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Barnstaple tourist information

Travelling 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

Railway Station: Just outside the main centre

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North DevonBarnstaple

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.

 Location Map of Barnstaple

What To Do

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
What To See -

Barnstaple Tourist Attractions

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 Admission Charge Location Map
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
Lets Go Super Bowl Braunton Road, 01271 321123, Barnstaple EX31 1LE
10 pin bowling and laser mega-zone
Admission Charge Location Map
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
Marwood Hill Gardens Marwood, Barnstaple EX31 4EB
Just outside the town towards Braunton, signposted, 18 acres of gardens Information
Tel: 01271 342528 Open: Daily from 9.30-17:30 . Closed Christmas Day. Plant Centre and Tea Room open Mar -Oct Admission Charge Location Map
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. Information
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. Admission Charge Location Map
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 Admission Charge Location Map
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 Admission Charge Location Map
Exmoor Steam Railway Bratton Fleming, Barnstaple EX32 7JN
Just outside Barnstaple. Gardens and small railway, shop etc
Tel: 01598 710711 Admission Charge Location Map
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. Admission Charge Location Map
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
Click For More Information Email the hotel
 

Where To Stay in Barnstaple

Call our Hotel Telephone Reservations Line: 0870 4786316

Hotels


? Price Guide shown for a room for 2 people per night is based on the lowest price per person per night available in the future
Price Guide: from £128 per room
The Imperial Hotel Taw Vale Parade Barnstaple EX32 8NB 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 the convivial ' Colors Bar'.

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Northcote Manor Country House Hotel 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

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? Price Guide shown for a room for 2 people per night is based on the lowest price per person per night available in the future
Price Guide: from £90 per room
Royal & Fortescue Hotel Boutport Street Barnstaple EX31 1HG 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. Dining options include the restaurant - ' Lord ...

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? Price Guide shown for a room for 2 people per night is based on the lowest price per person per night available in the future
Price Guide: from £95 per room
Barnstaple Hotel Braunton Road Barnstaple EX31 1LE 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.

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? Price Guide shown for a room for 2 people per night is based on the lowest price per person per night available in the future
Price Guide: from £90 per room
Park Hotel Taw Vale Barnstaple EX32 8NJ 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.

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Guest Houses, Bed & Breakfasts, Inns and Other Hotels


? Price based on cheapest room for 2 people per night available in next few days
Prices from: £55 a room a LivePriceTM
Stoke House Higher Davis Stoke Rivers Barnstaple EX32 7LD MAP
Situated in the rural picturesque Hamlet of Stoke Rivers with superb views across the Devon countryside. Within a 10 minute drive of both Exmoor and Barnstaple, 20 minutes from some of North Devons most spectacula beaches

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? Price based on cheapest room for 2 people per night available in next few days
Prices from: £55 a room a LivePriceTM
Bracken House Country Hotel Bratton Fleming Barnstaple EX31 4TG MAP
Bracken House Hotel, situated on the periphery of Exmoor in Bratton Fleming, seven miles east-north-east of Barnstaple. It is an excellent base for exploring the beauty of Exmoor and North Devon.

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? Price based on cheapest room for 2 people per night available in next few days
Prices from: £75 a room a LivePriceTM
Yeo Dale Hotel 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

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? Price based on cheapest room for 2 people per night available in next few days
Prices from: £65 a room a LivePriceTM
Cedars Inn Bickington Road Barnstaple EX31 2HP MAP
Elegance, a traditional atmosphere and friendly service are all key features at the Cedars Inn, which offers lodge style accommodation.

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Travelodge Barnstaple Roundswell Services A39 North Devon lInk road Barnstaple EX31 3RY

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Twitchen Farm 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..

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Holiday Cottages


North Hill Cottages 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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Myrtle Loft 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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Animal Ark Cottages 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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Collacott Farm 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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The Old Barn 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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The Riddle 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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Hardwick Flat 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

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)

Info
Tourist Information Centre

Where To Stay

What To See

Around The Area
Area Telephone Code
01271
Tourist Information Office
Boutport Street
Barnstaple
Tel: 01271 375000
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