of the main beach up the South West Coastal Path offer a fantastic chance for some LRF and some large congers, huss, rays et al.
Some of the marks are particularly risky and shouldn’t be attempted unless you are with an experienced partner and you have some specialist equipment. So just be sensible, particularly when the wind is blowing into the shore and the tides are high.
12 Burgh Island Causeway
12 Burgh Island Causeway is a stunning seaside property in Bigbury-on-Sea on Devon’s southern coast, north from Hope Cove and just south of Challaborough Beach, which is well known for fishing in its own right. The mouth of the Avon Estuary around Bantham Beach has some excellent fishing spots and both beaches can be fished at night when the tide is high.
Burgh Island is famed for being a tidal island; one that you can walk right up to at low tide and can traverse the waterlogged shores at high by using the tractor that transports hotel guests and punters from the island to the mainland every hour. As Bigbury Beach is right at the mouth of the Avon Estuary, there’s some really excellent kayak fishing and estuary fishing for bass on the high and ebbing tide.
The marks here tend to fish best on the flooding tide and the beach can be particularly busy in peak season, so fishing out of season or at night/early morning tends to be best.
Moon Lizard
Moon Lizard is happily located in one of our favourite areas in Devon for fishing – Newton Ferrers. The River Yealm and Newton Creek offer some excellent estuary fishing and – for the more adventurous – kayak fishing opportunities. The area around the holiday home is about as bustling as any village gets in the sleepy Devon countryside, but the pubs are well worth a visit.
if you follow the estuary out to sea and look south, you’ll see the fingers of Silver Cove down to Swaney Cove and beyond. These represent some really excellent LRF, lure fishing and night fishing opportunities for the more adventurous sea anglers. There is a footpath that runs around the cliff that has some really accessible marks. As ever, be wary and take the proper equipment.
Dawlish Sail Loft
Dawlish Sail Loft is a super three-bedroom property with a patio/garden, direct access to the South West Coastal Path and secluded beach access. This charming little seaside town is a hotbed of fishing activity at the right time of year and has a host of excellent marks dotted along the coastline.
The rivers at both Teignmouth and Exmouth present some fantastic brackish fishing opportunities for estuary bass and seat trout amongst others. Whilst Dawlish Warren and Holcombe offer some really excellent beach fishing marks. If you’re a fan of exploring estuaries, kayak fishing and beachcasting, this is a terrific property for you.
The easy coastal path access, abundance of woodland and beachside walks and family-friendly activities in the surrounding areas make this property a great all-around angling adventure.
Sandridge Boathouse
Sandridge Boathouse is one of the most unique fishing properties we’ve found in Devon. It resembles something you’re more likely to find in the Canadian wilderness or in both physically and metaphorically faraway places like the Rocky Mountains or Colorado.
The balcony is absolutely stunning and – should you fancy bringing a fishing kayak down with you – the kayaking is superb. The mouth of the River Dart is only a short kayak away and you can venture much further up the estuary should you wish.
In terms of sea fishing marks the beaches and Brixham and Broadsands and the two headlands – Berry Head and Sharkham Point – have some amazing-looking marks for pollock, wrasse, mackerel garfish and the like, as well as some bigger huss and congers should you so wish.
Mariner’s Cottage
Mariner’s Cottage is a high-spec cottage with decking to match. The seafront view looks out to the mouth of the River Torridge and – if you’re willing to trudge up and consequently down – to the Hartland Peninsula, then you’ll find a few likely looking marks for some lure fishing off the rocks. Just be wary of the tides.
With Westward Ho! beach just south and Slapton Sands just north, you’re spoilt for choice regarding beach and river fishing marks. Another excellent property if you’re willing to take a fishing kayak out or spend some serious time doing some beach fishing, it’s an excellent choice.
The Gun House
Gun House is the best fishing getaway for couples in Devon if you’re looking to take your partner on a ‘romantic trip’ that just so happens to be a great spot to fish. Who knew? The refurbished WWII gun house is a tiny little property that sits at the mouth of the Teign in Shaldon, a quaint town with really good pubs, restaurants and amenities that is just a stone’s throw away from Teignmouth.
Fishing-wise, there are a number of marks to try on the River Teign, many of which are easily accessible by foot. As an estuary, the fishing is heavily dependent on the tide as fish like bass enter when the tide is coming in and leave as it ebbs, so make sure you’ve scouted some marks at low tide and have read up on the tide times beforehand.
For some more traditional beach or rock fishing you would be best looking at Ness Cove at the mouth of the river, further north up towards Dawlish or south at Maidencomb Beach.
Lobster Pot
Lobster Pot is a seafront apartment with incredible views and direct beach access at Westward Ho!. There are a number of different beaches you have easy access to – Westward Ho!, Saunton Sands and Greysands Beach – and the mouths of the River Torride and Taw. If you’re willing to put in the effort, there are some good LRF and kayak fishing opportunities there for the taking.
As the area around Appledore and Bideford is relatively well known, it’s a good place to go as a family thanks to the abundance of pubs, restaurants and cafes in the surrounding area. You can have an action-packed fishing getaway without compromise. With the Royal Devon Golf Club right on your doorstep and easy access to stunning coastal walks and nature reserves, this is a lovely holiday home.
Whilst you can fish the beach itself at Westward Ho!, it isn’t a renowned mark for beachcasting. However, the rocks that traverse the beach and are visible at low tide are good bass fishing marks, particularly with peeler crabs.
Waterfront Horizon
Waterfront Horizon is another modern apartment on Westward Ho!. The seafront apartment has beautiful views and – as you can see from the above picture – has some excellent rough ground right in front of the balcony. Any bass fisherman will instantly see the appeal.
With super storage, off-road parking and excellent access to coastal and beachside walks, this apartment is fuss-free, comfortable and (small) family-friendly.
Capstone Oceanside
Waterfront Capstone 8 is a beautifully situated North Devon apartment with stunning views over the Bristol Channel and the North Devon coast. With Tunnels and Lee Bay beaches to the west and Hele Bay, Broadsands and Combe Martin to the east, there is no shortage of fishing marks to try. If you’re feeling brave and fancy combining some walking and fishing, then Bull Point and Morte Point are well worth exploring. The rocky marks and relatively easy access make for some very decent bass fishing spots.
Ilfracombe is one of the jewels in the north Devon crown and the surplus of beautiful beaches, moorland and walking routes makes this much more than just a fishing holiday. In Ilfracombe, there are multiple fishing charters you can take out for mackerel, wreck fishing and – whisper it quietly – some tuna fishing charters.
If you’re in the market for some walking, fishing and possibly some surfing, this is a great choice.
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The Edge
The Edge is a genuinely beautiful riverside property that looks like a shrunken-down castle on the banks of the River Dart, and is almost purpose-built for fishermen. Perfectly positioned for all manner of fishing and with such easy access to so many marks, it’s one of the best on the market.
This architect-designed property overlooks Dartmouth and the River Dart’s mouth as it rolls into the sea. As the sailboats bob about in the forefront of your view, just sit back and watch the world go by until the tide and conditions match your fishing desires. For the kayak fishing enthusiasts you can traverse the river all the way up to Stoke Gabriel and beyond and the Dart offers some excellent estuary fishing.
If you’re more of a beach fisherman, the beaches around Blackpool Sands and Sugary Cove to the west are good options. And with such excellent access to the coastal path, this property offers some of the best fishing access in Devon.
Ocean Point
Ocean Point is an oceanfront cottage on the north Devon coast that has direct beach access to some of the best fishing, surfing and walking routes in the country. With Woolacombe Beach to the north, Saunton Sands directly in front of you and Westward Ho! to the south, beach access for fishing isn’t in short supply.
If river or estuary fishing is more your bag, then the rivers Taw and Torridge are just a few moments south in Appledore, where there are plenty of kayak fishing hotspots. For the rock fishermen out there, Baggy Point, Morte Point and Bull Point are all well worth a visit.
If you’re in the market for a sea view fishing holiday with access to some lovely beaches, towns and amenities (amenities is code for pubs of course), then Ocean Point is a great holiday home.
Shoestring Cottage
Shoestring Cottage is situated on the water’s edge at Lympstone with stunning views over the Exe Estuary and Powderham Castle on Devon’s south coast. As one of the most desirable locations in Devon, this luxury cottage is great for families and adventurous couples.
Fishing-wise, with excellent estuary fishing opportunities on the River Exe, multiple beaches to choose from including Dawlish Warren and Budleigh Salterton and some super rock fishing marks in and around those areas (try Orcombe Point and Langstone Rock), this part of Devon’s south coast offers something for everyone.
With direct access to the water and plenty of storage space for outdoor gear, it’s a fantastic spot for kayak fishing, surfing and paddleboarding. And with such good access to the South West Coast Path and other cycle trails, it’s a fantastic spot for adventurous couples.
March House
March House is a beautiful coastal home on Devon’s south coast with exceptional views over the ocean. An excellent choice for families and fishermen who need some activities to keep their families occupied, the national parks, pool and pristine patio should earn you some brownie points.
With access to both the River Tamar and River Yealm, alongside multiple beaches and coves, the fishing options around Wembury are superb. As fishermen, Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo are fantastic places to stay and explore. With direct access to the South West Coastal Path, there are some fantastic rock fishing opportunities, particularly if you’re willing to walk towards the Church of Saint Peter the Poor Fisherman.
With space for a couple of families and excellent on-site amenities (did we mention the pool and hot tub??), it’s a superb holiday home with something for everyone. Walking, fishing, cycling. Even sunbathing if you’re lucky.
Beach End
Beach End is the most spectacular property on the list and one of the very best when it comes to fishing access. It’s one of the few properties that has fishing on-site and – should you wish – you can pretty much fish from your patio.
For kayak fishing fans, traverse the River Dart further north past Stoke Gabriel and south to the mouth of the river. At the mouth of the river, beaches like Blackpool Sands and the area around Stoke Fleming to the south have some excellent fishing marks. Then to the north Broadsands Beach, Berry Head and the area around Brixham have some equally good saltwater fishing marks.
The picturesque village of Dittisham is close to Dartmouth and other surrounding villages, with easy access to some beautiful pubs and restaurants. Plenty of which are in walking distance. And whilst there’s vehicle access, it is only accessible at low tide. Which is both fun and frustrating.
Harry
Hi, I'm Harry. A keen, albeit exceedingly average fisherman. I've spent the last few years trawling London's waterways with - if I'm being kind - varied success and would love to help you avoid the mistakes I have made.
