Description

Some places instantly make you slow down. Children disappear to feed the animals, parents finally get a chance to sit with a coffee, and dogs are busy discovering every new scent along the woodland paths. That’s the magic of Knowle Farm.

Tucked away in the rolling countryside near Totnes, this award-winning collection of converted barn cottages has been delighting families for years. While it’s best known as one of Devon’s finest family farm stays, 2025 brought exciting news for dog owners too, with Foxglove and Cow-mumble now welcoming well-behaved dogs for the very first time.

The setting couldn’t be more peaceful. Surrounded by 44 acres of private farmland, woodland and riverside walks, there’s plenty of space to stretch both two and four legs without ever leaving the estate. Morning walks become part of the daily routine, while evenings are best spent watching the sun disappear behind the Devon hills after another adventure-filled day.

Knowle Farm is first and foremost designed with families in mind, and it shows. There’s an indoor heated swimming pool, adventure golf, soft play, tennis court, outdoor play areas and an impressive collection of friendly animals waiting to be fed each morning. Rabbits, guinea pigs, sheep, pigs, ducks, a miniature donkey and even a peacock all help create the kind of holiday children remember for years.

Dog owners haven’t been forgotten either. Every canine guest receives a dog bed, blanket and water bowl, helping lighten the packing list. Because the farm’s chickens, ducks and other free-range animals wander freely around the grounds, dogs do need to remain on a short lead outdoors, but this helps everyone enjoy the farm safely. There’s even the option of dog sitting by a qualified vet if you’d like to enjoy an evening meal somewhere that isn’t dog friendly—a thoughtful extra that’s almost impossible to find elsewhere.

Beyond the farm, South Devon offers endless opportunities to explore. Dartmoor National Park is just a few minutes away, while the spectacular beaches of Bigbury-on-Sea, Bantham and the South Hams coastline are within easy reach for memorable days beside the sea. Historic Totnes, Dartmouth and the South Devon Steam Railway all make excellent day trips before returning to the peace and quiet of the farm.

The cottages themselves combine traditional character with modern comforts. Converted from 17th-century farm buildings, each one features spacious living areas, wood-burning stoves and well-equipped kitchens, making them just as enjoyable during cosy winter weekends as they are during sunny summer holidays. VisitEngland Gold and Rose Awards, alongside outstanding guest reviews, reflect the care and attention that’s gone into every stay.

Pet Perks

• Dog bed, blanket and water bowl provided
• 44 acres of countryside to explore
• Woodland and riverside walks
• Dog sitting available by a qualified vet (pre-arranged)
• Close to Dartmoor National Park
• Easy drive to South Devon’s dog-friendly beaches