Cheap Accommodation in North Devon: Budget Hotels, B&Bs, and Holiday Lets

Looking for cheap accommodation in North Devon? The lowest total cost is not always found in a hotel beside the beach. You may save more by staying in Barnstaple or Braunton, choosing a guesthouse or holiday park, or booking a self-catering room with kitchen access. Coastal resorts such as Woolacombe, Croyde, and Saunton are popular, but prices can rise during school holidays and summer weekends.

This guide compares budget hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses, hostels, holiday parks, campsites, cottages, apartments, and other affordable places to stay. Rates change by date, room type, and availability, so use the live booking page to check the price for your exact trip.

Compare North Devon, Devon, England hotels on Expedia

Cheap accommodation in North Devon at a glance

The best choice depends on your transport, group size, and reason for visiting. A cheap room in a remote village may cost more overall if you need taxis every day. A slightly more expensive room near a bus stop, supermarket, and pub can be better value.

Area or type	Best for	Value strengths	Check before booking
Barnstaple	Visitors without a car	Main town, shops, buses, and the Tarka Line rail terminus	Distance from the beaches and parking arrangements
Braunton	Beach access with practical services	Between Barnstaple and the north coast	Bus times and whether the property has parking
Ilfracombe or Combe Martin	Coast, walking, and short breaks	Guesthouses, B&Bs, cottages, and coastal access	Hills, evening transport, and seasonal availability
Woolacombe, Croyde, or Saunton	Beach holidays and surfing	Close to beaches and coastal activities	Peak-season rates, minimum stays, and parking fees
Holiday park or campsite	Families and groups	Caravans, lodges, camping, and self-catering options	Opening dates, cleaning charges, and travel distance
Cottage or apartment	Longer stays and groups	Kitchen access can reduce food costs	Minimum stay, deposit, linen, and cleaning fees

The best areas for budget stays in North Devon

Barnstaple: the practical base without a car

Barnstaple is often the easiest place to start when you want affordable accommodation and public transport. It is North Devon’s main town, with shops, supermarkets, restaurants, and regular bus services. The Tarka Line runs between Exeter and Barnstaple, so rail travelers can reach the area without arranging a long taxi journey from the station.

Barnstaple is not beside Woolacombe or Croyde beach, but that trade-off can lower the room rate. It suits travelers who plan to visit several parts of North Devon, need access to services, or want a one-night stop. Check the walk between your accommodation, the bus station, and the railway station. Barnstaple bus station is around a 15-minute walk from the railway station, with connecting buses available.

Braunton and Saunton: a useful compromise

Braunton gives you a good compromise between Barnstaple and the coast. It is close to Saunton, Croyde, and the beaches around Woolacombe, while still having local shops and places to eat. Look for B&Bs, guesthouses, cottages, and apartments rather than focusing only on conventional hotels.

Saunton is attractive for beach access, but the nearest accommodation is not always the cheapest. If your main goal is a low nightly rate, compare properties in Braunton with those beside Saunton Sands. Add parking, fuel, and any beach parking charge to the total before deciding.

Ilfracombe, Woolacombe, and Croyde: coastal convenience at a price

Ilfracombe works well for visitors who want a harbor, coastal walks, and access to local shops and restaurants. It has a broad mix of small hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses, and holiday lets. Check whether your room is close to the harbor or on a steep road, because walking distances can feel longer than they look on a map.

Woolacombe and Croyde are strong choices for beach trips and surfing. They can also be among the more expensive places to stay in peak summer. Compare small guesthouses, hostels, campsites, caravans, and self-catering accommodation with hotel rooms. A property a short bus ride inland may offer better value than one beside the sand.

South Molton, Combe Martin, and Lynton or Lynmouth

South Molton can suit travelers who want an inland market-town base away from the busiest beach resorts. It is worth comparing if you have a car and do not need to walk to the coast each day. Confirm the driving time to the beaches and check where you will eat in the evening.

Combe Martin is a coastal option between Ilfracombe and Exmoor. It may suit walkers and visitors who want a quieter base, with B&Bs, cottages, and other small-scale accommodation. The 301 bus links Combe Martin with Ilfracombe and Barnstaple, including Barnstaple Railway Station, but check the timetable before booking a late arrival.

Lynton and Lynmouth are useful for Exmoor and dramatic coastal scenery. They can work well for a walking break, but they are less convenient if you plan to travel repeatedly to Woolacombe or Barnstaple. Routes 309 and 310 connect the area with Barnstaple, broadly hourly from Monday to Saturday according to current local transport information. Check the latest timetable, especially on Sundays and outside the main season.

The cheapest accommodation types to compare

Budget hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses

Hotels are convenient for short stays, but a B&B or guesthouse may offer better value in North Devon. Compare the full cost rather than the room headline. Ask whether breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi are included. Check if the bathroom is private, whether the room is up stairs, and whether late check-in is possible.

For a one-night stop, choose a property near the railway station, bus route, or town center. For a beach holiday, compare the cost of a coastal room with a cheaper inland room plus transport. Read recent reviews for noise, cleanliness, bed comfort, and how easy it is to reach the property with luggage.

Holiday parks, caravans, and lodges

Holiday parks can be good value for families and groups, especially when a caravan, lodge, or apartment has cooking facilities. They often provide more space than a hotel room, but the advertised rate may not include cleaning, linen, entertainment passes, or a security deposit. Some parks are seasonal, so confirm opening dates before you plan a winter or early-spring trip.

Holiday parks are usually easier with a car. Before booking, check the distance to a supermarket, beach, bus stop, and evening restaurants. A low-cost caravan can become less attractive if every meal requires a long drive.

Self-catering cottages, apartments, and camping

A cottage or apartment can reduce the cost of a longer stay because you can prepare breakfast and some evening meals. It is often a better fit for families, groups, and travelers with dietary needs. Check the kitchen equipment carefully. A listing that says “kitchen” may provide anything from a full oven to a small kitchenette.

Camping and glamping can be among the lowest-cost options, but prices and facilities vary widely. Confirm whether the pitch includes electric hookup, showers, parking, and Wi-Fi. Check the weather forecast and the cancellation policy. Glamping units may have fewer facilities than a cottage while costing more during popular weekends.

Best budget stays by trip type

• Best for travelers without a car: Barnstaple, or a property in Ilfracombe with a reliable bus connection. Check the final walking route, not just the town name.
• Best for families: A holiday park, apartment, or cottage with a kitchen, parking, and enough sleeping space. Confirm the total cleaning and booking charges.
• Best for surfers: Croyde or Woolacombe for beach access, or Braunton for a possible price and transport compromise.
• Best for couples: A small B&B or guesthouse in Ilfracombe, Combe Martin, or Barnstaple. Compare the cost of breakfast and evening meals nearby.
• Best for dog owners: A self-catering cottage or holiday park with an explicit pet policy. Check pet fees, restrictions, garden access, and nearby walking routes.
• Best for longer stays: An apartment or cottage with a kitchen and laundry facilities. Compare the weekly total with several hotel nights.

How to save money on North Devon accommodation

• Travel midweek when possible. Friday and Saturday nights often attract stronger demand.
• Compare school-holiday dates with late spring, early autumn, or quieter winter periods.
• Book beach towns early for summer weekends, then compare the result with inland alternatives.
• Include breakfast, parking, cleaning, pet, service, and local travel costs in your budget.
• Choose self-catering for groups or stays of several nights, but check the kitchen equipment first.
• Use a refundable rate when your plans may change. A non-refundable room is not always the cheapest after a cancellation.
• Check the map and the route to the property. A steep hill, remote lane, or limited bus service can affect the real cost.

Transport and booking checklist

North Devon is easier to explore by car, but a car is not essential for every trip. Barnstaple is the rail endpoint for the Tarka Line from Exeter. From there, buses serve several coastal areas. The 303 links Barnstaple with Braunton, Croyde-area stops, Mortehoe, and Woolacombe. The 301 links Barnstaple, Ilfracombe, and Combe Martin. Services and timetables can change, so check the operator before relying on a connection.

Before you book, confirm the following:

• Exact price for your dates, including taxes and booking fees.
• Cancellation deadline and refund conditions.
• Parking availability, cost, and whether a space must be reserved.
• Breakfast price, check-in time, and late-arrival procedure.
• Private bathroom, Wi-Fi, kitchen, laundry, and accessibility details.
• Pet rules, family-room capacity, and minimum-stay requirements.
• Distance to the nearest bus stop, shop, beach, or railway station.
• Whether the property is open during your travel season.

FAQs about cheap accommodation in North Devon

Conclusion

The best cheap accommodation in North Devon depends on the holiday you want. Choose Barnstaple for rail and bus access, Braunton for a practical base near the beaches, Ilfracombe or Combe Martin for coastal stays, and Woolacombe or Croyde when beach access matters most. Families and longer-stay visitors should compare holiday parks, cottages, and apartments with hotel rooms.

Always check live rates, booking conditions, facilities, and transport before paying. The cheapest nightly price may not be the cheapest complete trip, but careful comparison can help you find affordable accommodation that fits your plans.

Where else to stay in England, every guide we have for the region.