Discover large holiday cottages in Ashburton, a lively market town on the southern edge of Dartmoor National Park in Devon. Known for its independent shops, excellent food, historic streets and beautiful countryside, Ashburton is an appealing destination for families and groups of friends looking to enjoy a holiday together.

Find large holiday homes, spacious country houses and group accommodation sleeping eight or more, ideal for family gatherings, celebrations and countryside getaways. With the River Dart, Dartmoor's granite tors and ancient woodland close by, Ashburton offers a wonderful base for walking, outdoor adventures and exploring South Devon, while its cafés, restaurants and traditional pubs provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy time together.

Choosing a Large Holiday Cottage in Ashburton

Ashburton combines the character of a traditional Devon market town with easy access to some of the South West's most impressive countryside. Its streets are lined with historic buildings, independent shops, antiques dealers and places to eat, while the wooded valleys and open moorland of Dartmoor begin just beyond the town.

For larger families and groups of friends, staying in Ashburton offers the freedom to enjoy both town and country. You could spend the morning browsing antique shops and food delicatessens, head onto Dartmoor for an afternoon walk and return to your holiday home for a relaxed evening together.

When choosing a large cottage or holiday house in Ashburton, think about how your group will use the accommodation. Properties with spacious kitchens, generous dining areas and comfortable living rooms are particularly suitable for holidays involving several families or generations. Having enough bedrooms and bathrooms is equally important, especially when everyone is getting ready for a day out.

Ashburton's surrounding countryside is an attractive setting for a rural retreat. Large farmhouses, converted barns and detached country houses can provide a peaceful base, particularly for groups who enjoy countryside views, gardens and outdoor space. Depending on the properties available, you may also want to look for facilities such as a hot tub, games room or enclosed garden.

For visitors who prefer having shops, cafés and restaurants within walking distance, accommodation in or close to Ashburton itself may be the better choice. Properties further into the countryside offer a different experience, with the advantage of quieter surroundings and easier access to rural walks.

Why Choose Ashburton for a Large Group Holiday?

Ashburton has a distinctive character that makes it particularly appealing for group holidays. Its position beside Dartmoor offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, while the town itself has a thriving independent shopping and food scene.

Unlike many small rural destinations, Ashburton has a good choice of places to browse, eat and drink. Its antique shops are particularly well known, attracting visitors interested in everything from Georgian furniture to vintage curiosities. There are also galleries, independent retailers, bakeries and delicatessens selling local produce.

For groups sharing a large self-catering cottage, these food shops are especially useful. You can pick up fresh ingredients for a family meal, enjoy a leisurely lunch in town or arrange an evening out without necessarily travelling far from your accommodation.

The surrounding countryside offers a wide choice of activities. Families with children can visit River Dart Country Park, walkers can explore the wooded valleys and granite tors of Dartmoor, and those seeking a quieter day can discover nearby Buckfast Abbey.

Ashburton is also conveniently located just off the A38, making it a practical base for groups arriving from different parts of the country. From here, it's possible to explore Dartmoor, the South Hams countryside and several of South Devon's historic towns during the same holiday.

Things to Do in Ashburton and the Surrounding Area

Explore Ashburton's Historic Streets and Antique Shops

Ashburton has a fascinating history as one of Devon's ancient stannary towns, where tin from the surrounding mining districts was weighed and taxed. Its medieval heritage can still be seen in the town's historic buildings, narrow streets and traditional architecture.

Today, Ashburton is particularly well known for its independent antique shops. Visitors can browse collections of furniture, ceramics, jewellery, decorative objects and vintage pieces, with several specialist dealers located around the town centre.

The town also has independent galleries, bookshops and craft retailers, making it an enjoyable place for a leisurely afternoon exploring.

Among its historic landmarks is St Lawrence Chapel, a medieval building that served as a grammar school for centuries and now hosts cultural and community activities. The parish church of St Andrew is another notable feature, with its impressive tower and historic interior.

Groups interested in local history can follow a walking route around the town, stopping for refreshments along the way.

Discover Ashburton's Food and Drink Scene

Food lovers will find plenty to enjoy in Ashburton. The town has developed a strong reputation for its independent food businesses, with bakeries, delicatessens, specialist shops, cafés and restaurants showcasing local ingredients and regional produce.

It's a particularly good destination for groups who enjoy cooking and eating together. Spend the morning exploring the food shops, pick up ingredients for dinner and return to your large holiday cottage for an evening around the dining table.

Alternatively, head into town for lunch or an evening meal. Traditional pubs, relaxed cafés and restaurants provide options for different tastes and occasions.

Ashburton also hosts food-related events, including its annual food and drink festival, celebrating local producers and independent businesses. Visitors planning a holiday around an event should check the dates before travelling.

Enjoy a Family Day Out at River Dart Country Park

Located just outside Ashburton, River Dart Country Park is one of the area's best attractions for families and groups with children.

Set in around 90 acres of parkland beside the River Dart, it offers a wide choice of outdoor activities, adventure play areas and opportunities to explore the natural surroundings.

Children can enjoy climbing, exploring adventure trails and discovering the different play areas, while older visitors may prefer woodland walks or relaxing beside the river.

Additional adventure activities are available on selected dates, including more challenging experiences for older children and adults.

It's a particularly useful attraction for a multigenerational family holiday, as different members of the group can enjoy activities suited to their ages and interests. Day admission operates on selected dates, and some activities require advance booking, so check availability before visiting.

Walk Among the Granite Tors of Dartmoor

Ashburton is an excellent base for discovering the southern and eastern parts of Dartmoor National Park.

The moor is famous for its open landscapes, dramatic granite outcrops, ancient settlements and grazing ponies. There are walks to suit different abilities, ranging from short routes to viewpoints to more challenging hikes across the exposed moorland.

Haytor is one of Dartmoor's best-known landmarks and a rewarding destination for groups. Its distinctive granite rocks rise above the surrounding countryside, offering extensive views across the moor and towards South Devon on clear days.

Nearby Hound Tor is another popular destination, with impressive rock formations and the remains of a deserted medieval village in the surrounding landscape.

For families with younger children or groups seeking an easier outing, the lower slopes and established paths around Dartmoor's visitor areas offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery without embarking on a long hike.

Weather conditions on the moor can change quickly, so appropriate footwear, warm clothing and route planning are important, particularly for longer walks.

Discover Hembury Woods and the River Dart

Hembury Woods, near Buckfastleigh, offers a beautiful contrast to Dartmoor's open moorland.

Managed by the National Trust, the ancient woodland contains a network of walking paths beneath oak trees and other native species. The River Dart flows through the surrounding landscape, creating a particularly attractive setting for a woodland walk.

The woods are also home to Hembury Castle, the remains of an Iron Age hillfort, adding an interesting historical feature to the visit.

It's a lovely place for a quieter day outdoors, particularly for families who enjoy exploring woodland, spotting wildlife and walking beside the river.

Nearby Holne Woods offers further opportunities to enjoy Dartmoor's wooded valleys, with paths passing through beautiful countryside close to the River Dart.

Visit Buckfast Abbey and Buckfastleigh

A short drive from Ashburton, Buckfast Abbey is one of South Devon's most distinctive places to visit.

The Benedictine abbey stands in attractive grounds near Buckfastleigh, with an impressive abbey church, landscaped gardens and peaceful places to walk.

Visitors can explore the grounds, admire the architecture and discover more about the monastic community. There are also places to eat and a shop, making it easy to spend a relaxed morning or afternoon here.

Buckfastleigh itself is worth exploring, particularly for visitors interested in heritage attractions and railways.

The South Devon Railway runs heritage trains along a scenic route through the Dart Valley between Buckfastleigh and Totnes Riverside. A steam train journey can be a memorable outing for families, railway enthusiasts and groups looking for something different to enjoy together. Operating dates and timetables should be checked before visiting.

Explore the South Hams and South Devon Coast

Although Ashburton sits on the edge of Dartmoor, its location also makes it possible to enjoy days out towards the South Devon coast.

The historic town of Totnes is a popular destination, with its independent shops, cafés, Norman castle and streets leading down towards the River Dart.

Further south, the South Hams offers picturesque villages, sandy beaches and attractive estuaries. Coastal destinations such as Dartmouth and Blackpool Sands are within reach for a longer day trip, allowing groups to combine a countryside holiday with time beside the sea.

This variety is particularly useful for families with different interests. Some days can be spent walking on Dartmoor or exploring woodland, while others can be devoted to the coast, historic towns and seaside activities.

Large Family Holidays and Group Getaways in Ashburton

Ashburton is a particularly attractive destination for groups who enjoy having a wide choice of activities without losing the peaceful atmosphere of a countryside holiday.

For extended families, a large holiday home provides the space to spend time together while allowing everyone some privacy. A generous kitchen and dining room can make shared meals a highlight of the holiday, while separate living areas and a good mix of bedrooms are useful when several generations are staying under one roof.

Families with children can make the most of nearby attractions such as River Dart Country Park, woodland walks and heritage railway journeys. Older children and teenagers may enjoy the more adventurous activities available around Dartmoor, while grandparents can explore Ashburton's shops, gardens and historic attractions.

For groups of friends, Ashburton offers an appealing combination of walking, food and relaxation. Spend the day exploring Dartmoor's tors and valleys, visit a traditional pub or restaurant and return to your holiday house for an evening together.

The area is also well suited to birthday celebrations, anniversaries and family reunions. If you're planning a special gathering, look for accommodation with enough communal space for the whole group and check any restrictions on events or additional visitors before booking.

Dog owners will also appreciate the surrounding walking opportunities. Dartmoor, Hembury Woods and the countryside around Ashburton offer numerous places to explore, although dogs should be kept under appropriate control, particularly near livestock and wildlife.

Planning Your Stay in Ashburton

Ashburton is an appealing destination throughout the year, with each season bringing something different to the surrounding countryside.

Spring is particularly attractive for woodland walks, with fresh greenery and flowers appearing along the river valleys. Summer offers long days for exploring Dartmoor, visiting outdoor attractions and enjoying the town's cafés and restaurants.

Autumn brings colourful woodland scenery and often provides excellent conditions for walking, while winter is ideal for groups seeking a cosy countryside getaway with time to enjoy local food, historic towns and relaxing evenings indoors.

One of Ashburton's practical advantages is its proximity to the A38, providing convenient road access towards Exeter, Plymouth and the wider Devon road network.

A car is useful for visiting Dartmoor, Buckfastleigh and the South Devon coast, although visitors staying close to the centre of Ashburton can enjoy the town's shops and restaurants on foot.

For larger groups arriving in several vehicles, check the parking arrangements at your chosen holiday property. Country houses and converted farm buildings may be reached along narrow lanes, while accommodation in the historic town centre may have different parking arrangements.

When planning days out on Dartmoor, remember that routes and weather conditions can vary considerably. Groups with younger children or guests with limited mobility may prefer accessible visitor attractions and shorter walks rather than challenging moorland routes.