Railway Station: Just outside the main centre.
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.
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Barnstaple tourist information
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. North Devon Farm Park information
Zoos and Wildlife Parks
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
Hotels
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Taw Vale Parade Barnstaple EX32 8NB MAP At Barnstaple's only 4-star hotel offering traditional Edwardian luxury, you can enjoy a central location overlooking the River Taw. There is a formal restaurant, free parking and large leafy gardens. Situated in the town centre, it is only a 10 minute d... More Information and Book ... |
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Boutport Street Barnstaple EX31 1HG MAP Right in the centre of Barnstaple, this historic hotel combines old world character and charm with the convenience of a modern hotel. As well as Lord Fortescue's restaurant, the hotel also houses "62 The Bank" a popular cafe/bar/bistro.... More Information and Book ... |
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Braunton Road Barnstaple EX31 1LE MAP This hotel is just a 15 minute stroll to the town centre and only a 10 minute drive to the glorious beaches of North Devon. The Barnstaple Hotel has a stylish brasserie-restaurant and a health and leisure club including indoor and outdoor heated swimmin... More Information and Book ... |
Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfasts, Inns and other Hotels
Yeo Dale Hotel 40*
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124 Pilton Street Barnstaple EX31 1PG MAP With its distinctive Georgian frontage, Yeo Dale hotel is an elegant town house just a 3-minute walk from Barnstaple town centre. The perfect base from which to explore the North Devon countryside. Overlooking Pilton Park and the river Yeo, the light and... More Information and Book ... |
Cedars Inn 45*
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Bickington Rd Barnstaple EX31 2HE MAP Set in 3 acres of beautiful grounds, Cedars Inn features a conservatory restaurant and free parking. The inn is situated just outside Barnstable, a 20-minute drive from Exmoor National Park. The elegant rooms at Cedars Inn are set in cosy lodges, just a ... More Information and Book ... |
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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..... |
We have another 1 Barnstaple Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfasts, Inns and other Hotels Just Click Here
Holiday Cottages
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Hiscott near Barnstaple EX31 3JS Set amidst lush Devon countryside only 7 miles from Instow's sandy beach and the galleries and bustle of Appledore just over the River Torridge these two finely converted barns are perfectly located for visitors to enjoy the many local attractions. We Sleeps 4 or 6... |
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Glebelands Cottage Marwood near Barnstaple EX31 4EB In an ideal position to enjoy the superb beaches at Woolacombe Croyde and Saunton Sands this well appointed and secluded cottage offers the additional bonus of free use of the indoor heated swimming pool children's pool and sauna at the owners' ot Sleeps 4... |
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Instow near Barnstaple In a quiet location just yards from the sandy beach, this immaculate property is furnished with flair and enjoys sea views from both its sitting room and bedroom. Adjoining the owners' home, sharing their pretty gardens, it is within 500… Sleeps 2... |
Woolacombe for the beach, the twin towns of Lynmouth and Lynton and on to Exmoor, and around the Victorian seaside resort of Ilfracombe.
Towns Near Barnstaple To Visit - straight line distance:
Braunton Tourist Information (5.29 miles) Appledore Tourist Information (6.47 miles) Saunton Tourist Information (7.21 miles) Combe Martin Tourist Information (8.17 miles)
Where to Stay in Barnstaple
tourUK Newsletter
Barnstaple Tourist Information Centre
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North Devon Museum
The Square
Barnstaple
EX32 8LN
Tel: 01271 375000
Email: erick.muzard@northdevontheatres.org.uk
Area Telephone Code
- 01271
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