Honeysuckle Cottage - holiday cottages in BIGBURY
Bigbury, Devon, South West England
Property details
Features
Summary
The accommodation is a comfortable and well-appointed cottage in a beautiful location, offering good value for money. It features a lovely décor and ample parking. However, there are some drawbacks including outdated bathroom facilities, slow WiFi, and a few missing amenities.
About Honeysuckle Cottage
Honeysuckle Cottage sits tucked into 2 Court Cottages in Bigbury, England, a warm barn conversion that manages to feel both characterful and uncluttered. The cottage sleeps four across two bedrooms - a king-size and a twin that can be made into a king on request - with a family bathroom and a bright sitting-dining room. Practicalities are well covered: double oven and hob, fridge/freezer, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, toaster and kettle. There's WiFi, a flat-screen digital TV and a CD stereo system. Parking for up to two cars and a small garden with table and chairs add convenience, plus use of a large, safe communal garden - handy for dogs and families. Located in Bigbury, Kingsbridge TQ7 4AP, it's close to sandy beaches and coastal walks, yet peaceful enough for a proper escape.
Local Activities
Coastal walking and beaches
Bigbury places guests a short drive from long sandy stretches and the famous sea tractor to Burgh Island. Tidal timetables matter here - beach fun can be restricted at high tide, so plan walks accordingly.
Water sports and wildlife
Kayaking, paddleboarding and coastal birdwatching are popular. The estuary near Kingsbridge provides calm paddling and surprising wildlife encounters, while the wider South Devon coast rewards boat trip enthusiasts.
Country pursuits
Nearby countryside offers looped walks, cycling and local pubs for hearty meals. The area is great for dog-friendly outings and quiet evenings on the patio.
Nearby Places
Honeysuckle Cottage places visitors within easy reach of Kingsbridge, Dartmouth and Plymouth for day trips. Local essentials include a decent Premier store and friendly pubs within a mile. The cottage is also a convenient base for exploring Dartmoor, Modbury and the South Hams coastline.
Getting Around
Coordinates: 50.3015780, -3.8728000. The lanes are characterful but narrow, so a compact car is recommended. Parking on site for up to two cars makes arrivals easier - guests frequently note the convenience of unloading by the door. Public transport is limited, so self-drive is the usual option for exploring the region.
Things to Note
- Two well behaved dogs are welcome - there's a great communal grassy area for them to run.
- Strictly no smoking.
- Bed linen and towels are supplied.
- WiFi is available but some guests described it as slow at times, so plan accordingly if heavy streaming is essential.
Property Features
Highlights include off-road parking, garden/patio, double oven, dishwasher, washing machine, broadband/WiFi, and seaside views from some rooms. The property offers a single family bathroom with bath and shower over, making it best suited to couples or small families rather than larger groups.
House Rules
- Maximum occupancy: 4 guests.
- Two well behaved dogs welcome.
- No smoking anywhere on the property.
- Respect other courtyard residents - keep noise down, especially in the evenings.
Customer Review Summary
Guest feedback for Honeysuckle Cottage is largely positive, with an overall rating around 4.0 and many 5-star comments praising comfort, location and value. In October 2025 Cathleen described it as a "very comfortable cottage in a beautiful location" (4/5). Simon in September 2025 gave it 5/5, calling it "very nice, well appointed" and noting that the accommodation seems to improve with every stay. David, also in September 2025, appreciated the warm, welcoming barn conversion setting and highlighted practical touches like tea, milk and biscuits left by the owner, plus easy parking at the door (5/5). Those practical benefits show up often - Peter in May 2024 praised the view and parking, while Elizabeth in September 2024 noted well-equipped facilities and excellent walks for dogs (5/5).
Not all feedback is glowing. Martyn in June 2025 (4/5) and Gaynor in June 2024 (3/5) mentioned a degree of isolation and narrow lanes; Gaynor warned the village itself has little in the way of shops, which makes a car necessary. Several guests including Victoria in February 2024 (3/5) and Martyn flagged slow WiFi and occasional heating quirks - Victoria found the cottage cold on arrival and noted that the new digital heating controls were confusing. Other small but recurrent complaints focus on minor wear or missing conveniences - for example David in August 2025 praised the décor but suggested kitchen knives and a modern cordless vacuum could be improved, while Martyn noted the smaller bedroom lacks a wardrobe.
Recurring positives are clear: multiple guests praised the generous parking, sunny south-facing aspects, good kitchen equipment, and dog-friendly outdoor spaces. Recurring negatives are honest and fairly specific - some guests find the location remote, WiFi inconsistent, and a few fixtures dated. For visitors who prize peace, coastal access and a well-equipped kitchen, these trade-offs will be acceptable. For those needing fast, uninterrupted internet or walking access to shops, the isolation and slow WiFi may be inconvenient.
Local Guide & Cottage Review
Honeysuckle Cottage in Bigbury, Kingsbridge TQ7 4AP works as a calming South Devon base with characterful charm. The property is a barn conversion with two bedrooms and one family bathroom, so it nails the brief for small groups and couples. The kitchen stands out - double oven and hob, dishwasher and plenty of utensils are real assets for anyone who prefers cooking in. Guests repeatedly mention the well-equipped kitchen, and several reviews point to thoughtful arrival touches like tea, milk and cake which set a friendly tone.
Location is a big selling point. Bigbury offers coastal walking, sandy beaches two miles away and the quirky sea tractor to Burgh Island. Those wanting variety will find Dartmouth, Plymouth and Dartmoor within doable day-trip distance. Parking for up to two cars and a communal garden make it easy for families with dogs, and many reviewers highlight the handy grassy play area for pets. The cottage’s south-facing rear brings sunshine and sea glimpses from some rooms, which guests often rave about.
Honest limitations matter too. The cottage has one bathroom and two bedrooms, so it isn't suitable for large parties. WiFi speed is a repeated gripe; while broadband is available, several guests reported it as slow, which could bother remote workers or streaming-heavy families. The lanes around Bigbury are narrow and isolated, noted by reviewers such as Gaynor, so a confident driver is preferable. A handful of guests mentioned cosmetic issues in the bathroom or the need for sharper kitchen knives - not dealbreakers, but signs that the place blends vintage charm with practical quirks.
Review analysis shows consistency: cleanliness, comfort and location score highly across many five-star reviews - Janet in January 2024 called it "very well equipped" and praised the sea views, while Dominic enjoyed a peaceful Christmas stay with festive touches. Complaints tend to be pragmatic, not catastrophic - heating quirks, slow WiFi, and limited wardrobe space in the smaller bedroom crop up most often. These are manageable if expectations are set: Honeysuckle Cottage suits those after a comfortable, dog-friendly bolthole close to beaches and walks, rather than a tech-heavy, urban-style retreat.
In short, Honeysuckle Cottage is one of the more charming holiday cottages in BIGBURY for visitors seeking a relaxed coastal base, especially if travelling with a dog and a desire for well-equipped self-catering facilities. It’s characterful, convenient for the south Devon coast, and honest about its limits.
Frequently asked questions
How many people can sleep at Honeysuckle Cottage in BIGBURY?
Honeysuckle Cottage sleeps up to 4 people across two bedrooms: one king-size and one twin which can be converted to a king on request. It's ideal for couples, small families, or two couples seeking a compact seaside base.
Is Honeysuckle Cottage dog-friendly?
Yes, two well behaved dogs are welcome. Guests often praise the large communal garden and nearby grassy areas as perfect for dog play. One reviewer noted their dog loved the woody grass area for ball games.
What kitchen and household features does Honeysuckle Cottage offer?
The cottage includes a double oven and hob, fridge/freezer, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, toaster and kettle. Bed linen and towels are supplied. Multiple guests have commented that the kitchen is one of the best-equipped they've found among holiday cottages in BIGBURY.
How close is Honeysuckle Cottage to the beach and local amenities?
Honeysuckle Cottage is in Bigbury, approximately two miles from sandy beaches and the Burgh Island sea tractor. There's a decent Premier store and pubs within about a mile. Reviewers say a car is useful because the village has limited shops and lanes can be narrow.
What do guests say about heating and WiFi at Honeysuckle Cottage?
Most guests find the cottage warm and comfortable, with several praising the comfy beds. However, some reviews mention that the WiFi can be slow and heating controls may be confusing after a long vacancy, so visitors who need fast internet or precise heating control should plan ahead.
Are there any accessibility or parking considerations?
There is off-road parking for up to two cars on site and many guests appreciated being able to park close to the door for unloading. The area is served by narrow country lanes, so a compact, confident driver is recommended.
Is Honeysuckle Cottage suitable for children?
The cottage can accommodate children - it sleeps four - but it has one family bathroom and limited indoor space compared with larger holiday homes. Families with young children should note the courtyard setting and communal gardens, and check individual needs such as wardrobe space in the smaller bedroom.
How remote is the location and what kind of holiday is it best for?
Bigbury is peaceful and slightly remote, which many guests love for relaxing beach and walking breaks. If seeking nightlife or immediate access to shops, this may not be ideal. Reviewers like Gaynor and Martyn called out the quiet lanes and limited village facilities, so it's best for walkers, dog owners and those wanting a low-key coastal stay.
Can Honeysuckle Cottage be compared to other Honeysuckle Cottage listings (Surrey, Cotswolds, Penrith)?
Searches for honeysuckle cottage in holmbury st mary, honeysuckle cottage surrey or honeysuckle cottage cotswolds will return different properties. This Honeysuckle Cottage is the Bigbury barn conversion on the South Devon coast, and it stands out for seaside access and dog-friendly outdoor space rather than inland countryside features.