Blow the kids away with a real 18th-century castle. Tawstock Castle, with its Grade II-listed bailey (walled courtyard), is now an enchanting holiday let, sleeping eight … Photograph: PR
With fairytale turrets and an eight-acre park, it is surprisingly cosy inside and has 360-degree views over the Taw valley and Saunton Sands.
• 01386 701177, ruralretreats.co.uk. From £1,820 a week (£227.50pp), with 20% term-time discount until 23 May Photograph: PR
The secluded Gitcombe Cottages Estate is just 20 minutes from two blue-flag beaches, Blackpool Sands and Bantham. The Hayloft (sleeps two, plus travel cot) is one of eight child-friendly Scandinavian-style cottages, with log fire, iPod dock and private deck … Photograph: PR
There are great views down the valley, plus indoor and outdoor pools, sauna/steam rooms, play areas and tennis courts.
• 0845 489 0140, babyfriendlyboltholes.co.uk. From £650 a week (£325pp) Photograph: PR
If you fancy a big house party for all ages, this is for you. The Quarry (aka Big House Devon) is a quirky, light-soaked seven-bedroom Victorian villa (sleeps 13 to 15) with sea views, a sweeping terrace and grass lawns … Photograph: PR
North Devon’s pretty harbour town of Ilfracombe and the famous Tunnels Beaches are a stroll away.
• 07979 306079, bighousedevon.co.uk. From £1,750 a week (£117pp with full occupancy) Photograph: PR
Plympton Barn, high on a hill overlooking Salcombe’s estuary, is a light and airy eco-friendly barn, restored in 2011, with a spacious deck for enjoying the sweeping views down the valley … Photograph: PR
Sleeping six, in two bedrooms, this romantic hilltop bolthole is walking distance (2km, so not ideal for very young children) from the bucket-and-spade-friendly blue-flag South Sands bay, and a short ferry ride from Salcombe town centre.
• 020-3290 2022, holidaylettings.co.uk. From £560 a week (£93pp) Photograph: PR
Nothing says modern nostalgia better than this tiny renovated former linhay, or turnip shed, dating from the 1500s … Photograph: PR
Sleeping five, it has a large garden and sits at the end of a country lane, with views over Dartmoor.
• 01837 871623, holidaylettings.co.uk. From £445 a week (£89pp) Photograph: PR
