A great location for a family holiday. Ideal for beaches, countryside or simply enjoying the outdoor area.. 4 steps to entrance.
All on the Ground Floor:
Open plan living space.
Living area: Smart TV, DVD Player
Dining area: French Doors Leading To Decked Area
Kitchen area: Electric Cooker, Microwave, Fridge, Freezer, Dishwasher, Washing Machine
Bedroom 1: Kingsize (5ft) Bed, Freeview TV Ensuite: Bath With Shower Over, Heated Towel Rail, Toilet
Bedroom 2: Zip And Link 2 x Single (3ft) Beds Ensuite: Cubicle Shower, Toilet. Oil central heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Travel cot and highchair available on request. Welcome pack. Enclosed lawned garden with decked area, garden furniture and barbecue. 260-acre farmland (shared with owner). Private parking for 2 cars. No smoking. Please note: There is a step in the garden.. Swallows Retreat is the perfect choice for a relaxing holiday for family and friends at any time of year. This renovated, detached barn conversion is beautifully furnished and sits beside the owner’s 260-acre cattle and sheep farm within the Hartland Peninsula. The property features granite worktops in the kitchen and both bedrooms have a TV. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is on the stunning North Devon Coast just 3 miles from the coastal path. You can stroll out direct from the farm on many circular coastal walks and enjoy stunning views of Welcombe and Welcombe Mouth. Conveniently placed on the Devon/Cornwall border, this is an ideal location for a seaside holiday. The coastline in both directions offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the West Country and there are many long sandy beaches and hidden coves to explore.
Hartland village is just 3 miles away and has a good selection of village shops and pubs serving food. Bude, 13 miles, also has a variety of shops and restaurants, many specialising in locally caught seafood. There is also a golf course, indoor ‘Splash’ pool’, surf schools and bowling. The delightful port town of Bideford, 16 miles, has all town amenities, restaurants, a weekly market and boat trips to Lundy Island. Coastal walking, cycling, golf, riding, fishing, surfing and sailing are all available in this stunning area. Docton Mill, Hartland Quay and Hartland Abbey are close by along with many pretty fishing villages to explore including nearby Clovelly, Instow and Appledore. For family fun the Big Sheep and Milky Way Adventure parks are a must. Shop 3 miles, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.
Free WiFi
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The guest will be charged 50% amount for a cancellation after the reservation is made.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
Bideford
Located in Bideford, this cottage is in a rural area. The area's natural beauty can be seen at North Devon Coast and Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, while Shipwreck Museum and The Castle Bude are cultural highlights. Docton Mill Gardens & Tea Rooms and The Milky Way Adventure Park are also worth visiting.
Is A great location for a family holiday. pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at A great location for a family holiday.?
As of 13 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at A great location for a family holiday. on 8 May 2026 start from NZ$311, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at A great location for a family holiday.?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at A great location for a family holiday.?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at A great location for a family holiday.?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is A great location for a family holiday. located?
Situated in a rural location, this cottage is 2.8 mi (4.6 km) from Docton Mill Gardens & Tea Rooms and within 6 miles (10 km) of North Devon Coast and Welcombe Mouth Beach. Hartland Forest and Spekes Mill Beach are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Beautiful cottage. Extremely comfortable, clean, well equipped and cosy. Great for our short break
Shirley Bowman
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Liz Chamberlain
7 September 2025
wonderfull, spotless bungalow, beautiful location and lovelly owners on hand if you need anything, c
wonderfull, spotless bungalow, beautiful location and lovelly owners on hand if you need anything, couldnt fault it at all. highly recommend.
Liz Chamberlain
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Emma THOMAS
7 August 2025
Swallows Retreat is a lovely spacious cottage, ideal for a family of 4 or like us, two couples.
Swallows Retreat is a lovely spacious cottage, ideal for a family of 4 or like us, two couples. The bedrooms are at opposite ends which gives a good degree of privacy. Nicely appointed, immaculately clean and with plenty of board games and lots of information on the local area, you really would be hard pushed to find fault. Nice welcome 'basket' of bacon, eggs, sausage and bread. The beds are VERY comfortable, with plenty of pillow and extra bedspread options for your comfort. There's a small decked area outside where we sat in the evening with a table and wicker furniture. The cottage is on a farm and is a little remote. It was perfect for us for a 2 night stay, but for a longer stay you might find it harder to nip out for supplies, etc. The owner came and said hello on the first day but other than that we had complete privacy. The views of the surrounding countryside are spectacular. Take kitchen roll , shower gel, shampoo & sauces, but loo roll is provided. TV n each bedroom and the lounge. If you're looking to get away from it all this is the perfect place.
Emma THOMAS
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Lisa
28 December 2020
We stayed here this Christmas and had a lovely time, very cosy, clean welcoming and well equipped th
We stayed here this Christmas and had a lovely time, very cosy, clean welcoming and well equipped the cottage was even decorated for Christmas which was so lovely. We will be definitely staying here again.
Review independently collected and verified by Reevoo
Lisa
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Leighton
2 October 2020
The most wonderful week spent at this wonderful cottage.
The most wonderful week spent at this wonderful cottage. A recently refurbished milking shed on a working farm. Beautifully decorated and furnished. Every thing you can think of is there. The hosts are lovely people and care about your stay. The location could be a bit remote for those who want a bells and whistles holiday but for a peaceful relaxing and restful holiday it will be hard to beat. Easy to find your way around once you have gotten used to the grass in the middle of the lanes. Would we recommend this staycation mos definitely.
Review independently collected and verified by Reevoo
Leighton
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Rachel
11 September 2020
As a family of 4, we stayed in Swallows Retreat between 22nd - 31st August 2020.
As a family of 4, we stayed in Swallows Retreat between 22nd - 31st August 2020.
We had read some very positive reviews and on arrival we were not disappointed.
This stunning cottage on the Hartland peninsular was exactly as described. It is beautiful, peaceful, comfortable, very clean and extremely well equipped for a relaxing family stay.
We were greeted by Heather, who was very welcoming and left us a beautiful breakfast basket on arrival. Although remote (access to a car is essential) the cottage is ideally placed to visit the north Cornwall and Devon coastline. We enjoyed visiting the beaches at Bude and Croyde Bay whilst we stayed there. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend this cottage and we will most certainly be back again!
Review independently collected and verified by Reevoo
Rachel
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Adrian
28 August 2020
Extremely quiet, peaceful and picturesque rural location.
Extremely quiet, peaceful and picturesque rural location. Very modern fittings and equipment in the cottage with everything you could need. Friendly owners provided a wonderful welcome pack which set us up with food for arrival.
A great location to explore both North Devon and into Cornwall. We had a lovely week and used this as a base to explore north devon and we went to bude, westward ho, biddeford, combe Martin, clovelly abd even Newquay, and many other locations. We would highly recommend this cottage for a relaxed break and as a base for exploring.
The only point of note is that this is a very rural and secluded location with many narrow small lanes to negotiate. You will need a car and willingness to use your car to travel to get to beaches etc as required.
We had a lovely week and will return to Devon again.
Review independently collected and verified by Reevoo
Adrian
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Robert
29 July 2020
everything about this holiday was amazing from the moment we arrived to the point when we left.
everything about this holiday was amazing from the moment we arrived to the point when we left. I can't think of anything that could have been done better. the rooms are clean and spacious and both have an en suite and on your arrival you are provided with a wonderful breakfast basket which made the whole experience that little more special. I cannot wait to go again.
Review independently collected and verified by Reevoo
Robert
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Ken
18 July 2020
Very nice cottage but the Tv did not work for 4 days and then just free view channels .
Very nice cottage but the Tv did not work for 4 days and then just free view channels .
Otherwise nice and quiet but
No local amenities .
Review independently collected and verified by Reevoo
Ken
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Daniel
22 October 2019
Swallows Retreat is a great property in beautiful surroundings.
Swallows Retreat is a great property in beautiful surroundings. The cottage is very comfortable and clean with a well equipped kitchen. The owners are lovely and even left a much appreciated breakfast basket.
The property is in a really quiet and peaceful area with views across open country to the sea. A great location for access to both North Devon and Cornwall.
This has to be one of the best properties we have rented and will definitely be looking to stay here again next time we visit North Devon.
Many thanks for a great week.
Daniel
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
William
28 September 2019
Excellent enjoyed the rest and tranquility, would recommend to anyone.
Excellent enjoyed the rest and tranquility, would recommend to anyone.
William
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Angela
19 September 2019
Brilliant cottage beautifully furnished & very well looked after.
Brilliant cottage beautifully furnished & very well looked after. We were impressed with the cleanliness & how much care must have gone into ensuring that everything we could have wanted was there. Highly recommended.
Angela
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Fay
1 September 2019
Excellent cottage in peaceful location but within easy access to a variety of attractions.
Excellent cottage in peaceful location but within easy access to a variety of attractions. Had a great week exploring Devon and North Cornwall with our 2 teenage daughters.
Fay
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Joanna
31 August 2019
We had a wonderful week staying at Swallows Retreat.
We had a wonderful week staying at Swallows Retreat. The cottage was very clean, beautifully furnished and had everything you could need. There any many great places to visit nearby and we had a brilliant time!
Joanna
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Tony
29 July 2019
Great place to stay ,very clean and tidy,best cottage I’ve stayed in.
Great place to stay ,very clean and tidy,best cottage I’ve stayed in.very private to,would defiantly recommend
Tony
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Carol
15 July 2019
We have stayed in lots of holiday cottages, but none of them have ever been as clean and comfortable
We have stayed in lots of holiday cottages, but none of them have ever been as clean and comfortable as this one. The owners have thought of every comfort. There was a lovely welcome pack all the ingredients for a cooked breakfast. Beautiful setting very quiet. I would describe this cottage as luxury and would recommend to all my friends and family.
Carol
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Sarah
1 July 2019
We would thoroughly recommend a delightful stay in this lovely cottage, really beautiful.
We would thoroughly recommend a delightful stay in this lovely cottage, really beautiful. Hartland is a good choice to stay as you have the best of both worlds, Devon and Cornwall. Such a glorious part of the country.
Sarah
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Alexander
18 June 2019
Swallows retreat was absolutely lovely, clean, comfortable and had everything you could need.
Swallows retreat was absolutely lovely, clean, comfortable and had everything you could need. It was in a picture perfect location and was so quite and peaceful. They owners were also very friendly and accommodating. We would definitely recommend anyone staying there.
Alexander
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Debbie
5 June 2019
A lovely place to stay accommodation was excellent.
A lovely place to stay accommodation was excellent. The owners were very welcoming nothing too much trouble.
Debbie
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Lucy
12 May 2019
We had an absolutely brilliant long weekend in this delightful cottage.
We had an absolutely brilliant long weekend in this delightful cottage. The facilities were fantastic and the view down to the sea was stunning. The welcome pack was superb & the owner was very welcoming & helpful. We would love to come back to this cottage.
Lucy
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Emma
28 April 2019
We really enjoyed our stay during Easter.
We really enjoyed our stay during Easter. It was just what I needed being 8 months pregnant and there was plenty of places to visit for my 19 month old daughter.
The cottage was relaxing, comfortable, clean and had everything we needed. The views from the kitchen and master bedroom were beautiful. My daughter loved the open plan design and enclosed garden so she was able to run around and play safe. There was a large trampoline and slide which she loved to play on.
The owners were lovely and gave us the privacy we needed even though they lived next door. When we arrived we really appreciated the welcome pack of bacon, sausages, eggs, fresh bread, butter, milk, mushrooms and tomatoes. The breakfast was beautiful the next day.
We will definately consider staying here again in the future.
Emma
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Brian
30 March 2019
F
First class accommodation ,great location, exceptional welcome pack and will definitely come again
Brian
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