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 Barnstaple
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| 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.
Choice of restaurants from Chinese to English. Some new "themed"
restaurant/bars.
Half Day Closing: 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.
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| Location
Map of Barnstaple |
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What
To Do
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 Cinema:
Astor Cinema in Barnstaple in Boutport Street.Tel: 01271
42550 |
| Theatre:
The Queens Theatre has been refurbished and offers a
varied programme, the matinees are cheaper.Tel: 01271 327357 |
| Pubs:
Too many to mention, take your pick, they do get crowded
in the summer. |
| Clubs:
There are two main clubs in Barnstaple, open 'till late |
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What
To See -
Barnstaple Tourist Attractions
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Miss Piggyland & Rabbit World North Devon Farm Park, Landkey, Barnstaple EX32 0NN |
Indoor fun for children, at Landkey, just outside Barnstaple.
Tel: 01271 830255 Open: Mar-Oct:, 7 days a week, from 10:00-17:00  Location Map |
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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'. Bike Trail Cycle Hire: Unit 6, Estuary Business Park Yelland Barnstaple EX31 3EZ Tel: 01271 861424 Email: ben@biketrail.co.uk
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Lets Go Super Bowl Braunton Road, 01271 321123, Barnstaple EX31 1LE |
10 pin bowling and laser mega-zone
Location Map |
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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 !
Tel: 01271 343884 Open: 09:00-18:00 Mon-Sat, 10:30 to 4:30 Sun, all year Location Map |
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Marwood Hill Gardens Marwood, Barnstaple EX31 4EB |
Just outside the town towards Braunton, signposted, 18 acres of gardens 
Tel: 01271 342528 Open: Daily from 9.30-17:30 . Closed Christmas Day. Plant Centre and Tea Room open Mar -Oct Location Map |
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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.
Tel: 01271 850296 Open: House & Carriage Collection: 16 Mar-2 Nov 2008: Mon-Fri & Sun 11:00-17:00 Gardens open 30 mins earlier. Open Sat of Bank Holiday weekends. July & Aug: only gardens on Sat. Nov-Mar: Grounds only dawn-dusk. Location Map |
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Barnstaple Museum The Square, Barnstaple EX32 8LN |
By the old bridge Tarka the otter room, undersea room, history of North Devon and exhibitions.
Tel: 01271 346747 Open: Mon-Sat: 09:30-17:00 , closed from Christmas Day to New Years Day Location Map |
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Cobbaton Combat Collection Chittlehampton, Umberleigh, Barnstaple EX37 9RZ |
Signposted from the Barnstaple-Bideford Road and the A381.War vehicle collection. Shop, etc
Tel: 01769 540740 Open: Jul-Aug: daily 10:00-17:00; Apr-Jun & Sep-Oct: Sun-Fri 10:00-17:00 closed Sat. Winter: call for details Location Map |
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Exmoor Steam Railway Bratton Fleming, Barnstaple EX32 7JN |
Just outside Barnstaple. Gardens and small railway, shop etc
Tel: 01598 710711 Location Map |
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Exmoor Animal & Bird Gardens South Stowford, Bratton Fleming, Barnstaple EX31 4SG |
Gardens, exotic animals and birds, and children's zoo.
Tel: 01598 763352 Open: Daily at 10.00 ; closes 17:00 April,late Sept and Oct; 18:00 May to mid Sept; 16:00Oct-Mar & closed Dec 24-26. Location Map |
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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
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Where
To Stay in Barnstaple
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Guest
Houses, Bed & Breakfasts, Inns and Other Hotels
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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
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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
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Swimbridge Barnstaple EX32 0QA
Get away from it all with sounds of birds and animals for
company... 2 delightful character cottages with beams (but
all mod cons!) set in 4 acres of rural countryside
complete with ponds (fenced) and 'Pet Rescue' animals.
Within ... Sleeps 6 /6
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Kings Nympton Umberleigh EX37 9TP
Collacott is set in the heart of beautiful North Devon’s unspoilt countryside, near the pretty thatched village of Kings Nympton, voted Village of the year 1999, by the Campaign for the Preservation of Rural England. Nestling on a ... Sleeps 6 /5/8/4/6/12/6
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Inner Narracott Bittadon near Barnstaple EX31 4HN
In a tranquil setting overlooking pretty gardens this delightful Grade II listed former barn lies just 5 miles from Woolacombe's superb Blue Flag beach. Adjoining the main 18th century farmhouse at the end of a farm track it is within a ¼-hour dr ..Sleeps 4
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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
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Around
The Barnstaple Area
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| 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) |
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