Railway Station: Just outside the main centre
Barnstaple tourist information
How to get here
Barnstaple can be reached from junction 27 on the M5 and follow the A361, North Devon Link Road. From Cornwall take the A39 north.
Devon Holiday Cottages
Devon Guide Features
Devon Areas
Devon Guides & Maps
Barnstaple Tourist Information Office
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The Square
Barnstaple
EX32 8LN
Tel: 01271 375000
Email: info@staynorthdevon.co.uk
Area Telephone Code
- 01271
Barnstaple Hotel Availability
Book National Express
coaches here!
Barnstaple has been the regional centre of North Devon since the Saxons, sited on the banks of the River Taw.
The river is still spanned by a 13th Century bridge, looking over Queen Annes Walk on the river side of the Strand by the bus station.
Although boasting two railway stations, only one is open for the Tarka Line trains to Exeter.
It has an cattle market (Fridays), and a produce market on Tuesdays and Fridays at the Pannier Market in the Guildhall. Other markets, including crafts, on other days. A developing shopping area includes Green Lanes (an indoor mall). Most chain stores are represented and you can eat at a selection of fast food or more low key eateries, try the cafe by the church walk.
There is a Leisure Centre, which has a swimming pool, located over the old bridge, and if you drive out towards Braunton there is a ten pin bowling centre (Tel: 01271 321123) and go-karts on the Pottington Industrial Estate.
Traffic can be very bad in the summer as its a bottleneck for tourists on their way to the beaches at Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton.
Update: new Barnstaple bridge now open to take traffic away from town centre.
Good choice of restaurants from Chinese to English. Some new "themed" restaurant/bars.
Half Day Closing on Wednesday.
Markets very active : Monday - Craft (10am-4pm), Tuesday-Pannier (8am-4pm), Wednesday - Antique & Collectors (8am-4pm), Thursday - Craft (10am-4pm), Friday - Pannier (8am-4pm), Saturday - Pannier (8am-4pm).
For other type of entertainment the Exmoor Border Morris can be seen throughout the Spring and Summer, performing traditional English Morris Dancing, all over North Devon. The bright and noisy displays have entertained thousands of locals and visitors alike.
Activities
Tarka Trail, Barnstaple
Take a walk along the coastal footpath to Bideford or Braunton. You can rent cycles, to ride the the 180 mile 'Tarka Trail'. Tarka Trail information
Lets Go Super Bowl Braunton Road, 01271 321123, Barnstaple EX31 1LE
10 pin bowling and laser mega-zone Lets Go Super Bowl information
Gardens
St Johns Garden Centre and Jungleland St Johns Lane, Barnstaple EX32 9DD
Local garden centre, restaurant, free parking, and take a walk through a tropical paradise ! St Johns Garden Centre and Jungleland information
Marwood Hill Gardens Marwood, Barnstaple EX31 4EB
Just outside the town towards Braunton, signposted, 18 acres of gardens. Marwood Hill Gardens information
Historic Houses
Arlington Court Arlington, Barnstaple EX31 4LP
Take the A39 road out towards Shirwell, about 7 miles, to Arlington Court, National Trust, extensive gardens, a 1822 house with just about everything!. Famous for its carriage collection so try a carriage ride!. Nature trails, picnic site, shop etc. Arlington Court information
Museums
Barnstaple Museum The Square, Barnstaple EX32 8LN
by the old bridge Tarka the otter room, undersea room, history of North Devon and exhibitions. Barnstaple Museum information
Cobbaton Combat Collection Chittlehampton, Umberleigh, Barnstaple EX37 9RZ
signposted from the Barnstaple-Bideford Road and the A381.War vehicle collection. Shop, etc Cobbaton Combat Collection information
Railway
Exmoor Steam Railway Bratton Fleming, Barnstaple EX32 7JN
just outside Barnstaple. Gardens and small railway, shop etc Currently Closed Exmoor Steam Railway information
Theatres, Cinemas and Venues
Queens Theatre Boutport Street, Barnstaple EX31 1SY
A good refurbished theatre with a programme of plays, music and arts. Queens Theatre information
Central Cinema Boutport Street, Barnstaple EX31 1SR
Formerly the Astor Cinema - still owned by a private company - shows all the latest films in a multi-screen building. Central Cinema information
Adventure & Theme Parks
North Devon Farm Park North Devon Farm Park, Landkey, Barnstaple EX32 0NN
indoor fun for children, at Landkey, just outside Barnstaple. Currently Closed North Devon Farm Park information
Zoo
Exmoor Animal & Bird Gardens South Stowford, Bratton Fleming, Barnstaple EX31 4SG
Gardens, exotic animals and birds, and children's zoo. Exmoor Animal & Bird Gardens information
Gables Tea Rooms & Bed and Breakfast
On the Bridge Umberleigh EX37 9AB
Tel: 01769 560461 Email: gablestearooms@tiscali.co.uk
Famous tea rooms on the bridge Umberleigh, under new owners and just re-opened. With 100 year old grape vine in tea lounge. Fine country views from the Tea garden.
Visit the Gables Tea Rooms web site Email
Call our Hotel Telephone Reservations Line: 0870 4786316
Hotels
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Taw Vale Parade EX32 8NB Barnstaple MAP With the old-style charm of a traditional town house hotel, the Imperial is situated opposite the river Taw in the town centre. With its spacious lounges, excellent restaurant and convivial bar, the hotel is an excellent base for exploring North Devon's m... More Information and Book ... Price Guide: Prices From £132 a Room |
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Chittlehamholt EX37 9HD Umberleigh MAP Highbullen Hotel, Golf and Country Club is situated in 200 acres of glorious North Devon countryside. Just 30 miles outside of Exeter, nestled on top of Taw Valley, in between Exmoor and Dartmoor the hotel boasts unspoilt views in the heart of the English... More Information and Book ... Price Guide: Prices From £208 a Room |
Park Hotel 3*
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Taw Vale EX32 8NJ Barnstaple MAP The Park Hotel overlooks Rock Park and the River Taw and is within an easy walk of the town centre. The comfortable rooms are complemented by the finest hospitality, service and cuisine. North Devon?s beaches and the scenic splendour of Exmoor are also wi... More Information and Book ... Price Guide: Prices From £110 a Room |
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Eastern Avenue Whiddon Valley Barnstaple EX32 8RY MAP At Premier Inn Barnstaple food and drink is available at the Barum Gate and Contemporary dining... More Information and Book ... |
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Boutport Street EX31 1HG Barnstaple MAP Situated in the town centre, this former coaching inn retains all its original charm and character whilst offering every modern facility. All the bedrooms are comfortable and well appointed. A choice of dining is provided by the restaurant 'Lord Fortescue... More Information and Book ... Price Guide: Prices From £110 a Room |
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Braunton Road EX31 1LE Barnstaple MAP This hotel is situated on the outskirts of town, within easy reach of North Devon's renowned beaches, the hills of Exmoor and Lorna Doone country. It has an excellent restaurant and extensive bar meals menu and a Leisure Club with large indoor swimming po... More Information and Book ... Price Guide: Prices From £115 a Room |
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Burrington Umberleigh EX37 9LZ MAP Winner of the 2006 Johansen Readers Award Winners of the Condà© Nast Johansesn 'Readers Award 2006' and 'Most Excellent Country House Hotel 2002'We have three AA red stars, 2 AA rosettes for fine dining and we have won our 5th consecutive RACGold Ribbon... More Information and Book ... |
Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfasts, Inns and other Hotels
Twitchen Farm 4* Guest House
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Challacombe Barnstaple EX31 4TT MAP An 18th century courtyard farmhouse in the exmoor national park, renovated to provide high quality en-suite accommodation.Easy access to Barnstaple, Exmoor and North Devon. Close to Challacombe village with its great village pub.Good food prepared..... More Information and Book ... |
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Roundswell Services A39 North Devon lInk road Barnstaple EX31 3RY ... More Information and Book ... |
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Bickington Rd Barnstaple EX31 2HP MAP Elegance, a traditional atmosphere and friendly service are all key features at the Cedars Inn, which offers lodge style accommodation. In fact, the inn was formerly an elegant country house and it is set within three acres of beautifully landscaped garde... More Information and Book ... Price Guide: Prices From £50 a Room |
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124 Pilton Street Barnstaple EX31 1PG MAP Great comfort awaits you... A spacious Georgian townhouse which overlooks Pilton Park and the River Yeo. A truly central base from which to enjoy North Devon. Just minutes walk away from Barnstaple town centre in the ancient parish of Pilton. Ideally sit... More Information and Book ... Price Guide: Prices From £40 a Room |
Holiday Cottages
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Loxhore Barnstaple In a beautiful countryside location, within easy reach of the thriving market towns of Barnstaple and Bideford and the famously picturesque village of Clovelly, this lovely, spacious property provides an immaculate and very comfortable holiday base. |
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Barnstaple EX32 0HT This comfortable holiday flat is part of a family home but completely self contained. It is tucked away in a semi rural location, situated in a country road with views over Devons farmland. Sleeps 3 ... More Information and Book ... |
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Hunnacott Farm, Bratton Flemin Barnstaple EX31 4SG This sympathetically converted single unit, is a self-contained centrally heated wing of a listed barn conversion, external wooden feature panels have been fitted to blend in with its’ rural surroundings, situated on the foothills of ... Sleeps 6 ... More Information and Book ... |
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Swimbridge Barnstaple EX32 0QM 3 Cottages Situated only ten minutes drive from Barnstaple and twenty minutes from the coast, Lower Hearson provides an ideal base from which to explore the many delights of North Devon, including Lynton and Lynmouth, Clovelly, The Tarka ... Sleeps 6 /4/4... More Information and Book ... |
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Shirwell Barnstaple Amidst the peace and tranquillity of beautiful rural Devon, these attractive cottages boast outstanding views over a valley teeming with wildlfe and shared enjoyment of an indoor swimming pool and children's pool, open all year and heated to a .. Sleeps 2-6... More Information and Book ... |
Woolacombe for the beach , the twin towns of Lynmouth and Lynton and on to Exmoor, and around the Victorian seaside resort of Ilfracombe
Tourist Information on Nearby Towns To Visit - straight line distance:
Braunton (5.29 miles) Appledore (6.47 miles) Saunton (7.21 miles) Combe Martin (8.17 miles) Westward Ho! (8.55 miles) Bideford (8.61 miles) Croyde (8.81 miles) Woolacombe (9.24 miles) Ilfracombe (9.24 miles) Parracombe (9.51 miles) Abbotsham (9.70 miles)