24 best Devon family hotels, apartments and resorts with fantastic swimming pools

For more UK staycation inspiration, take a look at our pick of the best places to stay in Cornwall for families or our list of the best family-friendly campsites in the UK.

To find things to do while you're away, take a look at our roundup of the best family days out in Devon.

1. Loveland Farm

What is it? An eco glampsite with 6 stylish domes, 3 furnished tipis, and an indoor heated eco-pool, all on a working farm.

Each dome or tent is different - the domes sleep between 2 to 8 people. They all have their own private showers, private eco-friendly compost toilets, and kitchenette, wood-burners and WiFi.

The tipis are the cheaper option, they sleep up to 4 and come with a double bed, with extra space for children to sleep on request, wood burner, electricity and WiFi. But if you like a private loo and shower - go for the geodomes, the tipis come with communal compost toilets, shower rooms, a communal kitchen area with gas hob and a barbecue.

Where is it? The North Devon coast, near the Cornish border

What’s the pool like? Newly opened, this 11-metre indoor swimming pool is also eco-friendly: it is heated by a wood-chip fired biomass. You can book a slot to have your own private family fun in the pool. It is free to use for guests, but the slots last an hour.

What have families said about it? It is raved about on TripAdvisor, with an almost universal 5 star rating. “Wow! I’m not sure we’ll top this holiday!” says one. “We had the most amazing five nights here in the summer holidays with our boys (age 5 and 7). None of us wanted to leave and the memories we made are very special indeed. We stayed in The Loveland Pod, which was way more glamorous than we were expecting.”

“My family and I had such an amazing time at Loveland Farm,”says another reviewer. “We were a bit worried about the compost toilet, as we were staying with a 6 and a 3-year-old, but thankfully no issues!”

Price per night? From £281 for 2 adults and 2 children, book at Loveland Farm.

2. West Charleton Grange

What is it? 6 family-friendly cottages, sleeping between 2 and 6, with a shared pool, field games, shared terraces, barbecues, woodburners and garden play equipment. It is hidden away in a valley - so it has beautiful views. Some reviewers say the bedrooms aren’t huge, but the living spaces make up for it.

Where is it? West Charleton, South Devon

What’s the pool like? The indoor heated pool is 10 x 5 meters. It is open 7am-7pm daily. Pool towels and toys provided. And, in term-time, on Thursday mornings guests with babies or toddlers can take part in swimming lessons for tots aged 6 months to 2.5 years.

What have families said about it? “As for the pool, WOW - so clean, warm and a great size. We did plan on having a day at the beach but didn't end up leaving West Charlton Grange all weekend as it had everything,” says one visitor.

Another adds: “What a fantastic place for families with young children (and probably older ones too). We loved: The log burner, the beautiful warm, clean pool with fresh towels waiting every day and pool toys provided. The view from the roll top bath in the bedroom, the dog-friendly provision and the amazing grounds with outdoor toys.”

Price per night? From £155 for 2 adults and 2 children, book at West Charleton Grange.

3. Welcome Lodges

What is it? Self-catering lodges, all with 3 bedrooms which can sleep up to 6 guests. All the lodges feature a fully fitted kitchen, TV, comfortable lounge, dining area and veranda with patio furniture. The site has places to eat and entertainment such as pools and crazy golf. The lodges are great for all seasons as they're double glazed and heated throughout. Their Casamigo Lodge is pet friendly, so bring your dog along too if you like (not all the lodges are pet friendly). To keep your family occupied at night there's nightly entertainment on site.

Where is it? Dawlish Warren, South Devon

What’s the pool like? There are 4 pools to choose from within their warm and spacious indoor Tropicana Pool Complex.

What have families said about it? On TripAdvisor, it gets a solid 4 out of 5 with it's value, service and location rated 4.5 out of 5. Lots of the reviews complimented the evening entertainment saying how both the adults and kids loved it.

Price per night? From £81.25 for the Casafina for 2 adults and 2 children (minimum 4 night stay) at WelcomeFamily.

4. Saunton Sands

What is it? An art deco hotel overlooking a beautiful North Devon beach, with fabulous views from its outdoor pool. While the location, food and the outdoor pool and the beach amenities are great, the hotel’s rooms are a little dated for a 4 star hotel, but you don’t go to Devon to sit in your room all day, anyway! The hotel also has a children’s playroom, and guests get two hours of free childcare for under-11s each day.

Where is it? Saunton, North Devon

What’s the pool like? It has an indoor heated pool - open from 7am to 10pm every day - and an outdoor heated pool which overlooks the beach. The outdoor pool is open from May to September and times vary depending on school holidays. And it’s the outdoor pool that is the real gem - if you get the weather for it, anyway.

What have families said about it? “Saunton isn't cheap but it's a bit of luxury for a week and knowing that the children have a heap of activities included and now with access to the lovely spa, it's certainly worth it! As my children are getting older (13,11 and 10), they don't really use the playroom anymore (although loved the Pyjama Party still!) but they still had plenty to do: with the surfing lessons, tennis lessons, go karting, swimming pools and just chilling or playing with the lovely friends we have made over the years,” says one visitor.

Price per night? From £545 for 2 adults and 2 children, book at Booking.com or Expedia.

5. Rydon

What is it? An architectural gem, this beautiful updated 16th century barn is a self-catering holiday cottage that sleeps 6, with 2 double bedrooms and 1 twin, and it has a heated outdoor pool.

Where is it? On the edge of Dartmoor National Park.

What’s the pool like? The heated outdoor pool is shared with the owners, but guests have priority. As the property is set in beautiful countryside, the views from the pool are idyllic!

What have families said about it? On Unique Home Stays, feedback includes: “The pool is a fantastic size, the grounds are beautiful and in the most idyllic and peaceful location.”

And, “Simple things like: milk, tea, sugar, salt, pepper and dishwasher tablets [are included] made a real difference.”

Another reviewer says, “The owners were lovely and some of the nicest people we have ever met. We arrived slightly later than anticipated, after 7pm, and our nearly 2-year-old daughter was tired and hungry - to which the owners were kind enough to bring some of their family’s dinner over for her.”

Price per night? From £262.50 for 2 adults ad 2 children (must be booked for 4 nights or a week), book at Unique Home Stays.

6. Gitcombe Holiday Cottages

What is it? 8 self-catering holiday cottages and a leisure spa, with a heated indoor and a heated outdoor swimming pool. On site, there are also indoor and outdoor play areas, tennis courts, and each cottage has a private patio.

Where is it? South Devon - midway between Dartmouth and Totnes

What’s the pool like? The pools are shared between all the cottages, don’t expect your own private swim! The outdoor pool opens the last bank holiday in May. It is 34ft x 22ft and the shallow end is 3ft deep - great for little ones. The indoor pool is open all year round, and is 30ft x 18ft and a constant depth of 3ft.

What have families said about it? SammieM says, “The indoor pool and soft play area are fab for little ones… Nearby you have Dartmouth - Rock Fish chippy is a must! Highly recommend a visit to Hope Cove - perfect for children with a little steam and waterfall on the beach, rock pools and great foodie places and beach shop.”

And jacquie r says, “The Gitcombe Toy Shed provides free beach equipment and crab nets, tennis equipment, windbreaks etc. However, we all agreed that with such a beautiful setting and so many all-inclusive and well thought out facilities it wouldn't have mattered one jot if we’d had rainy days.”

Price per night? From £258 for 2 adults and 2 children (minimum stay 3 nights), book at Gitcombe.

7. Sherrill Farm – Oregano Cottage

What is it? A beautiful quaint 2 bedroom cottage which comfortably sleeps 4 people, plus a cot. As it's a ground floor cottage it's got great mobility access and is ideal if you have issues with stairs. The cottage includes Wi-Fi and has a lovely picnic table and BBQ located outside. Dogs are welcome to stay at the cottage for an extra £20 per dog. The cottage is on a peaceful complex with 13 other self-catering cottages. On site, there is a swimming pool, tennis court, gym, jacuzzi & steam room and fishing lakes.

Where is it? Dartmoor, South Devon – on the Devon/Cornwall border.

What’s the pool like? The pool is in the spa area with the steam room and jacuzzi so is quite a tranquil and calm pool. This is lovely for adults but may mean it's not as great for children who like to be loud in the pool as you may end up disturbing other guests.

What have families said about it? On Cottages.com it's rated an 8.9 out of 10 with a 9.1 for location and a 9.7 for cleanliness. Many of the guest commented on how beautiful the grounds were and how there was lots to do on the site and they found they didn't have to leave that often.

Price per night? From £63 for 2 adults and 2 children (plus cot) (minimum 7 night stay), book at Cottages.com.

8. Thurlestone Hotel

What is it? A spa hotel with an indoor and outdoor pool. It also has a kids’ club in the school holidays. We read that some of the rooms have been refurbished, some haven’t - so to get the best room, ask for a refurbished room with a sea view when you book.

Where is it? South Devon, Salcombe

What’s the pool like? The indoor heated swimming pool is 40ft long and 4ft deep. The outdoor heated pool is open from May to September and is 22ft long and 4ft deep.

What have families said about it? John W says, “This was a family holiday for fourteen. Ages ranging from 9 to 86. They very kindly gave us a room to ourselves for meals so the noise and laughter didn't disturb the other guests. By going to dinner early the children could order off the children's menu and the rest of us could enjoy the most delicious food. There [are 2] swimming pools, golf, tennis and a nearby beach.”

Price per night? from £455 for 2 adults and 2 children, book at Booking.com

9. Coombe Farm

What is it? A bed and breakfast close to cycle routes and Exmoor. It is in the middle of farmland and guests can use the garden, meet the animals and use the pool.

Where is it? North Devon, near Barnstaple

What’s the pool like? The outdoor pool is unheated - so consider bringing wetsuits for little ones!

What have families said about it? One guests says, “Breakfast was absolutely delicious: homemade granola, homemade plum jam all served in lovely, rustic, stoneware bowls. There was also an extremely generous cooked breakfast. We spent the following morning doing watersports at Saunton Sands and did all our favourite things: visited South Molton covered market, walked and had lunch at Withypool on Exmoor.”

Price per night? From £100 for 2 adults and 2 children (minimum week stay), book at Coombe Farm.

10. Fingals – The Manor Farmhouse

What is it? 1 of 5 self-catering cottages near the River Dart. The Manor Farmhouse sleeps 12, making it a great option for big family holidays or going away with friends. The farmhouse is brand new for 2023. It's a luxury spacious holiday home surrounded by a large garden, great for kids to play and run around in. The south facing terrace has access to a BBQ and there's a library/TV room which you could spend hours in. You really get the authentic farmhouse look with the Inglenook fireplace and wood panelled features.

There are 2 family suites and 2 king size bedrooms all with an ensuite. Inside the cottage is everything you need for the week, utility room with washer, dryer and fridge freezer, satellite TV and Wi-Fi. There’s even a pool on site, as well as tennis courts and a games room and gym. It is down some tiny roads, though, so beware if you’re not a confident driver!

Where is it? Dittisham, South Devon

What’s the pool like? The 26ft x 8ft heated pool is in a conservatory that guests from all cottages can use. It is full of exotic plants and has a huge mural painted on one wall. The pool opens up onto a balcony overlooking a stream, making it a very idyllic place to watch the kids splash about!

What have families said about it? As the Manor Farmhouse is a new accommodation opening for 2023, there are no reviews on it yet. However, the Fingal's site is rated a 4 out of 5 on TripAdvisor with a 4.5 out of 5 for location. Many of the reviews comment on how tranquil and relaxing the area is and many call it a 'great little find'.

Price per night? From £750 for 12 people (minimum 3 night stay), book at Fingals.

11. Bovey Castle

What is it? A huge hotel near Dartmoor. It is set on an estate that has lots of kids’ activities and an indoor pool. We’ve heard the food is very pricey and isn’t up to the luxury label, though.

Where is it? Central Devon, Dartmoor National Park

What’s the pool like? The heated indoor pool is open 9am-5:30pm for children (longer for adults) and overlooks Dartmoor National Park.

What have families said about it? “This was our first holiday to a hotel with our 4 children (7,6,3 and 3) and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves," says one reviewer. "We stayed in a 3 bedroom lodge and dined in the restaurant for breakfast and the brasserie for dinner. We made good use of the available activities; the spa, the pool, ferrets and chickens, goat feeding, archery, the falconry display, Bovey Den, Bovey rangers survival academy, croquet, boules and a few works.”

Price per night? From £412 for 2 adults and 2 children, book at Booking.com or Expedia.

12. Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel

What is it? A brilliantly located chain hotel with views over Exeter's historic old cathedral. Inside is a health and fitness centre with an indoor swimming pool and gym. The spa also has a sauna and whirlpool. The hotel rooms all have Freeview TV and facilities for making tea and coffee. Interconnecting rooms are available too which can be very handy for families with slightly older children. The hotel has a Terrace lounge bar with a secluded patio.

Where is it? Southernhay East, Exeter – 5 minute walk to shops and restaurants.

What’s the pool like? The pool is indoor and has a sauna and whirlpool. It's a lovely relaxing area to be enjoyed by all but may not be appropriate for noisy children

What have families said about it? On TripAdvisor the hotel is rated a solid 4 out of 5 with a 4.5 out of 5 for location. Many of the reviews say how they loved how close it was to the city centre and how they could just walk into the city.

Price per night? From £178 for 2 family rooms, book at Booking.com and Expedia.

13. Higher Wiscombe

What is it? A collection of cottages, sleeping from 6 to 32, near the Jurassic Coast in East Devon.

Where is it? East Devon

What’s the pool like? The shared outdoor heated pool can be booked for exclusive, daily sessions. Each cottage has 2.5 hours exclusive use per day. The pool is only open from Whitsun week to the end of September. This may be extended depending on the weather.

What have families said about it? One reviewer says, “The view is utterly breathtaking and it's such a hidden gem. Lots of lovely places to visit locally and wonderful places to eat too. So safe for kids and we didn't have a dog but if we did it would be ideal.”

Price per night? From £437.50 for 2 adults and 2 children (minimum 4 night stay), book at Higher Wiscombe or Booking.com.

14. Corffe House

What is it? A huge Georgian country house that you can rent with 8 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, an indoor pool, all-weather tennis court, adventure playground and a BBQ hut in the woods. There are also a collection of smaller cottages on site that you can rent.

Where is it? North Devon, Barnstable

What’s the pool like? The indoor pool is open from 8am-pm and is shared between the cottages and main house, and has a changing room next to it. It is 30ft x 20ft and has a shallow end. Next to the main pool is a shallow paddling pool for toddlers.

What have families said about it? “The swimming pool was amazing and my family and I visited here every day!" says one guest. "It was such a good size and kept very clean. The baby/toddler pool was great for a 3 year old to play in and the jacuzzi was an added bonus for relaxing on holiday. Tables poolside were great for grandparents to watch the children playing.”

Price per night? From £305 for 2 adults and 2 children (only available for short breaks and week stays), book at Corffe.

15. Fingals Barn

What is it? Another of Fingals’ 5 self-catering cottages near the River Dart. Among the shared facilities is a pool, tennis courts and a games room and gym. As with the Folly, it is reached via some roads that can be tricky to drive down!

Where is it? South Devon, Dartmouth

What’s the pool like? The 26ft x 8ft heated pool is in a conservatory that guests from all cottages can use. It is full of exotic plants and has a huge mural painted on one wall. The pool opens up onto a balcony overlooking a stream, making it a very idyllic place to watch the kids splash about!

What have families said about it? One reviewer says, “We spent a week in August at Fingals Barn. It's a truly lovely property, quirky and beautiful, with exceptionally pretty gardens and an excellent grass tennis court. I loved many things about this place - the delicious croissants in the morning, the wonderful music at the reception, the way it could accommodate plenty of other guests yet one always provide a private and tranquil atmosphere.”

Price per night? From £100 a night for 2 adults and 2 children (minimum stay 2 nights low season, 7 nights high season), book at CoolStays.com.

16. Woolacombe Bay

What is it? This hotel overlooks the famous Woolacombe Beach - which constantly at the top of every Britain’s best beach list we can find. It has a heated indoor pool, and an outdoor pool, as well as a gym, squash courts and a spa.

Where is it? North Devon, Woolacombe

What’s the pool like? There are 3 pools - 1 indoor and 2 outdoor. The outdoor pools are open from May to September and include the Bay Lido - for hotel guests - which is behind wind-breaking walls. Next to the Bay Lido there’s a kids’ paddling pool. The second outdoor pool is the the Mini Lido - a heated outdoor pool for guests staying at the Beach Retreats self-catering cottages.

What have families said about it? “The pool is great, the lounges and children’s entertainment suited our ages from 10 to 1 and we also enjoyed using the grounds for rounders and kite flying in addition to the tennis courts," says one visitor. "The Bay Brasserie was a lovely location for an evening drink, and an express facial at the spa was an indulgent cherry on the top of my stay.”

Price per night? From £240 for 2 adults and 2 children, book at Woolacombe Bay Hotel or Booking.com.

17. Osborne Hotel

What is it? Osborne hotel is a picturesque hotel situated in the centre of an elegant Regency crescent which overlooks 6 acres of landscaped gardens all the way down to Meadfoot Beach. It has beautiful sea views and there are lots of facilities to help you unwind, such as pools, a gym and a tennis court.

Where is it? Torquay, Devon

What’s the pool like? There is both an indoor and an outdoor pool. However, swimming lessons take place at certain times and you will only be able to use a designated lane area during this time.

What have families said about it? On TripAdvisor, the Osborne Hotel is rated a 4 out of 4 with a 4.5 rating for location. Many reviewers commented on the stunning views. Some also mention that the hotel dining is lovely too.

Price per night? From £183 for 2 adults and 2 children in 2 economy double rooms, book at Booking,com or Expedia.

18. Wadadli Lodge

What is it? This lodge sleeps up to 6 and is close to Dartmoor National Park. It has 3 bedrooms - 2 double and 1 twin - and an outdoor swimming pool. Good to note, though, that there is a stream and a pond in the play field - so you’ll need to supervise your young children as they play.

Where is it? South Devon, near Dartmoor.

What’s the pool like? Outdoor heated swimming pool 32ft x 12ft, which is heated June, July and August only.

What have families said about it? Helen, on English Country Cottages, wrote, “Beautiful place and the pool was used daily even in the rain . Very comfortable and enjoyed the bubbly, scones, jam and cream left for us. Would highly recommend it was a family holiday and close enough to day trips for granddaughter, penny well farm highly recommended too.”

Price per night? From £125 per night for 2 adults and 2 children (2 night minimum stay), book at Choose a Cottage or Booking.com.

19. Woodovis Park

What is it? A camping - and glamping - site on the edge of Devon’s Tamar Valley. You can bring your own tent or campervan - or hire a wooden hut, luxury caravan or stay in a self-catering cottage. There’s an indoor heated swimming pool and a kid’s play area.

Where is it? In

What’s the pool like? The indoor heated swimming pool is for all Woodovis guests to enjoy - from the campers to the cottage-renters.

What have families said about it? One says, “As a family of 4 in a Motorhome traveling to Spain on a ferry from Portsmouth, we chose this site as it had a pool to relax in a few days before setting off. This is certainly the best site we have stayed at! From the instant warmth from Jo and Mark to the spotless site and facilities. After a swim sauna and jacuzzi we stepped out to find the most amazing hog roast being prepared. My 11 and 13 year old loved the games room with a pool table, air hockey and many other games. A large site with a lovely small welcome feel.”

Price per night? From £65 for 2 adults and 2 children, book at Woodovis.

20. Watersmeet Hotel

What is it? An Edwardian hotel near to Woolacombe beach - and neighbouring Barricane beach, which is a local secret. The hotel also has both an indoor and outdoor heated pool, bar and restaurant. We have read in reviews that the hotel - while kid-friendly - attracts a quieter clientele, so you might find it more relaxing there with older kids, rather than toddlers.

Where is it? North Devon, Woolacombe

What’s the pool like? It has two pools - one indoor and one outdoor. The outdoor pool is open during the summer months only.

What have families said about it? “Pools (indoor and outdoor) and beach access were great for the children,” says one guest. Another adds: “You can walk to what feels like a private beach in about 30 seconds, all the staff are very professional. The only thing is the price, it was very expensive.”

Price per night? From £495 for 2 adults and 2 children, Book at Booking.com or Expedia.

21. Sandy Cove Hotel

What is it? Luxury hotel with amazing coastal views. Has a range of rooms, some with balconies and many have stunning sea views where you can sit and watch the boats sail by.

Where is it? North Devon, near Combe Martin

What’s the pool like? The indoor heated pool’s pool-house has bifold doors that open up and make you feel like you’re outside.

What have families said about it? One says, “We’re a family of 4 with a 4 year old and a 2 year old and we couldn’t believe that we paid nothing for the two children. The stay was great value for money and we had such a lovely room with a balcony.”

Price per night? From £249 for 2 adults and 2 children, book at Booking.com

22. Burgh Island hotel

What is it? The pool in this Art Deco hotel - set on its own island - is one with a difference: it’s a natural seaside swimming pool! Agatha Christie and Noel Coward were regulars at this hotel, and it has a very vintage-cool feel about it. While children can stay here, it does not want to be seen as a family hotel - under-5s are not allowed.

Where is it? South Devon, by by Bigbury-on-Sea.

What’s the pool like? The Mermaid Pool is the hotels sea-water bathing pool. The hotel secured it during World War 2! The hotel can give you water conditions (temperature) before you take a dip.

What have families said about it? “There are strict rules regarding children. They have their own routines so check beforehand. For example children between 5 and 12 have separate supper times in a different room. You will not see an under five year old!” says Ben L.

Price per night? from £1,265 for 2 adults and 2 children, book at Burgh Island or Expedia.

23. Soar Mill Cove

What is it? This long-established, family-run hotel overlooks National Trust coastline and sea. The views are spectacular! And it has an indoor pool, too. Reviewers have remarked that it is quite a trek to the beach from the hotel, so something to consider if you’re going with young children!

Where is it? South Devon, Salcombe

What’s the pool like? The hotel has an indoor “spring-fed” pool, that is heated and open all year round.

What have families said about it? “The hotel is small but has fantastic features such as its own beach, pool, spa, tennis court and children’s play area,” says one reviewer.

Price per night? From £309 for 2 adults and 2 children, book at Expedia.

24. The Cary Arms

What is it? A seafront inn in South Devon with a spa, pub-grub, cosy bar and rooms with sea-views. There are 8 rooms in the main inn, 2 beach suites, 6 beach huts and 3 self-catering cottages. You have to pay extra to use the spa facilities - including the pool, though - and it's £25 per day.

Where is it? East Devon, near Babbacombe beach

What’s the pool like? Okay, so it’s a plunge pool - not a great deal of swimming - but still refreshing for a quick dip.

What have families said about it? One reviewer says, “We decided on Rose Cottage as the family group included children and pets and this cottage was pet friendly and gave us the space we needed to chill out as a family.”

Price per night? From £490 for 2 adults and 2 children, book at Booking.com.