Railway Station: Just outside the main centre
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.
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
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
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
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
Exmoor Steam Railway Bratton Fleming, Barnstaple EX32 7JN
just outside Barnstaple. Gardens and small railway, shop etc Currently Closed Exmoor Steam Railway information
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
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
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
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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. Situated in the town centre, it is only a 10 minute drive to the beautiful North Devon coast. The hotel is an ideal base ... More Information and Book ... 
prices based on cheapest room for 2 people per night available in next few days- Use the dates box to check prices for the dates of your stay. Prices from: £ 135 a Room a LivePriceTM |
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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 ...
prices based on cheapest room for 2 people per night available in next few days- Use the dates box to check prices for the dates of your stay. Prices from: £ 79.5 a Room a LivePriceTM |
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Boutport Street Barnstaple EX31 1HG MAP A former coaching inn 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/bistr... More Information and Book ... Price Guide: Prices From £40 a Room |
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Taw Vale Barnstaple EX32 9AE MAP Situated opposite Rock Park and only a short level walk to the town centre, this modern 3-star hotel offers easy access to the countryside and beaches of North Devon. Guests can use the leisure facilities, including the indoor and outdoor swimming pools ... More Information and Book ... Price Guide: Prices From £40 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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Martinhoe Barnstaple EX31 4PZ MAP Immersed within over 2 acres of private gardens and woodlands, this country house hotel boasts a tranquil setting on the steep slopes of the magnificently wooded Heddon Valley. Run by us, its owners, Anne and Eddie Eyles, Heddon’s Gate Hotel boasts a ... More Information and Book ... Price Guide: Prices From £100 a Room |
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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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Bickington Rd Barnstaple EX31 2HP MAP In beautiful gardens, Cedars Inn has a traditional relaxing atmosphere, free Wi-Fi, a charming bar and a conservatory restaurant. Cedars Inn used to be a country house, and is now a traditional-style hotel. With a conservatory restaurant and bar, The Ce... More Information and Book ... Price Guide: Prices From £49 a Room |
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Roundswell Services A39 North Devon lInk road Barnstaple EX31 3RY MAP ... More Information and Book ... |
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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 ...
prices based on cheapest room for 2 people per night available in next few days- Use the dates box to check prices for the dates of your stay. Prices from: £ 75 a Room a LivePriceTM |
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Shirwell Barnstaple MAP 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... Tel: 0844 847 1200 More Information and Book ... |
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Instow near Barnstaple MAP 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... Tel: 0844 847 1200 More Information and Book ... |
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Glebelands Cottage Marwood near Barnstaple EX31 4EB MAP 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... Tel: 0844 847 1200 More Information and Book ... |
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Bishops Tawton near Barnstaple EX32 0BZ MAP This charming property is one of the many thatched terraced cottages in the centre of Bishops Tawton Just two miles from the town of Barnstaple and close to the Taw river, this property is packed with character. Pets allowed. Changeover Day: Sat Price Guide: 205.00-520.00 Sleeps up to 4 in 2 bedrooms.... Tel: 01244 357717 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)
